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Getting Around Maui in Style

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Getting Around Maui in Style

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.

Local Rental Cars

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.

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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.

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Sightseeing Tours

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.

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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.

Driver Services

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.

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By Air

7. Private Plane Tour

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.

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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.

By Sea

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.

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Scoot or Cycle

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.

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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.

Celebrating Vacation Rental Week

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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, […]

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2020 Monthly Maui Photo Contest

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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:

  1. Follow @mppvacations
  2. Post your original photo on your own public Instagram. Be sure to tag @mppvacations and #myMPPstory. Submit as many photos as you like – every photo submitted is a new entry.
  3. That’s it! The winning photo will be the one we think best captures the magic of Maui and will be featured on our page. Photographers of all skill levels welcome.

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.

Maui Vacation Rentals at Kaanapali Beach

Spotlight on Kaanapali

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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.

Springtime on Maui

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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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Book 6 nights and the 7th is on us

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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.

Enter promo code SUNFLOWER7 when you book online or give us a call at 808.214.1011. Valid on stays between April 1, 2019 and June 15, 2019. Plus taxes and fees, subject to availability. Valid on new reservations only.

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Valentine’s Day – Maui Style

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While there may not be any new sweethearts (candy) this year, there are still plenty of ways to express your affection for the one you love. There’s something for everyone on Maui this Valentine’s Day – whether you’re with your one and only or you’re a lonely only. Here are a few events taking place across the island.

BOOZY DESSERTS COOKING CLASS

Sugar Beach Events, Kihei

Bringing your two favorite indulgences together, booze and dessert. Chef Lee Anderson and Pastry Chef Melanie Roy from Sugar Beach Events will share their recipes for delicious alcohol-infused sweet treats. Whether incorporating Kahlua, whiskey, champagne, or tequila as essential ingredients, you and your loved one will love making these treats first in class, then at home. The class includes a family style dinner before gorging on amazing desserts. The class is offered February 13th and 14th. Click here to book.

COUPLE’S GETAWAY AT THE SPA

Spa Montage, Kapalua

Reserve a couples treatment on Valentine’s Day and receive a complimentary gift. The Kerstin Florian gift set includes an eucalyptus mineral soak, chamomile body scrub, fub balm and rehydrating Neroli water. Promotion is also valid to individuals who redeem two or more treatments on Valentine’s Day. Click here for more information.

VALENTINE’S DAY DINNER

Sansei, Kapalua

Sansei in Kapalua is offering a special Valentine’s Day menu full of incredible delicacies at prices you’ll love. What’s more romantic than some sushi and a deal? Chef Masa’s omakase nigiri sushi platter is offered at $48.95 and wagyu beef carpaccio with truffle ginger scallion sauce for $15.95. The New Zealand rack of lamb with miso bleu cheese sauce, garlic mashed potatoes, and braised baby bok choy for $38.95 or the macadamia nut and chocolate chip bread pudding with caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream for just $9.50. Click here for details.

VALENTINE’S DAY DINNER CRUISE

Pacific Whale Foundation, Lahaina

Romance will be in the air and in the sea this Valentine’s Day aboard a very special Pacific Whale Foundation sunset dinner cruise. Passengers aboard the Valentine’s Day Dinner Cruise will enjoy a delicious three-course dinner, cocktails, live music, dramatic views of the West Maui Mountains and the islands of Maui County, and the unparalleled beauty of a sunset at sea. You’ll even be able to watch for the spouts of courting humpback whales as you raise a toast to the power of love. Our attentive staff will provide tableside service of a delicious meal, with each plate prepared by our onboard chef. Click here to book.

SPECIAL WILLIE K VALENTINE’S DAY DINNER SHOW

Mulligan’s on the Blue, Wailea

A beautiful Wailea scene, three-course steak and lobster dinner, champagne, and music, what a treat. Brooks Maguire will open the show starting at 5:30pm, then Uncle Willie K hits the stage at 7:30pm. $100/person (inside table); $75/person (outside table); $50/children (under 18). Reservations are required via phone. Mulligan’s on the Blue’s website is here.

Not-so-Lonely-Only Events

SPEED DATING

Paia Bay Coffee, Paia

GonderGirl is hosting Valentine’s Day speed dating at Paia Bay Coffee Bar that is sure to be fun regardless of whether you meet your forever match. Starts at 7pm. For detail and to register click here.

SCREW CUPID PARTY

Diamonds Ice Bar & Grill, Kihei

If you’re feeling like love stinks this year, have a drink and celebrate the single life at Diamonds Ice Bar & Grill in Kihei. There will be a speed dating competition upstairs in the VIP room starting at 8pm, then Soul Easy will start jamming at 10pm. Prizes will be given and there will be 30 percent off drinks for industry night! No cover. Click here for Diamond’s website.

STOP LIGHT PARTY

VIBE Bar & Nightclub, Kihei

Taken? Single? Complicated? There’s a cup for that. Vibe Bar and Nightclub is hosting a Stop Light Party where you can boldly display your status. Power Hour is from 7-8pm with half-off drinks. DJ Pash_Sean and #BabyMonkSeals will be spinning house, EDM, top 40 and dubstep jams from 9pm-closing. No cover. VIBE Bar’s website is here.

The Pebble Beach of the Pacific

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hereWe are excited to introduce two particularly special, luxury homes to our ever-growing portfolio of vacation properties. We love being able to offer our guests a wide variety of options to perfectly suit their unique needs and wishes. These two homes at Alaeloa are just steps away from one another and can collectively accommodate up to 14 people – perfect for a large family gathering or special occasion.

If you haven’t heard of Alaeloa yet, you are not alone. This property is one of Maui’s best kept secrets. Nestled along Maui’s west shoreline, Alaeloa is a secluded, oceanfront community of just 42 residences that exudes old Hawaiian charm. This gated community feels spacious and serene with a lush mango grove, oceanfront pool, beach cove snorkeling and easy ocean access for surfing at Little Makaha.

Alaeloa 23

Alaeloa 23 is a direct-oceanfront 3-bedroom, 2-bath home with stunning views –  so close you can watch the turtles below your deck. This home was recently updated with gorgeous furniture and decor and boasts an extended lanai to fully take in the peaceful surroundings. Click here to book.

Alaeloa 44

Just steps away from Alaeloa 23 is Alaeloa 44, a 2-bedroom, 2-bath home located on the hillside overlooking the beautiful Pacific Ocean and the island of Molokai. The large, fully-equipped kitchen and spacious open living room and dining area make this property feel like a relaxing retreat. Click here to book.

Come experience the place that has often been called the “Pebble Beach of the Pacific.” Alaeloa is not just a place, but a state of mind.

You can view all of our vacation properties here.

Whales! Whales! Whales!

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Whale season is in full effect here on Maui and the annual Maui Whale Festival, presented by Pacific Whale Foundation, kicks off in February. The Festival is a series of inspiring events held during Maui’s peak humpback whale season. Each occasion and activity is designed to build awareness and share our love of marine animals and their ocean habitat. Below are just a few of the events taking place throughout the month of February. Click here for more info.

While we’re on the topic, here are a few little-known facts about our most prized winter visitors:

  • The scientific name for the humpback whale is Mageptera novaeangliae meaning Big Winged New Englander. Big Winged for its long pectoral fins and New Englander for where most of the first scientific sightings occurred. The common name, humpback, stems from how they arch their back when diving.
  • Only male humpback whales sing. During the winter months here on Maui it is common to put your head underwater and actually hear the whale’s song. We still don’t know why humpbacks sing. This is one of the biggest mysteries of the ocean today.
  • An actual birth has never been seen or documented first hand. We only know humpbacks give birth in our warm Maui waters because of confirmed sightings of newborn whales.
    Humpback population numbers have been steadily rising ever since the end of whaling in 1966. Scientists are currently debating taking the North Pacific sub population (our whales here in Maui) off the ‘threatened’ list.
  • A humpback’s tongue is the size of a Volkswagen Beetle and its entire mouth takes up 1/3 of its body. Its throat opening though is only the size of a grapefruit – fitting for a creature that eats huge amounts of a tiny food source.
  • Mom’s milk consists of 40% fat. The milk we drink is only 2%. Calves drink up to 100 gallons per day in order to be strong enough to make the 2,700+ mile migration back to the feeding grounds in Alaska.

MAUI WHALE FESTIVAL EVENTS

WILD & WONDERFUL WHALE REGATTA
Saturday, February 2, 2019 | The Wild & Wonderful Whale Regatta is like a “rubber ducky” race, except with little whales on a fast-moving watercourse. You can enter one or more whales to race in your name (or as a gift entry) for a chance to win fabulous prizes.

RUN & WALK FOR WHALES
Saturday, February 2, 2019 | One of Maui’s largest run and walking events. Participants can choose from a 1 mile, 5K, 10K, or 10 mile course.

WORLD WHALE FILM FESTIVAL
Friday, February 8, 2019 | Promoting visual storytellers who are passionate about whales, dolphins and our oceans to tell powerful stories that inspire ocean and wildlife conservation around the world.

CONCERT CRUISES
Saturday, February 16, 2019 | Music and dancing at sea with some of Hawaii’s top recording artists.

KIHEI 4TH FRIDAY CELEBRATES MAUI WHALE FESTIVAL
Friday, February 22, 2019 | Kihei Fourth Friday celebrates Maui Whale Festival with a special installment of the popular monthly town party. Enjoy live music by some of Hawaii’s top musicians, ono food, local vendors, keiki activities and eco programs. Free ocean themed fun for all ages!

GREAT WHALE COUNT
Saturday, February 23, 2019 | Bringing volunteers together to count whales from shore as part of a long-term survey of humpback whales in Hawaii. This event provides a snapshot of local trends in cetacean population abundance and is one of the world’s longest running citizen scientist projects.