Local Expert
Brenda Yun
I'm a surfer girl and freelance writer who can't seem to get enough out of life abroad. Despite my frequent travels, my life in Hawaii (namely, my six-year old pug Iris) keeps me grounded. Here…
I'm a surfer girl and freelance writer who can't seem to get enough out of life abroad. Despite my frequent travels, my life in Hawaii (namely, my six-year old pug Iris) keeps me grounded. Here in Honolulu, buildings pop up like tourists wearing tacky aloha shirts, shops come and go like the trade winds (but ABC stores never close), traffic is part of keeping Hawaiian time--there's no wonder the speed limit is 50, but the feeling of stepping off the plane and walking in the open air to the baggage claim is unmistakable.
I heart Hawaii. I heart spam musubi and plate lunch. I heart crowded line ups at Diamond Head and Straight Outs. I heart Bruddah Iz. I heart the feeling of shedding skin as I drive through pineapple fields in to Haleiwa. The pot of gold is found in the Rainbow State. Hop on over to the "Rock" and see.
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Three miles off the coast of Maui’s south shore lies Molokini, a sunken cinder cone that offers world-class snorkeling, diving, and boat adventures.
Molokini’s crescent, quarter-moon shape acts as a fortress the provides protection from waves and powerful currents. In addition, its marine and bird conservation laws make it one of Hawaii’s best shelters to over 250 species of fish and other amazing marine and bird life. Most days, the water is crystal clear with more than 100 feet of visibility. Humpback whales pass during the winter through late spring, and green sea turtles, monk seals, and eagle rays occupy the surrounding waters.
There are over twenty tour companies that organize different snorkeling or day trips to Molokini. Tours depart daily from Ma’alaea and Lahaina harbors.
The following are a few tour companies that frequent Molokini:
Activity Warehouse, (808) 667-4000
Friendly Charters, (808) 244-1979
Maui Classic Charters, (808) 879-8188
Pacific Whale Foundation, (808) 249-8811
The Lahaina Cruise Company, (808) 661-7378
If you’ve ever thought about jumping off a cliff and zooming along a cable cord to the bottom, then Maui is it for you. Quickly becoming one of the most popular destinations for zipline and rappelling adventures, you can soar through deep gulches or along the side of a waterfall and pretend you’re Evil Kneivel for a day.
Skyline Eco-Adventures was the first zipline tour company to operate in the United States. Establishing five ziplines on Haleakala Ranch in 2002 and recently having opened a new site above Ka’anapali with eight new ziplines, this is the best company to seek that thrilling, death-defying zipline flight. Everything about your ride will be safe and secure. You’ll be fitted to a custom seat harness and walked through a brief safety course before stepping into thin air. To get to Skyline Eco-Adventures in Haleakala, take Highway 37 to Highway 377, turn left onto Crater Road (Hwy 378) and drive three miles to the white and red building on your left. The Ka’anapali tour meets you at Skyline’s retail show in the Fairway shops in Ka’anapali. Or, call Skyline at (808) 878-8400.
Maui Canyon Adventures makes it possible to rappel twice down a forty-foot cliff in a dry section of Makamakaole Valley and then rappel twice down a sixty-foot cliff to the forest floor, at which point you will have an opportunity to swim in pools and waterfalls. You will have the unique opportunity to take in several distinct sights: Hawaii’s volcanic terrain, wet and dry canyons, and breathtaking waterfalls. www.hikemaui.com; #1-866-324-MAUI.
Haleakala, a massive shield volcano that rises over 10,000 feet above Maui, is one of the most popular and accessible destinations on the islands. The ritual of rising before dawn and trekking to the mountaintop to watch the sun come up remains on the top of visitor to-do lists.
Haleakala means "House of the Sun," so it's fitting that such an activity is both rewarding and breathtaking. It is the centerpiece of a 30,000 acre park that extends from the summit all the way to the Hana coast. The amazing biological diversity and activities such as hiking, horseback riding, downhill biking, and guided nature tours make this one of the best island experiences around.
If you intend to watch the sun rise or set, be sure to call the National Weather Service (#877-5111) for a detailed weather forecast. Temperatures at the summit are cold, so be sure to dress for weather that can go down to 32 degrees. No food or gas is available in the park and there is a $10 entrance fee which is good for three days. The drive from the coast can take up to two hours, so be sure to afford time for transport.