Paradise Found in Maui Blog

Sep 8, Iao Valley State Park, Maui: Botanical Gardens

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 21:14:58 GMT

Looking for an easy way to see the beauty of Iao Valley State Park, Maui? The botanical gardens' paved walkways are great to explore! See native Hawaiian plants, great views of the famous Iao Needle..

Sep 6, Maui Vacation Story Contest

Mon, 06 Sep 2010 21:20:26 GMT

Share YOUR Maui vacation story here for a chance to win a $20 gift certificate to Amazon.com! Entering our contest is super easy, so why not give it a try? Live on Maui? Have a story about your latest "staycation"? We'd love to hear those too! Haven't been on your Maui vacation yet? Well, how about bookmarking the contest entry page and submitting your story AFTER you return? You have until November 30, 2010 to send us your story!

Sep 3, Maui Waterfalls: Beautiful Tropical Waterfalls Found on the Pipiwai Trail

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 20:57:17 GMT

There are tons of gorgeous Maui waterfalls to be found along the Pipiwai Trail in Haleakala National Park. Some of my favourite tropical waterfalls pictures taken as we hiked along this trail...

Sep 1, Wailuku Town's First Friday

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 21:05:24 GMT

Well, the first Friday of the month is coming up quick, and that means it's time for another street fest on Market Street in Wailuku! The beer garden opens at 5pm, wine tasting starts at 5:30 (call 986-0044 for reservations), and the entertainment begins at 6pm! And as always, you can browse the booths run by various local businesses! Have fun!

Aug 28, Cool Video of The Nakalele Blowhole on Maui

Sat, 28 Aug 2010 21:19:08 GMT

If you've ever considered a drive past Kapalua to the Nakalele Blowhole, you'll love this video! Everyone looks like they're having so much fun!

Aug 28, One of My Favourite Pictures From our Helicopter Tour of Maui with Sunshine Helicopters

Sat, 28 Aug 2010 20:42:32 GMT

I really liked this picture from our Maui helicopter tour with Sunshine Helicopters! I thought it looked so neat the way those lines were carved into the jungle like that! Have you ever been on a helicopter tour of Maui? What did you think of it? Share your story here for a chance to win a $20 gift certificate to Amazon.com!

Aug 27, Hit Music from Billboard's World Music Charts at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center!

Fri, 27 Aug 2010 21:44:45 GMT

Keola Beamer & Raiatea Helm will be performing hits from their new album "Keola Beamer & Raiatea," at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center tomorrow! I'm thinking that since this music was a hit on the Billboard World Music Charts, it's gotta be good! EDIT: ok... just checked them out on YouTube... they most definitely ARE good! Beautiful music! Wish I was going to be there to see them live! Since I won't be lucky enough to see this, if YOU happen to go, how about telling me all about it? I'd love to hear from you! You can share your story here! For more information, go to the Maui Arts and Cultural Center website. (Link will open in new window.)

Aug 25, Maui Photo Festival and Workshops

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 03:04:43 GMT

Calling all digital photography buffs! The Maui Photo Festival will be running from August 25-29 at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa in the Kaanapali Beach Resort. All levels of digital photographers are welcome to participate in this fun and educational event! Festival events include workshops, lessons with the pros, assignments, contests and more! For more information, click here to check out the Maui Photo Festival website. (Link will open in new window.)

Aug 22, Hana Waterfalls: Oheo Gulch and Seven Sacred Pools

Sun, 22 Aug 2010 22:04:04 GMT

The Hana waterfalls at Oheo Gulch (Seven Sacred Pools) are truly beautiful! Check out our pictures from our trip, and see some important warnings about the area before you go...

Aug 19, 3 DAYS of Lahaina Arts Society Fine Art Fairs Starts Tomorrow!

Thu, 19 Aug 2010 20:04:48 GMT

Come on out to the giant Banyan Tree in Courthouse Square, Lahaina for the latest of the Lahaina Arts Society Fine Art Fairs! It all starts tomorrow on Friday, August 20 and runs until Sunday, August 21! Click here for more information on this, and other recurring monthly Maui events!

Aug 18, How Does Cycling UP to the Top of Haleakala Volcano Sound?

Wed, 18 Aug 2010 22:10:15 GMT

When I heard about this upcoming "Cycle to the Sun" event, my jaw dropped to the floor! On Saturday, August 21st at 6:30 a.m., racers will begin racing from Paia all the way up to the 10000 foot summit of Haleakala Volcano! Can you imagine what it would be like to do THAT?!?!? Thinking of the hours of training that must be involved to prepare for a challenge like this just blows me away! So, if YOU just happen to have a love of cycling that is strong enough to make you want to give this a try, click here to check out the "Cycle to the Sun" website! (Link will open in new window.) They are still accepting entries at the Maui Cyclery Store until 6 p.m. on August 19th.

Aug 12, Get into Haleakala National Park for FREE!

Thu, 12 Aug 2010 20:03:37 GMT

On August 14 and 15, 2010, the National Park Service will be having a "fee-free" day! Fees that will be waived for this 2 day special include: park entrance fees, commercial tour fees, and transportation entrance fees. You can't go wrong with FREE! Enjoy! Oh, and if you happen to go to Haleakala National Park this weekend, I'd love to hear all about it! You can share your story with us here!

Aug 11, Maui Marathon: An Exciting Addition to the Maui Events Calendar!

Wed, 11 Aug 2010 20:45:22 GMT

The Maui marathon is on the Maui events calendar of running enthusiasts worldwide! So, if you want to join them for this upcoming event, mark your Maui events calendar for...

Aug 10, "Maui Calls" Benefit Gala at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center

Tue, 10 Aug 2010 20:38:58 GMT

Do you like to eat GREAT food, drink fine wines, and possibly win fantastic prizes? Will you be in Maui on the 13th of August? Do you have $175-500 to spare per ticket? If so, then you might want to consider going to this fun sounding event! The Maui Arts and Cultural Center is once again putting on their annual "Maui Calls" benefit gala on their events lawn! This event features gourmet cuisine prepared by some of Maui's top chefs, fine wine tasting from some of the best vineyards in the country, live entertainment, dancing, live and silent auctions, and door prizes! For more information, you can check out the Maui Arts and Cultural Center's website. (Link will open in new window.)

Aug 9, Hawaiian Music Series Coming Up!

Mon, 09 Aug 2010 20:24:41 GMT

Everyone is welcome to come to yet another FREE Hawaiian Music Series concert at the historic Baldwin Home Museum! Where: The front lawn of the Baldwin Home at the corner of Front and Dickenson Streets in Lahaina.

When: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m on Thursday, August 12, 2010

Don't miss out! Find out more about upcoming Maui events here!

Aug 8, Maui Travel Story Contest

Sun, 08 Aug 2010 20:36:11 GMT

Share YOUR Maui travel story here for a chance to win a $20 gift certificate to Amazon.com! Entering our contest is super easy, so why not give it a try?

Aug 6, Pacific Whale Foundation Sand Sculpture Contest!

Fri, 06 Aug 2010 20:33:39 GMT

Sand Sculpture enthusiasts will love this one! Entry in the 2010 Wild Dolphin Sand Sculpture Contest is absolutely free, and open to individuals, groups and families alike! Contest winners will receive family passes for 4 to the 3-hour Pacific Whale Foundation Wild Dolphin Watch Cruise! The contest will be taking place tomorrow, August 7, 2010, at the north end of Kihei's Keawakapu Beach from 9 am to 11 am. Winners and prizes will be announced just before noon. For more information on this fun event, go to the Pacific Whale Foundation website. (Link will open in new window.)

Aug 5, Like Street Festivals? Wailuku Town's First Friday Coming Up Tomorrow!

Thu, 05 Aug 2010 19:47:56 GMT

If you'll be in Maui tomorrow, and are looking for something fun to do tomorrow night, why not check out the monthly street fest in Wailuku? Wailuku's First Friday Celebration is held on the first Friday of every month. For more details on this, and other recurring Maui events, click here!

Aug 4, Pipiwai Trail Pictures From Our Day with Hike Maui

Wed, 04 Aug 2010 21:00:21 GMT

We were happy to get a TON of great Maui pictures from our day of hiking the Pipiwai Trail with Hike Maui! Here are some of our favourites...

Jul 30, Jake Shimabukuro at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 21:03:22 GMT

They say he's Hawaii's "ukulele ambassador," and you can see him perform this Thursday, Aug. 5, 2010, at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center's McCoy Studio! The show will be starting at 7:30 p.m. Regular tickets are selling for $25. V.I.P. tickets will cost you $45 and will allow you to meet Jake and be present for the sound check. For more details, go to The Maui Arts and Cultural Center website. (Link will open in new window.)

Jul 29, The Mt Haleakala Summit: So Much MORE Than We Imagined on our Maui, Hi vacation!

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 20:55:34 GMT

Our trip to the Mt Haleakala summit was not what you'd expect from a tropical Maui vacation. But was it worth the effort? You bet!! The view from the summit was magical!

Jul 28, Lahaina Arts Society Fine Art Fairs Coming up This Weekend!

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 21:23:08 GMT

Look for the Art Fairs this Saturday and Sunday under the giant Banyan Tree in Lahaina's Courthouse Square! For more details on this, and other recurring Maui events, click here!

Jul 27, re: Kiteboarding and Windsurfing Maui

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 19:49:50 GMT

So... wondering if anyone reading this has ever tried either of these sports? One of our readers suggested that kiteboarding and windsurfing are synonymous with Maui, and a great idea for anyone looking for some adventure during their stay on the island. I think both of these sports sound like a TON of fun... but I do wonder how long it would take for a complete novice to get going? How many lessons would one need? If either or these sports are things to do in Maui that you've tried, and you'd like to share your experience, click here! Have some advice for a total novice who might want to try it on their next Maui vacation? If so, Click here! to see our reader's "Kiteboarding and Windsurfing Maui" submission and add your comments! (scroll to the bottom of that article to add comments.)

Jul 26, Kiteboarding and Windsurfing Maui

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 20:23:21 GMT

You're definitely missing two adventure activities which are synonymous with Maui: Kiteboarding and Windsurfing. Maui is considered one of the best

Jul 25, Looking for Things to do on Your Maui Family Vacation?

Sun, 25 Jul 2010 21:15:11 GMT

How about an Atlantis Adventure? My husband and I totally enjoyed this tour. But now that we have kids, I can't help but think of how expensive it is to take them on many of these kinds of activities. Luckily, you won't have to worry about that if you go on an Atlantis Adventure! They currently have a great deal on where for every paying adult, 1 child 12 and under gets on for free! (*Children must be over 36 inches tall.) To take a look at our pics, and read all about OUR Maui Adventure on an Atlantis Submarine, Click here!

Jul 24, Have You Heard About Our Maui Travel Story Contest?

Sat, 24 Jul 2010 21:52:24 GMT

Share YOUR Maui travel story here for a chance to win a $20 gift certificate to Amazon.com! Entering our contest is super easy, so why not give it a try? Want to see what kinds of stories were submitted in our last contest? Here is another one of my favourites!

Jul 23, Do You Love Farmer's Markets as Much as I Do?

Fri, 23 Jul 2010 20:15:02 GMT

If the answer is YES, then you'll be happy to hear this latest news! A brand new farmer's market will be coming to South Maui's Kihei in the very near future! The Lipoa Street Farmers Market will be located at South Maui Center on Lipoa Street, and is tentatively scheduled to debut on July 31, 2010. The plan is for the market to be open every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon.

Jul 22, More for Music Lovers on Maui!

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 20:42:46 GMT

Mark your calendars for July 24th at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center! What's going on? The 5th Annual "Reggae in the Valley," that's what! Featured artists include: Sly Dog, Rushouze, Dani Girl, Maoli, Natural Vibes, Ten Feet, Kolohe Kai, FIJI, and Mana`o Company. The gates open at 4pm... so get there early for the best seats! Tickets are $20 if purchased in advance, or $30 if purchased at the door (plus applicable fees). For more information, go to the Maui Arts and Cultural Center website. (Link will open in new window.)

Jul 21, Royal Lahaina Luau in Maui at the Royal Lahaina Resort

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 22:15:01 GMT

Find out if the Royal Lahaina Resort "Royal Lahaina Luau" in Maui is what you're looking for in a luau! This is the perfect luau for anyone who...

Jul 19, One of My Favourite Pictures From Our Hike in Iao Valley State Park:

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 22:47:44 GMT

This picture of Iao Stream was one of my favourites... it was taken during a guided hike from the Hawaii Nature Center. Our trek through Iao Valley State Park took us through some absolutely gorgeous areas as we made our way to a spot where we could view the famous Iao Needle. Have YOU been to Iao Valley State Park? If so, I'd love to hear about it! (and so would other visitors to this site!) Share your story here!

Jul 18, 5th Annual Naish Maui International Paddleboard Championships

Sun, 18 Jul 2010 21:02:59 GMT

At 1 p.m. today, the competitors will face off at Maliko Gulch for their 9.54 mile race to Kahului Harbour (finish line on the beach at the Hawaiian Canoe Club.) For more information, go to the Maui Paddleboard website. (Link will open in new window.)

Jul 16, We Have Our First Entry for Our Maui Travel Story Contest!

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 22:14:52 GMT

Have you seen our first contest entry yet? Liz from California submitted a very cool story! Read all about what Liz saw when she was "lost in paradise!" Do you have a story of your own to share? Share YOUR Maui travel story here for a chance to win a $20 gift certificate to Amazon.com! Entering our contest is super easy, so why not give it a try? Haven't been to Maui yet? All is not lost! You have until November 30th, 2010 to enter your story! So bookmark our contest entry page and submit your story AFTER you return from your Maui vacation!

Jul 15, More Things to Do in Maui...

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 21:17:16 GMT

What about windsurfing, kiteboarding, surfing, SUPing (paddle boarding), jetskiing, boat trip, picnic at the beach at sunset time, beach volleyball session

Jul 14, A Great Deal Gets Even Better!

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 21:37:32 GMT

If you're going to Maui for a vacation before November 1st, you can buy 1 Entertainment Book for home, and 1 for Maui (the Hawaii edition) for only $10!! Now THAT is a really cool deal! Last week, they had these books marked down to only $7 per book... but this latest deal of only $5 per book is so much better! Like I said before, I've bought this book many, many times, and even when paying the full price of $35, all of the 2-for-1 and 50 off coupons are STILL enough to more than pay for cost of the book!

(Link will open in new window.)

And don't forget... when you click on the ad and go to their site, you can preview the coupons BEFORE you buy! So take a look... I think you'll like what you see!

Jul 13, The Turtles

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 20:09:30 GMT

We were lost in paradise & came to the end of the road we were driving on. Typical of Maui, the end of the line was lovely, so we stopped & walked....we

Jul 12, Yay for the Stingless Wasp!

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 20:37:49 GMT

I never thought I'd be glad to hear about the introduction of a wasp! So get this... I just heard about a nasty little critter that's moved into Maui called the stinging-nettle caterpillar. If you brush up against one of these guys, you can get a rash and welts that last for weeks! Apparently, this particular variety of caterpillar was first found on Maui in 2007, and has been an annoying pest ever since! And now, the stingless wasp to the rescue! The stingless wasp has just been introduced to Maui for the sole purpose of killing the stinging-nettle caterpillars! I love it! A wasp that DOESN'T hurt us humans, and will go to battle for us against a critter that drives us crazy! How awesome is that?!?

Jul 11, Maui Events: The Progressive Dinner in Lahaina, HI

Sun, 11 Jul 2010 21:00:39 GMT

There are always a ton of Maui events to choose from, but I must say, the annual Progressive Dinner is one of those things to do in Lahaina, HI that you DON'T want to miss...

Jul 11, Does Anyone Have a Great Story to Tell?

Sun, 11 Jul 2010 03:40:50 GMT

I was just wondering if anyone out there has a Maui travel story that they'd like to share? Or maybe you're planning a future trip to Maui... for SURE you'll have a few tales to tell upon your return! So what's the point of all this? Well, I currently have another Maui travel story contest running, AND the winner will receive a $20 gift certificate to Amazon.com! So, if you have a story, there's no better time than NOW to share it! Share YOUR Maui travel story here for a chance to win a $20 gift certificate to Amazon.com! Entering our contest is super easy, so why not give it a try? Or maybe you're curious about what kinds of stories were submitted in our last contest? Beth Ward submitted this funny story about her Old Lahaina Luau experience - it was one of my favourites!

Jul 9, A REALLY Good Deal! Only $7.99 for the Entertainment Book!

Fri, 09 Jul 2010 20:31:45 GMT

Are you familiar with the Entertainment Coupon Book? Basically, it's a book that's packed full of 50 off and 2-for-1 deals! You just choose the U.S. state (ex. Hawaii!) or Canadian province that you want the book for, and viola! Savings are delivered right to your door! I've bought this book not only for every single vacation to Hawaii, but also for use here at home! And, the best part is that I've always saved WAY more money than the cost of the book itself (and that's even when I've paid full price!!) Luckily, you won't have to pay full price because the Entertainment Book is on sale until July 14, 2010 for only $7.99! Only $7.99 for the 2010 Entertainment Coupon Book is a HUGE deal because it normally sells for $35... trust me, I know this for a fact because that's what I've always paid for it in the past! They say this deal is only on until July 14, 2010... so hurry if you want to take advantage of it! Most of the coupons in the book will still be good until November 1st, 2010... so that's a TON of time to save money with all of their 50 off and 2-for-1 coupons! Not sure if you'll use the coupons in the book? Well, when when you click on the ad and go to their site, you can preview the coupons BEFORE you buy! So take a look... I think you'll like what you see!

Jul 8, Anything Missing From My Top 10 List?

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 20:41:53 GMT

My Top 10 List of Things to do in Maui for Adventure:

1) Snorkeling
2) Explore the Hana Lava Tube (Kaeleku Caverns)
3) Go on a hike or two!
4) Explore Iao Valley State Park
5) Scuba Dive
6) Go on an Atlantis submarine ride
7) Check out the summit of Mt Haleakala
8) Drive the Road to Hana
9) Go on a zipline tour
10) Go on a helicopter tour

So... am I missing anything? Have you been on a Maui adventure that is deserving of a spot on this list? Share your story and thoughts!

Jul 8, A Chance to See Puu Kukui Watershed Preserve

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 02:58:12 GMT

Whenever I hear the words "a chance to see an area rarely visited by the public" I get really excited! And that is precisely what they are saying about this opportunity to explore while volunteering in West Maui's Puu Kukui Watershed Preserve during the Volunteer Service Trip that will take place on July 10, 2010. The Puu Kukui Watershed Preserve is located on Mauna Kahalawai's summit. This is the mountain that forms the backdrop for West Maui's Kapalua Resort. The Puu Kukui Watershed Preserve is in need of people who are interested in the chance to explore this remote area of Maui as they volunteer to "malama'aina" or "take care of the land." If this opportunity sounds like something you would be interested in, you can contact Megan at (808)665-5467.

Jul 6, Drums of the Pacific Luau at the Kaanapali Beach Resort Hyatt Regency Maui

Tue, 06 Jul 2010 20:12:31 GMT

Find out everything you need to know about the Drums of the Pacific Luau at the Hyatt Regency Maui. This Kaanapali Beach Resort luau in Maui is rated above average and is a great option if you

Jul 6, Upcoming Musical Events on Maui

Tue, 06 Jul 2010 02:43:56 GMT

This week will be a musical week on Maui! There is the FREE Hawaiian Music Series coming up this Thursday at the Baldwin Home Museum... Click here to read more about the Hawaiian Music Series and other recurring Maui events! And, If you haven't been to the Maui Tropical Plantation Yet, why not go this week and enjoy the Academy of Performing Arts' concerts under the stars? The MAPA will be performing music from the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic, "South Pacific!" For more information, check out the MAPA website here. (Link will open in new window.)

Jul 4, Found a Nice Picture of a Moray Eel at Molokini Crater...

Sun, 04 Jul 2010 20:27:57 GMT

Me being a total wimp, I must admit that I was VERY glad not to see one of these with my very own eyes... Back when we snorkeled at Molokini Island, I was rather scared of running into one of these, as I'd heard that they could be found there in Molokini Crater. I guess you can add "EEL PHOBIA" to my list... Anyhow, if you'd like to see a picture of what these guys look like, just scroll down my article about our Molokini Crater Snorkeling Experience to take a look!

Jul 4, Maui Travel Story Contest

Sun, 04 Jul 2010 05:13:20 GMT

Jul 2, Maui Cell Phone Ban to be LAW Early Next Week!

Fri, 02 Jul 2010 20:37:13 GMT

Well, it will soon be official. This Tuesday, Maui Mayor Charmaine Tavares will be signing into law Bill 40, which will officially ban the use of all mobile electronic devices while driving. Kaui, Oahu and The Big Island have similar laws already in place. A first offence will cost you as much as $100, and repeat offenders could be charged fines of $250 or more!

Jun 30, Luau in Maui: The Sheraton Maui Hotel Luau in the Kaanapali Beach Resort

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 21:00:40 GMT

If you're staying in the Kaanapali Beach Resort or Kapalua, Maui areas, the luau in Maui at the Sheraton Maui Hotel is not only conveniently located, but rated more highly than many of the others...

Jun 29, Wailuku Town's First Friday

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 20:56:26 GMT

Well, it's that time again! The first Friday in July is almost here, and that means it's time to celebrate Wailuku Town's First Friday! If you plan on going this Friday, July 2nd, or you've been in the past, I'd love to hear about it! You can share your story with us here! Read more about not only Wailuku First Friday, but other monthly Maui events as well!

Jun 28, Want to Live at the Ritz Carlton Kapalua?

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 20:42:31 GMT

For a cool 1.2 million dollars, you can own your very own suite at the Ritz Carlton Kapalua! Can you imagine what it would be like to own a property like this? The suites come fully furnished and decorated. They even have a concierge team dedicated specifically to these Owner Suites! All I can say is WOW! Now this kind of property is totally out of my league... but if it's in YOUR league, and you'd like more information about it, you can contact the Ritz at (866) 665-9184.

Jun 27, Maui Travel Story Contest

Sun, 27 Jun 2010 05:15:26 GMT

Share YOUR Maui travel story here for a chance to win a $20 gift certificate to Amazon.com! Entering our contest is super easy, so why not give it a try?