I've noticed that many people find this site by searching for pictures of various hotels, ships and resort locations. I myself look for pictures when deciding where to go on vacation, and appreciate good collections.

You will find pictures in each travel review, and there are more collected here for your viewing enjoyment, listed by category below. This list will be added to regularly, so check back often!

As always, click on the pictures for a larger view, and if there's something specific you'd like to see, please ask (email: admin@travel-like-a-pro.com, as there are many more shots that have not been added to this collection. Enjoy!

Travel Tips for Visiting Maui, Hawai’i

Islands of Hawaii

Port of Miami

Ahhh, beautiful Maui!

If you’ve never been you are in for a treat – that is, if you like tropical, paradisical islands with a variety of things to do and see and vistas around every corner which compete with one another for being the most fantastic. Sure, it’s a bit of a hike to get there (at least a five hour flight from anywhere in North America), but as soon as you disembark and smell that plumeria-scented air, you’ll be hooked!

While many people choose to honeymoon in Hawaii, couples, sports enthusiasts, families and singles will feel right at home here as well. There is truly something for everyone.

Note: Click on pictures for full-sized versions.

As a quick rundown, the main airport on Maui is in Kahului, a bustling city with many permanent residents. We always rent a car (Orbitz always has great prices and gives a comparative rundown) and drive straight to the Whole Foods, which not only has a fantastic selection of yummy food to stock up on but also a lovely array of Hawai’ian goods, making it the coolest Whole Foods ever! Grab some lunch and snacks and go – you will likely be staying in a resort area, and almost all hotels are a ways from the main airport and from Kahului. Luckily, the roads are good, and because of the time difference from the mainland, most flights arrive midday, giving you time to drive to your resort destination in the daylight, enjoying the sights of Maui.

 

Where to Stay on Maui

There are several popular vacation areas on Maui, and many activities to enjoy. You will need a car to get around the island if you plan on venturing out at all. Maui resort and vacation areas include:

Wailea: An upscale resort are on the southeastern end of Maui, with golf courses and some of the finest hotels, shopping and beaches in the world. Here you will find the Four Seasons, Wailea Beach Marriott, Fairmont Kea Lani and many private villa communities such as the Wailea Beach Villas, Ekahi and Elua, and The Palms at Wailea, as well as the Shops at Wailea, featuring high end shopping. This area is, in our opinion, the most beautiful resort area on Maui to stay, and is fairly convenient to Kihei shopping and dining.

Kihei: Kihei is a great place to relax and enjoy the local beaches and the laid back spirit of Maui. It lies along the southern coast along a bay, and there are myriad shops, restaurants, condos and resorts in Kihei. More relaxed and less expensive than Wailea, Kihei is a great town to rent a condo (try VRBO) and just chill out.

Maalaea: Smaller and more intimate then Kihei, this coastal town offers more condos by the ocean and also a famous aquarium, popular with tourists. Also found here is the popular restaurant Buzz’s Wharf. Look for whales off the beach in season!

Lahaina: Around the northwestern corner of Maui you will come to the famous town of Lahaina, a cultural center of Maui and a popular place to both stay and visit. Lahaina is a lovely oceanfront town with many charming shops, inns and restaurants, and it also serves as a cruise port, along with Kahului. The main streets are bustling with tourists on days when ships are in port. You will find a lot of local art here, along with charter fishing and dolphin- and whale-sighting tours at the marina.

Ka’anapali: Further along the main road along this part of Maui you will find the popular resort area of Ka’anapali. Unlike Lahaina, which is actually an old town, Ka’anapali was built specifically as a resort area, with hotels such as the Hyatt, Sheraton, and Westin lining the narrow beach. There is great shopping and dining both in the hotels and at the Whaler’s Village, and good snorkeling along the sandy beach, particularly at black rock. Golfing is good in this area and further up the coast towards Kapalua. Snorkeling gear and trips are readily available at local dive shops like Boss Frog’s and Snorkel Bob’s (beware the timeshare sales pitches, though!). There is a Polynesian Cirque show in Ka’anapali, and several popular evening Luaus.

Napili: Napili is a resort area with great snorkeling and dining, and public oceanfront parks. You will find many bed and breakfast places as well as resorts that are more affordable and perhaps more charming and homey than those in the more popular tourist areas such as Wailea and Ka’anapali. Most resemble large, sprawling motels and have community pools and amenities. In the many bays along this stretch you’ll see turtles frolicking in the surf and can access public beaches for sunning and snorkeling.

Kapalua: Home of the Ritz Carlton Maui Resort, this windswept and beautiful area is worth the drive. You may not be guaranteed the sun and heat of Lahaina, but the vistas are truly stunning and the flora is more lush due to higher annual rainfall. Craggy volcanic rock formations, whale sightings and the verdant hillside make this area absolutely beautiful and worth a visit, even if you just drive there for an afternoon.

Paia: This charming town is on the north end of Maui, not far from the airport in Kahului. You’ll find quaint shops and restaurants, along with condos and small resorts. This area and the beaches further along the coast towards Hana are popular with surfers and kitesurfers…you can see them as you are landing at the airport.

Hana: Of course the legendary road to Hana trip leads to the tiny town of Hana, on Maui’s rugged and very tropical northeast coast. From Kahului, you can expect to drive for about 3 hours to reach Hana, and it is no exaggeration to say that the road is fraught with switchbacks and areas of one lane highway which require awareness and care to navigate. You can also drive around the back, eastern side of the Maui to Hana, although this will invalidate most rental car agreements, as will driving from Kahului to Kapalua around the northern coast.

 

Things to do on Maui

One of the best things about Maui is its incredible diversity. As with all the islands of Hawaii, Maui is a volcanic island. In some places lush and tropical, others high desert and still others rainy and cool, there is always a new vista on Maui. Around every corner is a new and stunning view, a fantastic beach or bay, a staggeringly beautiful mountain or cliff. The smaller islands of Molokai, Molokini and Lanai and others frame the backdrop for countless gorgeous views. The water sparkles and crashes on the shores, the whales and dolphins frolick in the bays, the palms sway in the breeze and glint in the sun and the mountains rise with majesty above it all, in many places with cascading waterfalls.

Some ideas for things to do in Maui include:

• Surfing, snorkeling and kayaking: You can find guided trips or you can drive to a beach and use your own or rented equipment. Note that the waves are VERY strong in some places and only experienced surfers should partake: for beginners, surf lessons would be a great start.
• Scenic drives: Drive the 10,000 feet upward snaking road to the craters of the extinct volcano Haleakala. Many people do this in the pre-dawn hours so they can enjoy the sunrise; an unforgettable experience. Take warm clothing as it is very cold at the top. There is nowhere on Maui you can drive that isn’t scenic and beautiful, but of note are the Io Needle trip which includes a hike, and the winding drive to Hana, along the way of which you can stop for swimming, hiking to various waterfalls, shopping and eating and enjoying local pineapple and sugarcane from roadside stands. For the drive to Hana you will want a full tank of gas and ideally a full day’s light so you have time for the return trip, unless you’ve booked a night’s stay in Hana.
• Luaus: Most visitors to Maui want to take in at least one Luau, a traditional feast and show which usually includes roasted Kalua pig and Polynesian hula dancing and fire juggling, etc.. Many of hte larger hotels offer Luaus, for instance the Hyatt Regency in Ka’anapali and the Wailea Beach Marriott. Also popular is the Old Lahaina Luau.
• Helicopter rides: Maui sightseeing takes on a whole new meaning when enjoyed from above. By helicopter, you can tour the crevices and mountains which are unreachable by car, and the inner valleys are absolutely stunning. This is a great way to get an overall feel for the island of Maui.

Questions? Write to me at admin @ travel-like-a-pro.com.

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I've noticed that many people find this site by searching for pictures of various hotels, ships and resort locations. I myself look for pictures when deciding where to go on vacation, and appreciate good collections.

You will find pictures in each travel review, and there are more collected here for your viewing enjoyment, listed by category below. This list will be added to regularly, so check back often!

As always, click on the pictures for a larger view, and if there's something specific you'd like to see, please ask (email: admin@travel-like-a-pro.com, as there are many more shots that have not been added to this collection. Enjoy!

Travel Tips for Visiting Maui, Hawai’i

Islands of Hawaii

Port of Miami

While we are all about helping you save money when traveling, nothing says you can’t go in style! The Foiur Seasons brand is my favorite, and there is nothing like a 5 star luxury hotel suite to make you feel like a star yourself. When that five star luxury comes with five star service (as it should), it leaves lasting impression and makes the whole experience decadent and memorable.

There is a good reason discerning travelers pay up for five star luxury, and it may be worth your while, even if you’re on a budget, to spend less nights in a higher class hotel or resort than more in a more affordable option. From the moment you step out of your car or taxi, a worthy five star hotel will make you feel welcomed and as if you’ve just arrived at your own private palace. You should be greeted warmly, and shown to the concierge or check-in desk. Your car will likely be valeted and you won’t have to worry about a thing from start to finish. Appropriately trained and discreet staff will be at your service, whether you need a newspaper or dinner reservations at an exquisite 5 star caliber restaurant.

While some brands are internationally known for the five star luxury hotels and resorts, you can also find many luxurious suites at local boutique hotels and villa complexes. For instance, hotel chains such as Four Seasons, Ritz-Carlton and Mandarin Oriental can usually be depended on to provide a consistent luxury experience wherever you travel in the world. In specific cities, it’s good to have some know-how to find a five star luxury option. Absolutely stunning five star resorts abound, especially in tropical destinations but also in remote castles in Europe, etc.. There are websites which specialize in high-end luxury properties, including Leading Hotels of the World, Small Luxury Hotels of the World, Five Star Alliance, etc..

Like this? Please share it by using the convenient share/save icon links above!

I've noticed that many people find this site by searching for pictures of various hotels, ships and resort locations. I myself look for pictures when deciding where to go on vacation, and appreciate good collections.

You will find pictures in each travel review, and there are more collected here for your viewing enjoyment, listed by category below. This list will be added to regularly, so check back often!

As always, click on the pictures for a larger view, and if there's something specific you'd like to see, please ask (email: admin@travel-like-a-pro.com, as there are many more shots that have not been added to this collection. Enjoy!

Travel Tips for Visiting Maui, Hawai’i

Islands of Hawaii

Port of Miami

Surely you’ve heard about last minute travel deals, those fantastic once-in-a-lifetime discounted trips some lucky people seem to take. Are they real? Can you get some of the action?

The answer is it depends. While not everyone is fortunate enough to have a flexible schedule which allows for taking advantage of last minute travel deals, for those who do this phenomenon can mean more trips, more often, due to greatly discounted pricing as compared to regular retail.

How it Works

Hotels, airlines, resorts and even rental car companies often discount their prices for unsold inventory, offering lower prices as the date of travel nears. Especially a few days before and up to the day of travel, you will find many desperate providers trying to lure you in with travel deals and discounts.

One exception of late seems to be cruise lines, but there are still deals to be had. I am told by Royal Caribbean that lately cruising has been so popular that the opposite has begun happening: prices tend to increase closer to sail time as travel agents fight for rooms aboard the popular ships. I can attest to this, as for the last year and a half we have found all the quality ships FULL every time we have wanted to book, and we are very flexible with our travel dates.

While you can obtain last minute travel discounts from most hotels and other providers by contacting them directly, you will also reap huge benefits by being willing to shop around, and by using consolidator websites (explained below). Shopping around generally means using the internet, although you can rely on a trusted travel agent if that suits your style.

There are many websites offering last minute deals, some of which you can find on our Deeper Discounts page. Be sure to check at least two websites to compare prices. Orbitz.com, for instance, is often cheaper for last minute hotel and car rental rates, but Expedia has better travel reviews as well as pictures to help you determine which hotel you’d like to stay at, and also offers great last minute vacation packages.

Consolidators are companies which handle unsold rooms and cruises for providers. They offer websites like Priceline.com, where you can name your price and even bid for the product you’d like. There are definitely specific strategies you will want to employ to make the most of these sites, and you’ll need to be sure you understand how they work. See the Deeper Discounts page for further explanation.

By playing it smart and being flexible, you can have the vacation of your dreams AND the price of your dreams!

Like this? Please share it by using the convenient share/save icon links above!

I've noticed that many people find this site by searching for pictures of various hotels, ships and resort locations. I myself look for pictures when deciding where to go on vacation, and appreciate good collections.

You will find pictures in each travel review, and there are more collected here for your viewing enjoyment, listed by category below. This list will be added to regularly, so check back often!

As always, click on the pictures for a larger view, and if there's something specific you'd like to see, please ask (email: admin@travel-like-a-pro.com, as there are many more shots that have not been added to this collection. Enjoy!

Travel Tips for Visiting Maui, Hawai’i

Islands of Hawaii

Port of Miami

Even if you are a regular traveler there may be some things you do which put you or your personal belongings in jeopardy. There are many common mistakes people make while traveling, and unfortunately there are people who actually look for these mistakes and use them to their own advantage.

To protect yourself from harm and your belongings and important paperwork from being stolen, use the following guidelines.

Paperwork and valuables: Keep these things with you as you travel. If you travel by air, always carry your important paperwork – from passport to receipts and confirmations – with you in your carry-on luggage or purse. You should carry any valuable jewelry on your person as well. Do not leave anything in your luggage that has personal information such as credit card information, but always tag your luggage with your name and address in clearly legible printing. At your destination, either carry these important items with you in a safe place or lock them in your in-room safe. TIP: Some hotels are safer than others; do some research before you leave to ensure the in-room safe is locked. Stories have been reported of in-room safes being violated at certain establishments. When in doubt, keep your things with you and/or speak to the hotel manager or concierge about what your safest option is.

Be aware of your surroundings: Especially in Europe where tourism is rampant, some locals have pickpocketing down to a fine art. Often, they will have a child or group of children distract you – by screaming or asking you for something you don’t understand – and another party (often more children) will deftly relieve you of your wallet or other trinkets. Be alert and aware at all times.

Know where you are: Whether you are walking around in a foreign town or driving through an unknown city somewhere on a road trip, be sure you know where you are and where you are going at all times. While it may seem romantic or exciting to just ‘see where you end up,’ lost tourists often get themselves into trouble by wandering into questionable neighborhoods. Carry a map or GPS, ask trusted locals for advice and always have a plan as to where you’d like to go. Keep your gas tank full and your cell phone charged, and as always, be aware of your surroundings. Sometimes changes in neighborhood caliber can be fairly subtle.

Precautions: Always have trip insurance and make sure it includes any costs associated with injury while you are away. Also, leave your destination information with a trusted friend at home and carry that person’s contact information on your person at all times – just in case!

Like this? Please share it by using the convenient share/save icon links above!

I've noticed that many people find this site by searching for pictures of various hotels, ships and resort locations. I myself look for pictures when deciding where to go on vacation, and appreciate good collections.

You will find pictures in each travel review, and there are more collected here for your viewing enjoyment, listed by category below. This list will be added to regularly, so check back often!

As always, click on the pictures for a larger view, and if there's something specific you'd like to see, please ask (email: admin@travel-like-a-pro.com, as there are many more shots that have not been added to this collection. Enjoy!

Travel Tips for Visiting Maui, Hawai’i

Islands of Hawaii

Port of Miami

Traditionally, when people think of safety issues related to vacationing in Mexico, they think of Montezuma’s Revenge. This is a little something that happens when you eat something that doesn’t agree with your stomach, and have to spend a few days of your holiday, shall we say, near to the bathroom.

Lately, however, there have been some real safety concerns in certain parts of Mexico, and much of the Mexican tourism industry is taking hit because of all the negative publicity. This is somewhat unfair as the violence in Mexico is, for the most part, isolated unto itself and the people involved, and tourism for the most part should be unaffected. Of course, you may choose to avoid Mexico entirely as many others have, but should you decide to enjoy a little Mexican fun in the sun, take some common sense precautions and you should be fine. Many local resorts are bending over backwards trying to attract guests these days, and you may be able to enjoy some nice perks.

For instance, when in Mexico, the same safety rules that apply in any city should be adhered to:

• Don’t go out alone at night and don’t venture into neighbourhoods you are unfamiliar with,
• Always ask your hosts for recommendations when it comes to tours, restaurants, etc..
• Stick to designated and well-known tourist areas, eg. Cancun. If you are staying on a resort, it would be wise to stay on it for the most part.
• If you like to experience the local people and culture while away, do so with common sense and, ideally, a recommendation from a trusted resort concierge or other employee.
• Know the address and phone number of your hotel in case you get lost, and possibly leave a note in your room as to where you are going.
• Store your valuables in a safe and ensure your doors are locked at night.

Mexico is a fabulous country full of warm, welcoming people, and it is a shame so many of us are being scared off by what’s going on with a few isolated sects. If we use a bit of common sense and caution, Mexico can be explored and enjoyed as any other country with some turbulent areas.

Like this? Please share it by using the convenient share/save icon links above!

I've noticed that many people find this site by searching for pictures of various hotels, ships and resort locations. I myself look for pictures when deciding where to go on vacation, and appreciate good collections.

You will find pictures in each travel review, and there are more collected here for your viewing enjoyment, listed by category below. This list will be added to regularly, so check back often!

As always, click on the pictures for a larger view, and if there's something specific you'd like to see, please ask (email: admin@travel-like-a-pro.com, as there are many more shots that have not been added to this collection. Enjoy!

Travel Tips for Visiting Maui, Hawai’i

Islands of Hawaii

Port of Miami

We all want stress-free vacations, especially if we only take them once a year. Why is it, then, that often we find ourselves in some foreign airport freaking out about a luggage or paperwork problem, or getting lost and feeling stressed?

Following are some ideas to take the hassle – both actual and psychological – out of your next vacation.

Know and discuss your travel style: This may seem obvious, but it’s rarely done. Instead, couples and travel partners take vacations together year after year and find themselves fighting (or fuming) about the same old things. A little forethought, empathy and clarity will go a long way. Invest the time to have a conversation about what is important to you, and ensure you ask about what is important to the other member/s of your travel party as well. If one wants to go on tours while the other wants to lounge around the pool, it doesn’t mean you can’t vacation together; it just means you can talk about a way in which you can work around what you both want, and there are countless ways to do that. Sometimes a little understanding is all it takes to stave off a heat-of-the-moment fight.

Invest in a GPS: Much holiday stress the world over is from getting lost, whether it’s on a driving trip across the country or in your rental car in Europe. If you will be in a car at all, a GPS is a worthy investment. Not only can you get driving directions, you can also handily pull up shopping, dining and emergency options. Many of today’s cell phones (the iPhone for example) have built-in GPS units as well as great applications for finding local amenities.

Be organized: It should go without saying but it doesn’t. We see lots of people digging in their bags for paperwork at hotels, airports and rental car companies. Keep a file folder with all your reservations, confirmations and other important paperwork and store it in your carry-on or other easily accessible bag. Before you leave, file your paperwork in the order you are going to need it, eg. flight, rental car, hotel, excursion. You should then be able to file a piece of paper at the back once it’s used and be ready for your next counter, with no hassle and no digging. You may even find it worthwhile to invest in an affordable, zip-up 81/2 x 11 business binder with pockets –  for your passport, traveler’s checks and any other important notes - so you can keep things handy and all in one place.

Chill out: Seems obvious, right? Often we put too much pressure on ourselves to make the most out of our vacations and have them be ‘perfect.’ This, ironically, puts a damper on the whole thing and sucks the fun out it. Try to remember that you’re with someone whose company you enjoy (or try to enjoy if you’re on a business trip with a less than favorite person of yours – it’s your life!), and just relax. Whatever happens will happen, and surprises can sometimes make for great stories and memories. Also, be open to learning about and tolerating other cultures’ different speeds, foods, languages and ways of doing things. One complaint we hear muttered a lot on our travels is ‘They don’t even speak %$^# English here!’and this drives us nuts.

Relax! Enjoy the cultural ambiance and maybe even learn something (hello, please and thank you in the local language would be a great start). Part of the richness of traveling is getting to know other people and experiencing other ways of life. You never know who will be your next great friend in this world.

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