Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Maui Travel Tips


Maui Travel Tips
Double Lines
Getting to Maui
Kahului Airport (OGG) is the Maui’s main airport. There are two smaller commuter airports as well: Kapalua Airport (JHM) in West Maui and Hana Airport (HNM) in East Maui. Many airlines offer non-stop flights direct to Maui. You may also fly into Honolulu International Airport (HNL) on Oahu before heading to Maui on a short, 30-minute flight. There is also daily ferry service to and from the nearby islands of Lanai and Molokai.

Airport Travel Tips
• Check-in baggage is limited to 2 per person.
• Carry-on baggage is limited to one piece, along with one personal item such as notebook computer bags, purses, briefcases, cameras, etc.
• Be careful not to have overweight baggage; U.S. weight restrictions when flying domestically are 50 pounds, 70 pounds when flying internationally. The flight from the continental U.S. to Hawaii is a domestic flight.
• Hang identification tag on your baggage and affix an identifying label on your laptop.
• When departing from Hawaii, all baggage must first pass through Agriculture Quarantine before proceeding to the airline counter for check-in. It is best not to bring fruit or other plants, unless you show proof that you are allowed to export them. Without proof, fruits, vegetables and plants will not clear Customs and will be confiscated.
• Once you check-in for your flight, you must go through a security scan. You must have your boarding pass and identification or passport ready.
• Follow the recommended airport arrival and boarding time given by your airline or travel agency. It’s always best to arrive at the airport early.

Staying on Maui

There are a wide range of accommodations on Maui, including high-end resorts, hotels, bed and breakfasts, and rentals. You’ll find resorts and hotels in Kapalua, Kaanapali, Lahaina, Kihei, Makena and Wailea on Maui’s sunny western coast as well as one resort in Hana in east Maui.

Anytime of year is a good time to visit Maui. The average temperature here is between 75˚-85˚ F.  Summer, between April and November, is warmer and drier while winter, between December and March, is a bit cooler. Trade winds keep things comfortable year-round. It is generally drier on the western (leeward) side and wetter on the eastern (windward) side.

Traveling on Maui
You can get around Maui by shuttle, tour bus, taxi, or public transportation. But to really experience all that Maui offers you should consider reserving a rental car in advance from the Kahului or Kapalua Airport.

Currency Exchange
Hawaii’s currency is the U.S. dollar. You can exchange currency at Kahului Airport (OGG), at the other major neighbor island airports, and at resort destinations. Major credit cards are widely accepted and ATM machines are plentiful. Traveler's checks are accepted at many businesses.

What to Pack
It's warm in Hawaii, so pack your summer attire. You may want to bring a jacket or sweater for the evenings. Bring warmer clothes if you plan on visiting higher elevations like Haleakala National Park. Suits and ties are very rarely worn here. Bring some casual dress clothes or resort wear if you plan on experiencing Hawaii's nightlife. You can buy an aloha shirt and flip-flops (or slippers, as the locals call them) when you get here.

Tipping
U.S. standards on tipping apply:
Restaurants: 15-20%. Check to see if “gratuity” is included for large parties
Bar: $.50-$1 US per drink
Housekeeping: $1 US per bed, per night
Luggage porters: $1 US per bag
Doorman: $1 US for calling a taxi
Room Service: 10-15% of the total bill
Taxi: 15% of fare

Language
The official languages of Hawaii are English and Hawaiian, although Hawaiian is not commonly spoken. Major resort areas often have customer service representatives who speak Japanese.

Internet and Electricity
Internet access is readily available in Hawaii. Electricity in the U.S. is 120 volts (120 v) at 60 cycles (60 Hz) per second. If your device does not accept this voltage, you may need to purchase a voltage converter.

Agricultural Inspection
The U.S. Department of Agriculture enforces strict rules regarding the exportation of uninspected plants and animals and requires a declaration form for each person arriving in Hawaii. When departing, your luggage must pass a pre-flight screening for uninspected fruits and plants. You are welcome to take inspected fresh flowers and fruits home. Items purchased at the airport or mailed home form local vendors are inspected for you.

Useful Phone Numbers and Links:

The area code for the state of Hawaii is (808)
Maui Visitors Bureau: (808) 525-MAUI (6284)
Kahului Airport Visitor Information: (808) 872-3893
Marriage License and Civil Unions: (808) 586-4545
Hospitals: Maui Memorial Medical Center: (808) 244-9056, Hana Community Health Center: (808) 248-8294
Learn more detailed Hawaii Travel Tips at:
Travelsmarthawaii.com



Information Source: www.gohawaii.com  

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Spotlight: Maui Dinner on the Beach

Maui Dinner on the Beach

Maui Dinner on the Beach 

 

Maui Dinner on the Beach 

Dinner-On-The-Beach




Romantic Dinner on the Beach
Choice of Wailea or Lahaina
Gourmet Four Course Meal with Chef
Daily 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM

Dinner Description:


Experience a Fantasy in the Paradise of Maui… Imagine arriving at a beautiful, secluded Maui beach at sunset with tiki torches flickering in the warm tropical breeze. Your own personal Chef for the evening, a candlelight dinner under the stars and your personal table set for two.
Your gourmet meal is prepared and served on the beach using all the freshest local ingredients. Locally caught fish is our specialty but we also have a variety of sumptuous menu items including, beef, chicken and vegetarian. Everything for a fine dining experience is included- table, chairs, crystal, fresh island food, accomplished chef and plenty of aloha.

Four Course Menu

  • Salads: Caesar Salad, Island Waldorf, Kula Greens, Tropical Fruit for 2
  • Appetizers: Shrimp Cocktail w/ Passion Fruit Sauce, Poke or Sashimi, Spinach and Cheese Brochette, Stuffed Chantrel Mushrooms w/ Brie Cheese and Champagne Sauce
  • Entrees: Grilled Filet Mignon, London Broil, Veal Wellington. Chicken Picatta, Chicken Oscar, Surf and Turf 9 oz. Filet Mignon w/Petite Lobster Tail, Lobster Thermadore, Fresh Catch fish, Shrimp Scampi
  • Signature Desserts: Chocolate pudding w/ Oreo cookies, strawberries and whipped cream, Lava Flow w/ strawberries and whipped cream
Dinner locations on the beach in Lahaina or Wailea. Detailed directions will be emailed with your itinerary.


Reserve your seat today! For more information 

Call 1 877 628 4482
 or visit 
www.MauiHawaiiVacations.com
 



Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Kihei Kai Nani- Hidden Gem of South Kihei for the Budget Traveler


Traveling on a tight budget? 

The Kihei Kai Nani is the hidden pearl in South Kihei. Our units are surrounded by lushly landscaped terraces that slope gently toward the Pacific. The Kihei Kai Nani Resort overlooks the famous & beautiful swimming and snorkeling beach (Kamaole II), with its mild clear blue waters and its golden sands. We offer a wide range of beautiful and affordable condos, each with its own charm and decor. Here, you'll enjoy one of the largest 60 foot Olympic size freshwater pools of Maui, shuffleboard and a wonderful pavilion to entertain your guests. These condos are ideally located to the most beautiful natural attractions Maui is famous for. Our resort is ideal for families, couples and retiree’s.
The units are close to all that the Kihei/Wailea resort area has to offer, from world-class golf, tennis to gourmet cuisine and exceptional shopping. Most within walking distance of the complex. The Kihei Kai Nani is rated in the famous book "Maui Revealed" as the gold bar value! These boutique style condominiums sit among the many large complexes in Kihei. Our secret is? The low rates for the best location of South Kihei! Our resort is a wonderful tropical style low rise complex with only 180 units. We have thirteen buildings consisting of 1-3 floor levels in each separate building on over 6 acres of beautiful Hawaiian landscaped grounds, enhanced with a very tropical feeling, for a quiet and relaxing atmosphere. The location of these condos has outstanding outdoor recreational fun for your Maui resort getaway or that perfect Hawaii family vacation.

For more information about the Kihei Kai Nani visit www.MauiCoastCondo.com or Call us Toll Free at 1 877 628 4482


Thursday, May 17, 2012

Spotlight: Te Au Moana Luau






 

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Wailea Luau Show, Maui Hawaii – Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday Only



Luau Style Buffet and Open Bar

Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Authentic Polynesian Show

Hawaiian Games and Crafts

Luau Description:


Welcome drinks, Photo opportunity, Ancient Hawaiian games, Shell lei greeting, Imu unearthing/ceremony, Hawaiian music, Hawaiian crafts, Traditional Hawaiian luau buffet. Te Au Moana Luau is a Polynesian style Luau featuring an open bar with tropical cocktails, Imu (underground oven) and torch-lighting ceremonies, authentic hula show, magnificent oceanfront seating, three time world champion Fire Knife Dancer, and complimentary shell lei greeting.
A constant among the vast generations of Hawaiians and Polynesians is the ocean tide. The tide linking all of Oceania, Te Au Moana, shares the ancestral telling’s of the people of Maui and the Pacific through lavish songs and dances: songs and dances that celebrate their intrinsic skills. fishing, gathering, gift giving, romance, tapa making (bark cloth) were vital aspects of daily Polynesian life.
Te Au Moana celebrates these natural relationships among the Polynesians, and invites you to enjoy an extraordinary Luau experience like no other.




Luau Menu:


Sautéed Fresh Island Fish with Lemon Macadamia, Imu Baked Kalua Pig, Grilled Teriyaki Steak,and Shoyu Chicken. House-made Potato Salad, Hawaiian Sweet Potatoes, Tossed Kula Greens, Freshly Baked Taro Rolls, Lomi Lomi Salad and Stir-Fry Vegetables. Assorted Dessert Table.

*Children 6 years to 12 years old. Younger Children are FREE

Reserve your seat today! Call us Toll Free 1 877 628 4482 or visit our website at www.MauiHawaiiVacations.com 

Reserve your seat today

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Spotlight: Ka'anapali Sunset Luau- Tihati Production

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Kaanapali Sunset Luau, Maui Hawaii – Tihati Production



All-You-Can-Eat Buffet and Open Bar

Fire Knife Dancer and a Cliff Diver
Song & Dance of the South Pacific

Monday & Wednesday 5:30 PM- 8:30 PM


Luau Description:


Experience a luau in paradise at one of the most beautiful spots on the island. Situated beachfront on Kaanapali Beach the Kaanapali Sunset Luau shares the music, dance and history of the islands right here at the foot of the famous cliff diving point, Black Rock. Watch daring youth leap and dive from the point as the sun sets amidst gorgeous views of Lanai and Molokai at this Maui luau grounds. Come prepared to be entertained by the best in Hawaiian & Polynesian song and dance, such as the spectacular fire knife dance. Enjoy Hawaiian arts and crafts and and experience an authentic Hawaiian Imu Ceremony and Pareo Fashion Show.

Join the Tihati cast on a spectacular voyage through the South Pacific. An exciting and colorful presentation of the Polynesians from Hawaii, Tahiti, Fiji, Rarotonga, New Zealand and Samoa, set to pulsating and syncopated drum beats. From the celebrative festival dances of Tahiti, the fierce warrior dances of Fiji, the exotic hypnotizing of the Tuamotus, the legendary dance of the Tahitian princess Tiare to the intriguing fireknife dance of Samoa. For those in love, dance with a loved on during the Hawaiian Wedding song.



Luau Menu:


Assorted Rolls, Grilled Teriyaki Steak (Off the grill), Kalua Pork, Sauteed Mahi Mahi with Macadamia Nuts & Capers. Sweet Potatoes, Potato Macaroni Salad, Pasta Salad, Fried Rice and Poi. Kula Greens with Cucumber & Tomato Salad, Sliced Papaya and Pineapple. Assorted Desserts

Reserve your seat today! Call 1 877 628 4482 or visit our website at www.MauiHawaiiVacations.com

Reserve your seat today

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Spotlight: Ulalena - A Story of Hawai'i's People




Maui Dinner Show – “Ulalena” Maui Theatre Show

Theatrical Hawaiian Dance
& Acrobat
Live Traditional Hawaiian Music
Visit back into Hawaiian legend & History
Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, 6:30 to 8:30PM

Description:

’Ulalena, a theatrical experience as impressive as the story. This fabled story of Polynesian folklore is drawn from the imagination of ancient Hawaiian story tellers. ’Ulalena explores relationships between people, nature and mythology. The use of metaphors integrates Hawaiian chants and dances, original music and choreography, lighting and projections to support the talents of unique performers.

Hula is combined with modern dance. Rich costumes, lighting and stage design are woven together into a filagree of fantastic images drawn from Hawaiian legend and history.
The Child Price is for children 3 years old to 12 years old. Infants that are able to sit in an adult lap are at no charge.

Reserve your seat today

Monday, May 14, 2012

Spotlight: Feast at Lele



 

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Feast at Lele – Maui Hawaii

Table with Private Seating & Table Service

Open Bar w/Premium Adult Beverages
Pacific Island Music & Dance

Located in Lahaina beachside



Luau Description:


The Feast at Lele Luau is our pick for “Most Romantic Maui Luau” and for “Best Food at a Maui Luau”. Both the show and the five course gourmet meal express the spirit of a specific island culture – Hawaiian, Samoan, Tongan, or Tahitian. The Feast at Lele is the only Maui luau where you will be treated to private seating and a truly amazing polynesian feast.
When you arrive at The Feast at Lele, you will be greeted with a lei and shown to your own private table. A server will be around shortly to take your drink orders. The Feast at Lele Luau features a full service premium bar for you to choose from as well as coffee, tea, juices and sodas. The menu at The Feast of Lele luau differs from all other Maui luaus, as it is a five course gourmet dining experience. Dishes are served directly to your table.

For many visitors the highlight of a Maui luau is the amazing Samoan fire knife dance giving you a perfect send off for a perfect evening!

Reserve your seat today

Call 1 877 628 4482 

or visit us at

www.MauiHawaiiVacations.com

 

Thursday, May 10, 2012

Spotlight: Old Lahaina Luau






Old Lahaina Luau – Maui Hawaii

Voted Best Luau and Best Activity
Open Bar & Table Service
Authentic Hawaiian Performance
Exceptional Reserved Seating

Luau Description:

The Old Lahaina Luau is considered by many to be the number one luau in Hawaii. A beautifully landscaped and private seaside village is the setting for the only "authentic" Hawaiian luau.

When you first arrive at the Old Lahaina Luau, you’re greeted with a fresh flower orchid lei and a tropical beverage. After being escorted to your reserved seating, relax and gather by the ocean’s edge for the ever popular Imu celebration, the unearthing of the Kalua pig from the underground oven.

The Luau offers two unique styles of seating. In a crescent shape (half circle) around a circular stage, there are three tiers, three levels of Conventional Table and Chair seating. More like a theatre-style arrangement, there’s no looking through heads at this venue. Then, the very first row is Traditional Seating where you sit at low tables on mats and pillows.

Daily 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM, Located in Lahaina Town on Front Street
The Child Price is for children 3 years old to 12 years old. Infants that are able to sit in an adult lap or highchair are at no charge.

Old Lahaina Luau Offers Discounts for Groups of 15 people or more.

Luau Menu:

Open Bar with table service. Main dish is Kalua Roast Pork, Grilled Tenderloin Steak,Chicken Long Rice Island Style Chicken, Maui Style Mahi-Mahi. Choices of Sweet Potato Stir Fry Vegetables, Fried Rice, Crab Salad, Lomi Lomi Salmon (salmon mixed with tomatoes and onions)and Green Salad served with Island Style dressing. Deserts available are Banana Bread, Fresh Island Fruit, Assorted Island Desserts

Reserve your seat today! Call us at 1 877 628 4482 for more information. Mahalo!

Monday, May 7, 2012

Car Rentals at cost!



We have the BEST wholesale rates for Car rentals on all Islands! 





We have the BEST wholesale rates for
Car Rentals on all islands!
Call us today to request a *quote!
Toll Free 1 877 628 4482 or click to
request a quote via email

*Based upon 1 Adult Driver. Rate
includes all tax and fees with
unlimited miles.

Wednesday, May 2, 2012