Right now is a fabulous time to be on vacation in Maui. The Hawaiian Winter is in full swing; with a continued forecast of sun, surf, and sand, without a snowflake in sight! Sit atop the lanai outside of your South Maui condo rental however and you will most likely see something even more spectacular than snow in Hawaii: the migratory ballet of the magnificent humpback whale. Every year these beautiful beasts take a Maui vacation of their own and make an incredible 3,000 mile journey from the frigid waters of Alaska to the warm tides off our islands' coasts, to breed and give birth in the calming waters of the Pacific.

With January through April being the "peak season" to view these fantastic mammals jumping and playing just off our coast, those enjoying their stay at any of wonderful waterfront Maui vacation rentals are in for a fantastic show by some of nature's most talented acrobats. Of course if you want to get a bit closer to the action, there are many whale watching tours which can bring you and your family even closer to our marine visitors. However, as humpback whales are an endangered species, guides and groups are forbidden from getting too close to our ocean born friends. Thankfully, a few talented individuals have found a way to help residents and visitors experience humpback whales in a more up lose and personal way . . .

From now until February 29th, the Pacific Whale Foundation will host the "Tribute to the Whales" exhibit. Bringing together a spectacular collection of exquisite marine photography from a number of professional photographers, the talented lens work on display brings the wonders of the humpback whale to you in exquisite detail not commonly seen on an everyday whale watch. Definitely a must view, this "Tribute to the Whales" can be viewed at the Ma'alaea Harbor Shops, steps away from the Maui Ocean Center on the road to Lahaina (and a quick 15-20 minute drive from your beachfront Maui condo rental in Wailea.) for more information on, or driving directions to, this fantastic exhibit contact Kathy Englert, your Maui Vacation Rental Advisor, today!

Mahalo!

Take a look around from your waterfront Maui condo rental or Wailea vacation home and you will see any number of fabulously beautiful features of our island paradise. From pristine white sand beaches, to breathtaking sunsets behind the horizon of the Pacific, everywhere you look there is something beautiful to enjoy on your Maui vacation. While there is much to enjoy in Maui's natural beauty, if you fancy yourself a connoisseur of fine art, you will find much to enjoy at the Mau Arts and Cultural Center from now until March 11th at the Schaefer Portrait Challenge.

A yearly artistic event of epic proportions, the Schaefer Portrait Challenge sees more than 50 artists from all corners of Hawaii submit portraiture in a variety of mediums, from three dimensional works made of clay and wood, to traditional acrylic and oil paintings on canvas. While artistic expression is the primary motivation behind this collaboration of some of the states finest artists, the Schaefer Portrait Challenge also features a grand total of $20,000 in prize money to be awarded to the very top portraits of the challenge. In addition, the Schaefer Portrait Challenge features the very special Marian Freeman People's Choice Award - an award which goes to the portrait which garners the most votes from visitors to the Schaefer Portrait Challenge. The recipient of the People's Choice Award is also awarded a generous $5,000 award.

If you wish to experience some of the finest art on offer in Hawaii, while taking in the natural beauty of Maui, take a trip to the Maui Arts and Cultural Center Wednesdays through Sundays from 11am to 5pm, now until March 11th. For driving directions from your beachfront Maui condo rental or vacation home in Wailea, contact your Maui Vacation Rental Advisor, Kathy Englert, today!

Of all the places on Earth, Maui, and for that matter, all of Hawaii, is one of the most culturally diverse places on the planet. As guests at our waterfront Maui condo rentals can attest, the island of Maui is a melting pot of cultures; something which impacts our everyday life in wonderful ways; from exquisitely designed beachfront Maui condo and home rentals, to delicious pacific fusion cuisine at any of the many fine dining establishments throughout Wailea. A big contribution to our islands diversity comes from our fantastic Chinese community members. First arriving in the West Maui port town of Lahaina in the 1800's, Chinese members of our community have made uncountable important contributions to our Maui home, helping shape our island into the paradise it is today. Such and impact have their contributions made, that Lahaina is the only place in Hawaii to house a dedicated Chinese museum: the Wo Hing Museum at 585 Front St., Lahaina.

On Friday, January 27th, 2012, the Wo Hing Museum will host a massive celebration around Front Street celebrating the Chinese New Year. Ushering in the Year of the Dragon, this Chinese new Year Celebration will see martial arts demonstrations from the Shaolin Arts Society, a presentation on Chinese cultural traditions and their relation to the Year of the Dragon, Chinese delicacies from the Fu Lin restaurant, a celebratory fireworks display, and the highlight of ht evening, the New Year lion dance traveling along the storefronts of Front Street. All of this fun will be taking place from 5:00pm to 9:00pm at and around the Wo Hing Museum on Front Street.

Admission is FREE so head on down to Lahaina on the 27th and celebrate the Year of the Dragon in style!

For more information/driving instructions to the Wo Hing Museum on Front Street from your waterfront Maui vacation resort rental. contact your Maui Vacation Rental Advisor, Kathy Englert.

Mahalo!

Maui is without a doubt one of the most beautiful places on Earth. Vibrant white sand beaches soak up gentle waves of the majestic Pacific Ocean, while you soak up rays of sunshine just outside of your spacious Maui condo rental. Just offshore, enormous humpback whales can be seen performing acrobatic feats with amazing grace, entertaining all who are within view. Just as these remarkable creatures come to our shores to play and perform in our warm coastal waters on a yearly basis, so too do other remarkable guests of the human variety: such as the New Shanghai Circus.

A troupe of performers renowned worldwide for their acrobatic skills, the New Shanghai Circus will return to Maui this January 16th through 17th for a few special performances at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center. Built upon a foundation of acrobatics from generations past, the New Shanghai Circus takes classic Chinese acrobatics and infuses them with modern techniques and technology. This unique approach creates a vibrant performance layered with daring complexity and graceful beauty, perfectly orchestrated and without compare.

Come join us here on Maui as we welcome our acrobatic friends on ocean and land. For those ready to take the plunge, we have a variety of wonderful waterfront Maui condo rentals in Wailea and Kihei, from which to watch our acrobatic whale friends before heading out to enjoy the amazing performances of the New Shanghai Circus.

To purchase tickets for the New Shanghai circus, call the MACC box office at 808-242-7469. And for more information on reserving your beachfront vacation rental in Maui, click here to contact Kathy Englert, your Maui Vacation Rental Advisor today! Mahalo!

About this time every year, our vacation rental paradise known as Maui plays host to a championship golf tournament of epic proportions: The Hyundai Tournament of Champions. Held in beautiful West Maui at Kapalua's prestigious Plantation course, this extra special golf event sees thirty nine world class championship winners converge on West Maui for a world class opening to the PGA Tour! Big names including Phil Mickelson, Mark Wilson, Bill Haas, and this year's defending champion, Jonathon Byrd, will be competing against their fellow champions for a purse totaling $5.6 million, while enjoying the beautiful sights and sounds of one of Maui, if not the world's, most idyllic golf courses.

All of this fantastic golf action will be taking place though Monday, January 9th in Kapalua. Tickets are available by calling 808-665-9160 or "at the door" upon arrival at the Tournament. For those staying at one of our stunning waterfront Wailea vacation rentals or South Maui condo rentals, the Hyundai Tournament of Champions is just a short jaunt across the island to West Maui. Even if you are not planning on attending this year's Tourney, we highly suggest making the trip along Maui's picturesque shoreline towards West Maui: Whale watching season is in full swing and you can expect to see these beautiful beasts from virtually anywhere on the coastline!

For driving directions to Kapalua from your waterfront Maui condo rental and/or more information on the best whale watching times, spots, and tours available, give contact your Maui Vacation Rental Advisor, Kathy Englert today!