Maui, Hawaii Is Like Your First Kiss,
You'll Never Forget It
by: Elizabeth Ann Wares
Just saying the word "Hawaii" conjures up images
of brown bodies, warm sunshine, and a romantic walk on the beach in
the moonlight. All of this is available and there is much more than
meets the eye. The only thing that could hold you back from seeing and
doing all that there is to do, is your sense of adventure.
Hawaii is actually made up of six separate islands. Maui is
small compared to the "Big Island". But that doesn't mean
anything, because what Maui lacks in size, it makes it up in it's atmosphere
and personality. Maui serves up plenty of historic and cultural attractions
that will captivate your imagination, while exposing the timeless traditions
of this magical island. For example, the town of Lahaina is a National
Historic District. This was once a thriving whaling port. History buffs
will enjoy Lahaina-Kaanapali and the Pacific Railroads provide history
lovers with an unforgettable journey into the area’s plantation
past.
"Paradise" is a word that that has been used to describe
Maui. Any way you slice it, vacationing on Maui is an experience that
will bring families closer together. The good news is that there is
also a focus on fun and education. You have your pick of outdoor activities,
and the Native Hawaiian culture adds to the world-class atractions.
The Hawaiian culture focuses on the importance of children and family,
and many hotels and resorts have kid and student discount programs available.
Maui's climate (or better yet climates), is a very unique subject in
itself. You can go from a desert to a rainforest, all in a matter of
hours. And because Maui is small, you can plan a daytrip easily and
know that you are going to catch all the sights. It's commonplace to
visit the top of Haleaka at 10,000 ft, and still have time to go snorkeling
in the calm blue ocean, all within the same day.
Maui's marine environment is spotlighted at the Maui Ocean Center in
Ma'alaea. With a wide variety of hands-on exhibits, aquarium displays
and a "touch pool", visitors can get close and personal to
various ocean creatures like sea urchins and starfish. Some of the other
features include live jellyfish, colorful reef fish, shrimp, eels, skipjack
tuna, octopus, lobsters, all sorts of different types of rays and even
sharks
The Maui Tropical Plantation is another attraction which spotlights
the Island's agricultural history. Visitors can take tram tours and
see how plantations have played an important part of Maui's growth.
You will see acres of sugar cane, papaya, guava, mango, banana, pineapple,
kona coffee and macadamia nuts. It's very interesting, and guaranteed
to have you sitting on the edge of your seat.
Be sure to make time to visit the Hawaii Nature Center. Here you will
discover more more than thirty hands-on exhibits that will enable you
to learn about Maui's environment. Would you like to be able to experience
the ability to see a hundred directions at once? "Life As A Dragonnfly"
is just one of these exhibits that kids and adults will find fascinating.
The Naturalists offer a guided tour called the "Rainforest Wilderness
Walk" which gives you a detailed background of the history of the
area called the "Tao Valley." You will walk away with a greater
appreciation for the gifts that nature gives us.
Of course the beaches are another great way to spend your time getting
to know the area. Kaanapali Beach (which has also been referred to as
"Dig Me" beach), is one of Maui's best beaches. Kaanapali
Beach is four miles long, and runs alongside the sea channel for almost
it's whole length. The sand is a golden color and has a paved beach
walk path. The swimming is awesome and there are many beach activity
vendors, offering any type of water activity or equipment that you could
imagine.
Whether you stay in the upscale resort hotels or Maui's beach parks
and camping facilities, you are guaranteed to have great memories. Don't
be surprised if you find yourself back in this beautiful island again.
There's just something about the magnetic attraction of Maui.
About The Author - Elizabeth Ann Wares is an avid traveler
and shares travel and vacation tips. She is the webmaster of Airfare
X, a leading resource for discount airfare: http://www.airfarex.com.
- elizabeth@airfarex.com
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