It was difficult for me to choose the fifth - and final - trip to a different place in the world. I thought that this time I should probably talk about a place here, in America. So I chose Hawaii, a dream vacation and destination for most people around the world. I have visited Maui twice, I love it, and that is why Maui will be the focus of this post.
MAUI
Aloha from Maui!
Maui is not the biggest or the most populated island in Hawaii, but it may be the most romantic one.
Maui is not the biggest or the most populated island in Hawaii, but it may be the most romantic one.
Kahului is the largest city on the island and its financial and commercial center. More places worth visiting are definitely Makena and Lahaina, each of them near the most beautiful beaches of the island.
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| Haleakala Crater |
Maui is home to Haleakala Crater, and Haleakala National Park covers the summit area of the larger of the two volcanic mountains that make up Maui. Haleakala literally means the House of the Sun. The crater is a huge area and if you decide to visit it, remember that apart from sunscreen and water, you should also bring warm clothes. It is cold up there!
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| Maui Rain Forests |
Isn't it surprising that an island with two volcanoes can also have a rain forest, or according to others, a jungle? Maui has a unique ecosystem with an infinite number of amazing landscapes and seascapes. It offers a variety of climates, with both a dry, sunny side and a wet, lush side. The road to Hana winds through the lush rain forests of Maui, and visitors can see, smell, hear, and feel the rain forest.
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| Ka'anapali beach |
Maui has beaches for everyone and everything: swimming (Makena and Ka'anapali beaches); snorkeling and scuba diving (Oneuli and Black Rock beaches); kiteboarding and windsurfing (Kanaha and Ho'okipa beaches); even canoe racing (Hana beach). Whale watching is also a must, especially if you are there from January to March.
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| Maui Luau |
You can't complete a trip to Maui, or Hawaii in general, without attending a Luau, a traditional Hawaiian feast with lots of entertainment. Most luaus serve a buffet style dinner, which includes Kalua pork, island fish, local style chicken, steak, and many different salads and side dishes. Luaus feature various forms of Hawaiian song and dance.
As the locals say, whenever you are at a luau, you are "ohana" - family.
Maui is like a paradise on earth for me. I can't wait for the next time I'll be there again.
If you decide to travel to Maui, start by visiting this site: http://www.hawaii-guide.com/maui
If you decide to travel to Maui, start by visiting this site: http://www.hawaii-guide.com/maui
You may have noticed that I haven't talked about any place in Australia. Do you know why? I've never been there. Any decent world traveler should visit Australia. You guessed right: this is my next destination.
