Learn to surf in Waikiki

Hula and ukulele are Hawaiian cultural treasures and while water sports don’t quickly come to mind as culture, surfing on the islands, particularly Waikiki, is legendary. Destinations have one or multiple landmarks of things to see and do. Waikiki is notably special for the Waikiki Beachboys, the group of carefree men who had the good fortune of living in Oahu and surfing their days away on Waikiki’s powerful waves. The resorts began to build and a clientele emerged, and with impromptu surfing instructors already on-site, surfing resounded for both locals and visitors.

Planning a trip to Waikiki? Take a look at our nearby Diamond Head vacation rentals.

Today, surfing on Waikiki beaches is as significant for travelers as visiting Diamond Head, Ioalani Palace and the other major sights. The three-time Olympic gold champion surfer, Duke Kahanamoku, was one of the Waikiki Beachboys, most well known today. The reverence for his skill and unofficial ambassadorship of Waikiki surfing, today, you can visit the statue erected in his honor on Kuhio Beach, perhaps even draw some inspiration from it as you venture into the wild and welcoming waters.

Spend some time on the Waikiki beaches observing the experienced surfers

Also, take a look at our Kahala vacation rentals if you are looking to stay nearby the conveniences of Waikiki but not in the city.

Many of the major resorts in Waikiki offer surf lessons (sometimes free) and/or can arrange for lessons for you. You can learn in a group setting or solo and instructors teach a variety of ages and skill levels year-round, so you’ll enjoy the local experience. Etiquette, stance, type of boards, type of breaks (beach or reef), tide and wind directions, safety and aspects of how to manage the waves are all features of a good lesson. Do your research and ask around so that you find a business offering the surf lessons that will work best for you and your comfort level. Spend some time on the Waikiki beaches watching the skills of experienced surfers—it’s quite a show and even those who aren’t interested in more than just dabbling might take a turn.

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Hawaii’s golf courses are the best in the world for setting and level of difficulty

Vantage points on the golf course naturally enhance the play in Hawaii. Islands in the distance, or mountains and miles of ocean embrace perfect greens. Challenging golf courses are what golfers strive for and Hawaii’s are the best in the world for setting and level of difficulty.

Oahu’s Koolau Golf Club in Kanoehe, with rainforests, waterfalls and ravines, ranks as one of the world’s most challenging golf courses. The wildly adventurous course is 200 acres of a 1,500 acre jungle on the windward side of of the 2,000-foot Ko’olau Ridge mountain range. Koolau Golf Course is a par 72 and the course record is 67 and its scope ranges through three distinct climate zones.

Luana Hills Country Club is another challenging Oahu golf course in Maunawili Valley in Kailua. The welcome task of playing an arduous round is an adventure, from rainforest to the railroad ties on this par 72 course.
While if offers all the amenities golfers expect, including a clubhouse, driving range and practice greens, it also gives a feeling of primitive, ancient Hawaii.

Planning a golf vacation to the Island of Oahu? Stay nearby in one of our Kailua vacation rentals.

The rugged landscape increases the degree of difficulty on this Big Island golf course

Check out our Waikoloa vacation rentals located nearby the Volcano Golf and Country Club.

Volcano Golf and Country Club in Waikoloa is an exciting distance, just one mile from Kilauea Volcano and Halemaumau Crater, for which the rugged landscape is enough of an indication of degree of difficulty. The course is the oldest on Big Island and is at an elevation of 4,200 feet. Snowcapped in winter, Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea dot the distance. The most difficult hole is #15, with a 425-yard par 4.

Prince Golf Course is another Hawaiian golf course offering magnificent views of the Pacific Ocean. While the tranquil beauty emanates from every turn, it also exudes challenge. The course closed for renovations in January 2011 and reopens summer 2011. The jungle, streams, ravines and waterfall are a contrast to the pristine royalty for which the course was named, Prince Albert, son of Hawaii’s King Kamehameha IV and Queen Emma. Notable holes, #7, #10 and #12 will test a golfer’s skill.

Stay in one of our Princeville vacation rentals on the island of Kauai.

Miles of ocean embrace perfect greens

Home to multiple men’s and women’s tournaments, Kaanapali Golf Resort is two championship courses. Lush fairways, idyllic weather and rich blues and greens beckon golfers seeking the challenges to test their skill. After a day of tough play, settle in with a well-deserved cold drink and mixed plate. Resort guests receive a considerable discount.

Also, take a look at our Kaanapali vacation rentals for your stay on Maui.

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Birds-Eye Views of Hawaii’s Top Natural Attractions

Big Island
Hawaii contains many spectacular sights that are best seen from a helicopter tour. One of the most astounding views from the air is Kilauea Volcano in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The primitive volcanic landscapes include huge craters, active lava flows and lava lakes, glowing skylights and lava flowing into the ocean creating clouds of steam and gas.

Get up close to Kilauea Volcano on the Big Island

Lava activity is usually unpredictable, yet Kilauea Volcano has been erupting consistently since 1983 and most of the active lava areas can only be seen by helicopter. Helicopter tours on the Big Island also fly over lush and tropical rainforests, huge waterfalls and the impressive Hilo Bay bordering Hilo town.

Planning a trip to the Big Island? Check out our Kona vacation rentals.

Kauai

The wettest place on Earth

On Kauai perhaps the most spectacular sight from the air is the summit crater of Mt. Waialeale, the wettest place on Earth receiving more than 400 inches of rain each year. Kauai helicopter tours also take in the massive gorge of Waimea Canyon which Mark Twain called the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.”

Both Waimea Canyon and Waialeale are geological wonders that can be truly appreciated from the birds-eye view provided by a helicopter tour. The nearby Manawaiopuna Waterfall was made famous in the movie Jurassic Park and is also remote Kauai attraction seen best from the air.

Take a Helicopter tour down the world famous Na Pali Coastline

Another amazing view from Kauai skies is the world famous Na Pali Coastline. This fifteen mile stretch of seacoast along the island’s western shore is lined with huge seacliffs and deep ancient valleys. Steep mountains rise up into monumental peaks and pinnacles that are lined with waterfalls.

Stay in one of our Hanalei vacation rentals on Kauai’s north shore.

Helicopters flying over the Na Pali typically proceed on toward the island’s north shore where the pristine white-sand beaches include crescent-shaped Hanalei Bay, and then back to Kauai’s east side to see the thundering Wailua Falls made famous in the opening credits of the television series Fantasy Island.

Molokai

Experience Molokai from above

The seacliffs of Molokai are also an amazing sight that few get to see except those on helicopter tours. Most Molokai air tours leave from Maui and proceed to the northeast shore of Molokai where the seacliffs rise steeply to more than 2,000 feet above the waves.

Molokai helicopter tours also fly above the astounding 1,750-foot Kahiwa Falls, Hawaii’s tallest waterfall, as well as the historic Kalaupapa Peninsula where St. Damien ministered to the sick.

Maui

The Mars-like landscape of Haleakala Crater

Another spectacular sight from the air is Haleakala Crater at 10,000 feet above sea level on Maui’s massive Haleakala Volcano. The Mars-like landscape at the summit gives way to old-growth koa forests and dense rainforest as air tours proceed east to the tip of the island at Oheo Gulch, often called Seven Sacred Pools, where a series of waterfalls tumble down the mountain.

For your Maui vacation, take a look at our Wailea vacation rentals.

These are just some of the spectacular views enjoyed from a helicopter tour in Hawaiian skies. With state-of-the-art aircraft, full-view windows, air conditioning and other comforts a Hawaii helicopter tour is a great way to see some of the most stunning views in the Hawaiian Islands.

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Follow these tips and have an enjoyable and unforgettable snorkeling experience

Every year, tourists from around the world flock to Hawaii for their vacation, eager to bask in its fantastic combination of breathtaking scenery, beautiful beaches and relaxed atmosphere. One of the most popular activities in Hawaii is snorkeling, where visitors can drift effortlessly amongst brightly colored tropical fish in the clear, warm Hawaiian seas. Hawaii is filled with fantastic locations in which to snorkel in, each providing you with the chance to spot a variety of different sea life whilst your swim through different currents and environments. With many fully qualified instructors on the island to help you or simply point out the best spots if you are experienced; you are guaranteed to have a fantastic time, exploring some of the most beautiful sea life in the world.

Planning to snorkel in Hanauma bay on your trip to Oahu? Check out our nearby Hawaii Kai vacation rentals.

Although your instructor will provide you with instructions on how to snorkel safely and effectively, in order to get the most out of your experience, it is recommended that you abide by the following tips wherever possible.

Tips

1. Check ocean conditions
One thing all snorkelers must be aware of before they enter the water is that storms and tides can make swimming conditions unpredictable. It is for this reason that the oceans conditions must always be carefully evaluated before entering the water-whether you are an experienced snorkeler or not.

Always snorkel near others and watch your surroundings

2. Snorkel near others
When snorkeling in Hawaii, always snorkel in areas where there are other swimmers and snorkelers. Not only will this help you to grasp how far away from the land you are, but in the event that you experience an accident, you will be able to call to another swimmer easily for assistance. However, never snorkel near surfers or body surfers as this will increase your chances of experiencing an accident should they knock you with their board or fall, injuring you both.

Please consider our Kona vacation rentals for your trip to the Big Island.

3. Look up and check where you are
As stated previously, always investigate the swimming conditions. Never snorkel if the water is unclear, rough or choppy- look to snorkel in clear, calm waters which can usually be found in the morning. These waters will not only be more enjoyable to snorkel in, but will also help to eliminate any chance of you drifting too far out to sea or getting caught in currents. Whilst you are in the water, look up frequently to keep your bearing. It is often beneficial to choose one other sea user who has a distinguishable inflatable for example that can be easily found in the water who can be your guide to how far away from the beach you are.

4. Never feed the fish
Whilst exploring underwater, never feed the fish under any circumstance. Not only does this soil the water, but if this makes the fish ill, this will make them vulnerable to predators. If you are looking to attract fish, bring a clear bag such as a zip lock bag and place a colorful item into it. Fill with water and zip it up, allowing for it to float next to you. This will intrigue the fish, providing you with the perfect opportunity to view some exotic, colorful fish.

Kauai has many great snorkeling spots. Stay in one of our Hanalei vacation rentals on your Kauai vacation.

Protect Hawaii’s reef, try not to walk on it

5. Protect Hawaii’s marine life
If you spot any other sea life such as sea turtles, view these from a distance. These species are protected by the Endangered Species Act and it is against the law to harass them. Should you be lucky to spot them, simply enjoy the view from a distance and then swim on. Finally, help to protect Hawaii’s reefs. Although coral reefs can take thousands of years to develop, they are extremely delicate and can be destroyed by sea goers simply walking on them. Wherever possible, swim to a sandy spot to get out of the sea, never walk on shallow reefs in order to preserve them.

Also, take a look at our Lahaina vacation rentals on the island of Maui.

Snorkeling is an activity which all visitors of Hawaii should try to do. Not only is it a great way in which to enjoy the beautiful, clear seas; but it is also a chance to explore and view some of the most beautiful sea creatures in the world. By ensuring that you abide by these tips not only will you have an enjoyable and unforgettable experience, but you will be enabling others to do the same in the future too.

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No better place to hold a Marathon

Runners love the Hawaiian Islands due to the mild temperatures, tropical tradewinds, and a variety of running options from the beach to mountain trails. There are numerous marathons held each year throughout Hawaii and also ultra-marathons, half marathons, and triathlons.

Oahu
Oahu’s major marathon is the Honolulu Marathon, but also popular are the Great Aloha Run as well as an endurance race in Manoa Valley that is known as the Hurt 100 long distance endurance race.

Stay nearby in one of our Daimond Head vacation rentals.

Runners compete in the Honolulu Marathon

The Honolulu Marathon draws about 20,000 runners from all part of the globe. The event has been held annually since 1973 and has continued to grow in popularity over the years. The marathon starts at Ala Moana Beach Park and goes around Diamond Head before returning to Kapiolani Park Bandstand.

The Honolulu Triathlon begins at Ala Moana Beach Park, and is part of the Annual Honolulu Triathlon Festival of Sports. The 8th annual Honolulu Triathlon takes place on May 15, 2011. The event attracts more than one thousands participants from many different countries.

The Tinman Triathlon takes place in Waikiki in July and includes an 800 meter ocean swim, 40-kilometer bike ride, and 10 kilometer swim, finishing in Kapiolani Park.

Maui
The Maui Marathon is held in the Kahului-Kaanapali Area. Other popular runs on Maui include the Run to the Sun Ultra-Marathon that climbs 10,000-foot Haleakala Volcano (36 miles), and also the Maui Surf and Sand Half Marathon which is held in Lahaina. The Maui Marathon starts in Kahului and ends at Whalers Village in Kaanapali Resort.

Please consider our Lahaina vacation rentals for your stay on Maui.

Big Island

The most famous sporting event in all of Hawaii

The Kona Marathon takes place on the west coast of the Big Island in Kailua-Kona. The Kona Marathon takes place in June and the course goes from the Keauhou Beach Resort and includes Alii Drive in Kona Town.

The Big Island also hosts the Volcano Marathon which takes place in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park in July. Also taking place in the park is the Lavaman Triathlon.

The Hilo Marathon goes by the name Big Island International Marathon. The race takes place every March on a course that runs from Pepeekeo to Hilo.

Come watch the Ironman Triathlon, stay in one of our Kona vacation rentals.

The most famous sporting event on the Big Island, and indeed in all of Hawaii, is the Ironman Triathlon which is held each year in October in Kailua-Kona. Competitors complete a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride, and a full marathon.

Kauai

Kauai’s famous Tree Tunnel

The first Kauai Marathon took place in 2009, and the 2010 race is scheduled for September 5. Runner’s World Magazine has just designated the Kauai Marathon as their August/September “Race of the Month.”

Planning a trip to Kauai? Check out our Poipu condos.

The Kauai Marathon begins in the popular coastal resort area of Poipu on the island’s south shore. The marathon course goes through the famous Tree Tunnel and climbs into Kalaheo where there are great ocean and mountain views. When it is done everyone attends a Sheraton Kauai Resort beach party.

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For the little less adventurous

Are you planning a Hawaii vacation and want to experience some Hawaiian adventures but don’t necessarily want to dive into the ocean depths, jump from the sky, or zip through the treetops on a zipline.

If you are looking for a more subdued vacation with some safe and fun adventures, here are a few things you can do for an exciting and safe Hawaii vacation.

Attend a Luau
Enjoy authentic Hawaiian entertainment at an oceanside luau at sunset with colors lighting up the sky, drums beating, and hula dancers on the stage. Some luaus also provide fire dancing shows.

Authentic Hawaiian entertainment

A classic luau provides a sumptuous meal of traditional Polynesian foods including pork lau lau and a variety of tasty treats that are dug up from the imu, a hole in the ground filled with the food and hot rocks to cook it, and then everything is buried until the food is ready. Some luaus will dig it up right before your eyes.

Looking to stay just out of the city but near all of the entertainment found in Waikiki. Please consider our nearby Kahala vacation rentals.

Catch a Show
Another fun activity is to catch a show, and a variety of Honolulu productions make for a fun night out. Some of these shows are quite advanced in their presentation with music, dance, acts of illusion and amazing dynamics. Aha Aina, A Royal Celebration takes place at the Oahu’s Royal Hawaiian Hotel on Waikiki Beach, while Creation, A Polynesian Journey plays at the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani Hotel.

Another Waikiki show is Magic of Polynesia which is billed at the “Ultimate Stage Spectacular” and features famed illusionist John Hirokawa. Honolulu Magazine readers the Society of Seven show as “The Best Show in Waikiki.”

“The Best Show in Waikiki”

Many combo packages offer a cruise in a boat along Waikiki, or underwater in a submarine, followed by a Waikiki show.

Outer Island Safe and Fun Adventures
In Waikoloa on the Big Island you can see the Gathering of the Kings Luau show that blends modern dance choreography with traditional dancing of Polynesians to tell the story of the exploration of the Pacific by ancient navigators.

In Kaanapali on the western shore of Maui is the Cirque Polynesia show, and also the Kupanaha Maui Magic show that blends traditional chants and hula with illusions and theatrics. If it is food you want on Maui then take the nostalgic Sugar Cane Dinner Train to Kaanapali where you can feast on a Hawaiian-style dinner.

Planning a trip to Maui? Check out our Kaanapali vacation rentals.

Kailua Bay Glass Bottom Boat Cruise

See what is under the surface without getting wet

The Kailua Bay Charter Co. offers glass bottom boat rides from Kailua Pier in Kona to see the marine life and coral reefs of Kailua Bay through the viewing chamber of a 24-passenger, 36- foot glass bottom boat.

This narrated tour also includes information about the local species and marine habitats of the Kona region. Another glass bottom boat tour leaves from Waikoloa Beach and views the coral gardens of Anaehoomalu Bay.

Stay nearby in one of our Kailua Kona vacation rentals.

Visit a Spa

Take a day to relax

No matter what Hawaiian Island you are visiting, another great way to enjoy your vacation is to visit one of the many island spas that will pamper you with a soothing massage to relax your muscles. Various other treatments are also available such as aromatherapy.

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No better place to get married

1. Choosing the Wedding Date
When choosing your wedding date in Hawaii be aware that some holidays are very popular for weddings including Valentine’s Day and New Year’s Eve day. Choosing such a busy day can lead to difficulties in securing a wedding location, minister, and reception site. Popular holidays may also cause problems for your guests in getting flights and hotel rooms due to the large numbers of tourists visiting Hawaii during these days.

Planning an Oahu wedding? Please consider our Lanikai luxury rentals.

2. Keeping On Schedule
Make sure you check out the site of your wedding and reception in advance. Provide guests with good directions and try to keep things right on time or you may end up dealing with conflicts with the performers or even the minister who have to leave at a certain time for another obligation. Plan for your guests’ parking in advance so they aren’t help up trying to find suitable parking options.

3. Hawaii’s Seasons

Hawaii’s weather can be unpredictable, so getting married indoors is not always a bad idea

Want to get married in this church? Stay nearby in one of our Hanalei luxury rentals.

While many people prefer being married during the summer, keep in mind that Hawaii can be quite hot and humid during this time, especially if you are wearing an elegant wedding gown or tuxedo.

If the particular location is too hot it can lead to an uncomfortable wedding as well as reception. If you are having a wedding during a warmer season then consider an afternoon or evening ceremony to keep things cooler.

4. Choosing a Location
While many couples prefer to be married in a chapel, many weddings in Hawaii take place in all sorts of non-traditional locations. Couples are married by on beaches, beneath waterfalls, and on mountaintops.

Choose a location and stick with it

Check with your minister about attending a custom ceremony and make sure the site has been approved by all parties involved. Permits are required for many locations though many wedding companies will include the permits for beach or park locations in their services.

Please consider our Lahaina luxury rentals for your wedding on Maui.

5. Other Considerations for the Big Day
Check with the State Health Department about the legal requirements of Hawaii regarding obtaining a marriage license. The Honolulu Marriage License Office is open during normal business hours. Also don’t forget to book a salon appointment well in advance of the wedding date. Some stylists will come to your hotel room which can make things easier.

Be aware that the windward sides of the islands can be quite windy, so if you are planning an outdoor wedding in these areas then plan your ceremony (and your hairstyle) accordingly. Also when you show up for your wedding don’t forget to bring money for the minister, the wedding rings, and your license.

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Honolulu is the center of Hawaii’s nightlife

Nightlife in the Hawaiian Islands can be an unforgettable experience that combines tropical themes and warm weather with a strong desire to have fun. Entertainment options are numerous on all the main islands, with Honolulu being the center of Hawaii’s nightlife world.

Oahu
If you want to dance then there are plenty of clubs in Honolulu, and every night there are many live bands playing in Waikiki as well as DJs spinning tunes at various venues. Numerous Blues and Jazz bars provide a more subdued yet just as enjoyable atmosphere.

Head over the Chinatown on the first Friday

One great Waikiki spot is Rumfire at the Sheraton on the beach with an open-air bar. Pipeline is the largest dance club in Honolulu and features a large video screen behind a deejay.

Enjoy Waikiki’s nightlife in one of our nearby Diamond Head vacation rentals.

At the Waikiki Trade Center check out Zanzabar for dancing. Lotus is one of the most popular dance clubs though often very crowded on weekends (long pants are required).

An upscale dance club is the Ocean Club at Restaurant Row. Another is the W Hotel at the bottom of Diamond Head with a lounge that can be quite festive including ocean views. The John Dominis is also a more upscale lounge.

Other Islands
Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii also has a lively club and resort bar scene as does the Kohala Coast just to the north of Kona.

Enjoy live music at the Tahiti Nui

On Kauai the best nightlife is at the main hotels, mostly in the Poipu area on the south shore and also along the east shore. Try the Tahiti Nui in Hanalei for some real local-style music.

Stay nearby the Tahiti Nui in one of our Hanalei vacation rentals.

On Maui, Lahaina is the hot spot for night life along with the Kaanapali and Kapalua resort areas.

Lahaina is the place to be at night on the island of Maui

Planning a trip to Maui? Check out our Lahaina vacation rentals.

On Molokai you can try the Paddler’s Inn known for its comedy shows as well as live music. Also check out the Lodge at Molokai with Hawaiian music on weekends, and the Hotel Molokai which is often the island’s center of night life activities.

Lanai’s night life centers around its two main resorts, the Four Seasons Resort Lanai at Manele Bay and the Lodge at Koele.

All of the main Hawaiian islands also offer dinner cruises on a large vessels appetizers or full meals as music plays you into the sunset. Some of these are dance cruises and can be a great Hawaiian vacation experience enjoying the crystal blue sea, the sunset sky, and great music.

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Activities Abound – From Boating To Hiking To Spelunking!

Hidden Adventure Jeep Tours
This is a great way to get deep into Maui’s rainforests and other remote areas where you can not only see amazing sights but also enjoy a thrilling ride.

You will see beautiful lava caves, remote ocean bays, dense rainforests, and other Maui highlights. You can enjoy all-day or half-day trips in these four-wheel drive vehicles that hold up to four people.

Tours can be designated as moderate for families, or more adventurous for those who are seeking bigger thrills. For more information about a Maui jeep tour call 808-264-1423.

Aloha Bicycle Tours
This bicycle touring company offers a wonderful upcountry ride that includes wine tasting at Maui’s Tedeschi Winery.

Enjoy a continental breakfast as well as lunch, and amble along the country roads on your 24-speed bike. Aloha Bicycle Tours also provides bicycle gloves, jackets, and support with their touring van.

The scenic bike tour is quite exhilarating, and the wine-tasting makes it a wonderful experience. For more information call 808-249-0911.

Maui Eco-Adventures
Maui Eco-Adventures is a leading eco-tour company, providing guided kayak tours, hikes and other adventures on Maui. The company supplies knowledgeable guides who provide great information as you enjoy the sights.

Adventures provided by Maui Eco-Adventures include trips to “heavenly Hana” as well as the summit of Haleakala Volcano and various hikes for beginners as well as those who are more experienced. For more information about the various options for a eco-adventure on Maui call 808-661-7720

Hike Maui
See the Maui rainforests, expansive lava fields, and other scenic spots with Hike Maui, an experienced guide company that will help you safely enjoy your adventure.

Hike Maui prides itself on providing you with good information about everything from geology to Hawaiian culture and ethno-botany. They show you the sights while also helping you understand what you are seeing.

For more information about a guided hike with Hike Maui call 808-879-5270.

Maui Cave Adventures
Located in heavenly Hana on Maui’s eastern side, Maui Cave Adventures will lead you into some remote and exciting underground caverns.

Beginners as well as experienced adventurers can join these spelunking tours that explore Maui’s spectacular Keeleku Caverns. The underground network of lava tubes will leave you gasping with excitement, especially when you see the huge underground chambers and the caverns that are more than 35 feet high.

All of the needed safety equipment is provided, inlcuding hardhats, gloves, and flashlights that will help you find your way during your underground adventure.

For more information call 808-248-7308.

Some other great Maui activities include Paragliding above Haleakala with Proflyght, Kayaking at Makena Landing with Kelii’s Kayak Tours, and Scuba Diving the sunken crater of Molokini with Mike Severns Diving. You can also get to Molokini on inflatable powered rafts that provide an exciting ride. Call Molokini Express Tours for more information.

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Summit of Haleakala is also Favorite Island Destination For Sunrise Viewing

On the dry side of Maui – the leeward side – is a massive volcano rising to more than 10,000 feet. This is Haleakala Volcano, and the summit is a lunar landscape that will make you gasp when you first see it.

Haleakala is a very important volcano to Hawaiians because this is where their revered demigod Maui is said to have snared the sun and made it move more slowly across the sky so his mother had more time to dry her tapa barkcloth.

The 10,023-foot summit of Haleakala is known as the best place to see the sunrise. Each day many people make this traditional pilgramage to the top of the mountain in the predawn hours so they are there waiting when dawn arrives.

Haleakala’s gigantic summit crater is also a sight to behold. Streaked wtih red, yellow, gray and black from ash and cinder flows, the 7-mile-long, 3,000-feet deep crater is a moonscape of cinder cones that will make you feel like you are on the moon. In fact the area has been used in the past for astronaut training for missions to the moon.

Atop Haleakala’s summit are many scientific and astronomical installations including the Mees Solar Observatory, the Maui Space Surveillance Site, a Lunar Ranging Facility, and the Advanced Electro-Optical System 3.7-meter telescope.

Haleakala’s Summit Visitor Center (808-572-4400) is located 11 miles from the Park entrance. You can also tour the summit caldera with Pony Express Tours (808-667-2200).

Some of the sights to see in this area include Hosmer Grove where the cedar and pine trees are home to many native birds, and the Leleiwi Overlook that peers down into the summit crater.

The highest point on all of Maui is Haleakala’s Puu Ulaula Summit – from here you can see Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa Volcanoes on the Big Island, and if the weather is clear you can see every Hawaiian Island except Kauai.

The 18-mile Kaupo Trail leads from Haleakala’s summit down through the crater and then through a variety of ecosystems including cinder desert, alpine shrublands, rainforests and stands of huge koa trees, before finally reaching the ocean at Kaupo.

Haleakala’s summit crater measures 21 miles around and more than 3,000 feet deep, and once you stand atop this massive Hawaiian volcano you will never forget the experience.

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