Hana Maui a must do when you are in Hawaii!
Aloha from Maui, Hawaii.
Written by Marie Glodt travel agent at Travel to Maui and Maui Master with the Hawaii Visitor Bureau.
This last weekend I went to Hana for the day. If you haven’t heard about Hana it is one of the most beautiful places in the world! You won’t find anything quite like it on any of the other islands in Hawaii.
Hana, Maui is the land of rainbows, waterfalls, and lush green valleys. It is just 50 miles from the Kahului airport, but a world away!
The road to Hana is an experience to say the least! It has over 54 narrow bridges, 600 hair pin turns, and the beautiful coast line of the eastern side of Maui. This road is not for the faint of heart or someone who tends to get car sick!
The road to Hana is the experience! Often times you see folks rushing to get to the town of Hana or the 7 scared pools (Pools at Ohe’o). When you do this you miss out on so much!
Here are a few of my favorite tips when visiting Hana:
Leave early! By early I mean in the car ready to go by 7 or 8am. This is an all day event and you do NOT want to be one of those folks driving the whole way back in the dark!
Fill up your car with gas before you leave the resorts. Gas is normally anywhere between 70 cents to a dollar more a gallon than anywhere else on Maui. When I was there this weekend it was $5.67 per gallon!
Pack a cooler with snacks, water and lunch. There are a few fruit and food stands along the way or the 2 places to eat in Hana town.
I ate at the Travaasa hotel. I had a really good fish salad, the burgers are great too! While I was here I checked out the hotel as well!
If you would like to stay over night in Hana the Travaasa hotel has both suites and cottages. They even have an all-inclusive option here in Hawaii!
Stop often to check out the sights, but when you do make sure and pull over OFF the road so others can get by.
While we are on the subject of driving IF you have a local behind you (they will generally be the one tail gating you) a word to the wise PULL over! If you don’t many times they will PASS you on a curve putting you both in danger!
Here are a few of my favorite sights along the way to Hana:
1. Stop by Paia town and have an inexpensive fish burger at Paia Fish Market, or a great fish lunch or dinner at Mama’s Fish House $$$$.
2. Check out the windsurfers at Ho’okipa Park.
3. Visit the black sands beach and cave at Wai ‘anapanapa State Park.
4. Enjoy the Bamboo Forest. See picture below!
5. Pull out at the look out at Ke’anae Point.
6. Be amazed by the waterfalls at Wailua Valley.
7. Swim in the Pools of ‘Ohe’o also known as “The Seven Pools.”
For more information or to schedule a consulting appointment with one of our Hawaiian Destination Specialist contact us at Travel to Maui http://www.traveltomaui.net
We are a Hawaiian travel agency located on the island of Maui, Hawaii. Travel to Maui is a proud member of the Hawaii Visitor Bureau.
Photo credit to the Hawaii Visitor Bureau. Mahalo!
How to contact Travel to Maui
To schedule a consulting appointment with one of our destination specialists to Hawaii or Tahiti please visit our website at http://www.traveltomaui.net
Or give us a call at 808-572-4957 Monday-Thursday 8:30am to 5pm Hawaiian standard time. We are closed all major holidays including Hawaiian holidays.
All inclusive cruise in Hawaii
Marie Glodt at Travel to Maui earns Yachtalist Certification from American Safari Cruises!
Maui, Hawaii 10/24/11 –Marie Glodt a Hawaiian based travel agent completed a specialized training program and is now certified as a Yachtalist with American Safari Cruises.
This upscale line with three yachts sailing adventure cruises in Alaska, Hawaii, Columbia & Snake Rivers, Mexico’s Sea of Cortés and Washington & British Columbia.
To join the Yachtalist Club, travel agents must participate in three web presentations and pass an exam. The Yachtalist program focuses on the inclusive un-cruise vacation offered by American Safari Cruises’ three upscale yachts—12-guest Safari Spirit, 22-guest Safari Quest and 36-guest Safari Explorer.
“We commend travel agents who take the time to complete the certification program,” said Tim Jacox, executive vice president of sales and marketing, American Safari Cruises. “By becoming a specialist, agents have the expertise to paint a clear picture of our inclusive, upscale yacht adventures for their clients.”
The line’s exclusive yacht adventures offer close up exploration in some of the world’s most scenic destinations. All three yachts sail in Southeast Alaska during the summer with two days spent exploring in Glacier Bay National Park. The Safari Quest also sails in Mexico’s Sea of Cortés and Washington and British Columbia. The Safari Spirit sails on the Columbia and Snake Rivers including special Culinary and Wine Discovery voyages. The Safari Explorer sails inter-island cruises in Hawaii.
Marie Glodt at Travel to Maui specializes in honeymoons, destination wedding travel and family reunions. Her 20+ year’s experience and passion for her job shows in her superior customer service. For more information or to check out Marie Glodt’s rave reviews http://www.traveltomaui.net/php/testimonials.php
About American Safari Cruises
Seattle-based American Safari Cruises pioneered yacht cruising in Alaska in 1997 and since has expanded into Mexico’s Baja, Columbia & Snake Rivers, Washington & British Columbia and Hawaii. The company introduced a second brand in 2010, which offers moderately priced adventure cruises in Alaska. The two expedition ships began sailing active, adventure cruises in Alaska in summer 2011.
Kauai Festivals for 2010
Written by Marie Glodt from Travel to Maui
Planning a trip to Kauai and looking for more information about fun things to do and interesting places to see in Kauai, Hawaii?
Tahitian hula dancer
Romantic massage for 2 on Kauai
Waterfall on Kauai
One of the many services we offer our clients is a sneak peak of things to do while they are here in the islands. Here is a sample of things happening on Kauai for 2010.
September 2010:
9/5 Kauai Marathon 6 am-1pm
- Outdoor Event
- Beer Garden
- Hula
- Live Entertainment
- Live Music
- Sports
For more information call Bob Craver (808) 283-2078
9/10-9/11 Cultural Festival in Waimea at the Waimea Plantation Cottages.
- Indoor Event
- Hawaiian Culture
- Hula
Call Carol Yotsuda (808) 245-2733
October 2010
10/1 Pow Wow Concert 7-10pm
- Free or small fee
Contact Dale Jacobs (808) 828-1294 http://www.kauaipowwow.com
10/2 Hoe Down for Hope. Benefiting the American Cancer Society.
- Live Entertainment
- Dancing
- Silent auction & more
- Prices starting at $100.00 per person.
Contact Lani Yukimura for more details at (808) 639-0688 http://www.hoedownforhope.org
November 2010
11/14 Slack Key Concert 12-6pm at Hilton Kauai Beach Resort
- Free
- Food
- Crafters
- Exhibits
Contact Milton Lau (808) 226-2697 http://www.slackkeyfestival.com/
11/14 Garden Island Range & Food Festival 11am-2pm
- Featuring local produce and meats raised here in the islands.
- Live music
- Games
- Food booths
- Local products
Contact Barabara Bennett (808) 338-0111 http://www.kauaifoodfestival.com/
11/21 TriKauai Sprint Triathlon
- 5K walk/run
- Poipu Beach Park
Brian Curll 808-635-6311
December 2010
12/3 Crafts fair and lights on parade 10am-9pm
- Free
- Bake sale
- Crafts
- Food booths
Contact Chris Faye for more information at 808-245-6931
12/4 Festival of Lights 12/4-12/26
- The 2010 FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS at the Kauai Historic County Building Park on Rice Street.
- Free
Elizabeth Freeman: (808) 639-8564 http://www.kauaifestivaloflights.com/
12/18 Audobon Christmas Bird Count 8am-12pm Join the Koke’e Museum and volunteer for the annual Christmas bird count.
- Trek into some of the most botanically-rich areas of the island and enjoy the opportunity to see Kauai’s native birds.
- Free
For more information call Michelle: (808) 335-9975
12/31 New Years Eve Fireworks on Kauai 10:00-10:30pm
- Outdoor Event at Poipu Beach
- Fireworks
Contact Jody (808) 742-7444
For more information on Kauai Festivals please contact http://www.kauaifestivals.com/
Looking for a travel package to Kauai, Maui, Hawaii, Oahu, or Lanai? Please contact the Hawaiian Destination Specialists at Travel to Maui www.traveltomaui.net
Travel to Maui providing quality travel packages to Hawaii & beyond.
Photo credit to Grand Hyatt Kauai.
All information posted is current at time of publishing and is subject to change without notice.
Travel tips to Hawaii
Flower lei greeter in Hawaii
Travel tips to Hawaii
Written by Marie Glodt
Hawaiian Destination Specialist at Travel to Maui.
Here are my 10 favorite travel tips that I have learned in my 20+ years in the travel industry.
- Plan early when booking your trip. This will allow you to the best promotions available and will save you money as well. A good rule of thumb is 4-12 months prior to your travel dates will get you the best prices.
- Hire a travel expert. As a Maui travel agent we are made aware of travel specials to Hawaii before they are made public. With our local contacts at the properties and insider information we have saved our clients hundreds of dollars on their travel packages to the Hawaiian Islands!
- When packing your luggage consider what you can live without and what you can’t! With the new baggage fees checking in a second piece of luggage could end up costing you an additional $50-100 round trip.
- If you do tend to over pack, or buy too much on your trip, then send yourself home a package! With the flat rate priority mail package you can send up to 20 pounds for as little as $10.70 to anywhere in the United States.
- Get to the airport on time. Most airlines suggest up to 2 hours prior to flight time.
- When traveling make sure and bring small bills to tip the porters, skycaps, and bellman. You don’t want to be searching for change when the time comes to tip.
- Don’t leave your valuables in the trunk or under the seat of the car. Especially when renting a convertible or jeep.
- When checking in to the hotel or resort please is patient if your room isn’t ready until check in time. Check in time is normally 3 pm or later. Check out time is generally noon. This allows the cleaning crew time to service your room.
- When traveling during busy times please don’t expect an early check in or late check out. If you have a redeye flight home consider booking an additional night on the hotel if you want to check out later than noon.
- Stay away from the in room minibar! Even better don’t take the key when you check in. Some hotels will actually charge you if you even move an item. I learned this one firsthand!
For a quote for your travel package to Hawaii please contact the Hawaii Destination Specialists at Travel to Maui. www.traveltomaui.net
Travel to Maui is a Maui travel agency
5 reasons to have your honeymoon in Hawaii
Written by Marie Glodt
Hawaiian Destination Specialist at Travel to Maui
1.) Hawaii is one of the most romantic places in the United States, and one of the top honeymoon locations in the world!
2.) Customize your honeymoon package by including a “romance package” in your travel plans. This varies depending on hotel and costs. A few examples would be a dinner for two under the stars, tandem massage in an ocean front cabana, and more!
3.) The Hawaiian Islands offers an array of ocean activities to complete your holiday. The most popular water sports would be: a dinner cruise, snorkel trip, whale watching (December-April), and scuba diving.
4.) Hawaii has some of the best beaches in the world. Here is a short list of the most popular beaches here in Hawaii: Waikiki (Oahu), Wailea & Kaanapali Beach (Maui), Poipu (Kauai), Manele Bay (Lanai), Punaluu & Kauna’ oa Bay (the big island of Hawaii).
5.) Hawaii is a great value for your travel dollar! Book early and save. It is suggested you book your honeymoon 6-12 months in advance if possible.
For assistance with your travel plans to Hawaii please contact the experts at Travel to Maui. www.traveltomaui.net
You do not marry someone you can live with; you marry someone who you cannot live without
Upcoming events in Hawaii for January 2010
Written by Marie Glodt. A Hawaiian Destination Specialist and Maui travel agent.
Looking for something fun and different to do while you are here in Hawaii?
For details including times and costs please contact the website or phone number listed below.
Oahu:
1/1/10 & 2/5/10 First Friday. Located Downtown Honolulu Galley Walk 5-9pm. www.firstfridayhawaii.com
1/6/10 Elton John in concert at the Blaisdell Arena. 866-448-7849
1/23/10 Al Green in concert at the Neal Blaisdell Arena 866-448-7849
Ongoing through 7/17/10 The inspiration of Hula. Free at the Hawaii State Art Museum 5-9pm. 808-586-0900 www.state.hi.us/sfca
Maui:
Calendar of events on Maui http://www.calendarmaui.com/
1/1-1/31 “A Whale of Fun!” For details contact Maui Ocean Center 808-270-7000 www.mauioceancenter.com
Jan. 4th-10 SBS Championships held at the Plantation Course in Kapalua. 888-665-9160
Jan. 13-15 The Wendy’s Champions Skins Game ProAm Golf Tournament. Kaanapali Golf Courses 866-454-4653
Big Island:
Jan.2-30 Volcano Awareness Month celebrating 27th anniversary of Kilauea’s ongoing eruption. 808-967-8844 http://www.nps.gov/havo/index.htm
1/20-1/2 PGA Championship Tour at Hualalai Golf Course 800-417-2770
1/30, 2/27 Islandwide Hawaii’s Sanctuary Ocean Count for details contact www.hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov
Kauai:
Jan. 2nd Lihue Narcissus Bulb Demonstration 11-1pm www.kauaimuseum.org
Ongoing (Friday’s and Sunday’s) Hanalei Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Concerts www.hawaiianslackkeyguitar.com
1/24 Classical pianist Alpin Hong in concert. www.kauai-concert.org
Lanai:
Four Seasons Resorts Lanai will host a spectacular Penfolds wine dinner on January 23. Paired food and wine will make for an amazing night.
For travel and accommodations please contact travel to Maui at www.traveltomaui.net
For more travel tips and frequent asked questions (FAQ) please visit our website at http://www.traveltomaui.net/php/travel-faq.php
Activities and Tours in Hawaii
Written by Marie Glodt, Hawaiian travel specialist at Travel to Maui
Visiting the Hawaiian Islands can be many things, to many people. Some folks prefer to stay in a luxury hotel and sit by the pool having some one bring them “fruity drinks.”
While others the thought of sitting still all day would drive them crazy. Their idea of the perfect vacation is to fill every minute with things to do.
As your travel expert part of our job is to figure out what appeals to you.
In addition to arranging your travel plans, we here at Travel to Maui can assist you with booking your tours and activities prior to arriving on island. Being a resident of Hawaii we have the opportunity to try out many of these options first hand, and we also know the tours that sell out weeks in advance.
The most popular activity would be a luau. Most luaus will run about 3 hours long, generally starting just prior to sunset. During this time they will serve you drinks, dinner and a show. The amount of people varies depending on the island and luau (100-1,000 people). Luaus are great for families, honeymooners, or repeat guests to the islands.
Another option would be a snorkel tour. Snorkel tours range from a couple of hours to all day. Meals, snacks, beverages and snorkel gear are included in the cost of the tour.
How about an exciting helicopter flight in the Hawaiian Islands? The options can include your choice of a flight over an active volcano, or take a flight over lush rain forests, with rainbows and waterfalls. I have personally been over the active volcano on “the big island.” Flying over the volcano was one of the most amazing things I have ever seen!
Zipline tours are very popular nowadays. I have tried this recently and it was very exciting. This is also a great tour if you have teenagers with you. It is hard for them not to smile when they are zipping down a mountain!
Dinner cruise or sunset sails are very popular with honeymooners. It is so beautiful to get out on the ocean and look back at the island. These cruises are about 2 hours in length and include drinks, food and are lots of fun.
If you are visiting the island of Oahu visiting Pearl Harbor is a must. This would be a ½ day tour, located just outside of Waikiki & Honolulu.
Our weather here in the islands is normally sunny, beautiful and in the 70’s to 80’s but we do get rain from time to time. As they say in Hawaii “without rain, there are no rainbows!”
If you are looking for something to do on a rainy day or just for a few hours the Maui Ocean Center on Maui is lots of fun. I just love the jelly fish tank that is under black light!
Another great rainy day idea is a spa day. Continue reading →
Traveltomaui's Blog 