The island of Maui, Hawaii, is a getaway for those who like to try an array of different activities while on vacation. Watch a sunrise at 10,000 feet, go snorkeling and play golf, all in one day.
Scenic Island Drives
You've probably heard of the famous Hana Highway; it's a narrow curvy road with one-lane bridges that connects the secluded town of Hana with the rest of the island. If you have enough time, spend a few nights at the luxurious Travassa Hana which has a fantastic spa, an art gallery, tennis courts, two swimming pools, croquet courts, a three-hole practice golf course and horse stables. The hotel's restaurant serves dishes prepared with locally grown organic ingredients. The food is delicious!
If you like a great view from above, drive up to the summit of Haleakala National Park. On a clear day, watch a sunrise at 10,000 feet.
Golf
Maui is an island getaway destination for golfers, offering different course layouts for all levels of play. Book a tee time on the famous Plantation Golf Course, the site of the PGA TOUR Mercedes Championships.
Other great places to play golf include Wailea and Makena. And if you want to take golf lessons on your island getaway, visit the Wailea Golf Academy.
Snorkeling and Scuba Diving
Snorkeling is one of the most popular island activities - it's easy to do and can be enjoyed by the whole family. Most hotels on the island offer rental snorkeling gear, but unless it's complimentary for hotel guests like at Napili Kai Beach Resort, you are better off buying your own mask, snorkel and fins because those rental charges add up.
Some great snorkeling spots on the island include Honolua Bay, Malu'aka Beach, Napili Kai and Hamoa Beach.
There are several scuba diving shops in the town of Lahaina that will take you on underwater adventures to the Molokini Crater, Turtle Reef and other dive sites around the island. Try Lahaina Divers which has been in operation since 1978.
Play Tennis on Vacation
If you are a tennis enthusiast, you are in luck. Major resort areas on Maui have many tennis courts that don't seem to be particularly crowded. Whether you decide to stay at Kapalua, Wailea or in Makena, you can play tennis on your island getaway. At Travaasa Hana, court time is complimentary for hotel guests.
Tours
Numerous companies based in Lahaina on West Maui offer boat tours such as glass-bottom boat tours, whale-watching, fishing and snorkeling. You can usually find information about these activities through your hotel once you get to Maui. Or visit the historic town of Lahaina and sign up in person in the Lahaina Harbor.
Hiking
Maui offers beautiful scenery, coastal trails and mountain hikes. You can sign up for a guided hike through your hotel, or explore the island on your own.
Haleakala National Park is a must-see. Visit the summit and hike inside the giant crater.
Where to Stay
Maui has over 60 hotels and 100 condominiums. If you are planning a family vacation to Maui, take a look at Napili Kai Beach Resort which offers condos on the beach and a seasonal program for kids. Most activities are included in the cost of your stay and the atmosphere at the resort is family-friendly. Washer/drier, kitchen and barbeque facilities make it easier to save money while on vacation. The beach at the resort is sandy and great for snorkeling.
On the southern part of the island, Makena Beach & Golf Resort offers a secluded beach and two championship golf courses. In Wailea, there are several luxury resorts, shopping and golf. Kapalua Resort is famous for its golf and beaches.
Kapalua Villas are Equipped with Kitchens
The western end of the island of Maui is sunny and warm. It offers activities for the whole family that range from rides on the sugar cane train, tennis, golf, shopping and relaxing on sandy beaches.
The main advantage of staying at Kapalua Villas on a family vacation in Hawaii are special guest rates at Kapalua Resort facilities. The resort has two championship golf courses, three beaches and the Kapalua Tennis Garden where guests get complimentary tennis time. The villa rentals come with a concierge that can arrage different family vacation activities on Maui.
Fully-equipped kitchens and washer/dryer facilities can be a big money saver when vacationing with a large family. Each villa also has a private lanai and twice-weekly maid service. Villas offer one-, two- and three-bedroom configurations and locations near the beach or close to the golf course. Rates start at $209 per night, depending on the season.
The Fairmont Kea Lani Maui
Located on the Southwest side of Maui, the Fairmont Kea Lani Maui overlooks the waters off Polo Beach. The Beach is the center of all water activities such as snorkeling sailing, kayaking, and windsurfing. Guests can play on any of the Wailea Golf Club's three championship golf course or try tennis at the 14 court tennis center. Tired parents can get some personal time with a massage at the Spa Kea Lani.
The resort accommodations are either suites or villas, so there will be no need to squeeze the family into a tiny room here. The suites are a minimum of 840 square feet and have a separate living room and a marble bathroom with a separate soaking tub. The private two level villas are just steps from the beach and are between 1800-2200 square feet. The villas are great for large families because they also have a full kitchen and a private courtyard with a plunge pool and barbecue.
Keiki Lani is the hotel's activity center for kids. It is a state licensed facility for children between 5 and 13 years old. Children enjoy painting coconuts, building sand castles, exploring tide pools, learning to dance hula and making real flower leis. The activity center can accommodate 19 children, so call ahead to reserve a space.
Rates start at $325 per night for a suite. One of the benefits of a family vacation is that special deals are almost always available. The Fairmont Kea Lani Maui has several family packages on its web site. If you want to explore the island with the kids, you will save money by taking a package that includes a free rental car.
How to Get to Maui
Most flights land at Kahului, the main airport on Maui. There is also a smaller airport on West Maui, and a commuter airport in Hana. Rental cars are available at Kahului airport and in Kaanapali.
VacationIdea.com Vacation Tip
During the high season in the winter months, spring break and in the summer, it's a good idea to book popular activities before you get to Maui. Consider reserving your spa treatments, tee times and cruises, but be sure to leave plenty of time for relaxing.
Most hotels rent masks and snorkels, but the cost can add up, so consider bringing your own gear unless you are staying at a resort which provides complimentary rentals to resort guests.
