Maui, to date, is one of the places on my travel list. But before planning to head over to this county in the Aloha State, it would be best to dig up some info about Maui, Hawaii.
Maui is the second largest island of the four main islands of Hawaii. Also known as the Valley Isle, Maui’s central area is nestled between two mountains. The island is also called the Honeymoon Island because of its serene beaches.
But before I get too excited about planning a trip, I always want to make sure that accommodations are as comfy and accessible as possible. It’s easy to find a place to stay on the island. Depending on your budget there are hotels, resorts, bed and breakfasts, hostels, and rental homes in Maui. It is always best to choose a place where you can easily find transportation to get you around the island though, in Maui, it is recommended to get a car rental service since taxi cabs may cost you an arm and a leg.
After finding the perfect place to stay in Maui, here are some interesting things to do on the island.
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Catch the Maui Sunrise.
First off, wake up early to get a spectacular view of the sunrise. There are two places to catch the sun’s first rays, one is at atop Haleakala but other sites to see this morning display of lights is at Oneloa Beach or at Koki Beach Park.
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Feel the sand between your toes at the Black Sand beach.
The Oneuli Black Sand Beach or Naupaka Beach is something not to be missed when in Maui. If snorkeling alongside green sea turtles is your thing, then this would be the perfect spot for you.
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Drop by the Red Sand Beach.
After snorkeling at the Black Sand Beach, then head over to the Red Sand Beach or the Kaihalulu Beach. Though the view is amusing, the trek to the Red Sand Beach should be considered carefully as the pathways can be dangerous.
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Waterfalls after a day on the beach.
Maui boasts of scenic waterfalls. The Twin Falls is on my must-see list and a quick dip will definitely complete my Twin Falls experience.
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Wade at the Oheo Gulch or the Seven Sacred Pools.
The Pools of Oheo in East Maui are definitely on the list of places to visit while on the island. The breathtaking series of waterfalls and pools is something to look forward to.
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Take a hike and see the Nakalele Blowhole.
To sate my adventurous side, a trek to see this thrilling blowhole will last for some time. It would be my first time to see a blowhole should this plan push through.
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Swim at the tide pools.
At the Olivine Pools to be exact, these tide pools at the ocean’s edge are more like of a group of infinity pools crafted by nature. A swim in these tide pools is clearly one thing I wouldn’t miss for the world.
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See the sea turtles.
Ho’okipa Beach, known for its water activities, is also famed for the Green sea turtles frequenting its shores. Another site to meet these sea turtles is at Turtle Town in Maluaka Beach where snorkeling is also recommended.
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Experience a luau.
A complete trip to Hawaii must always include a luau experience. A luau is a Hawaiian feast with lively music and cultural performances. Partying Hawaiian style I think will be a memorable one. It would also be fun to try authentic Hawaiian cuisine like poi or pounded taro plant root, laulau which is a kind of steamed meat dish wrapped in taro leaves, a kalua pig which is a pork dish cooked in an underground oven then shredded, poke which is commonly raw fish or any kind of meat served with condiments, lomilomi salmon which is a side dish with fresh salmon, tomatoes, onions, and crushed ice, and haupia which is basically coconut pudding. Sampling these local dishes that are totally unfamiliar to my tastebuds is totally a gastronomical experience that I look forward to in Maui.
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Conclude your trip with a perfect sunset.
Before saying “Aloha!” to Maui, marvel at the sun as it gracefully dips into the horizon. Some of the perfect spots to watch the sun as it bids the island goodbye are the Haleakala summit, the Kapalua Bay where tide pools offer a dramatic effect to your view of the sunset, and at Makena Beach or the Big Beach. The beaches in Maui offer other interesting angles of the Hawaiian sunset. I have also heard that the infamous green flash should be watched which appears just after the sun has dipped into the horizon.
This list is just a bit of a whole lot of things to do while in Maui. Other noteworthy places and activities in Maui include the Lavender fields, Pineapple Plantation, and the glass-bottom boat reef tour at Lahaina Harbor. Touristy stuff like shopping for souvenirs or Hawaiian shirts should also be on my itinerary. It is also best to keep in mind to dress appropriately in Maui and also to get familiar with the local offices in case assistance is needed. Flipflops, shorts, and comfy shirts are highly recommended while staying on the island. Get as many tips as you can from friends who have visited Maui to get an idea of what to expect. Hawaii is one of my dream destinations and Maui is one of the places I would put on my priority list to visit in the Paradise of the Pacific.
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