AZ to Maui
The ABCs of banishing the winter blahs are as easy as your ABCs
A Aloha: Since the arrival of Englishspeaking people to the Hawaiian islands, Aloha has morphed into a greeting of hello and goodbye, but in the Hawaiian language the salutation means affection, peace, compassion and mercy.
B Blue Hawaiian
Helicopters: As beautiful as this island paradise is from the ground, it is even more so from the air, and this tour company has been providing birdseye views for more than a quarter century. ( bluehawaiian.com)
C Costco: Visiting a big box grocer might be the last thing you want to do on a vacation, but it’s worth stocking up at this one conveniently located near the airport. One- stop shopping too as wine, liquor and beer are also on the shelves.
D Dragon’s Teeth: Located at Makaluapuna Point in Kapalua, these natural formations resembling massive teeth were formed during one of the last lava flows on Maui, and unlike the black lava typical of the island are lighter in colour and finer grained.
E Enchanting Floral Gardens: This 3.2- hectare botanical garden in the upcountry of Kula features 1,500 species of tropical and sub- tropical plants and flowers from around the world. Also a great rest stop on the drive up to the Haleakala Crater. (enchantingfloralgardens.com)
F Flowers: The island boasts the largest diversity of types of flowers of all the Hawaiian islands, mostly due to the fact Maui has 17 of the 20 known worldwide climate zones. And as beautiful as they are to behold, the fragrance they permeate the island air with is unforgettable.
G Green turtles: Despite being listed in 1978 under the Endangered Species, these majestic sea creatures, called ‘ Honu’ in the native language, are nearly always swimming companions during snorkelling or diving expeditions. And you can often see them frolicking along the rocky shoreline of many areas of Maui. H Haleakala National Park: Containing the island’s predominant physical feature, the dormant Haleakala Volcano, the park is divided into two distinct areas: the coastal Kipahulu area and the summit area. One of the most popular drives on the island is the route along Highway 37 then up Highway 377 to the volcano summit. The latter part of the drive is up a winding road not for the faint of heart, but the views, particularly at sunrise, are worth it.
I Iao Valley State Monument: One of Maui’s eight state parks, Iao Valley is rich in cultural history and is the site of the battle of Kepaniwai, where the forces of Kemehameha I conquered the Maui Army in 1790. ( hawaiistateparks.org)
J Jump for it!: Black Rock at the north end of Ka’anapali Beach is a popular place for jumping into the ocean, and most nights there’s a sunset torch lighting that ends with, you guessed it, a leap into the surf.
K Fairmont Kea Lani: The jewel in the crown of the Wailea resort, this all- suite, oceanside hotel has it all: that legendary Fairmont service and attention to detail; Ko Restaurant, recipient of the 2013 Restaurant of the Year Award for all of Maui; the all- new Willow Stream Spa; and the award- winning Hawaiian Cultural Program for guests. ( Fairmont. com/ kea- lani- maui)
L Lana’i: The sixth largest Hawaiian Island is known as Pineapple Island for its historical past as solely a pineapple plantation. Today, 98 per cent of the island is owned by Oracle CEO Larry Ellison and houses two resort hotels. Catch one of the three ferries from Lahaina on Maui and in less than an hour you’ll be on the sparsely populated and historically rich island. And if you go between December and May, the ferry ride doubles as a whale watching tour as humpbacks are often spotted in the waters during winter months.
M Makena Beach: Located south of Wailea in Makena State Park, ‘ Big Beach’ is a 2.4- kilometre- long stretch of sandy paradise, and a mecca for sunbathers, bodyboarders and snorkellers. ‘ Little Beach’ is a five- minute hike north along a trail cut through a lava outcropping, and is one of the few Hawaiian beaches were authorities turn a blind eye to nude sunbathing. N Nakalele Blowhole: Maui’s own version of Yellowstone, this geyser can rise as high as 30 metres in the air. Located on the northernmost point of the western half of Maui at Nakalele Point.
O Outrigger canoes: Most of the resort hotels offer guided tours in this traditional mode of water transportation, offering a great way to mix a spirited workout with a history lesson.
P Pipiwai Trail: This 6.5- kilometre hike in Haleakala National Park takes you through a valley to a 120- metre waterfall, Wakmoku Falls. It is well marked and to make the trek easier has boardwalks and steps to aid in the 700 metres in elevation change. The old banyan tree a couple of kilometres in is a sight to behold.
Q Quad Touring: Kahoma Ranch is located above the historic town of Lahaina and offers a couple of great family oriented activities: waterslides and ATV tours. The latter features driving Polaris Rangers on private dirt roads and trails during a 90- minute guided tour. ( kahomaranch.com)
R Romance: Maui is a global destination for newlyweds, and the island is always teeming with honeymooners. One place you’re guaranteed to find them is on Mount Haleakala’s summit at sunrise, rated ‘ the most romantic activity on Maui’ by Condé Nast.
S Submarine tour: If the idea of swimming with the fishes leaves you cold, the Atlantis Submarine tour is the perfect solution to staying dry while still experiencing the wonder and beauty of what lies below. The 48- passenger sub descends to a depth of 33 metres off the coast of Lahanai to reveal coral, fish of all sizes and even a sunken whaling ship slipping by. A truly one- of- a- kind adventure. ( atlantisadventures.com/ maui) T Te Au Moana: No visit to Hawaii is complete with taking in a Luau, and this one at the Wailea Beach Marriott is considered Maui’s best. Traditional dining, dancing and storytelling provide insight into the past and present of the
Hawaiian people. ( teaumoana.com)
U Ululani’s Shave Ice: Shave ice was brought to Hawaii by migrant Japanese plantation workers who would use machetes to shave blocks of ice then pour juices or syrups on the shavings. Ululani’s in Lahaina serves up some of the best, and has the lineups to prove it. ( ululanisshaveice.com)
V Volunteer: OK, it might not sound like a vacation, but giving your time to one of the island’s most important foundations will replenish your soul. The Pacific Whale Foundation offers a threehour program where you can restore native plants, remove invasive species and help protect cultural sites and beaches. No, you don’t get a T- shirt when you’re done, but you do get a canvas tote bag. ( pacificwhale.org)
W Wailea Golf Club: Consistently at the top of most best golfcourse- in- the- UnitedStates’ lists, this club boasts three 18- hole tracks, each with amazing ocean views, swaying palm trees and verdant fairways. Gannon’s restaurant in the Gold course’s clubhouse is a local favourite, as much for its prices as its ocean views and tropical breezes. ( waileagolf. com)
X X marks the spot: Treasure hunting and tropical islands go hand in hand, so rent a metal detector and do some beachcombing of your own. Geocaching has also come to the island, and there are no shortage of geocaching co- ordinates taking you to hidden waterfalls and secret beaches. ( kaanapalibeachrentals.com)
Y ‘ Yipeeeee!’: Catch a ride on a zip line over forest canopies and deep green gulches. A number of companies offer excellent zip line tours, some including treetop bridges and ladders.
Z Zzzzzzz. Hammock strung between two palm trees? Check. Warm scented ocean breeze? Check. Sound of rolling surf? Check. Right, we’ll wake you at cocktail hour.