Web sources for vacation on Maui

By ROGER PETTERSON

updated 6:59 p.m. ET June 30, 2005

It's time to start thinking about a visit to the island of Maui, where you can see Hawaii without the big cities, chill out on any number of beaches, climb an extinct volcano, watch whales, and just generally have a good time in the tropic sunshine.

Make it a Christmas vacation and take in the holiday lighting of the Banyan Tree, one of the landmarks in the island's main town of Lahaina. Go to Aloha from Maui - http://www.visitmaui.com/ - look for the calendar and click on December. Looking for a helicopter tour, eco tour, ocean fishing or a nice quiet nature walk? Click on "Activities" and browse through the list. There's even stuff for kids listed under "Family Vacation."

Be sure to click on Aloha's "Hawaiian Culture" to learn about the Hawaiian people, along with "Moloka'i/Lana'i" to see what there is to appreciate about the two nearby islands.

Learn even more about the people whose islands you'll be visiting at the Maui Nui Cultural Links Directory - http://www.mauiculture.net/kuhikuhi/ - which will take you to sources of information about everything from tours of historical sites to music to ancient history and foods.

Look over some of the island's boat charter, whale watching and diving services by clicking on "Maui Ocean Activities" at Maui Hawaii Tours - http://www.lahaina.com/activity.htm - which also provides links to outfits that will help you have a good time in the air and on land.

Check out the "Top 10 Things to Do on Maui" at the guide from About.com - http://gohawaii.about.com/od/maui/ - including the standard luau, whale watching and hiking in a rain forest. While you're on the list, look for the beach guide, which is really an expanded photo gallery. Don't stop at the "Top 10"; you also need to read their entries on Haleakala National Park, driving the Hana Highway, and Lahaina and the Kaanapali Beach.

Take a break from the beaches and the tours and golf and take a stroll in the Maui Botanic Gardens & Arboretum - http://www.mauigardenofeden.com/ - through their flowers and scenery surroundings. Need a visual kick? Click on "Photos" to sample the attractions.

"Things Not to Miss" is one of the best sections of Plantsman's Maui - http://pages.prodigy.net/plantsman/contents.htm - especially for its brief guide to major beaches. Be sure to scan through the photo gallery and visitors' tips. But be cautious of their dining and shopping tips - this Web site hasn't been updated in a while.

Survey places to stay, categorized from bed & breakfast to wheelchair-friendly, in the Maui accommodations section of Best Places Hawaii - http://www.bestplaceshawaii.com/maui/ - where you also can get a glimpse of entertainment - including festivals and luaus - and shopping to fit almost any appetite.

Keep exploring with the help of Hawaii Island Connections -http://www.islandconnection.info/maui.htm - where you'll find links to a hotel and resorts directory, dive sites, and even the Maui Music Festival, set for next Memorial Day weekend.

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