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Have you ever wanted
to do something a little bit wild or out of the ordinary? Something not
like "YOU"?
We'd love to introduce
you to another side of "YOU"!In addition to being a beautiful
tropical island, Maui offers a multitude of unique,challenging and exciting
activities. We would like to enhance your Maui experienced invite you
to participate in any or all of the following. We have selected one or
two operators in each category based on personal experience and client
feedback. If you have a favorite activity not listed, send
us an e-mail... we'd love to hear about it and pass the info on to
other Maui visitors.
Click on a subject,
or scroll down the page to browse...
DIVING
AND SNORKELING
Maui Dive Shop - Kihei 808-879-3388, Lahaina 808-661-5388
Day and Night
Dives - $59 to $99 per person
PADI Dive Certification - $$99 plus gear
Snorkel cruises - $40-$50
Maui has a variety
of dive and snorkel sites. Swim with fish which are almost as friendly
and diverse as the islands' people; gaze through a myriad of twisted
lava tunnels and archways; listen to the enchanting songs of the humpback
whales. Surround yourself with a rainbow of tropical fish awaiting hand-fed
morsels of food.
Both day and night
dives can be arranged to exciting sites, with enticing names such as
"Cathedrals", "Monolith", and "Sharkfin Rock".Some
of the best snorkeling can be found at Honolua and Kapalua Bays (west
end of Maui), Olowalu (located at 14 mile marker south of Lahaina) and
Ahihi and La Perouse Bays at the south end of Maui. These areas are
prime locations allowing you to see fish in a natural state in protected
marine preserves.
There are more
than twenty good dive and snorkeling sites on Maui. A full color guide
is available from Maui Dive Shop's eight locations giving detailed maps
and directions to get you to the best spots as well as getting you around
the island.
DOWNHILL
BIKE ADVENTURES
Aloha Bicycle Tours - 808-249-0911 or 800-749-1564
Personally guided
tours going where few other bike companies venture. A relaxed atmosphere,
touring at your own pace in small groups, stopping as many (or as few)
times as you like.
Starting with a
short hike to a spot that provides an awesome Haleakala Crater view,
and continuing downhill past an experimental pine forest, the largest
cattle ranch on Maui, Protea farms, Hawaii's only vineyards (complete
with wine sampling if desired), the total trip is approximately 35-40
miles.
Marc Friezner is
the owner of Aloha Bicycle Tours and has 15 years of bicycling experience
on Maui. He is the two time winner of the Haleakala Hill Climb and Hawaii
State Bicycling Champion.
For DETAILED information
on this great upcountry bike tour CLICK
HERE!
Our opinion - "A
great way to see Upcountry!"
TRILOGY
BOAT EXCURSIONS
Trilogy - 808-661-4743 OR 800-874-2666
The Trilogy trips
have always been a great success with our clients. They operate well
maintained catamarans with snorkel trips to Molokini and Lanai.
The Lanai trip
takes the better part of a day but is well worth it. Start with hot
cinnamon buns and fresh Kona coffee, a delightful sail to Lanai, snorkeling
in the Hulopoe marine preserve, followed by a great barbecue lunch on
the beach. They also provide a van tour of Lanai, guided by a Lanai
resident.
Our opinion - "There
are less expensive trips, but Trilogy seems to offer the best value!"To
quote SAILING MAGAZINE "..is the one that's most like sailing on
a friend's boat. It's an unusual excursion, without the slick phoniness
that afflicts many cruises."
SURFING
Sailboards Maui - 808-871-7954
The North and South
shores of Maui have great surfing spots year round for both beginners
and experts. The winter months see swell on the North and the summer
in the south. Sailboards Maui offers both rentals and lessons. If you've
never surfed... don't worry, they'll have you standing up on the first
lesson.
Our opinion - "This
is an activity that you probably didn't consider when you planned your
trip, but one that will leave you with a great sense of accomplishment".
BOOGIE
BOARDING
Sailboards Maui - 808-871-7954
Go for it! Drop
in and rent a boogie board with fins, and follow the surf! Boogie boarding
is fun, easy, and will be enjoyed by young and old alike.
It's not unusual
to see local children as young as three out enjoying the small waves.
Ask the guys at Sailboards Maui to direct you to the "best spot
of the day".
KAYAKING
South Sea Kayaks - 808-875-4848
There are no rules!!!
South Sea can design whatever type of program you want -guided, rental
only, wave riding, snorkeling, fishing, just ask! Personalized
adventure programs offered from sunset paddling to day trips.Daily kayak
rental available.
Our opinion - "we
love it! We wanted to see fish and dolphins, and they took us! It was
a very special afternoon!"
WHALE
WATCHING
Pacific Whale Foundation - 808-879-8811
December through
to March the whales come to Hawaiian waters to breed and bear calves.
Morning and afternoon tours available.
SUBMARINE
ADVENTURES
Atlantis Submarines - 808-667-2224
Round trip fully
narrated, ocean cruise to the Atlantis dive site.Great views of the
coast line, and thousands of tropical fish. Including the boat cruise
to the dive site the tour lasts approx.. 2 Hrs.Rates from $69 per person.
GUIDED
OR SELF GUIDED TOURS
It's exciting to explore a tropical island. Whether you take a guided
tour er venture out on your own, there are a few sights you shouldn't
miss:
1. Haleakela
National Park - Weather Report and Conditions - 808-572-7749
Haleakela Park is visited by a million people a year. This dormant
volcano's vast moon-like cratered floor with its' towering cindercones
is a geological wonder. Sunrise and sunset are two glorious times of
the day to view the crater in extremely beautiful settings. The road
leading to the summit is just 38 miles long - 1 1/2 hours from the center
of Kahului.
The crater can be
cold! Whenever you choose to visit the crater call and check on weather
and general viewing conditions.For ranger led hikes and talks check
park bulletin boards or call the above number.
2. Iao Valley
- Three miles inland from the center of old Wailuku town is one
of Maui's most beautiful spots - The Iao Valley. The centerpiece of
the valley is the Iao Needle which stands 2250 feet high, constructed
naturally of lava and overgrown with lush green foliage. Walking through
the park you will see many varieties of exotic flowers and trees and
enjoy the above number from the sheltered lookout.
3. Hana - The
Hana road meanders along the northern coastline, a breathtaking experience
of cliffs, lush valleys, streams, waterfalls and pools. The road has
617 curves and 56 one lane bridges before straightening out just before
Hana. This area's many beautiful hikes, trails and beaches to explore
and enjoy.
The Seven Sacred
Pools is just beyond Hana, and you might want to turn around here or
teakettle back road home.If you're driving to Hana on your own, pick
up a Hana Tour Cassette (available at many locations) or call 808-871-1555.
The tape will be your guide, giving you info on the vegetation, points
of interest, Hawaiian tales, etc...
HORSE
BACK RIDING
Pony Express - 808-667-1998
A two hour ride
through eucalyptus forests with great upcountry and coastal views.All
levels welcome - From $50 - $75 per person.
MOTOR
BIKE TOURS
Harley Davidson Rentals - 808-661-9966
Cruise Maui in a
group or by yourself. Groups are led by local riders who are knowledgeable
on the history and myths of our beautiful island. 1/2 and full day tours
available.
HIKING
Maui Outdoor Center - 808-249-0211
All over Maui there
are many great hiking trails ranging from an hour to full day journeys
through beautiful rain forests, open fields or the crater floor. There
are plenty of informative books to help you take yourself into some
very exotic terrain - with crisp fresh water pools to swim in - and
some great walks to get the blood flowing!
TENNIS
Wailea Tennis Club - 808-879-1958
Many condo properties
have tennis courts, but if you prefer the atmosphere of a tennis club,
Wailea tennis offers three grass courts, eleven plexi-pave courts and
excellent instruction. They will also match you for play with other
players of similar ability.
LUAU
Old Lahaina Cafe and Luau - 808-667-1938
The most authentic
favorite of the luaus - the Old Lahaina Luau offers a traditional feast,
Hawaiian music and dance. Although most the major hotel chains offer
a similar experience, the Old Lahaina Luau is picked to be the
least commercial favorite.
HELICOPTER
TOURS
Hawaii Helicopters - 808-877-3900
Blue Hawaiian - 808-871-8844
See the island like
a bird! There is no other way to get this total overview.Waterfalls,
rain forests, Haleakala Crater, the Hana coastline, West Maui!
BIPLANE
TOURS
Biplane Barnstormers - 808-878-2860
Experience the freedom
of flight enjoyed by Barnstormers of Yesteryear in then edition of the
classic WACO Biplane. Scenic tours, aerobatic flights and custom tours
are offered. Flying time ranges from a 20 minute basic flight to a 90
minute circumnavigation of the island of Maui. $50 - $400 per flight.
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