Thursday, December 24, 2009

Maui - A Perfect Destination for Your Next Family Reunion

By Stephen Daniels

When you plan your next family reunion, you might be looking for something a little more exciting and relaxing than a potluck at the local park. A trip to Maui, one of the most popular Hawaiian islands for travelers and tourists, might prove to be just the place for an extraordinary family get-together.

There is much to see and do while on the island. Of all the islands, Maui features the greatest measure of small town ambiance and has been selected as the "best island" in the World by Conde Nast Traveler for the 15th time.

Maui is known as a tourist destination. It is home to Haleakala, the world's largest dormant volcano. Sunrise on the rim of this volcano is a sight to behold for anyone traveling to the island of Maui. When you venture to the 9,400 foot rim of the volcano, you will enjoy being in one of the most beautiful settings that you've ever seen. Once the sunrise is over, you can take a hike, horseback tour or even a bicycle ride down into the crater of the volcano, making a great day of the entire experience.

Another popular tourist attraction on Maui is whale watching. Tours to spot majestic whales leave daily from the popular and charming city of Lahaina. Exploring Whaler's Village is a good way to see and learn more about the whales of Hawaii. The town also offers excellent shopping, restaurants, and a good time.

The Maui Ocean Center, which is also known as the Hawaiian Aquarium, is another must-see on Maui. Outstanding snorkeling and diving is also available at Molokini, which is a volcano crater. Its rim just barely is visible over the ocean waves, but the crater itself plunges hundreds of feet under the water, creating a snorkelers' and divers' paradise of sorts.

Nature lovers will find what they seek in a hiking tour of Maui's rainforests and secluded waterfalls. These unique hikes take you where no car or truck could venture. A knowledgable guide can educate you about various plants and animals of the region as well as local culture and history. Half or full day hikes are available.

If your family has any wine enthusiasts, they might enjoy the Tedeschi Winery in Maui's "upcountry," 2000 feet above sea level. A popular activity is enjoying a picnic on the beautiful winery grounds. The winery also features samples of many different kinds of wine, including a uniquely delicious pineapple wine.

If you choose to go island hopping, you can usually plan 1-2 days to travel to and from each island, which can be done by charter boat or by small aircraft, depending on which you prefer.

Luxurious beachfront mega-resorts, smaller inns or bed and breakfasts, or private vacation rental homes all offer excellent accommodations on Maui. Whether you want your family reunions on Maui to have a luxurious feel or a more private experience with condos and rental homes, you can choose from many great lodgings to suit your family's tastes and budget. Affordable Hawaii vacations are a possibility, so long as you take the time to see what's out there.

About the Author:

No comments: