Top Things to Do in Kapalua

If you’ve recently booked your trip to beautiful Kapalua, you’re probably starting to look for exciting things to do around the island. With so many hidden gems that Kapalua has to offer, it can be difficult to find the activities that fit your lifestyle most. At Aloha Vacation Villas, we want your vacation to be both enjoyable and worry free, which is why we’ve made a list of popular activities around Kapalua that you won’t want to miss while you’re visiting. If you’re considering traveling to Hawaii, and are looking to reserve a luxury Kapalua Bay rental, look no further than Aloha Vacation Villas. We offer gorgeous villa rentals at an affordable price, and work with customers to help them find the perfect property rental to fit their needs.

Kapalua Ziplines 

Visit the longest and tallest suspension bridge in Hawaii while embarking on a stunning zipline tour. Kapalua Ziplines offers five, six, and seven line tours, as well as a moonlight tour during the summer. A unique way to experience Hawaii, Kapalua’s zipline tours provide visitors with an unforgettable view of Kapalua Bay while experiencing the unique sensation of flight. It is advisable that you make ziplining reservations in advance as spaces do fill up rather quickly.

D.T. Fleming Beach Park  

Voted “America’s Best Beach” in 2003, D.T. Fleming Beach Park is a great location to check out while visiting Kapalua. D.T. Fleming Beach Park welcomes surfers and boogie boarders alike thanks to its larger swells. If you forget your bag of snacks in your room, visitors can buy both food and drink at D.T. Fleming Beach Park, as it is located near The Ritz-Carlton. With long, expansive swaths of beach and ample amounts of shade, D.T. Fleming Beach Park is one of the less trafficked beaches around Kapalua.

Maui Kayak Adventures 

Receive a unique perspective of Kapalua by taking a kayak tour with Maui Kayak Adventures. Located at D.T. Fleming Beach, Maui Kayak Adventures’ kayak tours are a great way to experience snorkeling, as well as whale spotting around the coastline. Kayakers frequently witness sea turtles, manta rays, indigenous fish, and much more during their tour, and all tours include free photography so that you can reminisce on every moment captured.

Dragon’s Teeth Trail 

If you’re looking for an easy hike in Kapalua that provides gorgeous views, consider hiking along Dragon’s Teeth Trail. Don’t let the name fool you, Dragon’s Teeth Trail is a relatively easy hike named after the unique rock formation along the coastline. Dragon’s Teeth Trail spans less than a mile in distance, and provides hikers with an incredible view of Honokahua Bay as well as Oneloa Bay. While you’re there, be sure to take a trip through the Dragon’s Teeth stone labyrinth, an elaborate stone formation that provides a fun challenge for hikers of all ages.

Ready to experience all that Kapalua, Hawaii has to offer? View any of our available Kapalua Bay villas by browsing our convenient vacation rentals page now! As the leading villa rental company in Kapalua, AlohaVacation Villas is devoted to making your next trip to Hawaii a memorable vacation by offering top-notch customer service and unbeatable prices. Book your Aloha vacation rental today to get started!

Looking for more ideas? See 'A Journey to Hana' for more. 

Villa vs. Resort: Which Type of Lodging Is Right for You?

If you’re about to book your first trip to Hawaii, you are probably debating on either renting a condo, referred to as a villa during your stay, or reserving a room at a plush resort. There are many reasons that can influence your accommodation choices, but travelers who have visited Hawaii consistently comment on the flexibility and seclusion that villas offer guests. Throughout this article, we’ll discuss the many benefits of reserving a condo in Kapalua when compared to staying at a resort.

Aloha Vacation Villas  is your all-inclusive resource for renting Kapalua Bay villas for your next trip to Hawaii. We offer incredibly affordable rates on all our available vacation rentals, and work with customers to help them find the best rental possible to suit their individual needs. Read more below to find out why our condos are a much better choice when compared to booking a room at one of Hawaii’s many resorts.

Villa Rentals  

One of the main benefits of staying in a luxurious villa in Maui, Hawaii is the level of privacy and comfort it offers guests. Resorts can often be overcrowded and noisy due to playful kids and countless parents. By staying at a condo, you can be sure that you’re experiencing the laid-back lifestyle and environment that Hawaii is commonly known for. While villas may not have the complete list of amenities that resorts provide, they certainly provide the essentials such as a full kitchen, multiple bedrooms, a large dining area, and even a washer and dryer on occasion. You’ll love the flexibility and privacy that condos possess, and you can even save on your lodging accommodations with multiple guests. Since villas are generally larger than resort rooms, you can easily split the cost of living between multiple friends or family members so that you can have more to spend while exploring the island.

Resort Bookings

When compared to a villa, resorts are limited in what they can offer their guests. It is important to keep in mind that since most resorts don’t offer a full kitchen like villas, you’ll most likely spend more money eating at restaurants than you would preparing your own meals at a villa. Resorts essentially provide the basics to guests including a bed and a swimming area, while condos allow guests to sprawl out with living rooms, dining areas, and private patios. While resorts usually have a daily maid service, many travelers who rent condos don’t feel burdened by cleaning up after themselves. You’ll love the ample space and peaceful ambiance that villas have to offer, making your Hawaiian getaway both invigorating and refreshing.

If you’re looking to book your next getaway to Kapalua, consider viewing all our available Kapalua Bay villa rentals by visiting our website! We work directly with customers to help them find a vacation rental that is truly unique to their taste, so that they can enjoy their stay while experiencing everything that Hawaii has to offer. Contact Aloha Vacation Villas today to start planning your unforgettable journey to Kapalua, Hawaii.

Four Can’t Miss Dining Spots Around Kapalua

If you plan on traveling to Kapalua or Honua Kai, Hawaii this year, you’re probably preparing for a trip full of exciting activities, beautiful beaches, and luscious hiking trails. Or, maybe you’re coming to Kapalua to play a few rounds of golf along the coastline. Whatever your reasons may be for visiting Hawaii, there is something for everyone to enjoy while visiting. While Kapalua and Honua Kai are home to luxurious golf courses and plenty of sandy beaches, they also offer a wide variety of exciting culinary dining experiences.

When going on vacation, cuisine choices are often not decided on until arriving at your destination. What many travelers don’t realize is that an enjoyable dining experience can either make or break your vacation. You’ve probably had a less than desirable meal at a restaurant before, leaving you with a bad taste in your mouth, both literally and figuratively. A negative experience at a restaurant can affect the rest of your day, leaving you less than satisfied with the meal that was prepared for you. That’s why Aloha Vacation Villas has gathered four restaurants that you won’t want to miss out on while visiting Kapalua or Honua Kai. Below, we’ll talk more about some of our favorite foodie spots around the island and what they have to offer guests. If you plan on visiting Kapalua or Honua Kai in the near future, consider an affordable vacation rental from Aloha Vacation Villas. Our extensive listing of properties can comfortably accommodate families of all sizes while providing the utmost in customer service and hospitality.

Sansei Seafood Restaurant and Sushi Bar 

If you’re looking for a gourmet seafood dining experience in Kapalua, be sure to visit Sansei Seafood Restaurant and Sushi Bar. Located just outside of central Kapalua, Sansei’s menu is composed of the finest seafood and sushi offerings such as seared salmon, fresh ahi tuna, exquisite calamari, and much more to choose from. Sansei has been called “one of America’s best sushi bars,” and many of their dishes have won culinary awards, such as their infamous panko-crusted fresh ahi sashimi. With a full lineup of award-winning dishes, paired with their complete bar which serves wine, cocktails, beer, and sake, you’ll be sure to find something that will bring pleasure to your palate.

Merriman’s 

Are you searching for the perfect restaurant for a romantic evening on the point of Kapalua Bay? If so, look no further than Merriman’s. A luxurious location to dine at after a day filled with tennis or golfing, Merriman’s serves some of the finest regional cuisine available in Kapalua. More than 90 percent of Merriman’s menu is locally sourced, guaranteeing that the freshest food is served up on your plate. Choose from various dishes native to Hawaii such as kalua pig, ahi ginger poke, or sauteed kauai shrimp, just to name a few. Merriman’s also has a full dessert menu for visitors looking to satiate their sweet tooth. From coconut creme brulee and flourless chocolate cake, to bread pudding or malasadas, you can be sure that you’ll find something for your mouth to fall in love with at Merriman’s. Before you head to Merriman’s, be sure that you call in advance to make a reservation as seating is limited at this popular restaurant.

The Plantation House 

Located on a beautiful lookout point above Kapalua’s Plantation Golf Course, The Plantation House offers a unique open-air experience while dining. Staffed by one of the top chefs in Hawaii, The Plantation House offers an unforgettable menu of gourmet breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert items. Guests have a variety of cuisine options to choose from including the most tender twice cooked pork belly, caramelized hokkaido scallops, or the incredibly flavorful 45-day aged pork ribeye. The Plantation House is also host to weddings or private events, for those special occasions that you never want to forget. If you’re looking to make your trip to Kapalua an unforgettable one, The Plantation House will leave you with a full stomach and a happy heart.

Cane & Canoe 

Looking for the perfect restaurant for a romantic getaway with ocean views included? Visit Kapalua’s upscale Cane & Canoe. Culinary guests who visit Cane & Canoe receive a beautiful view of Kapalua Bay while experiencing some of the best modern Hawaiian cuisine that Kapalua has to offer. Popular dishes at Cane & Canoe include the succulent kobe ribeye, delectable suckling pig, sesame seared mahi mahi, and much more. Cane and Canoe has received several culinary awards including a four star rating from Forbes Travel Guide and the Best Hawaii Regional Cuisine award from Maui No Ka Oi Magazine. If you’re considering visiting Cane & Canoe during your stay in Kapalua, be sure to make reservations, as seating is quickly reserved by guests in advance.

While these are only four of Kapalua’s fine dining restaurants, there are countless restaurants located around the island that serve high-quality gourmet cuisine. We want to make your stay in Kapalua or Honua Kai enjoyable and worry free, and that starts with ensuring that you never experience a bad dining experience during your vacation. If you’re considering travelling to Kapalua or Honua Kai, and are looking for the best vacation rentals available, get in touch with Aloha Vacation Villas. We have countless rental properties to choose from that offer all the amenities you will need to make your vacation both fun and relaxing. Contact our friendly staff today to learn more about our vacation rentals!

A Father's Day In Maui

Father’s Day is a big deal. It’s all those days you've missed, packed into one. It’s the day when you look Dad and say, “Thank you.”

So if you are in Maui, then you know the island is a playground for fathers and their families. You can celebrate Dad simply by taking him out to eat, or prepare Dinner and enjoy each other’s company ohana style. If your Father has an aptitude for outdoor activities, then your options are endless in Paradise!

So this weekend we celebrate our own Father, Aloha Vacation Villas Founder, Jake! We want to share with you some ideas on how to enjoy your weekend. Make it relaxing, aloha style.

EAT OUT   |   MAKENA’S FATHER’S DAY BRUNCH, CRAFT BEERS & THE US GOLF OPEN

The Makena Beach & Golf Resort invites all dads and their families for some chill time at their Father’s Day Brunch on Sunday June 21, 2015 from 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM at the Molokini Bar & Grille. For the holiday, the restaurant turns into the ultimate man cave for the whole family, offering an enhanced brunch menu that includes dad’s favorite brunch and pupu fare, full screen TVs to watch the finals of the US Golf Open and a complimentary Maui Brewery craft beer flight for all fathers.

Makena’s Father’s Day Brunch is offered at $55 per adult; $25 per child (ages 5-12). Reservations are required. For reservations or more information contact (808) 875-5888

Check out their amazing MENU.

EAT IN   |   HELLOFRESH

Make Dad his favorite meal or try HelloFresh, which is a weekly recipe-kit delivery service. You choose three delicious recipes each week, and they deliver them straight to your door! So if you want to impress Dad with a Chef designed meal, HelloFresh delivers farm-fresh ingredients needed to make a delicious and nutritious home-cooked meal in less than 30 minutes.  This was the box received this week while on vacation. Included were all the ingredients, spices and condiments to create the dish.

You can get $40 OFF your first order of three meals for two here: https://www.hellofresh.com/?c=R7YJJA. Thereafter, the cost is around $10 per person per meal.  No more grocery shopping, no more food waste. Just delicious, healthy, and fresh food guaranteed from pan to plate in less time than it takes to order takeout.

Also made was this recipe of Smoky Black Bean Cakes with Avocado Salsa & Tangy Mixed Greens Salad. We added fillets of Lime-Cilantro Tilapia to accompany the dish. It was AMAZING!

PLAY   |   MAUI STYLE

Father’s Day is the perfect day to go on a surf camping trip, go spearfishing, try standup paddleboarding, take a hike at Twin Falls or Waihee Ridge Trail for the adventurer, go horseback riding, or just relax on the beach.

When it comes down to it, Dad will appreciate any loving gesture from their kids. A simple handwritten card and a smile from one’s offspring is sure to enhance any father’s Sunday, Father’s Day or not.

A Maui View From The Saddle

Horseback riding along the base of the West Maui Mountains with spectacular views Lahaina below and the islands of Lanai, Molokai and Kahoolawe will leave you breathless.

Lahaina Stables is conveniently located near Lahaina and Kaanapali and serves all levels of experience. The Trail Guides are knowledgeable riders and are essential to your experience. The Owner Ray Fuqua is a naturalist and former history teacher who started 'Ohe'o Stables in Hana and later moved the business in 2004 to Lahaina (thus becoming Lahaina Stables). Lahaina Stables embodies Ray's philosophy of appreciating Maui's history and folklore. 

Every ride is tailored to the group with trails to Kauaula Valley and Launiupoko Valley. With incredible views of West Maui, your eventual destination will be the stream and reservoir where you'll dismount for refreshments and either lunch or a snack, depending on the tour you choose.

VIDEO

Phone: 808-667-2222

Toll Free: 888-842-7663

Website: www.mauihorse.com

King Kamehameha Golf Club | Guest for a Day

Aloha Vacation Villas is a family owned business and we make sure to experience the island to better convey the best of Maui. Our Son Michael (pictured below) is visiting from the mainland to help build out a couple of villa kitchen projects.  So naturally, we took a break for a family game of Golf Scramble and decided to visit the King Kamehameha Golf Club.

As Maui's only private 18-hole lush course along side the West Maui Mountains, King Kamehameha Golf Club offers an impressive design and ranks 2nd to the Plantation Course at Kapalua. With great conditioning, a superb layout and spectacular panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, many would say it rivals the Plantation Course.

Throughout there are elevated tee shots and slopes -- lots of them. In fact, holes that might seem short on the surface can play extremely long, like the 387-yard ninth, which often plays uphill and into the wind. The approach shot can easily be three clubs longer and that's after a drive that goes nowhere nearly as long as you thought off the tee. The finishing hole is one of the best on Maui at 559 yards, it's reachable because it's downhill, but a lake and waterfall guards the green.

Then you arrive at the 74'000 sq. ft. Frank Lloyd Wright-designed clubhouse. The spectacular building is adorned with original artwork by prominent local artists and has a beautiful golf shop. Lavished with spa facilities, including therapeutic showers, whirlpools, a Furo (Japanese style bathtub) and saunas, King Kamehameha offers a 'Guest for a Day' program ($170+ with limited tee times). The price, by the way, is a bargain compared to other Maui resort courses, especially considering what you get for it.

Furo  |  Japanese Style Bathtub

For dining, there's the intimate Wai Kahe Room and suncourt that are both open for Lunch and cocktails only. The menu includes Hawaiian regional cuisine with a euro-asian flair as well as traditional Japanese food. Food service is also available in both men's and women's lounges with a full bar.

Wai Kahe Room  |  Suncourt

Practice facilities are also impressive with a full grass range, short-game area and putting greens. Training aids, such as alignment sticks and weighted clubs, are a nice touch on the range for warming up before a round.

So, while visiting the Kapalua Resort, you can include King Kamehameha on your rotation. Like all private clubs, their goal is to sell memberships. But you can try it out at least once. As a 'Guest for a Day', that's perfect and perhaps you would consider joining if you regularly visit Maui.

Journey to Hana | by Jake Jacobs

Lynn and I have lived on the island for 8 years. We are constantly asked by our Aloha Vacation Villas Guests, about the journey to Hana. Well this weekend, my son Rob who just moved to the island, a full grown man decided he and his friend Deano (another full grown man) were going to drive to Hana and go all the way around! Lynn, my wife said, "It's suppose to rain, and most of what you want to see is along the road to Hana. So have a good guide with you." So at 8:30 am, off they went on their adventure without much of a plan. Yup, it was raining too, and they said not to worry.

Well, it was around 5pm when the sound of the road warriors returned. “How'd it go?” I said.  “Well it's exhausting and I guess we drove right by the 7 sacred pools, not a lot to see and the road after Hana is scary at best” my Son said.  “OK (chuckle)...So did you stop along the way?” He said, “We went to Jaws, saw a whale…and saw lots of bridges. Oh and it rained as hard as I have ever seen it rain.”

So the lesson learned here is to plan. Although my Son's experience is different than most, it will be for everyone. But with a little research and planning, Hana can remarkably be a memorable journey.

The Road to Hana is one of the most scenic drives in Hawaii that hugs the Pacific Ocean’s coastline. It’s a two lane road - 40 mile stretch of highway that’s carved into the cliffs with winding roads, lots of one lane bridges, several waterfalls off the side of the road, with hiking trails, and swimming holes nestled in the rainforest. A few of the most popular areas to see on the Road to Hana are Twin Falls, the Garden of Eden, the Bamboo Forest, Wainapanapa State Park and Black Sand Beach, Hana Bay, and the Seven Sacred Pools.

So this is what we tell our Aloha Vacation Villas Guest:

Decide on whether you will drive yourself or take a tour. If you choose to visit Hana at your own leisure, decide on a day-trip or overnight experience. If you stay overnight, we highly recommend the Travaasa Hana Hotel, a Conde Naste Readers Choice.  The hotel is right in the middle of Hana Town and is one of the nicest places to stay in Hawaii. If you're staying overnight, consider having groceries delivered to your accommodation to save some money and have everything you might need.

You will need a rental car (convertible is best), something small enough to navigate the narrow road. You’ll also need to decide just how much you'd like to see, so do some research. If you plan accordingly to your interest, you can experience Hana in a day.

We recommend this Road to Hana guide. It's inexpensive and is like having an experienced guide sitting next to you.

With the Road to Hana CD Guide, you will find:

• Hidden waterfalls, as high as 400 feet
• Secluded jungle waiting to be explored
• The most romantic places on Maui
• Jaw-dropping natural wonders
• Panoramic views of sparkling coastline
• An enchanting bamboo forest
• A "clothing-optional" beach ;)
• Incredible food stands and restaurants
• And the 3 stops you will NOT want to miss!

What's Included:

• 26 narrated tracks on audio CD covering:
• The top 15 spots on the Road to Hana
• History of Hawaii
• Plus, Hollywood on Maui
• The best spots as voted on by R2H customers
• Large map with important mile markers
• Your choice of a 1 or 2-day itinerary
• Driving Tips for the Road to Hana
• Checklist of important items to bring
• Photos from the Road to Hana

So, Leave early and grab a picnic lunch. The Kuau Store is on the way and opens at 6:30am. You can top off the gas tank in Paia; grab a picnic lunch and some snacks. Look for the famous surfboard fence (808) 579-8844.

Lastly, pay attention to time and be sure to leave Hana at least a couple hours before sunset. It gets very dark and you’ll want to be back on time for Dinner.