The State of Hawaii is a state in the United States, located on an archipelago in the central Pacific Ocean southwest of the continental United States, southeast of Japan, and northeast of Australia.The state encompasses nearly the entire volcanic Hawaiian Island chain, which comprises hundreds of islands spread over 1,500 miles (2,400 km). At the southeastern end of the archipelago, the eight “main islands” are (from the northwest to southeast) Niʻihau, Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi, Kahoʻolawe, Maui, and Hawaiʻi. The last is by far the largest, and is often called the “Big Island” or “Big Isle” to avoid confusion with the state as a whole.
Here the main focus is on the island of Maui-since i have been to this place n can talk about it in much detail.
The island of Maui is the second-largest of the Hawaiian Islands.The Island of Maui is also called the “Valley Isle” for the large fertile isthmus between its northwestern and southeastern volcanoes.
When we landed in Maui in end of February,we came out of the airport and rented a Ford Mustang(reason for renting such a car ,it was a convertible and we wanted to enjoy the warm weather of maui).
Our hotel of stay was Wailea Marriot and we truly loved the beach view from our room.
Word’s u should get used to while ur stay in hawaii-
Aloha-Its a form of saying Hello or Goodbye.
Mahalo-Its a form of saying Thanks
Lei-Its is a flower arrangement consisting of a circular band of flowersor foilage(garland) for ornamental purposes.U will see most of these made out of orchids,shells etc.
Luau-A luau (in Hawaiian, lū‘au) is a Hawaiian feast. It may feature food, such as poi, kalua pig, poke, lomi salmon, opihi, haupia, and beer; and entertainment, such as Hawaiian music and hula dance.
Apart from these common things u will see in Maui are beautiful beaches,dormant volcanoes,whales etc.Coffee, macadamia nuts, papaya, tropical flowers, sugarcane and fresh pineapple are just some of Hawaii’s premium exports and are a great example of its diversified agriculture.
I dont actually remember my itenary as it is but here are the palces we have been to while we were there…..
Haleakala-U can get up very early in the morning and go to Haleakala to see the beautiful sunrise.Remember to take ur winter jackets as it is supposed to be very cold out there…Early Hawaiians applied the name Haleakalā (“house of the sun”) to the summit area only, most likely because from the west side of the island, the sun could be seen rising up over the eastern side of the mountain.
A well traveled, modern and quite curvy road leads all the way to the top of this spectacular mountain. The road is open to the public (although parts of it are restricted) and is a well-maintained two-lane highway, however it contains many blind turns and areas where the outer lane is quite close to very steep dropoffs. Local animals, including cattle, are often encountered in the roadway. There is a USD$10.00 per vehicle entrance fee to the park. Public transportation does not go through the park, but tour buses visit the summit regularly. Cycling and horseback riding are other popular ways to explore the park.
‘Iao Valley , Wailuku-The lovely, deep valley of ‘Iao features the ‘Iao Needle, a natural rock pinnacle presiding over the ‘Iao stream and surrounded by the walls of the Pu’u Kukui Crater. Once used as a natural altar, the 2,250-foot stone pillar, covered in green foliage, is really a basaltic core that has survived eons of swirling water. ‘Iao Valley is a peaceful lush area with easy hikes, exotic tropical plants, and clear, natural pools. The ridge-top lookout offers a fantastic view of the valley and Kahului Harbor.
Road to Hana-Its a a long, winding, 52 mile long highway along Maui’s northern shore.Nice place to go on a beautiful drive n enjoy a lovely picnic at one of its beautiful places.U should be able to allocate atleast 6 hrs or more to enjoy this beautiful drive.
Ponits of interest along the way
- Kahanu Garden
- Kaia Ranch Tropical Botanical Gardens
- Hana Beach Park
- Hana Ball Park
- Pailoa Bay
- Hamoa Beach
- Wainapanapa -Black sand beach
Whale watching:Maui is a leading whale-watching center in the Hawaiian Islands due to Humpback whales wintering in the sheltered ʻAuʻau Channel between the islands of Maui county. The whales migrate approximately 3,500 miles (5,600 km) from Alaskan waters each autumn and spend the winter months mating and birthing in the warm waters off Maui, with most leaving by the end of April. The whales are typically sighted in pods: small groups of several adults, or groups of a mother, her calf, and a few suitors.
We went on a Pacific whale foundation….whale watching tour n we were not disappointed we spotted many whales and were excited to see such huge creatures teaching their little ones..http://www.pacificwhale.org/mauiecocruises/ But during the winter months u will not be able to go on jet skis as it endangers the life of the whales.
Submarine cruise: This is a nice thing to opt for if u cant go on a snorkelling trip with ur family..http://www.atlantisadventures.com/ it is basically a submarine with see through windows,all they do is take u to sea bed from where u can see beautiful coral reefs,colourful fish etc.
Lahaina:Lahaina is the closest gateway to the famous Kaanapali and Kapalua beach resorts north of the community.The banyan tree in Courthouse Square is noteworthy for its size.Lahaina is basically the shopping place and is very busy.The streets of lahaina are flooded with gift shops,jewellery shops etc….u can park u car n go on a nice walk looking at all the shops alongside the shore.
Kaanapali:Whatever you call it, Kaanapali Beach in West Maui is a watersport lover’s paradise. Virtually every type of ocean recreation is available. Snorkeling and scuba diving are outstanding. The Black Rock is a large lava rock that divides the beach. This is a busy, popular beach that fronts two resorts. What you give up in solitude you gain in big time fun—shopping, restaurants, boat tours, fishing, kayaking, sailing, sunbathing, people-watching, and more.
Kapalua Beach:Golden sand, swaying palms, calm waters. What more can you ask for? It’s just another day in paradise on this West Maui pocket beach. Situated between two lava points and bordered by a coconut tree grove, Kapalua is known for its tranquil surf, ideal for the less-than-adventurous swimmer and families with small children.
Snorkeling spots : http://www.mauiinformationguide.com/maui-snorkeling-maps.php
Wheather u go surfing,snorkeling etc when in hawaii dont forget to go to an outdoor Luau….It gives a nice ending to a beautiful trip.But do check ur weather report before booking a luau….because if it rains then the luau will be cancelled.
To see Active volcanoes u need to go to the big island on a helicopter ride,to enjoy the breathtaking view.Dont forget to have a nice Lava rock massage at ur place of stay its very relaxing.I am not giving u the directions or prices of various things as u never know when they change.
Before leaving hawaii dont forget to get hula doll as a souvenir
On the whole no matter which island of Hawaii that u visit there is always beautiful sunrises n sunsets,romantic walks and dinners,beaches,volcanoes etc…
Marking the Map-Travel blog 
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