Maui | beach vacation paradise

I'm just back from a 5-day trip to Maui during which we visited three different resorts and explored some of the beaches and snorkeling opportunities on Maui. Some quick impressions about Maui.

1. Maui is a beautiful island which is easy to get around. The one main road along the coast of West Maui is smooth and attractive (and it's been widened to four lanes around Ka'anapali area which helps the traffic flow).

2. Maui is all about great beaches. If you want to sit by the pool or beach, body surf in the waves, and go snorkeling, Maui is a beach vacation paradise. Want to go further afield? Visit the Haleakala Crater, the world's largest dormant volcano. More than 10,000 feet above sea level, you should bring warm clothing and, for a special thrill, bike ride down the mountain. Many visitors enjoy driving the winding road to Hana (with 600 curves and 54 bridges) through the scenic rainforests along the eastern shores of Maui.

3. Maui has two of the world's best luxury resorts, the Four Seasons Wailea and the Ritz Carlton Kapalua. Tip: by booking through a Four Seasons Preferred Partner and Virtuoso agency, you'll get free daily breakfasts, room upgrades if available, and other additional perks.

4. Maui has some very large beachside resorts, but if you prefer an intimate and very nice resort right on a great beach in a protected cove, you'll enjoy the four-star Napili Kai Beach Resort (pictured above). I saw a newly refurbished Ocean Front Suite, which sleeps a family of 4 comfortably, has 2 full baths, and a full kitchen - a good value at $590 and highly recommended for a Maui beach vacation.


Maui beach vacation (search here on Google)

copyright (c) 2011 by David Ourisman LLC. All rights reserved. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.
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