Clear Bottom Kayaks Give New Meaning to “Ocean View”

Growing up in the 70’s, when my formidable years were at their peak, Peter Benchley’s Jaws cursed my psyche with a lifelong phobia of sharks. For me, and others like me who, for one reason or another, don’t snorkel, there’s an exciting alternative that just hit the shores of Maui!

ClearKayaksMaui.com has introduced a fleet of two-seater kayaks with wide, clear bottoms which combines the fun of kayaking with the thrill of snorkeling, making one of the most popular water sports a thousand times better!

Clear Kayaks Maui

An Afternoon with ClearKayaksMaui.com


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More Oh-Ah!-Hu (see part 1 below)

OAHU – Part 2
The view from our hotel, the Aston Waikiki Sunset, gave us a panoramic, unobstructed vista of Diamondhead which we watched come to life each morning as the sun rose behind it while we sipped our coffee on the lanai. Not a bad way to start the day!  This volcanic cone was known to early Hawaiians as Le’ahi.  It’s English name, Diamondhead, was given by English sailors in the 19th century who believed the crystals embedded in the rock were diamonds.
Diamondhead 
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Walk This Way – On the Wailea Beach Walk

Steven Tyler, lead singer from Aerosmith, recently purchased a multi-million dollar home in Makena and the American Idol judge is often heard alluding to the island in comments from his perch on the show.  Now, I’m not saying you’ll run into him on the Wailea Beach Walk, but you never know!  For now, you can hum the famous 70’s rock and roll tune Walk This Way in your head as I take you on a photo tour along the beautiful Maui coastline of Wailea on the 1 ½ mile Wailea Beach Walk!

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Hawaii’s Garden Isle – Kaua’i

Of the main Hawaiian Islands, Kaua’i  is the oldest and most removed, located the farthest north and west in the island chain.  Rugged and lush at the same time, its distinct landscapes and smaller population make it a favorite for nature-lovers and Hollywood movie directors searching for an exotic locale.

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Maui’s Winter Visitors

Of all the famous visitors that come to Maui year after year, there is one annual visitor that is the most anticipated of all!  If you guessed Oprah Winfrey, Steven Tyler or Paris Hilton – sorry, you’re incorrect!  Travelling 3,500 hundred miles from Alaska, it’s the humpback whales that everyone comes to see!

“How Much is a Gallon of Milk in Hawaii?”

How much is a gallon of milk in Hawaii?  It isn’t cheap, that’s for sure!  But if you stay in a vacation condo as opposed to a hotel room, the added option of eating in can save you a bundle! The fully functional kitchen, many full size stove/oven, refrigerator/freezer, microwave, coffeemaker, toaster and a dishwasher make eating in as easy as hula pie! More

Hand Made Maui Gifts for this Holiday Season

Handmade gifts are not only unique and personal, they genuinely convey the time and thought that goes into finding the perfect gift. The island of Maui is brimming with artists whose imaginations see beyond natural elements and envision these magnificent creations. From sea glass jewelry and Koa wood carvings to island-scented soaps and handmade slippers (that’s Hawaiian for flip-flops) – this island is teeming with one-of-a-kind gift-giving possibilities. So take a break from today’s fast-pace and “slow down and smell the Plumeria”!

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Maui’s Kealia Coastal Boardwalk

A sunset walk just seems to be the best way to unwind from a busy day and on the magical island of Maui, there’s an endless selection of scenic pathways to choose from. The Kealia Coastal Boardwalk stands out as an especially reflective place where you can oftentimes find yourself alone with just your thoughts and nature.

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Maui Coffee and the Long and Winding Roads to the Island’s Best Banana Bread

There’s something magical that happens when the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingles with the sweet scent of Maui’s morning air. Throw in some just-baked banana bread and a view of the Pacific Ocean and it really is the best part of waking up.

A BRIEF HISTORY OF HAWAII’S COFFEE

Although coffee is not native to the Hawaiian Islands, the islands’ climate and topography are ideal, providing the perfect conditions to grow some of the richest coffee in the world: rich soil, proper elevation (between 500 and 3000 ft.), sunshine, afternoon cloud cover, occasional rain and a moderate slope for optimal drainage.

Hawaii’s original coffee trees, grown from plants brought to Oahu from Brazil in the early 1800’s, were later introduced to the other islands, including Maui.  Today, on the slopes of the West Maui Mountains, sits a 500-acre coffee farm, watered naturally from the West Maui Mountain streams, where the coffee beans are roasted daily and sold under the Maui Coffee Company label.  (Coffee makes a great gift!)

Maui Coffee Farm

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Upcountry Maui – An Eclectic Assortment of Funky Shops, Ono Restaurants and an Exhilarating Thrill Ride

I’ve said it before, there’s more to Maui than beautiful beaches. I get it. You’ve dreamed about swaying palm trees bowing to the azure sea and the spectacular colors as the sun dips into the Pacific and transforms the sky into psychedelic hues – and you won’t be disappointed! After all that is the quintessential Maui and the main reason millions of people vacation on Maui year after year. But after a few days on the beach, do yourself a favor and take a drive Upcountry!

In general, the laid back “island time” mindset is evident throughout the islands but Upcountry Maui, in particular, has remained delightfully un-affected by the pace of modern America. The mountain air is refreshing, and surprisingly cool even in summer, (so take along a light jacket). And despite its laid-back vibe, has all the ingredients to send your senses, and yourself, on a thrill ride!

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