One of our favorite boardwalks is in Kaanapali.  You can walk from Hanakao'o Beach Park all the way to Duke's Beachhouse Restaurant next to the Aston Mahana and Honua Kai Konea hotels.  It's a long walk with many resorts in front of it.  You also wrap around the Sheraton at Black Rock.  If you walk from one end to the other, you're looking at at least an hour each way.  Some of it will be covered by trees, but most of it runs alongside the ocean and offers full sun.

There are plenty of spots to stop for drinks and food.  We love this walk for sunset or in the early morning when the sun isn't as strong.  When on the south side, there's a similar long walk along the ocean in Wailea.  You have to cross beaches here and there, but a lot of it is composed of paved path along the water and resorts.

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We've recenlty downloaded the new iPhone app for Maui.  It's very cool with excellent videos showing different beaches, activities, and pretty much everything you want to see before visiting.  It's a lot of fun and an excellent visual guide to our island.

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Santa is officially finished with his annual work load and chilling on Maui.

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All you need to do is become a fan by LIKEing their Facebook Page.

You'll be entered to win 2 morning snorkel passes on the Pride of Maui, as well as 2 sunset cruise passes.  There are 5 prize winners, so you could easily be the winner and setting yourself up for some great times on Maui!

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On of Maui's most acclaimed high chiefs was Kahekili (ruled circa 1766-1793,) who excelled in the game of "lele kawa," or cliff jumping.  He gained respect from many warriors for his leaps from Pu'u Keka'a, as most were frightened of the spirits who lived in the area."

The Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa is built into the beach side of Black Rock.  each night you can watch the torch lighting ceremony and cliff dive.

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Here are some fun pics from tonight's Halloween festivities on Front Street in Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii.

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This is a short video shot a few months back of a few of us surfing a small day in Maui, Hawaii.  We got a few fun barrels, but it was windy, and not too big.  We still had a lot of fun.  We hope you like our video.  

Check out more of our Maui Surfing Videos.

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You can see the Kai Kanani coming into shore from the morning snorkeling trip to Molokini.  The Kai Kanani is one of our favorite vessels in Maui waters because it's a stable, roomy catamaran and is the only boat allowed to make beach entries in Makena.  The great location combined with the easy access to Molokini makes the Kai Kanani the best choice for snorkeling Molokini.

This was a perfect day to be on the beach (not that it's a rare thing on Maui!)  We hope you like the photo.  By the way, this was taken with an iPhone.  Pretty amazing, huh?

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• Snorkeling
• Fishing
• Sunset Cocktails
• Whale Watching
• Couples Charters

BUT, one of the things this vessel does that many don't is offer engagement, wedding, reception, and honeymoon cruises.  We've written about many different ways to get married in Maui, but this is truly unique.  Having a small wedding on a boat is something you and your guests will never forget.

If you have your heart set on a beach wedding, why not do the reception on a private cruise for sunset?  Or come back and enjoy a honeymoon cruise with just you and your new bride/groom. 

When they mentioned they do engagements too, I was blown away!  What a great idea.  "Honey, I've booked us a few seats on a cocktail cruise!"  Then surprise her/him with a private cruise where you can propose in style.  I'm sure none of your friends' engagement stories would top that!

Give Maui Boat Trips a call and ask them how to arrange your upcoming Maui wedding on a boat!

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Hello, we are heading to Maui Dec30-Jan10. Never been there before and have some questions.

We are staying at Menehune Condos. We have two kids 15-18 girls.

I will have an electric scooter along, walking long distances don't agree with me. Are there some beaches that have paved paths down to them or along them that would user friendly? Also which restaurants are good to try, looking for some real Hawaiian type places that are reasonable. Next for the kids Zip lining and snorkeling what do you suggest.

Since I'm being a pain which sites or scenic ares should we take in? Finally shopping which area for this, just shops, t shirts, swim suites sun dresses that sort of stuff,maybe shops near beaches with eating places just to spend a afternoon relaxing,

Anything you might suggest as a must do?

Thanks!

DALE

Aloha Dave!  

That's quite a lot of questions.  Menehune Shores has a beach just south of the property, but the best beaches are in south Kihei, Wailea, and Makena which necessitate you driving.  Most beaches are just off the road.

We have some fantastic restaurants here on Maui.  Here's a good list of our favorite Maui Restaurants.  Check out Da Kitchen for true Hawaiian Plate Lunch.

For all other activities, check out this list of best Maui activities.

Iao Valley is great to visit.  Also, check out the Road to Hana if you're feeling adventurous.  Great waterfalls there.

Lahaina town is best for shopping, but Makawao is fun too (but that town is Upcountry and not near the beach.)

Be safe on your scooter and wear a helmet.  Aloha!

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East Maui Irrigation Company (EMI) allows us to hike across their
beautiful land so long as each hiker has a waiver. An EMI WAIVER IS
ABSOLUTELY REQUIRED FOR EMI HIKES (LISTED BELOW). One waiver covers
all EMI hikes for this quarter. Call in your waiver request to Jackie
at 579-9516 well in advance and make an appointment with her for when
you can sign it. Then go to EMI's Pa'ia office at 497 Baldwin Avenue
to sign the waiver. Please be considerate of Jackie's time and pick up
waiver 5 days in advance whenever possible. THE WAIVER MUST BE BROUGHT
ON THE HIKE AND SHOWN TO THE HIKE LEADER.

OCTOBER

Saturday, Oct 1: Benefit Star Watch with Harriet Witt on the slopes
of Waikapu.

Come spend an evening with astronomer Harriet Witt learning about the
lore of our Hawaiian night sky. Amazing views from the slopes high
above Maui Tropical Plantation. Bring comfortable folding chair and
shielded flashlights only. Meet at Maui Tropical Plantation parking
lot at 6pm to carpool to shuttle site. Donation: $5 for Members $10
non members. Register with Lucienne de Naie laluz@maui.net
<mailto:laluz@maui.net>
or 214-0147.

Saturday, October 9: Makapipi Watershed Hike

Moderate 4 mile hike. Explore historic Ko'olau Ditch from Makapipi to
Kopili'ula Stream. Scenic vistas, pools, waterfalls and native plant
life. During the hike we must cross several bridges with no hand rails
which is a little scary. So if heights bother you, we recommend not
coming on this hike. EMI WAIVER REQUIRED (See above). Meet at 8:00 am
at the Haiku Community Center. Limit 18. Register with Lucienne de
Naie laluz@maui.net <mailto:laluz@maui.net>
or 214-0147.

Saturday, October 15 Upper Waikamoi Trail/Makawao Forest hike. Explore
a unique upper elevation (5000 ft) world of rare native plants and
majestic koa and ohia forest. Six mile moderate round trip ends with
lunchstop at Waikamoi stream and reservoir. Water friendly footware
recommended as trail is often muddy. Bring sunscreen, hat, lunch,
raingear, water and camera. Meet 8:30 am at Pukalani Terrace Shopping
Center near Bank of Hawaii to carpool to top of Olinda Road where the
hike begins. EMI WAIVER REQUIRED (see above). Limit 18. Register with
Lucienne de Naie laluz@maui.net <mailto:laluz@maui.net>
or 214-0147.

*Saturday, October 29 Akaku Community Celebration*. Food, Music,
costumes and info booths. Visit the Sierra Club information booth 6 to
9pm. Akaku Center 333 Dairy Rd.

NOVEMBER

Friday, November 4 Kanaio Stupa Tibetan Monastery - Hike across the
slopes of Haleakala to this beautiful shrine built in 1982. Meet 9:00
am across from Grandma's Coffee House in Keokea to carpool. Bring
lunch and also bring rain gear just in case. Limit 18. Limit 18.
Register with Lucienne de Naie laluz@maui.net <mailto:laluz@maui.net>
or 214-0147.(E) D = 3 miles with some steep grades.

MORE HIKES TO COME FOR NOVEMBER & DECEMBER

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A couple of us from the Northshore of Oahu would love to come and party. But, we have a couple questions before we book our rooms and flight.

1st - What is the exact date of the party 30th or 31st. The website mentions Hallow's eve? 

2nd - Are there open container laws within the block party once the streets are closed?

3rd - Are the streets being closed off to cars again this year?

- Craig

1st Answer - Halloween is always on the 31st. All Hallow's Eve is another way of saying Halloween.  It means the day before All Hallows Day, or All Saints Day on November 1st of each year.  Contrary to popular belief, the name comes from Catholic origins in more recent times, but has been found to have roots back to the 16th Century Scottish, the Roman feasts of Pomona, and Goidelic festivals in the British Isles celebrating the end of summer.

2nd Answer - Prohibited alcohol use on the street is STRICTLY enforced.  Don't bring booze outside of the bars/restaurants, or you'll have a less than desirable Halloween celebration in the tank.  Also, have a designated driver or use taxis.  Alcohol use is one of the reasons sited to keep the celebrations small in the past, even though the percentage of unruly participants has always been extremely minimal.  Halloween in Lahaina has always brought a lot of fun and revenue to the town in the past, and we'd like to see it continue.

3rd Answer - It appears that Lahaina will have the streets opened to pedestrians again! Finally, Halloween is back on Maui!!!

Aloha,
Lahaina Halloween

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My wife and I will be visiting Maui next week. I was just looking at some videos on YouTube and came across your "Hana Waterfall" video. The last clip, the one where people are jumping from the cliffs into a pool which appears to be at the mouth of the ocean looks spectacular!! May I ask where that waterfall and pool is located along the Hana highway? We would love to visit it.

I appreciate any help you can give us.

Mahalo and aloha!!
Lawrence

I believe you're talking about Venus Pools.  The land is on private property, so you should get permission before accessing it.

Oheo Gulch (seven sacred pools) is very similar.  They allow legal access to the areas, and the waterfalls are on the ocean as well.  You can dive in certain spots, but please be aware of all signage.  Some areas are restricted because a girl recently was killed from falling rocks here.

Aloha!  MIG

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