O. K., so you’re saying to yourself “How long can a person lay on a beautiful
sandy beach or by our pool and read books or just relax, what else is there to do?” 

Well, to be honest, there really is not much else to do.  Let me think…
Well, I guess you could always: 

Snorkel and Scuba; Dinner at a Luau; Bike the Volcano; Dinner Cruise and/or Sunset Cruise;
Horseback Ride; Helicopter Tours; Surfing Lessons; Shop at the Malls; Get a Massage;
Rent a Canoe or Kayak; Take the Drive to Hana; Parasail; ATV experience; Ziplines and Rope Courses;
Visit the Sugar Cane Museum; Pamper yourself at one of the luxury hotel’s Day Spa;
Experience the Maui Ocean Center; Ride the Sugar Cane Train; Whale Watch (seasonal);
or see a show at the Maui Art and Cultural Center (MACC). 
I guess you can do these things if lying on the beach isn’t enough for you. 
But let’s get back to lying on the beach for a moment.

Our Beaches

“Le Penthouse" is in Kihei.  Kihei Beach is really a series of beaches (Kama‘ole Beach Parks I, II and III),
coves and tidepools along six-miles of Kihei coastline.  These beaches are truly beautiful and incredibly
convenient and are separated from one another by rocky outcroppings.

These beaches offer ample parking, lifeguards to watch over you and your family, volleyball courts,
picnic facilities and excellent swimming conditions.

Although we have good beaches close to our condo, my wife and I take a short drive to Kama’ole Beach 3
because she likes a beach with bathrooms, showers and a lifeguard.  The lifeguard because she thinks
I have a better chance of not drowning while I’m snorkeling in the safe, warm, clean and clear water
of the blue Pacific while she pays no attention to me because she’s reading her book-a-day lying on the beach.

 

Scuba Diving
Descending beneath the waves, submerged in silence where the only sound is your own breath, the sights are beyond imagination as you experience the thrilling underwater realm of the Turtles, Manta Rays,
Dolphins and spectacular fish of every shape and color. Reach out and explore the unspoiled, untouched
underwater world of Maui. Dive Maui!

 

Snorkel I snorkel off many of our beaches and there is plenty to see.  Some of the best
snorkeling though is found off Molokini.  While you're out exploring Maui and enjoying our
awesome Maui activities, then you want to take one of our famous Maui snorkel tours
on a Maui charter boat out to Molokini, Maui. Molokini Crater is a volcano that has just barely
breached the surface of the ocean, creating a fascinating venue for a Maui snorkel experience.
Protected by its crescent moon shape, Molokini offers some of the finest snorkeling in
Maui--in fact, Molokini snorkeling is what makes Maui snorkel tours among the best in the world.
The visibility underwater is more than 100 feet on a Molokini tour, with crystal clear waters
that make it a favorite among Maui snorkel trips.  I think the best time to take this excursion is
early in the morning while the ocean waters are likely to be more calm than in the afternoon.

Luau
No Maui vacation is really complete without an authentic Hawaiian Luau. Maui luaus are the best in Hawaii.
A Maui Luau should be included in your Maui tours. The Hyatt Regency Drums of the Pacific Luau and the
Royal Lahaina Luau are two luaus on West Maui. On our side of the island, The Wailea Marriott Luau  and
Grand Wailea Luau are available to you. Adding any one of these Maui Luaus to your list of Maui activities
will highlight your Maui vacation.

 Bike Maui

There are many places you can rent a bike for a day or a week.  There are also tours with professional guides
to tell you what you’re seeing.  One exceptional tour is the bike ride down the outside of Haleakala Crater.
You can do the Sunrise tour that gets you up very early in the morning but is spectacular, or do one
later in the day. It’s a 28-mile ride down a paved road on the outside of the crater with only about
400 yards of peddling.  It ends up in the town of Paia.

 

Maui Sunset Dinner Cruise

Take a Sunset Cruise or combine it with a Dinner Cruise.  Cruise the spectacular Hawaiian waters while
watching the sun disappear into the sea. Enjoy the scene while dining on culinary delights on one of the luxury
cruise ships outfitted with all the amenities you could possibly need. Enjoy unforgettable cruises,
which offer not only romance, fun, and relaxation for everyone, but spectacular evening views of the sea,
the sky and the Hawaiian Islands.  Some of the cruise ships also offer music and dancing.

 Horseback Riding

Several of the working ranches offer horseback riding on trails that offer breathtaking views of the
Pacific Ocean, West Maui Mountains, Haleakala, and some of Maui's largest waterfalls - an adventure
you'll never forget!

Or journey on horseback from the rim of Haleakala Crater at 9,423-feet to the floor of the world's
largest dormant volcano!

 Helicopter Tours

Pricey but pretty spectacular are the helicopter tours.  You can choose the complete island of Maui, or do
one of the partial island tours. See Haleakala Crater, Oheo Gulch, Hana Town, Hana rainforest and the rugged shoreline of Northeast Maui. Explore deep, meandering valleys set in the rainforest of the ancient
West Maui Mountains. Knife-edged ridges with mist-shrouded peaks separate the spectacular valleys
that give Maui its nickname, "The Valley Isle." Waterfalls cascade down from towering cliffs into the
streams running along the rainforest floor. Learn about the history and culture of the sights from your pilot,
who is giving a running commentary throughout the flight

 

Surfing Lessons

Sure, there are several places on Maui where you can find experienced surfers to teach you to ride one
of Maui’s famous waves, but how about getting your adrenalin rush with an extreme sport, Kite Surfing
that combines kite power with the freedom of board riding!  Teachers are ready when you are.

 Shop The Malls

Finally, we get to one of my wife’s favorite Maui activities. The others are lying on the beach or lounging
by the pool reading; and eating breakfast, lunch and having dinner at one of the fine dining restaurants. 
But I digress. 

 Our favorite mall is The SHOPS AT WAILEA.  Many believe it is the most beautiful and exclusive shopping
center in Hawaii.

Located in the heart of Maui's world-famous Wailea Resort, The Shops at Wailea is Hawaii's ultimate
destination for unforgettable shopping and dining. Choose from internationally renowned designers and
artisans or spend time looking for distinctive island treasures. Then top off your visit with leisurely dining
at a fine restaurant to match your mood and taste – casual to elegant, familiar American fare to exciting
Pacific Rim cuisine.  And on Wednesday’s at around 5:30 you can usually hear live music and see dancers
doing the hula.

 Massage

Of course you can always find a massage in a day spa.  But I found one company that sends a massage
therapist to our condo.  I have also gone to the complex next to ours, a five minute walk, to a massage
therapist who works out of her condo and is a little less expensive.  For the in-our-condo massage, call
Fransesca at Aloha Massage: 808-573-2323 or one of her therapists, Diana at 808-276-4936. 
For the massage in the next complex The Luana Kai, call Tina Glen at 808-874-9120.

 

Kayak and/or Canoe

Rent a Canoe or Kayak or hire a guide and have a great adventure off shore.  The view of Maui is truly
amazing from the water. There are several Kayak and Canoe outfitters that will take you on kayak and
canoe trips that will combine the white sand beaches, lava rocks and caves, with snorkeling at some of
the best snorkeling spots that include some awesome underwater reefs.

Drive to Hana

Take your rental car and drive to Hana or look into one of the tour companies that will take you there in
perhaps something a little more comfortable while a guide explains what you are seeing.  Either way, you
will be taking one of the most breathtaking drives on earth through Maui's tropical rainforest. 617 curves,
54 one lane bridges to Hana, pineapple fields, spectacular cliffs, bamboo jungles, waterfalls, tropical
streams and pools, colorful and fragrant island flowers and rainforest vegetation are all to be enjoyed
on your way to "Heavenly Hana".

Parasail; ATV; Ziplines and Rope Courses

Parasail in paradise … almost anyone can fly … young, old, single or in tandem … it’s something for
everyone to enjoy and experience. Absolutely no experience is necessary and there is nothing to learn …
you just sit back and enjoy the ride. You begin your flight seated on the back deck of the boat …
your harness is attached to the parasail, and as the boat begins to accelerate, you feel the vessel sliding
out from underneath of you and WHOOOSH … off you go! 
Parasailing is available on Maui from May 16th - Dec. 15th. No parasailing is available during whale season.

ATV, or All-Terrain Vehicles, tours are a great way to experience everything from lush rainforest trails,
vast valleys, and cozy ranches to beach-side cliffs. Gear up and grab hold of the handles or enjoy the
scenery as a passenger as you set off of on an exciting and breathtaking excursion. Be enveloped in the
beautiful natural surroundings of Hawaii all aboard a safe and exhilarating ATV!

Zip along by the force of gravity and enjoy a unique and exhilarating adventure on your way into canopies
of rainforest, waterfalls or high above vast valleys. Gear-up, get informed and attach to the Zip Line to begin
one of the most environmentally friendly and exciting activities in the world.  And, usually, you will find a
rope bridge to traverse in the same area.  Really good ways to challenge ones fear of heights.  I’ll pass.

 

Sugar Cane Museum

Located next to Hawaii's largest working sugar factory in the historic
plantation town of Puunene, Maui, the award-winning Alexander & Baldwin
Sugar Museum is a marvelous repository of information and exhibits about
one of the most significant and influential periods in Maui's history.
Dedicated to preserving and presenting the history and heritage of Maui's
sugar industry, the 1,800-square-foot Museum not only charts the
establishment and growth of the industry, but looks at sugar's influence
on the development of Maui's water resources and rich multi-ethnic make-up,
and features intriguing displays on the inner workings of a sugar mill.

Pamper Yourself

Pricey, the Spas at the Luxury hotels such as The Grand Wailea, The Spa at Four Seasons Resort at Wailea,
The Maui Spa Moana, Hyatt Regency, Lahaina, and Spa Kea Lani at The Fairmont Kea Lani in Wialea, are
all available to you.  They are all probably very good but Spa Grande is consistently recognized as one of the
most luxurious spas in Hawaii and named among the Top 10 Spas in the United States by Conde Nast
Traveler and Travel & Leisure magazines.

The 50,000 square foot, award winning Spa Grande offers unique spa treatments and exceptional service
appealing to first time spa goers as well as repeat spa savvy guests. Uniting Thalassotherapy, Ancient
Eastern and Hawaiian Philosophies, and Advanced Technology, Spa Grande addresses one’s inner
and outer beauty simultaneously.
Internationally experienced therapists carry out the more than 100 treatments, many uniquely infused with
Hawaiian grown ingredients, including such signature therapies as: Seashell Massage, Haleakala Dream Bath,
Volcanic Ash Facial or Wrap, Pohaku (Hot Lava Stone) Massage, Hawaiian Lomi Lomi Massage,
Signature Massage, Ali’i Honey Steam Wrap, Awapuhi (Ginger) Salt Scrub & Hot Wrap and a lot more. 

But, for the more frugal among us, there are many very good day spas on Maui that will give you a day of
relaxation, rejuvenation and wellness treatments for a bit less money.  Be sure to ask a concierge or two
what they think.

Maui Ocean Center

“Voted Hawaii’s Top Rated Family Attraction” – Zagat Survey

Take a journey of discovery, be amazed at the beauty of Hawaii's underwater world, and learn something new!
Visitors come to the Maui Ocean Center to see awesome animals and experience Hawaii's incredible
underwater world, but the Center makes sure they have more than just photographs to take home with them.
Their goal at the aquarium is to create a lifelong bond between people and the ocean, not only in understanding,
but also in ultimate appreciation.

The Sugar Cane Train

Hop on board the Sugar Cane Train and experience a piece of Hawaiian history. The old train is a remnant
of Maui's once thriving sugar industry. The line has operated passenger service from Lahaina to Puukolii
(just north of Kaanapali) daily for over 30 years. Since 1970, over five million tourists to Maui have ridden
the train making it one of West Maui's most popular attractions. With a blast of its steam whistle,
the locomotive chugs along a six-mile long stretch of track at a leisurely pace, and while you enjoy
the passing views, you are entertained Hawaiian-style by the trains narrators. 
A little more fun for children than adults.

Surfing Goat Dairy

Whale Watch

Whale watching season is late November through early April.  My wife and I as well as many of our guests
at “Le Penthouse” have watched from our two lanais whales play, watch their spouts blowing in the wind
or breaching above the waters and splashing back into the sea.  You can watch them from the shore or
you can experience the Humpback Whale from a charter boat. Imagine the gentle breeze, a cloudless sky
and calm waters as your whale watching boat is suddenly surrounded by whales; then without warning one
rises ever so beautifully out of the water, drenching the boat with the spray of the sea. That's a whale watch! 
Enjoy this gentle giant of the ocean and journey into the realm of the Humpback Whale.  

 

Maui Art and Cultural Center (MACC)

In 1994 when the Maui Arts & Cultural Center opened its doors, it was the culmination of a 30-year dream
of Maui's people for:

*A place where the community could gather and celebrate together

*A first-class venue where the world's most exciting artists could be enjoyed

*An excellent educational resource serving all ages

Thousands of people, acting on extraordinary faith, contributed over $32 million to make the non-profit
Maui Arts & Cultural Center a reality.
Each year there are approximately 1,735 events for the public to use and benefit from The MACC
including community events, art exhibits, educational activities, church services, service club meetings,
recitals, concerts and other performances.  Paula and I have seen many shows and concerts at MACC. 
We’ve also enjoyed their dinner outside the theatre that starts about two hours before a concert. 
Be sure to visit their website MACC well in advance of your visit to acquire tickets to shows that
are there during your stay on Maui.

Lest I forget: The glass bottom boat; Golf the 14 or so courses on Maui;
the many Eco Tours; Jet ski; Sport fishing; and of course, the Submarine ride. 
You’ll have to excuse me now…
I’m going swimming in our pool at Kauhale Makai – Village by the Sea.

For more information on our condo, “Le Penthouse", photos, pricing and
an availability calendar click on any one of the hyperlinks or if that doesn’t work, go to: www.MauiPenthouseView.com.

 Click on the first photo below and see the rest as a slideshow.