maui - Blogs - Tripatini2024-03-29T13:27:49Zhttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/feed/tag/maui14 of the Top Tours on Mauihttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/maui-hawaii-tours-tour-operators2023-01-26T10:35:00.000Z2023-01-26T10:35:00.000ZAdy Kanghttps://tripatini.com/members/AdyKang<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10948888065,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10948888065,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="10948888065?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a></p>
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<p>Whether you want to catch the glimpse of awe-inspiring sunrise at <strong>Haleakala National Park</strong>; take to the water on a whale-watching adventure; snorkel around <strong>Molokini</strong>; or taste some of the <strong>Hawaiian Islands</strong>' best pineapples, there's is a tour in this list that fits well with your interests. Analyzing both expert opinion and traveller sentiment, we've determined more than a dozen of the best, which all feature trained veteran guides keen to share their insights about the <strong>Valley Isle</strong>’s astonishing nature, lip-smacking cuisine, enchanting history, and rich culture. </p>
<p><a href="https://www.hikemaui.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Hike Maui – Waterfall and Rainforest Hiking Adventure</strong></span></a><br /> <br /> <span style="font-size:10pt;">This unforgettable five-hour adventure allows you to experience lush rainforests and enjoy seeing (and if you dare, jumping off) stunning waterfalls along the spectacular <strong>Hana Highway</strong> along the coast. <em>Rates from $155.</em><br /> <br /> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong><a href="https://www.airmaui.com/doors-off-west-maui-molokai" target="_blank">Air Maui – Doors Off West Maui and Molokai</a></strong></span><br /> <br /> <span style="font-size:10pt;">With more than a quarter century of experience as well as a perfect safety record, this outfit offers visitors the best helicopter tours over the dramatic <strong>West Maui Mountains</strong>, then the equally impressive sea cliffs and waterfalls of the craggy north coast of <strong>Molokai</strong> island right across the water. <em>Rates from $304.</em><br /> </span><br /> <a href="https://www.bikemaui.com/tour/sunrise/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Bike Maui – Sunrise Guided Tour</strong></span></a><br /> <br /> <span style="font-size:10pt;">It's the stunning sunrise that lures many visitors to the summit of <strong>Haleakala National Park</strong>. A van drives you up there at dawn, then after witnessing its glory and having a look at the dramatic crater, you contine for an eight-hour, 23-mile ride down through the park's volcanic landscape to the charming upcountry town of <strong>Haiku</strong>. <em>Rates from $230.</em><br /> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong><a href="https://www.temptationtours.com/hana-ultimate/" target="_blank">Temptation Tours – The Hana Ultimate Tour</a></strong></span><br /> <br /> Picking you up and dropping you off wherever you're staying, this full-day excursion in a luxury "limo van" of up to eight along the Hana Highway includes stops at, among other places, rainforested <strong>Kaumahina State Park</strong>; the village of <strong>Ke'anae</strong>; <strong>Waikani Falls</strong>; and <strong>Ho'okipa</strong> and <strong>Wai'anapanapa</strong> beaches. Breakfast in <strong>Pa'ia</strong> and lunch in Hana are also part of the package. Magical! <em>Rates from $279.</em></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong><a href="https://www.skylinehawaii.com/maui/kaanapali-8-line-adventure" target="_blank">Skyline Hawaii – Kaanapali 8-Line Zipline Adventure</a></strong></span><br /> <br /> <span style="font-size:10pt;">Some 150 feet above the <strong>Kaanapali </strong>resort area, it's three hours worth of thrilling whizzing down a series of zips with enchanting views of the ocean and the West Maui Mountains. <em>Rates from $170.</em><br /> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong><a href="https://www.mauieasyriders.com/group-tour/" target="_blank">Maui Easy Riders – The Original Haleakala Downhill Bike Ride - Group Tour</a></strong></span><br /> <br /> <span style="font-size:10pt;">The island's most experienced bike tour company offers affordable guided and self-guided tours beginng and ending in <strong>Paia</strong>. A van takes you up the slope of <strong>Haleakala</strong> (aka the <strong>East Maui Volcano</strong>), right outside Haleakala National Park, then it's a 25-mile glide taking four to five hours down through gorgeous farmland including a stop in the cute little town of <strong>Makawao</strong>. There's a morning and a sunset version. <em>Rates from $225.</em><br /> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong><span style="font-size:14pt;"><a href="https://redlinerafting.com/in/molokini/" target="_blank">Redline Rafting – Molokini Crater Snorkeling</a></span> </strong></span><br /> <br /> This partially submerged volcanic crater off the coast <span style="font-size:10pt;">Molokini is a Federal marine reserve and home to a reef teeming with more than 250 species of fantastic marine life - including not just but green turtles, spinner dolphins, and in winter you might even spot humpback whales. Redline's excursion lasts five hours, and it's an underwater extravaganza! <em>Rates from $189.</em> <br /> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong><a href="https://www.prideofmaui.com/trips/sunset/" target="_blank">Pride of Maui – Sunset Luau Dinner Cruise</a></strong></span><br /> <br /> In addition to a lavish dinner spread and open bar, this 5-7 pm excursion out of the tiny south-coast village of <strong>Maalaea</strong> includes mesmerizing traditional Polynesian music and dancing. <span style="font-size:10pt;"><em>Rates from $159 adults, $99 kids.</em><br /> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong><a href="https://www.fourwindsmaui.com/morning-snorkel-to-molokini-crater/" target="_blank">Four Winds II – Snorkel Molokini Crater</a></strong></span><br /> <br /> Also five hours in duration, this tour to magical Molokini is a somewhat less pricey alternative to Redline Rafting, above, and also includes an underwater viewing room and an add-on option for SNUBA, which is a kind of diving supported by an oxygen tank floating on the surface above. <span style="font-size:10pt;"><em>Rates from $150 adults, $115 kids.</em><br /> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong><a href="https://mauibombers.com/tours/cycle-to-the-sea/" target="_blank">Maui Bombers – Cycle to the Sea</a></strong></span><br /> <br /> Another variation on the ride down the slope of Haleakala - through bucolic <strong>Haleakala Ranch</strong> and with stops in Makawao as well as another upcountry town, <strong>Kula</strong>. The Bombers tour is priced the same as the Maui Easy Riders option above, so for comparison check the websites and reviews of each. Great for almost all ages, from eight to 82. <span style="font-size:10pt;"><em>Rates from $225.</em><br /> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong><a href="https://www.aliinuimaui.com/royal-sunset-dinner-sail.htm" target="_blank"><em>Alii Nui</em> Maui – Royal Sunset Dinner Sail</a></strong></span><br /> <br /> For a touch of the romantic, the luxury, 65-foot-long catamaran <em>Alii Nui</em> offers a <span style="font-size:10pt;">2½-hour </span>adults-only cruise including a lovely meal spread. It sets sail from Maalaea, around midway along the south coast. <span style="font-size:10pt;">Snorkeling sailings (as well as whale watching in season) are also offered earlier in the day. <em>Rates from $249.</em><br /> </span></p>
<p><a href="https://www.kapaluaziplines.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Kapalua Ziplines – Dual Zipline Adventure</strong></span></a><br /> <br /> Above the <strong>Kapalua</strong> resort up on the northwest coast, this outfit takes you in an ATV 1,600 feet up the slopes of a volcano and offers the island's only dual-zipline setup, where guests can whizz along side by side for two miles over the jungle canopy. <span style="font-size:10pt;">The views out over the coast reaching as far as neighboring <strong>Molokai</strong> and <strong>Lanai</strong> islands, and you can also them in more sedately from its 360-foot suspension bridge, Maui's longest. </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">Comparable in price to Skyline Hawaii above. <em>Rates from $179.</em><br /> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong><span style="font-size:14pt;"><a href="https://www.pacificwhale.org/cruises/" target="_blank">PacWhale Eco-Adventures</a></span><br /> </strong></span><br /> <span style="font-size:10pt;"> Unique among these outfits because it's run by a non-profit, the <strong><a href="https://www.pacificwhale.org/pacific-whale-foundation/about-us/" target="_blank">Pacific Whale Foundation</a></strong>, PacWhale runs a menu of cruises out of <strong>Lahaina</strong> for snorkeling, whale and dolphin-watching, and cocktails and/or dinner at sunset and in the evening. <em>Rates from $90.</em><br /> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong><span style="font-size:14pt;"><a href="https://www.discoverhawaiitours.com/shop/molokini-and-turtle-arches-snorkel/" target="_blank">Discover Hawaii – Snorkel Molokini and Turtle Arches</a></span><br /> </strong></span><br /> <span style="font-size:10pt;"> Another five-hour cruise out of <strong>Ma'alaea</strong>, on a 120-foot catamaran, it also includes a stint at Turtle Arches off Maluaka Beach, a breathtaking reef known for its submarine lava arches and dubbed "turtle town" because of its abundance of giant green seat turtles. Yes, you get to snorkel amongst these majestic creatures - but remember, they're endangered, so look, don't touch!<br /> <br /> </span></p>
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<p> </p></div>Pineapple Express: Down on the Aloha Farm With Maui Agritourismhttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/maui-hawaii-agritourism-agricultural-farm-tourism2022-08-03T07:55:00.000Z2022-08-03T07:55:00.000ZDavid Paul Appellhttps://tripatini.com/members/DavidPaulAppell16<div><p><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em><a href="https://www.aliikulalavender.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/@threetreecreative-3363.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="https://www.aliikulalavender.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/@threetreecreative-3363.jpg?profile=RESIZE_930x" alt="@threetreecreative-3363.jpg?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a><a href="https://www.aliikulalavender.com/about/?doing_wp_cron=1659518132.9772040843963623046875" target="_blank">Ali'i Kula Lavender</a></em></span><br /> <br /> <br /> “Ve vere bored in <strong>Hamburg</strong>,” <strong>Eva Kafsack</strong> mused to me as I had at a plateful of her divinely creamy chevre. Had I made a wrong turn at the sugarcane factory and ended up in a Monty Python sketch (“blessed are the cheesemakers…”)? <em>Nein, mein Schatz</em>, this very German-looking retired teacher sitting across from me, along with her former software entrepreneur husband <strong>Thomas</strong>, was the real deal: a goat farmer in the fertile “upcountry” of <strong>Maui</strong>. Sugar may once have been king hereabouts, but no more, and recentlythe most popular vacation spot in the Hawaiian chain has diversified, with the organic/sustainable/eat local phenomenon taking off in various points around the island. And many of the places that practice it – not just the <strong>Surfing Goat Dairy</strong> (below) but also a winery and a variety of farms – also open their doors to visitors (at one or two you can even overnight). Below are several of Maui’s top agritourism stars, all within an hour’s drive of most resorts; you can dig up more info at HIAgTourism.org and EdibleHawaiianIslands.com.<br /> <br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.aliikulalavender.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Ali’i Kula Lavender</strong></span></a><br /> <br /> Some 4,000 feet up the slopes of <strong>Mt. Haleakala</strong>, farmer <strong>Ali’i Chang</strong> decided enough with the protea flowers already, and went into business with two lady friends 14 years ago. And on this 14½-acre, 55,000-plant patch, with 20 varieties grown. Admission is $3 ($2 for seniors and U.S. military), and there are also extras as lunch, lavender lei-making, massage therapy, and an everything-lavender gift shop that’s just this side of twee.</p>
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<p><br /> <br /> <span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong><a href="https://haleakua.org/" target="_blank">Hale Akua Garden Farm & Eco Retreat Center</a></strong></span> <br /> <br /> Along the initial western stretch of the scenic but twisty <strong>Hana Highway</strong>, the seven-acre hideaway owned by <strong>Lorie Grace</strong> and <strong>Michael Shiva D’Addario</strong> lets you attend classes and seminars, even get your hands dirty for a couple of days or a couple of weeks. Or you can just take the free tour, check into one of the 16 rooms with wowsa Pacific views, swan around the pool and hot tubs, and tuck into the yummy organic stuff that comes out of the ground here.</p>
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<p><br /> <strong><a href="https://mauipineappletour.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:14pt;">Maui Gold Pineapple Farm</span></a></strong> <br /> <br /> The outfit that brings you Maui Gold is ensconced on 150 acres adjacent to <strong>Kapalua Resort</strong>, way up on the northwest coast. The 90-minute tour’s not exactly cheap ($75!) but it’s fun (you even get to pick a pineapple), the only one of its kind, and besides sampling the goods you can tote one of these sweet, bristly babies home with you.</p>
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<p><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10929676481,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10929676481,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="10929676481?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a>Ono Farms</em></span></p>
<p><br /> <span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong> <a href="http://OnoFarms.com" target="_blank">Ono Farms</a></strong></span> <br /> <br /> If you happen to be heading out to <strong>Hana</strong>, check out Maui’s best-known organic-fruit farm, where <strong>Chuck Boerner</strong> and his family grow papayas, bananas, and lots of other <em>ono</em> (Hawaiian for tasty) fruit. The 90-minute tour is even steeper ($375 for up to three adults or a family of four), but at least you'll score samples!</p>
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<p><a href="https://www.mauihawaii.org/activities/oo-farm/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>O'o Farm</strong></span></a><br /> <br /> Some 3,500 feet up the slope of Haleakala, this eight-acres organic farm supplies several Maui eateries (it's actually owned by two of them) and markets. You can tour the coffee fields, fruit orchards, vegetable gardens, and greenhouses; pick some of your own, and enjoy a alfresco lunch fresh from the fields. By reservation only.</p>
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<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10929607668,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10929607668,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="10929607668?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em>Surfing Goat Dairy<br /> <br /> </em></span></p>
<p><strong><a href="https://www.surfinggoatdairy.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:14pt;">Surfing Goat Dairy</span></a></strong> <br /> <br /> On the gentle lower slopes of Haleakala, as I mentioned in my introduction the Kafsacks have run their 42-acre operation with 110 to 250 goats since 2003. They’ll offer various tours (from $7), as well as tastings of their 30 flavors of award-winning soft cheeses (don’t miss the lavender), which they’ve sold at mainland retailers including <strong>Fairway</strong> here in <strong>New York City</strong>; you can even help with milking and chores if you like. Oh and by the way: goat-cheese soap, anyone? </p>
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<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10929598884,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10929598884,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="10929598884?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em>Tedeschi Family Winery<br /> <br /> </em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong><a href="https://www.tedeschifamilywinery.com/tour-tasting" target="_blank">Tedeschi Family Winery</a> </strong></span></p>
<p><br /> Farther up still, at the end of a winding, bucolic upcountry drive, check out the winery founded back in 1974 by <strong>Napa Valley</strong>’s <strong>Tedeschi family</strong> on the grounds of <strong>Ulupalakua Ranch</strong>. The free half-hour tours are informative and so are the tastings: the Plantation Red isn’t half bad, but Tedeschi’s better known for wines and liqueurs based on other fruit, especially pineapple (Maui Splash; the dryer, surprisingly complex Maui Blanc; and the champagne-style Hula O Maui). And that drive back? They claim they haven’t lost anyone yet…</p>
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<p> <br /> \</p></div>Destination Weddings - ideas and places to go for your Big Day - 2011 is almost here, don't wait too long!https://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/destination-weddings-ideas2010-12-16T05:40:27.000Z2010-12-16T05:40:27.000ZPatricia Aitkenhttps://tripatini.com/members/PatriciaAitken<div><p>Castle and Chateaux weddings in the Dordogne and Loire Valley areas of France are extremely popular. We are taking applications for 2011 already! We have on-site wedding planners in both areas who have been working with us for many years and have direct exclusive relationships with the owners of several castles.<br /><br />France has changed their residency regulations regarding civil weddings as they aren't as stringent as they used to be. Most people (it used to be difficult--if they don't want to "live" in France for 40+ days before) still opt for symbolic services (but you don't really have to anymore, Church and local services are more possible than before, after all who will really know besides them? The castles and chateaux can fit small parties (10) well up to 50 and we can always put extra guests within 5 minutes of the wedding party, which accommodates everyone and then <em>Happiness</em> really rules.<br /><br />Italy- we have several nice villas, castles and winery estates and planners in Tuscany, Umbria, Veneto and the popular Amalfi Coast as well. Easy to get married in Italy.<br /><br />Fall bookings are great (for France, Italy, Germany, Austria) because is it not only a beautiful time of the year but lower prices are in effect as well. Or, think of a Winter Wonderland for a wedding.<br /><br />Or, for warm weather enthusiasts, private islands and all inclusives in the Caribbean or the white domes of Santorini and beautiful beaches of Greece. The local donkey can take you to the church!</p><p> </p><p>Anyone and everyone- think HAWAII - it is <em>Paradise</em>! Green grass, white sand, trade winds and beautiful photo ops! Kauai is a laid back beautiful area to marry in. Maui is also marriage heaven with beautiful resorts and things to do. The Big Island also beckons with the active volcano, zip lining, Hilo and Kona for great places to stay, eat, rest and snorkel. Honolulu is the most tourist oriented with the Polynesian Cultural Center, Pearl Harbor, the Bishop Museum and so much more. The choices for weddings are endless!</p></div>Snorkeling on the Beautiful Island of Maui in Hawaiihttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/snorkeling-on-the-beautiful2010-03-08T03:25:52.000Z2010-03-08T03:25:52.000ZJoe Fergusonhttps://tripatini.com/members/JoeFerguson<div>Snorkeling Maui is one of the most popular activities on the Valley Isle. Maui has more miles of swimmable beach than any other Hawaiian island. The year round average temperature is 75-80 degrees. <a href="http://hawaiianmarketplace.com/activities/snorkeling-tours">Snorkeling on Maui</a> is the perfect activity . The best Maui snorkeling spots are Honolua Bay, Kapalua Bay, Maluaka Beach, Black Rock, Ahihi Kinau Reserve and Molokini.<br />Honolua Bay is a Marine Life Conservation District which means no fishing allowed. The bay is protected from wind on both sides by rocky cliffs. Most of Honolus's coral is on the right hand side of the bay so are the fish. Some of the tame reef fish are parrot fish, damsel fish, surgeon fish, box fish, goat fish and hawk fish.<br />Kapalua Bay is a sheltered white sand beach protected by two reefs forming a c-shaped cove ideal for snorkeling. Kapalua Bay has calm water great for beginner snorkeling. Some of the fish seen there are surgeon fish, moorish idol fish, tang, wrasse and perch. Maluaka Beach is a great snorkeling beach on the south shore of Maui with calm blue water filled with fish and marine life. Some of the fish seen there are cardinal fish, squirrel fish, chub and trigger fish.<br />Black Rock is a prominent rocky peninsula on Maui's western shore. It has a combination of great ocean conditions and endless white sand making snorkeling the complete beach experience. The soft powdery sand is the best on Maui The water starts around 8 feet deep and gradually gets to 25 feet or more. Some fish seen there are needle fish, porcupine fish , turtles and crustaceans.<br />Ahihi Kinau Reserve is on the south western coast of Maui its coast line is mostly made up of lava rock intermixed with coral which is a major plus when it comes to snorkeling. The contours of the sea floor make perfect homes for aquatic life. Ahihi Kinau's most beautiful fish make their homes in the shallows. Its calm water makes a great place for snorkeling. Some fish seen there are jacks, needle fish, and butterfly fish.<br />Molokini is a crescent moon shaped island 3 miles off Maui's south west coast ans is one of the best dive and snorkeling location on the planet. It has some of the clearest is not the clearest water in the Hawaiian islands. Water visibility exceeds 100 feet on most days. There is no current on the inside of the crater making it a great spot to snorkel. Some fish seen there are the Hawaii State fish Humuhumunukunukua, eels, emperor fish and cornet fish.<br />For some great <a href="http://hawaiianmarketplace.com/">reviews of tour companies in Hawaii</a> please be sure to visit <a href="http://hawaiianmarketplace.com/">HawaiianMarketplace.com</a></div>