Things to Do on Maui: Haleakala Crater

By Kathy Englert

If you have been following the news for the past few months, on more than one occasion you had probably noticed a fair amount of excitement surrounding NASA's recent journey to the Red Planet, aka Mars. For those of us watching in awe as the Curiosity Rover makes its way across the barren landscape towards Mount Sharp, wishing we could explore the planet alongside it, there is a similar opportunity available right here on Maui in Haleakala Crater!

Rising just over 10,000 feet above sea level, Mt. Haleakala is one of the "must visit" places while on vacation on Maui. Literally translated as the House of the Sun, Haleakala's biggest claim to fame is that it is home to Hawaii's most spectacular sunrise.

While the journey up the mountain requires that you start your journey in the very early pre-dawn hours, once you arrive at the summit you will be treated to a scene of unmatched beauty as the sun makes its way into the morning sky. As darkness becomes light, you will begin to notice at first, the faint mountainous outcroppings within Haleakala's deeply cratered top. Look closer, as the sun fully illuminates the sky, you will find a landscape which could pass as a spitting image of that of Mars.

Beautiful cinder cones of red, orange, and brown sands cover a desolate mountainous Martian landscape set within this crater high above the clouds. A sight which must be seen to be believed. If simply taking in the enormity of this unique landscape from the summit is not enough for you, you can sign up for a tour, take a hike in, and even stay overnight in a crater cabin for the ultimate Mars-like experience.

Due to its high level in the atmosphere, the air will be a lot thinner and less warm than your waterfront Wailea condo rental. Temperatures can become so cold that in fact, Haleakala occasionally experiences winter periods where snowfall covers the summit area. Remember to pack a warm set of clothing if you plan to visit this side of Maui.

This is definitely one of Maui's most uniquely beautiful natural treasures, a visit to Haleakala Crater should be on every Maui vacationers' To Do list. For more information on the best times and options for visiting Haleakala Crater, contact Rentals Maui direct or via Facebook today. Mahalo!

Enjoying Life at the Shores of Maui

By Kathy Englert

When was the last time you enjoyed the shores of Maui? If the answer to that question is "too long ago" then we have the perfect South Maui vacation rental for you.

Sit back, relax and enjoy the shores of Maui from your very own unit at the aptly named Shores of Maui. An affordably priced condominium in the heart of Kihei, the Shores of Maui 207 features a one  bedroom, one bathroom layout which easily accommodates up to four guests. Standard amenities include a full kitchen, an air conditioned living room with ceiling fans throughout, as well as free in room WiFi. Of course when you're on Maui, all the amenities in the world take a back seat to the enjoyment to be had on the actual shores of Maui - much of which are perfectly situated nearby the Shores of Maui condominium!

Within a short walking distance from your front door, you will find miles of fantastic white sand lapped by gentle waves at Charley Young and Kamaole Beach. After enjoying a day at either of these great beaches, take a stroll to any one of the many nearby eateries for a bite. Visit the nearby clothing, souvenir and activities shops for everything from swimwear to snorkel lessons. If a higher-end experience is desired, hop in your automobile rental and take a short drive into the fabulous upscale community of Wailea; where fine dining, exquisite spa relaxation, and fabulous shopping awaits!

Whether shopping in Wailea, lounging at Kamaole Beach, or enjoying your afternoon from the comfort of your room, as evening falls you will want to gaze westward as the always spectacular Maui sun sets into the deep blue horizon of the Pacific. As the last shimmer of warm Maui sun slip away, get back out there and enjoy the fun night life that Kihei has to offer. All of this and much more are just moments away from your conveniently located vacation rental!

Don't wait, book your vacation at the Shores of Maui today! Mahalo!

Things to Do on Maui - Snorkel Adventures

By Kathy Englert

Now that you've picked out the perfect Maui vacation rental for you and your family on the South side of the island, what do you do next? As any repeat visitor to our island home can attest, Maui is a treasure trove of activities for outdoor enthusiast of all ages year-round. Of particular abundance, are the many wonderful water based activities throughout Maui's shores; from boat rides to shoreline swimming and much more! One such water activity that is also a guest favorite: Snorkeling. 

Requiring nothing more than an underwater mask and breathing tube (the snorkel) snorkeling on Maui is one of the most affordable yet rewarding experiences guests of all ages can partake in. Simply grab your gear, find a nice calm water spot, dive in and enjoy the scenic beauty of Maui's shallow coastline. While there are many places which to enjoy a good snorkel, there are a few in South Maui which come highly recommended by locals and visitors alike:

1. Kamaole Beach 1, 2, and 3.
Running a bit past the halfway point of Kihei down into Wailea, the beaches of Kamaole provide many fantastic underwater sightseeing opportunities to snorkelers thanks to abundant rocky outcroppings and reefs teeming with underwater life forms, as well as wonderfully warm white sand beaches with which to relax upon in between snorkel sets.

2. "The Reef" between Ulua and Keawakapu
A bit past the end of Kamaole Beach 3 but before the official entrance to Wailea lies the beaches of Keawakapu and Ulua. At the edges where these beaches meet you will find even more fish, coral, and otherworldly marine life attached throughout the reef area which borders the two beaches.

3. La Perouse Bay
Venture further out past Wailea and you will come upon a bay that is virtually all rocks known as La Perouse Bay. Thanks to the almost exclusively rocky shoreline this Bay is teeming with Hawaiian marine life of all shapes and sizes, making La Perouse one of the absolute best places to snorkel on Maui.

These are just a few of our top pics of places to snorkel while on vacation in Maui; if you would like more ideas or recommendations contact us directly or via Facebook today. Mahalo!

Family Friendly Fun on Your Maui Vacation

By Kathy Englert

Cool, fresh, dew-filled air, fantastic country living ambiance, and the best coast to coast views available anywhere; the quintessential description of Upcountry Maui.

A "must see" for any and all on their Maui vacation, Upcountry Maui offers a wholly unique experience from those typically ascribed to our island home. Defined by the numerous towns strewn throughout the slopes of Haleakala, when Upcountry you will find a lovely country village atmosphere, complete will small boutique stores, coffee shops, and markets, along with one of a kind attractions such as the islands only (and quite famous) lavender farm and winery. Along with these fantastic attractions are a number of once a year events which warrant the extra drive time up the mountain to experience. One such event is set to take place, once again, this May 11th: The much celebrated Seabury Hall Craft Fair.

Celebrating its 40th year, the Seabury Hall Craft Fair is always one of the year's most entertaining events to be found in all of Maui. With more than one hundred of the island's top artisans set to have their exquisite artworks offered, this event is the place to be for any local art connoisseur. For those who are simply looking for a fun, family friendly good time on Maui, the Craft Fair offers up fun in spades with plenty of kids activities including: games, water and dry slides, pony rides, face painting, and much more. Of course this fair also has the tendency to make one hungry; not to worry though, as the Seabury Hall Craft Fair has this aspect covered with a multitude of yummy food choices from some of the islands top vendors and restaurants.

A great way to spend the day after checking in to your South Maui condo rental, plan to head on up the Haleakala Highway to the Seabury Hall Craft Fair from 9am through 5pm on Saturday May 11th for a day of enjoyment in the cool Upcountry air. For more information on this or other fantastic Maui events, or to book your Maui condo rental today, contact Rentals Maui at (808) 879-2700, or via our official Facebook channel. Mahalo!

A Simply Amazing Maui Vacation Rental at a Special Rate

By Kathy Englert

Searching for the perfect Maui vacation rental at a reasonable price? Search no longer . . .

One of the most unique Kihei vacation rental properties available, Hale Ili Ili offers up an unforgettable Maui vacation experience to all who enter its gates. A quaint four plex located right on the beach, Hale Ili Ili has everything you could want in a south Maui vacation condo.

Quick and easy access to Kihei's best beaches? Check.
The soothing sounds of the Pacific ocean lulling you to sleep each night? Check.
Panoramic oceanview sunsets from the balcony of your lanai? Check!

These are just a few of the amenities and features offered at this fantastic condo, with much much more on offer, including:

Inside:

• Private, upstairs setting
• 2 spacious bedrooms and bathrooms
• Fully equipped Kitchen
• In Unit Washer and Dryer
• Central A/C
• Complimentary High Speed Wi-Fi

Outside:

• Spectacular waterfront location fronting the famous Kamaole Beach
• Access for swimming, snorkeling, and body surfing and more
• Oceanside pool
• Hot tub
• Gas grill
• Close proximity to Cove Park - Kihei's main surfing and Paddle boarding beach

Additional amenities:
Complete "Beach Day Package" - Beach chairs, beach towels, cooler, and umbrella.

Need a bit more convincing? Take a look at what former guests at Hale Ili Ili have to say. For a limited time you can have all of this at just $299 per night during the month of May! So don't wait, book your Maui vacation rental at Hale Ili Ili C today by calling us at the phone numbers below, via email, or Facebook. Mahalo!