The clear waters of Maui beaches with rich sea life and best reefs are the perfect destination for snorkel in the world. This is considered to be one of the greatest places by the tourists around the globe. A cruise to Molokini Crater which is an underwater sanctuary to the southern Maui shore has a visibility in excess of 100 feet. Snorkeling can be done independent of any previous experience or age. Gears can be rented with other equipments from any of the dive shops available. The resorts may have facilities to supply the required equipments at a cheaper price.

Upgraded fins, easy to breathe snorkels and certain kind of masks can be expensive. Avoid a rubber mask and rent a silicone for better comfort. They can give a better seal around the face. The equipments also consist waterproof fish identification card and anti-fog liquid. This liquid should be sprayed in the mask before covering the face as this will prevent the mask from fogging up. It is important to familiarize with the equipment by entering a swimming pool. One can have the fullest enjoyment by  feeling the exciting marine life under the sea.

Walking backwards if the fin is trapped will help the user in getting relieved. The depth must allow the swimmers to turn and swim but beginners may find it difficult. Fins are designed in an easy way to prevent the swimmers from mocking waves. A life vest is very important to wear as it will add up to buoyancy. They are of light weight to enhance the water skiing experience. A swimming noodle is also another option to stay floated in the waters. It is good to take something to feed the fish. It usually costs about $4. Basic precautionary methods should be followed. The fish may swim around the swimmers and they may even follow them for more food.

There are bountiful beaches along the west and south sides of the island. Beginners can have a better experience and it gives immense pleasure to snorkel when the sun is very bright. Weather conditions must be studied properly before starting to have the adventure. High tides can be seen during the period of storm or bad weather condition. The crystal clear waters of the ka’anapali are one of the best places to snorkel. Nature can be enjoyed at its best here in this place. Octopus, sea turtle can be occasionally found. Some of the beaches like Honalua Bay have rocky shores so water shoes are always beneficial. People must be very well equipped according to the beaches they are going to visit. Certain beaches  have seals, whale,sharks, rays and eels. Bountiful abundance of sea life and underwater sanctuary make these places to be the favorite of tourists around the globe. Maui snorkeling can be the best for the beginners to make a perfect start.

Maui has fun activities for the whole family

Maui is considered to be the top tourist destinations in the world. It has great places of attraction and people have lots of fun filled activities. This place has got bountiful fun activities for children too. This is a perfect place for people of all sorts of ages. Parents have to inquire about the various activities that are present for the children to enjoy. These programs must be good and safe for the children and hence only an expert agency or trainer can fulfill the expectations. Children must be placed in good hands. There are many recreational facilities available in the resorts too. Biking down the Haleakala volcano can be a good experience. This can be an adventurous activity for the entire family members.

Scuba diving and snorkeling can be great activity for the children. Trained professionals will be present to give the guidance and these activities have different methods of operation for the beginners. Hence it is very safe for the children. They will not be allowed to do scuba diving or snorkeling at greater depths. The closer proximity of coral and other fish species can be colorful and children can be filled with a great amount of excitement. Atlantis submarine is a family ride where kids can enjoy to the maximum. It begins with a 15 minute boat riding and starts it travel piercing the ocean floor. The various marine creatures can be enjoyed with their closer proximity.

Whalers Village Museum can be the right center for kids. Hale Kohola Museum has the baby humpback skeleton and they even touch the blubber. The center at Kihei is free to visitors and even offers materials for the kids to learn about whales and other sea creatures. The staff can be friendly and can take great care on the kids. The Maui Tropical Plantation in Waikapu is a must visit place for the kids. This can be a great educational excursion for them. A 40 minute tram tour which will stop in the market can be a good experience for the kids. The Ka’eleku Caverns is an excellent place to explore the lava tubes and kids may find it extremely joyful. Closed toe shoes, long pants with full sleeved shirts, gloves, water, snacks and other safety equipments will be supplied.

Kids will surely enjoy surfing, windsurfing, snorkeling and various other kinds of lessons that are offered which will complete the vacation. Learning can give them a whole new experience and can be trained. The 3 hour drive from Maui resorts to the Haleakala. It is important to remember the fact that admission to museums in Whale center of the Pacific is absolutely free. Kids should be protected with sunscreen before going to the top of Haleakala. Closed toe shoes, pants, hats, sunglasses are very important. A tour to Maui with kids can be an exciting experience and the place has got all sorts of activities to attract persons of various ages.

Helicopter Tours In Maui are an Incredible Experience

The Helicopter tour in Maui is a fun filled activity and the happiness begins before boarding the helicopter. It is not a tough job to find out a company offering the air trip in Maui. This activity is gaining momentum day by day, and it is bit expensive event. Considering the activities involved, the price seems to be worth. All the companies have professional staff which assists the tourists. They take care of every passenger and a professional instructor is available on all occasions.

This event in Maui has some historical background. A dynamic and young warrant officer who had flown the Heuy helicopter in the Viet Nam war had a vision to create adventure helicopter. His famous quote is popular even today and is inspirational to most of the companies. “Think of the helicopter as a magic carpet that transports you not just to another world, but another time.”

The helicopter tours offer panoramic views of erupted volcanoes and Haleakala National Park. The lush green and the tropical rain forests make the trip a memorable one. Waterfalls in higher altitude and hidden valleys can be truly explored at its best. Some of the special features in Maui are Kapalua, Kaanapali, Old Lahaina Town, Hana Town, Seven Pools, Upcountry, Ho’okpia, Lindbergh’s resting place, pineapple plantations and other fields. The sea cliff and the highest waterfalls truly provide a new experience for the tourists. Most people prefer to have a helicopter tour combined with other activities such as Atlantis submarine, snorkeling, and many other events. Tourist who opts for combo offer can actually save about $50 per person.

The companies which offer the best experience for their customers can be easily found. A good company will offer the best of entertainment and inform the tourists about Maui’s history and other geographical information. Quality and Safety must be ensured at any cost. Tourists must check with the track record of the company before taking up a package with them. The helicopters must be checked in terms of every security aspect. Every component must be of high standard in terms of safety and quality. There are different packages to be considered from.

Some of the Maui Helicopter tours are:

Hana/Haleakala Helicopter Tour:
This 45 minute flight covers Maui’s most breathtaking landscapes including Haleakala Crater, tropical Hana rainforest, and Maui’s spectacular waterfalls. Prices start at $164 per person plus tax.

Circle Island Helicopter Tour:

This 60 minute flight is ideal for a complete overview of the Valley Isle, highlighting the best views of East and West Maui. Enjoy a bird’s eye view of Hana’s tropical rainforest, Haleakala Crater, rugged coastlines, and the lush valleys of the West Maui Mountains. Truly an unforgettable experience, this extensive tour will allow you to enjoy Maui’s unspoiled vistas. Prices start at $214per person plus tax.

West Maui Mountains & Molokai Helicopter Tour:
This popular 60 minute flight will tour the lush West Maui Mountains, known for being the second wettest spot on earth. After crossing the Pailolo channel, you will experience spectacular views of the world’s tallest sea cliffs located on the island of Molokai. Molokai offers a vast array of deep tropical valleys and large vertical waterfalls. Prices start at $212 per person plus tax.

Hana Sky Trek Tour:
The best way to tour the famous “Road to Hana” is in luxury and comfort. This tour provides you with the “best of both worlds” by treating you to the luxury of a guided van tour to Hana and returning in a 45 minute helicopter flight where you will view the wonders of the Hana rainforest and Haleakala Crater. Tours include a waterfall swim, sightseeing photo stops, and a deluxe picnic lunch at a black sand beach. Morning and afternoon tours are available. Approximate travel time is 6 hours. Prices start at $299 per person plus tax.

HONOLUA BAY MAUI -YOU CAN`T AFFORD TO MISS THIS EXPERIENCE

Honolua Bay is situated at the Mokuleia Marine Life Conservation District. The beach lies between mile markers 32 and 33 on a Highway numbered 30. Tourists can actually walk a certain distance getting down the vehicle crossing the thick forests and some vegetation fields. The shore has so many rocks but still this is a good place to swim. The cliff places are the great ones to enjoy snorkeling and scuba diving. A beginner will find it difficult to enjoy here due to the presence of rocks. One has to carefully move in the gap present between the rocks and enter water. Summer is the best season to enjoy its beauty. Lipoa Point can give the best view of this place, which is a nearby road.

Honolua Bay is not a good place to go during the rainy season as the water will be seen in mud red color due to the runoff from streams. Lots of water supported activities are preferred such snorkeling, scuba diving, and surfing. One has to be careful to study about the presence of strong currents before jumping. An expert must guide the beginners. The spectacular coral formation adds beauty to the place. Vast species of fishes can be found, which can be a visual treat to many. The right side of the bay is preferred for any kind of activities. Tourists can have great pleasure in enjoying all the activities and it can be a lifetime experience for all of them. North beaches are most suitable for the water sport activities.

Honolua Bay is a small sandy beach with rocky shoreline and no lifeguard. Swimming, snorkeling, diving, surfing are some of the activities carried on in this part of Maui. Seasonal high surf is one thing, which should be noted for a safe trip. This is a protected marine life preserve and hence fishing or spearing or fishing is prohibited in Honolua Bay. A better visibility is obtained during the summer season. Murky water is present alone the shoreline and improves as the distance from the shore increases. Snorkeling does not have to be done to a great depth to see the marine creatures. This bay is filled with tropical pretty reef fishes and turtles can be easily found. Dolphins can also be seen on a large scale but occasionally.

Honolua Bay has got a grayer and primitive view under the waters. However, after reaching to a certain level, different colors of coral will appear. The chain movement of silvery fish can be an exotic experience. The water is calm and comfortable. It is very important to stay off the coral. Some people who get water in their mast would trample the coral. This should not be done as trampling will kill the coral. One should understand that Honolua Bay is a marine preserve spot. It is important to follow the guidelines while snorkeling and scuba diving. They are meant for the safety of tourists and hence should not be neglected.

Humpback Whale Watching Off the Coast of Maui; One of  Life’s Truly Great Experiences

Whale-watching is truly a top class experience. For everyone, whales would have been very much restricted to films and people could see them jump out of waters while swimming. The pleasure of watching them alive is something adventurous. The whale-watching season starts as early as November. The largest numbers of whales travel through Maui waters from mid-December to mid-April. Every year about 1500 to 2000 whales migrate from Arctic covering a distance of 3000 miles. The estimated time taken is about 80 to 100 days. The favorite hunting place for the whales is the calm bay areas found between the islands of Maui, Molokai and Lanai.

Whales can be found cavorting in the clear waters flapping their wings on the surface of the waters. A normal humpback whale is about 45 feet in length and can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. They are breast fed for about 6 to 8 months after their birth. They consume about 100 to 130 gallons of milk per day. These whales eat less during the migration period but consume 4500 to 5000 pounds of plankton, krill and fish per day when they return to Arctic. There are lots of vantage points for whale watching in Maui. People can get to see whales from the land area. McGregor point, at mile market 9, when people head to Lahaina from Maalaea is a well known whale watching place. On their way, large groups of whales can be found on the Olawalu Reef between McGregor point and the town of Olowalu.

Puu Olai which is overlooking Makeena Beach to its south is considered to be the best spot for whale watching in Maui. This activity obviously demands greater patience. The water is blown up to 20 feet above by the killer giants. Whales will come up to the surface to breathe every 7 to 20 minutes. Focusing the eyes on the sprayed water from the surface may help you in  whale watching. Binoculars may be very helpful. People can book a cruise to see whales at their best with the Pacific Whale Foundation. Almost every snorkel and dive boat becomes a spectacular whale watching vessel in the season. Lahaina and Maalea are the best spots for whale watching in Maui. The other kinds of whales like sperm whales, pilot whales, pygmy killer whales and beaked whales can be easily seen.

Whales may be entertaining at times. They completely poke their head in to the shallow waters and suddenly rise up and may slap their tails or wave their fins at the audience. People say that it’s the usual Whale’s way of saying “HI”. They make perplexed sounds to communicate. The cruise may have equipments like hydrophone on board to enjoy the complex sound given by whales. People are not allowed to go closer more than 100 yards. The true power and beauty of the creature can be thoroughly enjoyed even at this distance.
Whale-watching is truly a top class experience. For everyone, whales would have been very much restricted to films and people could see them jump out of waters while swimming. The pleasure of watching them alive is something adventurous. The whale-watching season starts as early as November. The largest numbers of whales travel through Maui waters from mid-December to mid-April. Every year about 1500 to 2000 whales migrate from Arctic covering a distance of 3000 miles. The estimated time taken is about 80 to 100 days. The favorite hunting place for the whales is the calm bay areas found between the islands of Maui, Molokai and Lanai.

Whales can be found cavorting in the clear waters flapping their wings on the surface of the waters. A normal humpback whale is about 45 feet in length and can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. They are breast fed for about 6 to 8 months after their birth. They consume about 100 to 130 gallons of milk per day. These whales eat less during the migration period but consume 4500 to 5000 pounds of plankton, krill and fish per day when they return to Arctic. There are lots of vantage points for whale watching in Maui. People can get to see whales from the land area. McGregor point, at mile market 9, when people head to Lahaina from Maalaea is a well known whale watching place. On their way, large groups of whales can be found on the Olawalu Reef between McGregor point and the town of Olowalu.

Puu Olai which is overlooking Makeena Beach to its south is considered to be the best spot for whale watching in Maui. This activity obviously demands greater patience. The water is blown up to 20 feet above by the killer giants. Whales will come up to the surface to breathe every 7 to 20 minutes. Focusing the eyes on the sprayed water from the surface may help you in  whale watching. Binoculars may be very helpful. People can book a cruise to see whales at their best with the Pacific Whale Foundation. Almost every snorkel and dive boat becomes a spectacular whale watching vessel in the season. Lahaina and Maalea are the best spots for whale watching in Maui. The other kinds of whales like sperm whales, pilot whales, pygmy killer whales and beaked whales can be easily seen.

Whales may be entertaining at times. They completely poke their head in to the shallow waters and suddenly rise up and may slap their tails or wave their fins at the audience. People say that it’s the usual Whale’s way of saying “HI”. They make perplexed sounds to communicate. The cruise may have equipments like hydrophone on board to enjoy the complex sound given by whales. People are not allowed to go closer more than 100 yards. The true power and beauty of the creature can be thoroughly enjoyed even at this distance.

Prices start at $31 per adult and $17 per child plus tax. (Dec-Apr)

Maui Sunset Cruise – You Will Love It

Sunsets can be picture perfect and exactly fit in the camera as one of the beautiful pictures or images taken in life. A sunrise or sunset is always popular in most of the tourist destinations. It is extremely popular here in Maui because of the relinquishing nature of the sunset. They are treated so special with the exquisite beauty of the nature. The sun shows its true color of orange and red during the sunset and quickly hides its face in the ocean. This is termed locally as “green flash”. The waters of Maui beaches make a perfect partner to welcome the sun.

It happens rarely and it is a once in a life time opportunity to see the full moon rise in Maui. The splendid experience brought about by the rainbow and color change in the clouds from pink to purple or violet in front of our eyes is definitely a virtual treat. Stars start appearing in the late evening with a glitter and Lahaina lights reflect this across the water. The enchanting valley promises to deliver the uniqueness in enjoyment at the sunset.

Sunset cruises are very famous and large number of vessels can take the tourists for a cruise. This beginning of the evening will give fresh memories to the tourists throughout their lifetime. They can hire anything like Catamarans, sloops, schooners, and even power vessels. Here are some of the useful tips to be followed to make this trip a memorable one.

• A sunset cruise can be the perfect start for a romantic evening.
• Plan your attire accordingly to the crusader.
• Alcoholic drinks will be supplied in the vessels such as mai tais, wine, and beer.
• A Maui Dinner at the cruises on the last day of Maui can be exceptionally fun filled.
• Vessels and other small boats may leave from Lahaina harbors. Some of them will have Mt. Haleakala in the background.
• Flower lei to the partner will add up to the romantic mood.
• Try to accommodate for night parties after finishing the Sunset cruises and dinner.

Maui sunset cruise might revive the old memories later in the life. Even the thoughts are filled with great excitement when you think about the gentle lapping of waves and the perfect rhythm of sea having a glass of wine in the hand with a loving partner nearby.

Maui sunset cruise is a fine way to have a good get-together with the family and friends. A sunset at one of the world’s best touring destinations can be the most memorable moment of your life. Some vessels have separate room for dancing, enjoyment and partying.  You can’t find a better place to celebrate an anniversary, a birthday party or a reunion than the Maui sunset cruise.

MAUI SCUBA DIVING – SOME ESSENTIAL TIPS

Maui is popularly called the tourist Mecca loaded with fun filled adventurous tourist activities. The best scuba diving center is located at the Molokni crater which is about 20 minutes from the coast of Maui. This location has about 100 different species of fish and it is a great place for snorkeling too. This is often considered to be one of the best places for scuba diving in the world. The visibility range is almost 40 to 50m of distance and hence all the features can be truly enjoyed. There are many other locations specialized for windsurfers, helicopter tours, horseback riding but scuba diving locations alone give much importance for the true pleasurable experience for the tourists. Nature can be enjoyed at its best here.

The Scuba dive in Maui is mostly a drift drive on most days. Due to the clear visibility range, divers can see many species of fish, turtles which come to the surface for fresh air. The places are filled with sharks and occasionally whales can also be found. They can be seen at a depth of 70 to 80m of distance. Manta rays are excellent to be watched and most scuba divers will get their chance to watch them. They are harmless if the divers restrict their activities. Feeding directly is not allowed with these gigantic creatures as they may start following the tourists after feeding. This may create a problem for them. Hence direct feeding to the fishes is prohibited.

Almost all the beaches are open to scuba diving. The sands are warm and gold and the water is so clear in the beaches. Molokni is the famous scuba diving center, and it has strong current flowing. Expert divers can enjoy a lot here. Ka’anapali Beach has also got strong current flow and the shallow dives are most popular here. Honolua Bay will take only few minutes of drive in a boat from Ka’anapali Beach. This beach allows a dive of up to 40 feet maximum where lots of coral deposits can be found. Various forms of fish life can be seen. Ulua Beach is another site, which is most suitable for beginners. It has got an underwater cave with a resident reef shark. Divers can have a top notch experience of entering the cave, come up and sit on the rocks with the breathing apparatus out of their mouth. This can be an exquisite experience for all the divers.

Most people would prefer to have diving classes. There are many travel advisors who will teach lessons in a short span of time before diving. They will teach about the tips and safety guidelines that are to be followed. There are even advanced open water diver courses for the experts. Agencies which arrange for the scuba diving should supply with equipments those are 100% working and safe. Get set to enjoy the perfect tourist destination in the world and collect information about the various activities to have a fun filled tour.

Parasailing is like floating on air as one of our custom Parasail vessels pulls you along the Lahaina coastline. Choose to fly 400 or 800 feet in the air with breathtaking views of Maui and the neighboring islands. We offer tandem and single harness rides. Each ride lasts approximately 8 to 10 minutes. Our custom designed hydraulic launch and recovery system lifts you off and returns you directly back to the flight deck, assuring passengers comfort and safety. Minimum weight is approximately 130 pounds. Maximum combined weight is approximately 350 pounds. Prices are $60 for the 400 foot harness and $70 for the 800 foot harness plus tax. Early bird discount rates are available. Operating from May through November only.

A bike tour down from Haleakala can be a magnificent experience for the riders. There are many companies offering affordable packages and scooters or bikes can be rented as well. These companies will make the pick up from the tourists staying spot. There is a fierce competition in this market in and hence tourists can get a package at best price. You should spend some time in finding information regarding the companies providing tour packages. The return time is fixed and if the tourists drive over, they will have more freedom and more savings. Tourists who desire to have a bicycle tour can leave their cars and other vehicles at the shops and hire a bicycle to go on for a tour.

The operation of most of the companies is the same. They take the tourists up the hill and then provide those bikes, bicycle helmet, gloves, back pack, and rain gear. Tourists are allowed to operate at their own speed. The vehicles can be hired on an hour basis or for a full day. Most companies offer the similar features and here are some of them.

• Face helmets, gloves, backpacks and sportswear
• “Visitor Center” and “Park Headquarters”
• Route map and guiding instructions
• Personalized equipments for riding
• Breakfast, refreshment snacks and even lunch if full day trip is booked.
• No separate collection of entrance fee
• View of clouds and rest of the world at about 10,000 feet height
• Visit to the Silvers Sword plants, native and endangered species of birds that have made Haleakala as their permanent home
• There are lots of safety guidelines to be followed and here are some of them.
• The safari mostly begins at 6500 feet elevation of Mount Haleakala.
• Every rider must have a helmet for their comfort and safety.
• Tour duration is approximately 8-9 hours.
• It is good to wear warm clothing in forms of layers.
• Beginners are not advised to take this trip
• Pregnant women are not allowed to take a ride.
• Person of minimum 5 feet tall is allowed for the ride
• Closed shoes and long pants are a good choice.
• Maximum weight for the bike riders should not exceed 250lbs.
• Those with heart disease and high blood pressure are not allowed to take a ride.
• Riders must sign an acknowledgement forms on risk and safety.
• Riders must have a valid motorcycle license to hire a 150cc motorcycle. There can be one extra person seated in the vehicle and the total should not exceed 2 persons per bike.

The riders are allowed to stop in the middle of the journey to have photo sessions to capture the life’s magical moments. The topmost instruction and guideline to be followed while on the mountains is to take care of one’s own conduct. It is important to travel at a comfortable pace taking care of the vehicle population and other driving rules.
The sunrise tour is 2:00am – 12:00pm with a special rate of $120.00 per person plus tax.  The midday tour is 6:45am – 3:30pm with a special rate of $99 per person plus tax.  Bikers must be 12 years old and at least 4’10” tall.  Please no pregnant women.

Maui Halaekela “HOUSE OF THE SUN”

Halekala National Park is Maui’s main natural attraction. It is estimated that every year around 1.3 million people visit this spot and it is 10,023 foot high. The entire Maui is at its feet and a clear view can be easily obtained. This is considered to be an active volcano even though it has not erupted since 1790. The hole would hold Manhattan which is 3000 deep, 7 ½ miles long by 2 ½ miles wide covering a total area up to 19 square miles. The local people regard this mountain to be a sacred site.  Pu’u o Maui is the tallest cinder in the crater and is 500 feet high from the crater’s floor. The drive through the uphill can be a life time experience. Tourists can reach Haleakala on foot, bicycle, car, and horseback. Private instructors and guides can be appointed by the tourists. There are some things which must be ensured before climbing the hill.

Some of them are:

• The toll free number is given to check the weather conditions. It is 808-871-5054
• The price of ticket to park vehicles ranges from $5 to $10.
• The drive will take up to 2 ½ hours which will give dramatic experiences.
• The top of the hill will have colder climate and temperature. It is good to bring jackets and sweaters to protect from the biting cold temperature.
• People with heart disorders must consult their physicians before venturing out and should not attempt hiking.
• It is a good practice to fill the car tanks as there are no gas stations on the way. There are no shops available and it’s advised to take all the snacks and other required things before starting the trip.

A clear view of the crater floor can be easily obtained when the altitude rises. The clouds get merged and this can be a lifetime experience for the first timers.  It is good to stick to the speed rules. Obey the signs shown and be careful while driving.An interesting fact to know is that for every 1000 feet above the mountain range, the temperature drops by 3 degree. Hence it will be 30 degree cooler than the normal sea temperature.

It is important to have sweaters to survive the extreme conditions there. Leleiwi can be reached in a short time on reaching the park. A panoramic view known as the “Specter of the Brocken” will give the reflection of your shadow surrounded by rainbow. It’s an optical illusion caused by the rare combination of sun, shadow, and fog which occurs only in three places around the globe. They are in Haleakala, Scotland and Germany.

One can successively reach Kalahaku Overlook, Haleakala Visitor Center, Puu Ulaula Overlook and the Science City and they all can give some of the life’s best moments. A handy camera would be a good companion to record all the moments.