Maui is often family vacationers' first
pick among the Hawaiian Islands, thanks to a wide range of hotel
and condominium inventory and its diverse mix of attractions and
activities, including many unique to the island. In addition to
children's activity programs offered at most resort hotels, the
following are some vacation experiences for travelers to share as a
family, commissionable at 10% to 20% when booked before the trip.
Volcanic verve
" Haleakala downhill bicycling: A downhill procession on mountain bikes from the
summit of volcanic Haleakala to the coast, this 38-mile excursion
is a safe option for kids age 12 and older. With lead and rear
guides to assure safety, there are breaks at scenic lookouts and
for lunch en route. There are sunrise and morning departures, with
the former requiring a 3 a.m. wake-up, and hotel pickups are
provided. Both runs typically include continental breakfast and are
priced from $130 to $150.
" Haleakala on
horseback: You'll set out from
the summit and descend on the Sliding Sands Trail. Riding might be
a bit strenuous, but the visual rewards and the thrill of
discovering the crater floor make it a memorable family
experience.
" Haleakala on
foot: If clients are energetic,
there's a 3,000-foot, downhill hike from the summit of Haleakala to
its crater. There are several lookouts on the way to provide a
shorter itinerary if a full descent is too demanding. There are
many other hiking alternatives within Haleakala National Park,
including a magical inland hike through a great bamboo forest that
leads to Makahiku Falls and Waimoku Falls, with a trailhead that
starts near the park's Seven Pools visitor center at Ohe'o
Gulch.
Enjoy the ride
" Lahaina-Kaanapali &
Pacific Railroad: If the kids
are under 12, the six-mile-long run on a century-old narrow-gauge
railway that runs between Kaanapali and Lahaina is ideal.
Departures and returns throughout the day.
" Kayaking:
Maui's usually calm south coast offers great
open-ocean kayaking, either via rental or escorted tour, which is
right for families unfamiliar with Maui's waters. Itineraries vary,
according to weather and sea conditions, with departures from a
variety of south coast locations. Tours, priced $65 to $120, run
from two to four hours.
" Setting sail:
From November to May, humpback whales head to
Maui's waters to nurture their young. A small fleet of
whale-watching boats, the larger ones headed by marine biologists
or other specialists, head out from Maalaea and Lahaina.The rest of
the year visitors will have to settle for dolphins, flying fish,
reef life and stunning offshore views of Maui, Molokai and
Lanai.
Snorkeling
excursions head to Molokini, a small island with a fringing reef,
and to the marine preserve at Mokuleia, West Maui, with Lahaina
departures. Maui Ocean Riders departs Maui for a full-day circuit
of Lanai, with stops for snorkeling in uncrowded locations. The
70-mile tour includes lunch for $129.
What's more ...
" Maui Ocean
Center: Hawaii's most extensive
aquarium and marine displays are housed at this facility adjacent
to Maalaea Harbor. A giant walk-through tank, alive with sharks,
rays and many fish species. During the summer the center offers
daily educational programs for kids.
" Hiking: A hike along the wild back end of West Maui links
Kapalua with Wailuku. Hike Maui and Hike Paradise offer a full menu
of commissionable, guided hikes ranging from $75 to $150 and suited
to all levels of hiking skill and stamina.
To contact reporter Allan Seiden, send e-mail to [email protected].