Maui South Shore Ahihi Bay

Beginner to Intermediate Level Divers and Snorkelers.....

Activity
SCUBA or Snorkel

Skill Level
Beginner to Intermediate Level Divers and Snorkelers

Depth
20 feet over most of the reef area. Reef hits sand bottom at approximately 55 feet.

Transportation
Car

Directions
Travel 2.6 miles past the Maui Prince Hotel heading south where you'll reach a gravel road on your right leading to the water. Drive in about 75 feet and park. The best entry spot is just a short distance to your left (south).

When
YEAR-ROUND; may be better in the WINTER.

Where To Dive
Head straight out from you entry point and circle around toward the left hand side of the bay. Divers can head out to deeper water. Snorkelers can range within their free diving ability.

What to Expect
You'll find an extremely colorful reef, replete with several distinct varieties of coral. Several varieties of REEF FISH, STAR FISH, URCHINS, EELS and SHELLS are present. This is a part of a natural area reserve, though, so please refrain from taking anything.

Hazards
Nothing, if the water is calm.

Facilities
None.

Comments
This is another excellent spot for a night dive. There's no wall to follow on this one though. You'll need a compass and a light burning on shore to guide yourself back out. If there's a full moon, you'll hardly need a light. The intricate detail of the various corals can really be appreciated at night.

http://www.mauidiveshop.com/snorkeltrips/snorkeltrips.html

More Fourth of July West Side Activities

In Lahaina Town, there will be a fireworks display from a barge anchored off the 800 block of Front Street at 8 pm. Front Street will be closed to vehicle traffic ffrom 5 to 9 pm between Baker and Dickenson streets, and parking will be prohibited on Front Street beginning at 4:30 pm (parking reopens at 9 pm). For traffic updates, contact the LahainaTown Action Committee at 667-9175.

With Kaanapali Resort, the Sheraton Maui will present its annual July 4th Jamboree pool side until sunset, and the Maui Marriott Resort & Ocean Club will hold its annual "Taste of Marriott" from noon to 4 pm.

Fourth of July Activities

On July 4th, the Kaanapali Beach Resort Association will host an afternoon of family fun activities at Whaler's Village in Kaanapali.

From noon to 4 pm, children's activities will be featured, along with orchestras from east and west and a magic variety show. Kids can enjoy walk-through inflatables, holiday face painting and carnival games such as Hole-in-One Golf, the Bottle Wobble, Quarterback Challenge and Teddy Bear Toss.

Arts and crafts for kids will include spin art, photo album decoration and a special Fourth of July coloring contest wtih prizes. An Uncle Sam stilt-walker and strolling magician will entertain with juggling feats and balloon animals.

Balloon arches and sculptures in a red, white and blue theme will adorn the Whaler's Village walkways. Along the Kaanapali Parkway, visitors can check out the Maui Cruisers' Classic Car Show (1916-1960 show cars).

There will be various performances throughout the afternoon on the Whalers Village entertainment stages, one situated on the beach front lawn and the other in the center courtyard.

For more information on Kaanapali Resort activities, call the Kaanapali Beach Resort Association office at 808-661-3271 or visit www.kaanapaliresort.com

Ki Hoalu Slack Key Guitar Festival

Maui Arts & Cultural Center
(808) 242-7469
13th Annual Festival features Hawaii's top slack key guitarists showcasing this traditional Hawaiian art form.

Kona to Kahului Inter-Island Air Carrier Alternative

Kona's original Big Island based inter-island air carrier, Hawaii Airtaxi, is your personal Inter-Island Air Service between Kona and Kahului, Maui. Prices are still only $75 per person plus taxes. They view safety first on their FAA certified Part 135 air carrier which has factory air conditioning and executive leather. Their plane accommodates up to 7 people plus the pilot. It cruises at 200 mph making it fast, quiet, and very comfortable for hassle free travel. It's so quiet that there is no need for headsets! Visit www.hawaiiairtaxi.com or call 808-329-7157 for more information (toll free 1-866-799-8294).

Just Desserts

Grand Waikapu Country Club
(808) 877-3680
Enjoy sweets and more at this annual fundraising event for the Maui Humane Society.

Kite Board Lessons

For one on one personalized kite board lessons, call Aqua Sports at 808-242-8015. Basic beginner lessons are 3 hours for $210. All equipment is included in all levels of training. June Specials are running at 20% off all wind and kite instruction.

Island Style Outreach Concert

On Saturday, June 26th, from 6 pm - 10 pm, there will be an Island Style Outreach Concert with worship and testimonies at the Lahaina Civic Center Amphitheatre. Gates open at 5:30 pm, Bring your beach chair or blanket.

Annual Academy Star Ball Black tie, semi-formal gala

An evening of ballroom and Latin dancing. Special guests of honor, Mayor Alan Arakawa and wife, Ann, will be in attendance. Evening includes: cocktails, dinner, dessert and performances. Sat., June 26, 5:30–11 p.m. Tickets at Aloha Ballroom Dance Academy, 891-2429 and Topaz Jewelers, 879-5877. $55 per person through June 16, and $70 per person thereafter. Limited (if any) tickets at the door. More info: www.alohaballroom.com or call 891-2949.

Kumu Kahu Theater

Maui Arts & Cultural Center
(808) 242-7469
An entertaining play promoting the power of "pidgin"

Explore The Divine Feminine Mysteries

June 25-27. This transformative weekend invites you to emerge as the woman/priestess you are: stronger and more connected to your true power, connecting to the heart and wisdom in one another, recovering, realizing and affirming the immense power of the archetypal goddess we as women each embody. Caroline Muir, co-author of Tantra: The Art of Conscious Loving and Joan Heartfield, Ph.D, 572-1250, www.divinefeminine.com.

Kihei Community Workshop

The Kihei Community Association in partnership with the County of Maui is continuing the Free Community Workshop Series. Sat., June 26 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. We invite homeowners, business owners, organiza-tions and associations in the Kamaole neighborhood to attend. The Open Space Plan and Design Guidelines for Kihei will be created from the ideas, suggestions and input of the participants. Held at Lulu’s Restaurant, behind Kalama Village. Lunch is included, and reservations appreciated. Please call KCA at 879-5390 or e-mail: kca@southmaui.org.

Explore The Divine Feminine Mysteries

This transformative weekend invites you to emerge as the woman/priestess you are; stronger and more connected to your true power; connecting to the heart and wisdom in one another; recovering, reali-zing and affirming the immense power of the arche-typal goddess we as women each embody. Friday–Sunday, June 25–27. Caroline Muir, co-author of Tantra, The Art of Conscious Loving, and Joan Heartfield, Ph.D, 572-1250, www.divine-feminine.com.

International Jazz

On August 6, 2004, enjoy smooth jazz with sax sensation Eric Marienthal, Gypsy jazz with Gypsy Pacific, Hawaiian jazz presents Keahi Conjugacion, David Choy & Gabe Baltazar, LA guitar recording artist Doug MacDonald, Ukulele magic with Abe Lagrimas, and Hawaii's own Honolulu Jazz Quartet. Tickets are available at the MACC Box Office or by calling 808-242-7469.

Swingtime in Hawaii

On August 7, 2004, get up and dance to a fabulous 17-piece Big Band. Thrill to the tunes of Swing, Latin and Blues. Guest artists include Melveen Leed, Jimmy Borges, Gabe Baltazar, David Choy, Keahi Conjugacion, Owana Salazar, Henry Allen, Sam Ahia, Ginai, Andrea Young and more! Tickets are available at the MACC Box Office or by calling 808-242-7469.

Maui Maui Humane Society Basic Dog Obedience Training Classes

Tuesday evening class begins June 22, Wednes-day class begins June 23. Classes meet weekly from 6–7 p.m. for 7 weeks. Class fee: $110. Dogs adopted from Maui Humane Society receive $50 discount. For more info call MHS at 877-3680.

Shark Dive Maui

Take the dive of a lifetime by diving in the 750,000 gallon tank with over 20 sharks at the Maui Ocean Center. You must be 15 years of age and SCUBA Certified. Openings are available on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. The dives are by reservation only. Contact 808-270-7000 for more information. The Maui Ocean Center is open daily from 9 am - 5 pm daily and is located at Ma'alaea Harbor on Highway 30.

Peace Through Mediation Week

Mediation Services of Maui announces “Peace Through Mediation Week” June 21–25. Fees will be waived to anyone who is new to mediation or who cannot afford it. Medi-ation is a confidential process in which two people meet face to face to work out a mutually agreeable solution. To schedule a mediation, call 244-5744 or visit the Web site www.mauimediation.org.

Slack Key Guitar Festival

Admission is FREE to the 13th Annual Ki Ho'Alu Slack Key Guitar Festival at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center on Sunday, June 27, 2004.

Gates Open at 1:30 pm for the 2 - 7 pm show at the A&B Amphitheater. Guests include George & Keoki Kahumoku, Carlos Andrade, George Kuo, Jeff Peterson, Donald Kaulia, Paul Togioko, Makana, Mauanlua, Daid Kahiapo, Brother Noland, Michael Ka'awa, Dennis Kamakahi, Randy Lorenxo, Kevin & Ikaika Brown, HAPA (featuring Barry Flanagan, Nathan Aweau, Eric Paul Gilliom), Native Hawaiian Band, and special guest Raiatea Helm. For more information, call 808-242-7469.

Happy Father's Day

Any man can be a Father, but it takes a special person to be called Dad. A time to let Dad know he's special to you.

How can I make this Father's Day special for my Father?

There are all kinds of things you can do to make Father's Day special for your dad. Here are a few suggestions:

Make dad breakfast in bed.
Send him flowers, the red rose is the official Father's Day flower.
Do secret acts of kindness, this might include doing one of dad's chores for him, like taking out the garbage :)
Be obedient.
Do your chores, without being asked.
Get along with your brothers and sisters.
Make or take him out to dinner.
Send him an on-line greeting card.

Kapalua Clambake Pro-Am Golf Tournament (June 18-20)

Kapalua Clamback Pro-Am Golf Tournament
Kapalua's Plantation, Village and Bay Course
(808) 669-8803
This 18th annual Pro-Am event highlights a clambake feast

The 5th Maui Film Festival at Wailea (June 16 -20)

Maui Film Festival
Information: (808) 572-3456 or (808) 579-9244
Special movie screenings and premieres under-the-stars. Contemporary Hawaiian music and The Taste of Wailea

King Kamehameha Day Pau & Floral Parade and Hoolaulea

Front Street and Banyan Tree Park, Lahaina
(888) 310-1117
A colorful parade featuring decorated horse riders, food, crafters and Hawaiian entertainment, honoring King Kamehameha the Great.

Baldwin Home

The Baldwin Home, home of the medical missionary Dwight Baldwin from the 1830's to 1868, has been restored and contains many pieces of orginal furniture and other antiques of the period. It is open from 10 am to 4:30 pm daily. Admission is $3 per person or $5 per family.

Fitness Center

Looking for a gym to use during your visit to Maui? If you are staying on the West Side of Maui (Lahaina/Kaanapali/Honokowai/Kahana/Kapalua), the Sports Club Kahana is your place.

The Sports Club in Kahana offers the following services: full weight room, group exercise classes, cardio equipment, personal training, boxing, internet access, steam rooms, Spa Pono (massages, etc.), Kahana Grill, Kahana Care for your kids, a proshop & more.

Walk in prices are as follows:
1 Day $19.00
3 Days $39.00
1 week $69.00
2 weeks $99.00
3 weeks $129.00
1 month $149.00
Additional Days: $10.00

The Sports Club is located at 4327 Lower Honoapiilani Highway in Kahana. The gym hours are Monday through Friday, 5:00 am to 11:00 pm, and on Saturdays/Sundays, 6:00 am - 10:00 pm. For more information, call 808-669-3539.

Goddess Pele is very active right now!

Lava from the banana flow of Kilauea in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is pouring into the ocean right now creating a fantastic display. The banana flow was named for the forested area near the top of the volcano where there were some banana trees. Lava from the Kilauea eruption, which began January 3, 1983, reached the ocean for the first time in nearly a year on May 30.

Yesterday, lava was flowing into the ocean at several points, providing a show from the air for helicopter tours. Although the flow has abated some in the last week, the spectacle has been drawing 2,000 visitors a day. Typically, park visitors number 300-500 visitors a day. A few visitors poked at the lava with long sticks, which immmediately burst into flames. Visitors are warned against touching the lava, for geological, safety and cultural reasons. Getting that close to the lava also is potentially dangerous. The extreme heat kicked up can be intense, and lava picked up by a stick could be flicked onto those standing nearby. Some native Hawaiians believe lava is the goddess Pele in her body form, and it is disrespectful to use rocks or sticks destructively.

Kings Trail Triathlon 4th Annual Event

Sunday, June 13, 7 a.m. at Maui Prince Hotel. This triathlon is a chance for Maui’s finest swimmers, bicyclists and runners to compete against triathletes from the Mainland. Also it’s an opportunity to watch a great competition and cheer on the hardworking athletes. Individuals & teams welcome to participate. Kama‘aina fee $75, only a few entry spaces left. www.trimaui.org.

Maui Fabulous Facials on the Beach

Red Hat Society– ‘Red Hot Mamas of Maui’ will host facials at Paradise Potions & Tropical Lotions at 65 Hana Hwy in Pa‘ia, (Across from Shell Station near Baldwin Ave.) Sunday, June 13, 2 p.m. Cost is $10– can be applied toward any purchases. Must call 891-8020 to reserve. Dress in purple with red hat. Next event: High Tea on Thu., June 24. First-timers welcome with reservation.

Free Introductory Evening “Get out of your head and into your body.”

With Beyond Barriers, a weekend workshop about being human. Saturday and Sunday, June 26 and 27. This weekend workshop uses an exercise from Meisner acting technique along with other processes and modalities to explore honesty, connection and freeing self expression. Call Andrea at 573-3253.

Kings Trail Triathlon Maui

Maui’s finest swimmers, bicyclists and runners will be competing against triathletes from the Mainland. Come cheer on the athletes in this Olympic-distance triathlon. The race starts and finishes at Maui Prince Hotel and Resort. From Maui Prince spectators can see the finish of each leg, (swim, bike and run), as well at the course start and finish line. Sun., June 13, 7 a.m. More info: www.trimaui.org.

Upcountry Fair (June 12-13)

Eddie Tam Complex, Makawao
Country fair with livestock auction, farmers market, entertainment, crafts and food booths.

Watch a Soap Master at work

Island Soap Company began pouring Hawaii's orginal handmade soap in 1984 in a secluded warehouse on another island. Soon visitors were asking for a peek at the process. The Soap Master was agreeable and soon Island Soap & Candle Works was born establishing factories and shops on three islands, including one next to the Maui Ocean Center at Maalaea Harbor on Maui.

In medieval Europe, soap makers belonged to a secret guild. In fact, to this day, soap making is still somewhat of a hidden art. At the Soap & Candle Factory in Maalaea, you will see Hawaii's only soap and candle factory in operation while stepping back in time as the mysteries are revealed. The Soap Master will make soap and candles while you watch.

You can choose from racks of hand-poured bars of soap that have been cured for 21 days in Maui's warm, tropical tradewinds. These soaps capture tropical fragrances and will bring the sensual feeling of the islands to your bathing experience. The folks at Island Soap produce fresh, natural soaps using herbs, essential oils and pure vegetable oils including macadamia nut and kukui nut which make these bars exeptionally moisturizing and gentle for all skin types. Fragrances include Mango Coconut, Mandarin Lemon Grass, Strawberry Guava, Vanilla Papaya and Lavender Rose.

The factory is open everyday from 9 am to 8 pm. For more information, call 808-986-8383.

Barefoot Boogie at the Studio Maui

in Ha‘iku (Marketplace, behind True Value). Dance to your delight with DJ Satdeva at Maui’s most beautiful new move-ment, healing arts and cultural center. Saturday, June 12, at 7:30 p.m. $5 at the door. Class schedule available online www.thestudiomaui.com or call 575-9390. 1st class free!

World Ocean Day Maui

On June 12, Maui Ocean Center presents a 10% off discount in honor of World Ocean Day. Guests who bring a clean, empty plastic milk jug will receive 10% off general or kama‘aina admission (limit 1 discount/person, not valid with other discounts). The jugs will be recycled into a boardwalk for Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge.

Red Dirt Shirts

On Maui, you can see daily demonstrations of red dirt shirts being dyed at the Red Dirt Shirts store in Lahaina at the Wharf Cinema Center across from the Banyan Tree on Front Street in Lahaina.

The secret to making red dirt shirts is two cups of dirt for every two dozen shirts. Not just any dirt. It has to be red dirt, the kind found in rich, volcanic soil of the Islands. Not only is the dirt mined from native soil, but a Hawaiian minister blesses it before it's dipped in the dyeing vat. The final product is on sale all over Hawaii under the label Red Dirt Shirts, and in less than 10 years, sales worldwide have topped $1 million.

Dirt shirts orginated on Kauai following a 1992 hurricane. After the storm, Bob Hedin, owner of the company, found the wind had stained all his shirts with fine, red powder dust blown from sugarcane and pineapple fields. Unable to wash it off, Hedin decided to work with the dirt instead of against it.

Though the shirts were designed with sports like mountain biking, hiking and off-roading in mind, they are seen everywhere from sunwear to shopping to sleep wear. For more information, call 808-661-8983.

Need a stoller rental on Maui?

Many visitors ask me where to rent baby strollers, cribs, vcrs, etc. while they are visiting Maui and the best place to rent is from Wild Wheels Wentals. They deliver and pick up from all of the major hotels/condos. For rentals on the West side of Maui (Lahaina/Kaanapali/Kapalua), call 808-661-4131. For South side (Kihei/Wailea) rentals, call 808-879-0220.

Quicksilver Cup Maui

The 2004 Quicksilver Cup Maui Windsurfing Race Series will be held at Kanaha Beach Park in Kahului on Saturday, June 26, 2004. This is a competition for all levels, including professional, semi-pro, expert, advanced and sport divisions, wtih ages ranging from junior to age 55 and over. Race starts at 11 am at Kanaha Beach Park. For more information, call High Tech Surf Sports at 808-877-2111.

Bailey House Museum

The Baily House Museum is the home of the Maui Historical Society. The 1833 missionary home offers gardens, Hawaiian artifacts, 19th century oils of Maui's landscape, Hawaiian quilts and more. The Museum shop offers quality island crafts, books, music, etc.

It is located at 2375A Main Street in Wailuku. Is is open from 10 am to 4 pm Monday through Saturday. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors, $1 for children 7 - 12, and free for children 6 and under. For more information, call 808-244-3326.

Golf Discounts

Golf discounts are few and far between on Maui but there is a great resource for golf discounts if you order the Hawaii IQ Card prior to your arrival on Maui. Check out the Hawaii IQ Card which offers discounts for up to four people at various Maui golf courses (including Kapalua, Wailea, The Dunes at Maui Lani, Elleair, Pukalani, and the courses on Lanai).

Check out the Hawaii IQ card at
http://www.paradisemaui.com/coupons/index.html#

Maui Queen and Maui Weekly Form Strategic Alliance to Provide Comprehensive Maui Vacation and Travel Information

Aloha from the offices of Maui Queen " Just can't get better than this "

Read all about it - On Google News

Marine Life Naturalist Certification Course

Offered by Pacific Whale Foundation, the course covers Hawai‘i’s sea turtles, inverte-brates, fishes, monk seals, seabirds and cetaceans. Held in Ma‘alaea on 7 evenings (M-W-F), 7 to 9 p.m. Partici-pants may take exam on June 21 for Marine Life Naturalist certification. $129 (includes handouts). PWF members receive a 15% discount. For info/registration 249-8811.

The Shops at Wailea Maui

The variety and quality of the offerings presented by the galleries at The Shops at Wailea are second to none. From internationally renowned artists to local artists on the rise, from painting to sculpture to jewelery, you'll find it all.

DIRECTIONS:

FROM WITHIN THE WAILWA RESORT:
Take Wailea Alanui Drive to the interdection of Wailea Ike Drive. Watch for the signs,and you can't miss it.

FROM PI'ILANI HIGHWAY:
Take Wailea Ike Drive toward the ocean until you reach the traffic light at Wailea Alanui Drive. You can take a right or left turn onto Wailea Alanui Drive. There are entrances to The Shops at Wailea either way.

Open daily from 9:30 am to 9pm. Select merchants open earlier and remain open later. Management office: (808) 891 - 6770; www.shopsatwailea.com; email: info@shopsatwailea.com

Wailea Golf "Fore" Dad

Treat Dad with the gift of golf for Father's Day! Include him in your foursome this Father's Day weekend (June 19 & 20, 2004) and his round is on the golf course*! And for the perfect gift, shop at the Wailea golf pro shops and get 10% off all men's apparel, June 14-20, 2004. For reservations, call 808-875-5111.

*Each Dad must play with three paying guests.

Maui Film Festival

Save the dates! The Maui Film Festival at Wailea will be held June 16-20, 2004. For program information and ticket purchases, go to www.mauifilmfestival.com or call 808-572-3456.

Maui Pride 2004

Show your ‘ohana pride! Both Sides Now holds its annual Maui Pride Day, Sunday, June 6 in Kihei. Highlights include Lesbian Brunch, 10 a.m. to noon. The Kalama Park main event, noon to 10 p.m., featur-ing entertainer Blaine Bell, and The Jawz Pride Finale Dance, 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Crafters/educational booths are welcome. Contact bsn@mauigayinfo.com or www.mauigayinfo.com for more information.

Try Canyon Jumping!

Skyline Eco-Adventures, based on Haleakala Ranch, offers the newest and unique activity on Maui! Canyon jumping zipline style!

See yourself sailing through space over gulches and through trees high on the slopes of Haleakala. Here's how it works. You'll be buckled into a harness, which will then be attached to an overhead zipline. You'll walk to the edge of the crevice, take a couple of steps into thin air and before you know it, you'll land on the other side. You'll have the opportunity to repeat the process over a series of gulches. I have done it and it is thrilling. Taking that first step off is hard but then, it's just fun!

The equipment exceeds all industry standards for safety. Each zipline is made of galvanized aircraft cable and has a minimum breaking strength of 14,400 pounds, which is the equivalent of a semi-truck hanging from the line. The pulleys, carabiners and seat harnesses have a minimum breaking strength of 5,000 pounds.

Skyline guides are adept in every aspect of the tour and practiced in all safety procedures. The tour starts with a walk through the woods and then you'll be ready to leap. Anyone over 12 years of age can participate. To get to Skyline headquarters, take Highway 37 to Highway 378 (Crater Road) and drive two and a half miles to the red and white building on the left. For more information, give them a call at 808-874-8400.

Maui AIDS Foundation Benefit

Décor Extravaganza 3rd annual event, silent and live auction. Sat., June 5, 6–10 p.m. Grand Waikapu Ballroom. Featuring the island’s finest furniture, art and other memorabilia. Tickets $40 at the door. At-tendees must be 21 and older. Ticket includes admission, live and silent auction, fashion show and dinner. Revenue will directly benefit the Hawaiian community through the Maui AIDS Foundation’s HIV Education and Prevention Services. For more info about this event please call 242-4900.

Lahaina's Historic Prison

Lahaina's prison from the whaling days in the 1800s, Hale Pa'ahao was built from coral stone from the demolished waterfront fort. It has the standard wall shackles and ball-and-chain restraints for difficult prisoners. It is located at the corner of Prison St and Wainee St in Lahaina and is open from 10 am to 4 pm, Monday through Friday. Admission is free. For more information, call 808-667-1985.

Lahaina Heritage Museum

"Where history and culture come alive," the museum presents Lahaina's history from ancient to modern in an interactive manner, telling stories of the people and past that make Lahaina what is it today.

Now showing "The Pacific Canoe to Log to Launch & Beyond the Horizon." The Lahaina Heritage Museum is located at 648 Wharf St at Banyan Tree Park in Lahaina. It is open from 9 am to 5 pm daily. Admission is free. For more information, call 808-661-1959.

Hale Kahiko

The Hale Kahiko (ancient house) is located in Lahaina Center, Lahaina. It is an outdoor Hawaiian exhibit, showcasing the arts and skills of ancient Hawaiians. The 10,000 square foot village of life-sized thatched house, imu and Hawaiian implements hearkens back to the culture and lifestyle of the ancient people of Lahaina.

Hale Kahiko is located at 900 Front Street and is open from 9 am to 6 pm daily. Admission is free. There are free guided tours from 10 am to 4 pm on weekdays. For more information, call 808-667-9216.

Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary

The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary is emblazoned with murals of undersealife, educational displays, artifacts, reading and video materials on humpback whales and their habitat.

There are monthly lectures and free educational materials. The Sanctuary is open from 10 am to 3 pm, Monday through Friday. Admission is free. It is located at 726 South Kihei Road in Kihei. For more information, call 808-879-2818.

Hidden Maui Accommodations: I Ke Kala's Hula Hale

I Ke Kala's Hula Hale is a little gem of an accommodation located in Upcountry Maui. It is the perfect place to rest and recharge during your Maui vacation.

I had a very stressful day...my toddler was unhappy, my car was letting out this embarrassing “banshee-like” scream every time I turned the key, a check bounced, a new wrinkle...PMS, you name it, the world may as well have stopped turning.

So when I finally got to I Ke Kala’s Hula Hale in historic little Makawao Town (two hours late, mind you), the first thought that ran through my tired and frustrated head was, “Hmm, it’s small...”.

The cool thing about it is that upon leaving I Ke Kala’s Hula Hale, the last thought that ran through my now rested and rejuvenated head was, “Small is just what I needed”.

Here’s why big isn’t always better and how sometimes David really does conquer Goliath, even in the Maui Bed and Breakfast world:

I Ke Kala’s Hula Hale is located Upcountry (Haleakala towers above it, the activity and craziness of Central Maui take place miles below it) in a little nook about a minute and a half walking distance from quaint and historic Makawao Town.

Being so close to Makawao is fantastic. In Makawao you’ll find anything from hot and hip designer clothes to sweet and greasy Mom and Pop donuts (found at Komoda’s Store...a “must go”) all within a hop across the street from each other. It’s a beautiful little town, full of eucalyptus trees and old tiny shops that are bursting with personality.

I Ke Kala’s Hula Hale really epitomizes what Makawao is. When you enter the one bedroom, plus bathroom studio, you’ll immediately notice that the floor is covered in traditional Lauhala mats. Every time you take a step at I Ke Kala’s Hula Hale you get the sensation of being grounded to something real and natural. This is a very important factor (this “being grounded” thing) in healing and resting...or so I’ve found out.

The main room has a queen sized bed (very comfortable) and you have the option of either down pillows or “regular” pillows. This is really important to those who are allergic to down...you’d be surprised how many B&B’s don’t think about this...Ha-Choo! Nothing like having to be disoriented off of Sudafed during your entire vacation because of your bedding.

The amenities that I Ke Kala’s Hula Hale provides are just enough to get by with...cable TV with a built in VCR, a hot plate, mini fridge, microwave, toaster, coffee pot and telephone, but nothing fancy enough to seduce you into thinking “luxury”. There is nothing there to distract you. This is a good thing... But don’t get the impression that your going to have to “rough it “ here either. I Ke Kala’s Hula Hale definitely has a few aces up its sleeve...

One of the truly magnificent “extras” that you’ll find at I Ke Kala’s Hula Hale is a seventeen jet, therapeutic, amazing, awesome, is-it-possible-to-fall-in-love-with-an-inanimate-device (because I think I just did), hot tub. This is a professional grade hot tub that you’re not going to find available at another B&B. It’s located out doors, hidden from view by a lot of thick greenery and is clothing optional. Don’t worry, you’ll be alone at I Ke Kala’s Hula Hale, so you can unwind in the tub in the great outdoors without worrying that anyone is going to hop in (naked) next to you.

The other one-of-a-kind extra that I Ke Kala’s Hula Hale has above any other B&B is its hosts. Terri Holter and Amy Lord are filled with the Spirit of Aloha, know the island in and out and own the New Waves Wellness Center in Makawao Town.

The New Waves Wellness Center is a great and reasonable place to check out if you need help with the 3 R’s: relaxing, recouping and remedies. They offer therapeutic massage, alternative healing, and Maui’s very own floatation tank! For those of you who are familiar with “floating” you can continue jumping up and down for joy...for those of you who aren’t familiar with flotation, here’s a brief run down: Floatation is a form of REST (restrictive environmental stimulation therapy) in which you enter a dark and quiet tank and simply float your cares and muscle aches away. It’s the closest thing to being back in the womb, and is an awesome experience that has numerous benefits for the body, mind and spirit.

Terri and Amy offer “Wellness “ packages for those that are staying at I Ke Kala’s Hula Hale. They are extremely hospitable and are open to customizing your stay with them.

Their passion and knowledge in getting and keeping a person whole and healthy really explains the whole comfy bed and therapeutic hot tub thing...What did I expect from these two amazing Mauians?

I realized during my stay that what I Ke Kala’s Hula Hale offered the visitor was something completely different than what the other B&B’s were going for. I Ke Kala’s Hula Hale offers simplicity and refuge in its most basic form. What you do with the space, or maybe rather, what you allow the space to do is up to you.

Not to get overly dramatic or anything, but the feeling that staying at I Ke Kala’s Hula Hale gave me was like being wrapped in an honest friend’s arms...a friend that promises to always support you, but never falsely flatter you.

I Ke Kala’s Hula Hale is a fantastic choice for the lone traveler, or couple that is seeking better emotional and physical health. The air is clean, the thoughts are deep, the environment is pure, the bed is comfy, the hosts are knowledgeable, the location is convenient, and it’s small....small enough that you won’t be able to hide from yourself or eachother...small enough to embrace you like a cocoon.

You’ll inch your way into I Ke Kala’s Hula Hale a tired caterpillar and when you awake from it all you’ll realize that somehow and somewhere along the way you’ve changed into a butterfly...just like magic. Maui magic.

For more information please call toll-free 877-787-44440, or within Hawaii 808-572-0664
Visit them on the Web at: www.IKeKala.com
email: reservations@IKeKala.com

Hidden Maui Accommodations: The Banyan Tree House, Maui

The Banyan Tree House, Maui is a B&B not to be missed.... saltwater pool, Jacuzzi and super-cool kitchen put this Upcountry accommodation on the top of my list.

Nestled in the cool shade, fresh air and acre after acre of pineapple fields is the Banyan Tree House, Maui.

It sits quietly below the paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) town of Makawao, and above the intense heat and hustle-bustle of “windsurfing mecca” Paia town.

To describe the Banyan Tree House in a few words, I would say that it is a harmonious balance of someplace soothing--a place to heal, and a place that is very inspiring--a place to create.

For those that are looking for a peaceful place to finish that novel (whether you’re reading or writing it) while literally immersing yourself in rich Maui history, the Banyan Tree House, Maui is an excellent accommodation choice.

When you stay at the Banyan Tree