If you are planning a family vacation in Maui, you may be wondering what area of the island will best suit your expectations. The ultimate vacation for you will depend on the age of your children, the type of amenities you seek and activities you desire.
The shutdown of 2020 prompted an unknown future for the visitor industry on Maui and many local transportation companies to ship portions of their rental fleets off-island. As a result, Maui visitors are now faced with vacation planning challenges. Rental cars are in high demand, selling out months in advance for well above average rates. Luckily, rental cars aren’t the only option for sightseeing during your Maui vacation. Read on for our list of the top 10 best ways to get around Maui in style.
1. Maui Roadsters is our number one suggestion for good reason. Turn heads and relinquish any classic car fantasies in a reproduction of the 1957 Porsche 356 Speedster convertible. One of automotive history’s most iconic sports cars, this is a romantic and nostalgic option for sightseeing on Maui. Think big sunglasses and a scarf covering the hair as you take a tour of one of the most scenic islands on earth with the one you adore. Delivery to your vacation rental or resort is available and rates are less than you might expect.
2. Turo
Blend in with more a unique vehicle while supporting local residents by renting through Turo.com. Depending on your vacation style, there are a variety of rental cars to suit your group and preference. Off-road in a fully equipped 4×4 Jeep or Tacoma. Car camp under the stars with a rooftop tent. Save gas money and test drive a Tesla. Feel the wind in your hair as you zip along the coast in a three-wheel Polaris Slingshot.
Many rental cars include or offer additional hire of beach gear, surfboards or camping supplies. Owners can deliver to the airport or your vacation rental.
3. Group Tours
Leave the driving to the professionals and less rental cars on the road to Hana. The Hana Highway features 620 curves and 59 bridges leading through lush rainforest, past plunging waterfalls and dramatic seascapes. The drive can be challenging and parking recently became limited to encourage traffic flow on the narrow roadways. Small group luxury tours to Hana include stops at all the best sights and viewpoints, as well as meals. No need to plan, or purchase the sightseeing CD, just sit back, relax and enjoy the view.
Does a full-day tour on a winding road sound like too much to stomach, but you don’t want to miss out on the sights? Travel the road to Hana in a small group limo van and hop a helicopter for the trip back! Take in the stunning waterfalls and jungles from land and air, while maximizing your sightseeing time during the flight back over the incredible Mars-like environment of Haleakala Crater.
Another excursion worth considering is the Haleakala and Iao Needle guided day tour. Hotel or vacation rental pickup is provided and the tour stops in historic and funky Wailuku town where local art and culture thrive.
4. Shuttle
Most resorts offer complimentary shuttle service from the airport. Hotel and airport transfers are also available 24/7 through private shuttle services. Choose from a luxury sedan, a sport utility vehicle or a larger van. Vehicles through this shuttle service feature classy and spacious interiors. You will be met and escorted by a professional chauffeur.
5. Private Drivers
Maui Town Car offers stylish and comfortable rides suited to your vacation needs. Airport transportation, a night out at one of Maui’s many five-star restaurants or even a custom sightseeing tour can be arranged with your private driver.
6. Uber & Lyft Ride Service
While the number of drivers are not as plentiful as mainland cities, ride services do exist on Maui. Plan ahead and allow sufficient time to locate a driver.
Step into your exclusive cabin, suitable for up to three passengers, and take in the views as you fly above the 5 islands of Maui County on a private flight. See landmarks like Nakalele Blowhole, Molokini Crater and Makena State Park from above while listening to live commentary from your pilot during this personalized experience.
8. Helicopter
There is simply no better way to view the otherwise unreachable peaks and valleys of these volcanic islands than from the air. The world’s highest sea cliffs are located on the island of Molokai, as is the historic and isolated Kalaupapa Peninsula. Fly by both and above gorgeous coral reef systems that line the island’s perimeter. Cut down on travel time and tour Hana, Haleakala and the West Maui mountains all in one exhilarating afternoon, no rental cars required.
9. Private Sailing Tour
Is there anything more romantic than a sunset sail in paradise? Skip the crowded snorkeling tours and charter your own boat to the horseshoe-shaped crater island of Molokini, the gorgeous marine sanctuary of Honolua Bay or in search of Spinner dolphins off the island of Lanai.
10. Scooters, electric bicycles, mountain bikes and beach cruisers are all fun and adventurous ways to get around during daytime hours. Whether you want to experience the Haleakala sunrise followed by a 10,000 foot descent on two wheels or leisurely beach hop through Kihei, bicycles can be a great way to explore small sections of the island and get some exercise. Looking for a little more speed and less leg power? Electric bikes have become very popular as of late. Try a self-guided electric bike tour of historic Lahaina town, once the capital city of Hawaii and a bustling whaling port.
There are plenty of ways to get around Maui in style. Find the perfect Maui Vacation Rental at Maui Paradise Properties and let your dream vacation begin.
This week marks the first annual Vacation Rental Week—a week designated by the Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA) to highlight the value and key benefits of professionally-managed vacation rentals for both guests and property owners. As a guest, vacation rentals are a great alternative to hotels, offering you more for your money, with additional space, […]
MPP is growing fast. We are looking for dynamic people to join our fun and fast-paced Administrative Team.
The Administrative Assistant position is the perfect role for someone who is detail-oriented, forward-thinking, and enthusiastic about learning. This role has a lot of upward growth potential.
Check out all of our open positions here.
If you’re interested and live on Maui, please respond with a cover letter and resume to hr@mpphawaii.com
2019 was an exciting year for MPP. We added dozens of beautiful properties for guests of all types to enjoy – family-friendly resorts, custom homes, golf villas, romantic hideaways, and so much more. We hosted more guests than ever in 2019 and we are thrilled to share this majestic island with all of you.
From ocean adventure to family fun to relaxing in luxury, we know every Maui vacation is unique. We would love to see how YOU spend yours.
So, in 2020 we are kicking off MPP’s first-ever Photo Contest. It will be a year-long celebration of what makes Maui special.
Share your photos and you could win a $50 Amazon gift card and two fresh Maui Gold pineapples shipped right to your door. We choose one winner every month.
We want to see it all…beach photos, bamboo forests, epic hikes, SUP, surf, and snorkeling, sunrises, sunsets, sandcastles, keiki pics, even your favorite poke bowl or shave ice…wherever your Maui adventure takes YOU!
We can’t wait to see YOUR MPP STORY.
Here’s how to enter:
CONTEST RULES: Photo contest hosted by Maui Paradise Properties, LLC. Not affiliated with Instagram. One winner will be chosen within the first week of each month from entries made in the previous month. Photos must be entrant’s original work. Where necessary, Maui Paradise Properties may provide an alternative prize of equal value. Pineapples can only be shipped to the 48 contiguous United States. Winners will be contacted via Instagram direct message. Participation in the contest permits Maui Paradise Properties to use photos for promotional purposes.
Kaanapali is perhaps West Maui’s most popular vacation spot, and for good reason. Nestled just north of Lahaina, Kaanapali was Maui’s first planned resort destination and is still home to several outstanding oceanfront hotels and condominiums such as Kaanapali Alii, The Whaler, Kaanapali Royal, and Maui Eldorado.
Within the greater Kaanapali area lies Kaanapali Beach, a three-mile stretch of white sand beach and sparkling clear water. A leisurely walking path hugs the shoreline and allows easy access to the many restaurants, shops, and activities along the way.
Whalers Village is a robust shopping complex with a wide variety of shops and restaurants, a children’s play area with a massive climbing structure, and plenty of free Hawaiian cultural events and entertainment taking place just about every day of the week.
There are two championship golf courses, the Royal Kaanapali Course and the Kaanapali Kai Course, with stunning ocean and mountain views.
Kaanapali has an endless number of activities and adventures to keep you busy both in and out of the water. Take in the view from above with a zipline tour by Skyline Eco-Adventures. Enjoy snorkeling and scuba through the reefs off of Black Rock, teeming with sea turtles, beautiful coral, and colorful fish. Kayaking, parasailing, sunset catamaran cruises, and surfing lessons are also available.
If you just want to relax there are plenty of spots to set up on the beach for the day and whale watch from the comfort of your beach chair. Stay for sunset and take in one of Kaanapali’s most famous and celebrated attractions – a nightly 30-foot cliff-dive from Black Rock, a tradition The Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa in Kaanapali has kept alive since 1963.
You really can’t go wrong choosing Kaanapali as your Maui vacation destination. MPP Vacations has more than 50 vacation rental properties available in Kaanapali to choose from in some of the most highly sought after condominium resorts. Click here to view and book.
Spring is a magical time to visit Maui. There are plenty of events happening to keep you entertained and immersed in the local culture, food and music (when you’re not soaking up some beach time, of course).
The month of April includes the East Maui Taro Festival in Hana, honoring this versatile staple food of Hawaii, and the Hawaiian Steel Guitar Festival, a series of free concerts, jam sessions, and workshops across Lahaina and Kahului.
Beer enthusiasts will enjoy the Annual Maui Brewers Festival that takes place in May at the MACC and onion enthusiasts (they exist!) will love the Maui Onion Festival at Whaler’s Village Kaanapali, centered around our prized, sweet Kula onions. Restaurant Week Wailea also happens in May and is a great time to sample some of Maui’s fine dining at a fraction of the cost.
The month of June, which technically includes the beginning of the summer solstice, starts strong with the prestigious and ever-popular Kapalua Wine & Food Festival, and the Maui Film Festival in Wailea, a unique, open-air film festival featuring celestial cinema festivities and toes-in-the-sand screenings.
Stay with us on your springtime visit to Maui! Click here to find the perfect property for your vacation.
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Save big on a spring getaway to Maui. Your seventh night is free when you book your stay between April 1st and June 15th at mppvacations.com. That’s a full 2 1/2 months to fit in your Maui escape! Just enter promo code SUNFLOWER7.
But don’t wait too long…we suspect this offer will be popular so book now to get your choice property.
Remember, you always get the best price on your Maui vacation rental by booking directly with Maui Paradise Properties. Our prices for the exact same properties are 8-15% less than the big sites like Airbnb and VRBO, who tack on extra fees.
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