New Archery Program Announced at Hana Hotel

Target - Road to Hana Tour

Travaasa Hana has announced a new program at its resort for guests to participate in. Archery is the newest addition to the resorts activity offerings.

The program manager at the Travaasa Hana, Karyn Johnson, said “We’re pleased to be the only hotel on Maui to offer archery. Our expansive lawn area, quietly swaying palm trees, and Hana’s breathtaking natural beauty create the perfect backdrop for this unique and enriching experience.”

 

The Travaasa website describes the basis for being a good archer. Their instructor’s lessons will “boost your mental attention, and connect your breath to physical performance.” Developing the skills to concentrate in distracting environments is something that archers do to heighten all aspects of their lives.

With the incredible amount of beauty that is found in Hana there is no doubt that practicing archery in this environment will surely test your abilities to focus, while building your mental attention.

Instructors are certified archery instructors who are long time hotel employees. They weretrained in the Junior Olympic Archery Development program and certified by USA Archery. They teach techniques to develop focus, patience, flexibility, concentration, and attention skills.

Archery complements Travaasa Hana’s existing adventure programming, which includes throw net fishing, coastal horseback rides, bicycle tours, and more. Travaasa Hana also incorporates culinary, culture, fitness, and spa/wellness activities into its extensive programming lineup. All activities reflect the local traditions and small town flavor of Hana.

The beautiful resort is located at the end of the world-famous Road to Hana. This experience is offered exclusively to hotel guests at no additional cost. Sign-ups are first come, first serve, and are limited to six guests per class.

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Waianapanapa Coastal Trail Featured As One Of 8 Best Coastal Hikes

Gadling, a blog from the Huffington post, has published an article featuring 8 of the best coastal walks from across the world. Among their list are some picturesque hikes that will also keep you in shape during your vacation.

The blog post features coastal walks from places such as the Abel Tasman Coast Track in New Zealand to the Pembrokeshire Coast Path National Trail in Wales, UK. Many of the walks and trails cover long expanses of the coasts, such as the one in New Zealand which covers roughly 34 miles.

Making the list is the Waianapanapa Coastal Trail on Maui! Gadling comments that “while not the longest hiking trail in the world (about 4-5 miles), the Hana-Waianapanapa Coastal Trail Maui, Hawaii, has extremely unique scenery, including tidepools, blowholes, sea Waianapanapa - Discover Hawaii Newsarches, black rock beaches, steep cliffs, jagged lava coastlines, ancient temples, and spots where dark black lava dramatically meets with the bright blue sea.”

If you are going to be on Maui you should definitely try and check out the Waianapanapa Coastal Trail, which starts just to the southeast of Waianapanapa State Park and runs through the park almost to Hana airport. About halfway down the trail you’ll find a Hawaiian Heiau.

It is suggested to wear a heavy duty pair of shoes or hiking boots because much of the trail is made out of sharp lava rocks. The beaches that the trail overlooks are mostly made of black sand, and you will see local fisherman lining the coastline here. Looking inland you will be viewing the Hana Forest Reserve which contains some very dense vegetation, and provides some great photo opportunities.

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3rd Annual Hana Limu Festival 2011

Celebrate the ancient Hawaiian food known as limu, seaweed delicacies that were a staple in the Hawaiian diet. The Hana Limu Festival celebrates the long-lasting respect Hawaiian culture has held for it’s favorite edible sea grasses.

Event details:

Saturday, November 5, 2011
Free!
Hana Bay, Hana
10:30am-3:30pm
808-269-2514

3rd Annual Hana Limu Festival 2011

3rd Annual Hana Limu Festival 2011

Today, native Hawaiians and Hawaii locals might know a few types of limu, but ancient Hawaiians knew dozens–some say up to seventy! Here’s a look at some of the most popular and widely used limu varieties:

  • limu kohu, the much sought-after “supreme” seaweed with a potent iodine-rich flavor
  • limu huluhuluwaena, a favorite of Queen Liliuokalani’s, dark and stringy texture
  • limu kala was not so much as food but as a way to heal physical and spiritual injuries
  • limu manauea, crunchy and red in texture, is cooked in an underground oven with media

At the event, which is free by the way, you’ll enjoy live music, cooking demonstrations, tasty samples, the chance to talk story with community members and kupuna (elders).

Maui’s Hana Town is accessible via the Road to Hana, also known as the Hana Highway.

Learn more about limu with this Maui No Ka Oi magazine article.

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The Price of Paradise (if you drive a car)

As one of Hawaii’s top tour providers on Maui, the Road to Hana Tour offers unbeatable prices for every visitor searching for value and quality on their next Hana Tour on Maui.

Think twice about driving the long, winding Road to Hana because gasoline hit an all-time high on Maui: $6.03 a gallon this past May.

Gas Prices in Hawaii by puuikibeach

Gas Prices in Haleiwa, Hawaii in 2005

That’s more than $2.00 over the national average. The cheapest gas in the US is just slightly over $3.30. But if you’re renting a car on the Valley Isle (Maui), be sure to watch your wallet, because $6/gallon can quickly add up.

Although the Road to Hana isn’t the only highway in America that’s experiencing high costs of gas, according to the Los Angeles Times, Highway 190 in Death Valley, California recently hit just under $6.00 a gallon.

Gas prices fluctuate, and as of this post gasoline in Honolulu on Oahu averaged $3.80 per gallon (the national average is about $3.50 at the moment). But there’s always one thing that is certain when travelling to Hawaii:

There’s a price to paradise. And gas prices are no exception.

Concerned about low cost trips on your Hawaii vacation? Worried about finding the best tour at an affordable price? We’re here for you.

Experience ease of mind as you let a tour guide do all the driving. Forget about the gas prices because complimentary hotel pickup is included for many Maui hotels (just ask our friendly reservations agents!)

Book your Road to Hana Tour with us today!

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The 2011 Shaka List on Maui No Ka ‘Oi Magazine

Maui Hana WaterfallWhen you close your eyes and imagine the best things to do on Maui, what comes to mind?

The Road to Hana, of course.

But a million more sightseeing locations, dining spots, tourist attractions and breathtaking lookouts come to mind.

Thankfully, for the sake of a year’s worth of discover, investigation and reviews, Maui No Ka ‘Oi Magazine publishes their annual Shaka List–their favorite places and island quirks that make Maui “the best”.

The top winners on the Shaka List? Take a look at the magazine’s “magnificent and humble” choices:

  • Year-round sunshine
  • Apple bananas
  • Sunday’s at Grandma’s Coffee House
  • No mo’ Plastic Bags
  • Full moon hike in Haleakala

And without question, the final Shaka List winner is … the Shaka!

Whoever originated the “hang loose” hand signal remains a mystery, but its meaning is as clear as ever. A nonverbal version of “aloha,” shaking your thumb and pinky says: “Hello,” “Take it easy,” “Goodbye,” and “Thanks.”

Road to Hana Tours offers exciting tours along the Hana Highway, with picturesque ocean views and rainforest discoveries, no Maui vacation should be without a tour around the Road to Hana.

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Ono Eats at Restaurant Week in Wailea

Over a dozen restaurants in Wailea, Maui are offering special deals on their menus, which will be tailored specifically for this year’s Restaurant Week, from May 22-28, 2011. Local residents and visitors on a Hawaii vacation can enjoy gourmet, pre-fixe meals from $29-$49.

The best part about the Maui food event? No tickets, passes or invitations required! Simply call the restaurant of your choice and place your reservation in advance. Keep in mind, this popular Maui activity will have reservation books filling up fast!

The Wailea Resort Association organizes the event, which showcases 15 Wailea, Maui restaurants. Wailea is located on the south central coast of Maui, just south of Kihei.

[Enjoy] award winning culinary talent, delectable restaurants celebrity chefs and amazing three course, pre-fixe menus for just $29*/$39*/$49* per person (*depending on the restaurant: beverages, tax and gratuity not included).
- From wailearesortassociation.com

Check out the full list of restaurants participating in this year’s event:

Capische? at the Hotel Wailea (808) 879-2224
DUO Steak and Seafood at the Four Seasons (808) 874-8000
Gannon’s Wailea Gold & Emerald Course (808) 875-8080
Humuhumunukunukuapua’a at the Grand Wailea (808) 875-1234
Joe’s in Wailea at the Wailea Tennis Club (808) 875-7767
KAI Wailea at the Shops at Wailea (808) 875-1955
Kō at the Fairmont Kea Lani  (808) 875-4100
Longhi’s at The Shops at Wailea (808) 891-8883
Mala Wailea at the Wailea Marriott (808) 875-9394
Matteo’s (808) 874-1234
Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman (808) 891-2322
Mulligan’s on the Blue at the Wailea Blue Course (808) 874-1131
Nick’s Fishmarket Maui at the Fairmont Kea Lani (808) 879-7224
Pita Paride Bistro Wailea (808) 879-7177
Ruth’s Chris Steak House at The Shops at Wailea (808) 874-8880

Don’t forget to tour the Road to Hana when you’re on Maui!

2011 Restaurant Week Wailea Maui Poster

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#MauiSunset: Daily Maui Photos

No vacation in Maui should be without a sunset, and luckily for most visitors there are breathtaking sunsets almost every night in this island paradise.

But what if you lucked out? Or maybe your camera batteries died during that decisive moment? Or what if you simply can’t get tired of seeing beautiful Maui sunsets? (We know we can’t!)

Blogger Kris Nelson of Ka’anapali Dreamin‘ has created an ongoing catalog of daily photos of Maui Sunsets. Nelson’s goal is to help people relive their favorite memories and put a smile on their faces everyday.

Imagine if there was a website that you could use to browse different Maui sunsets by choosing a particular night or location? Maybe you were driving back to your hotel and saw a great sunset but couldn’t stop for a photo. Or maybe you witnessed an awesome sunset in Lahaina and wondered what it looked like to the folks in Wailea.

By curating as many Maui sunsets as I can through the Flickr group, and working with the Flickr API like I have been doing for years now, I’m hoping to add such a feature over at the Daily Maui Photo website.

The collection is on Flickr and at his website, dailymauiphoto.com/mauisunset. He also has an iPhone App available, Daily Maui Photo.

Image of Maui Sunset on Flickr

Maui sunset, Creative Commons photo by goodmami

 

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A wine lover’s paradise: Kapalua Wine & Food Festival

Maui’s four-day culinary extravaganza is back for its 30th year! Hosted by Master Sommelier Fred Dame, the annual Kapalua Wine & Food Festival in west Maui promises to be the best event yet. Interactive tastings, exciting seminars, gourmet demonstrations and gala events will surely entice every palate.

Image of the Kapalua Wine and Food Festival

The Kapalua Wine and Food Festival attracts wine and food lovers from around the globe. (Image by Kapalua Wine and Food Festival)

Hawaii’s longest running food-and-wine festival, held at the Ritz-Carlton in Kapalua, combines a dream Maui vacation with a wine lover’s paradise of international and Hawaii-grown wines. One of Maui’s most renowned restauranteurs, Peter Merriman, is scheduled as the Featured Chef. A special focus on Hawaii’s Regional Cuisine—with special treats grown right in Maui’s rich countryside—will surely satisfy even the most discriminating tastebuds! Special appearances are scheduled by the following master sommeliers:

  • Michael Jordan
  • Geoff Kruth
  • Andrew McNamara
  • Rob Bigelow
  • Jay Fletcher

The festival runs June 9-12, 2011 at the Ritz-Carlton.
Ticket prices and festival information can be found here and here.

Experience the majesty of Maui on your next Hawaii vacation. Be sure to explore east Maui on a tour around the famous Road to Hana, one of America’s most scenic—and winding—drives. Just be sure to save the wine till the end of the trip!

Enjoy your next Maui vacation with a Road to Hana Tour package, including a visit to Tedeschi Winery in east Maui. Discover Hawaii Tours offers world-class tours of Maui, Oahu, Kauai and Big Island.

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10 Reasons to Tour Maui’s Road to Hana

1. Go Sightseeing, Not Driving.
Trust our professional drivers to safely navigate nearly 70 miles, over 600 curves and 50 single-lane bridges on the Road to Hana. It’s a long way to scenic Hana Town. Wouldn’t you rather watch out for beautiful waterfalls, not the next blind turn?

2. Unrestricted Access.
Rental cars aren’t allowed on the southernmost stretch of road just outside Hana. Many

Hana Highway, scenic drive around Hawaii's Valley Isle

Maui's Hana Highway

drivers have to turn around and travel the same route twice—missing out on magnificent sights like the 80-foot Wailua Falls, a must-see on your Maui vacation. Don’t worry, our mini-coaches have access to the entire highway so you can enjoy the Road to Hana at its fullest!
3. Stop at All the Right Places.
We’ll take you to dozens of sites, including Pa’ia Town, Ho’okipa Beach, Puohokamoa Falls, Keanae Look-Out, Puaa Kaa State

Park and many more! In truth, there are enough things to see along the Road to Hana to fill an entire weeks worth. Of course, we know exactly how much time to spend at each location so you can experience it all in a day.

4. Hotel Pick-Up
Convenient hotel pick-up and drop-off is included in your trip. All you need to do is enjoy the comfort of our deluxe coaches as we head towards the Road to Hana. Staying on Oahu? We’ll make the arrangements for you!

5. Expert Guides
Our knowledgeable tour guides are passionate about Hawaii’s history, Hawaiian culture, and Maui’s attractions—even it’s flora! We’ll answer all your questions on our Road to Hana Tour, plus everything you never thought to ask. Learn about Maui’s unique wonders while enjoying the luscious scenery from the comfort of your seat.

6. Unlimited Photo Opportunities
Frequent stops give you endless opportunities for your next family photo and award-worthy pictures.

7. Deluxe Mini-Coaches
Relax in our clean and comfortable buses with luxuriously large viewing windows. Our Road to Hana Tour gives you the freedom to enjoy every moment of your Hawaiian vacation without the stress of driving the winding Hana Highway.

8. Lunch included.

Don’t waste time looking for a restaurant, we provide a delicious picnic lunch at a scenic location. Drinking water is provided. You’re welcome to taste local wine when we stop at Tedeschi Winery in southern Maui.

9. Go swimming.
Complete your Maui vacation with a swim at a black sand beach or a dip under a misty waterfall. Just don’t forget your swim suit and a towel!

10. No cancellation fees.

Our convenient cancellation policy is simple: call or email us at least 48 hours in advance and we will reschedule or cancel your Road to Hana Tour at no cost!

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3 Magnificent Waterfalls Seen On Tour

As one of the most scenic routes in the world, the Road to Hana offers incredible sites to see everywhere you look. All day long we stop at multiple sites to witness the beauty and awe-inspiring scenery along Maui’s coastline. One of the attractions on tour are all the amazing tropical waterfalls that can be seen along the way. Here are 3 magnificent waterfalls that are highlighted on our Road to Hana Tour.

Puohokamoa Falls

A short walk off the Road to Hana and you’ll discover the Puohokamoa Falls tucked away in a tropical forest. We guide you to this 30ft waterfall on an easy 5 minute walk where you’ll discover a tranquil pool with cascading falls. The Puohokamoa Falls is part of a series of waterfalls that are all on the Puohokamoa Stream. It is a peaceful experience to be at the falls as its away from any road or development.

Waikani Falls

This famous landmark on the Road to Hana can see right from the road as you drive by. The falls hold the nickname “three bears falls”  for having a large (papa bear), medium (mama bear), and small (baby bear) set of falls that cascade into a tranquil fresh pool of water. On tour, we slow down for viewing pleasure and photo opportunity.

 

Wailua Falls

Located roadside on the Hana Highway, this impressive 200ft waterfall is the largest one you’ll see on tour. Water plummets down a steep vertical cliff surrounded by lush green vegetation sending misty water high into the sky. When the sun hits just right, rainbows fill the sky as light shines through the mist filled air. We like to take the time to appreciate the majesty and beauty of the falls, so we stop there for 10-15 minutes for everyone’s enjoyment.

 

The waterfalls along Hana Highway are part of the reason why it is the most beautiful driving route in the world. With so many sites to see, we chose the most amazing attractions to show you on the Road to Hana Tour. Taking a tour will allow you to see all the magnificent landscapes, with out having to concentrate on the windy coastal drive. Just sit back, relax, and let us show you the way!

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