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Just saying the word “Hawaii” conjures up images of brown bodies, warm sunshine, and a romantic walk on the beach in the moonlight. All of this is available and there is much more than meets the eye. The only thing that could hold you back from seeing and doing all that there is to do, is your sense of adventure.

Hawaii is actually made up of six separate islands. Maui is small compared to the “Big Island”. But that doesn’t mean anything, because what Maui lacks in size, it makes it up in it’s atmosphere and personality. Maui serves up plenty of historic and cultural attractions that will captivate your imagination, while exposing the timeless traditions of this magical island. For example, the town of Lahaina is a National Historic District. This was once a thriving whaling port. History buffs will enjoy Lahaina-Kaanapali and the Pacific Railroads provide history lovers with an unforgettable journey into the area’s plantation past.

“Paradise” is a word that that has been used to describe Maui. Any way you slice it, vacationing on Maui is an experience that will bring families closer together. The good news is that there is also a focus on fun and education. You have your pick of outdoor activities, and the Native Hawaiian culture adds to the world-class atractions. The Hawaiian culture focuses on the importance of children and family, and many hotels and resorts have kid and student discount programs available.

Maui’s climate (or better yet climates), is a very unique subject in itself. You can go from a desert to a rainforest, all in a matter of hours. And because Maui is small, you can plan a daytrip easily and know that you are going to catch all the sights. It’s commonplace to visit the top of Haleaka at 10,000 ft, and still have time to go snorkeling in the calm blue ocean, all within the same day.

Maui’s marine environment is spotlighted at the Maui Ocean Center in Ma’alaea. With a wide variety of hands-on exhibits, aquarium displays and a “touch pool”, visitors can get close and personal to various ocean creatures like sea urchins and starfish. Some of the other features include live jellyfish, colorful reef fish, shrimp, eels, skipjack tuna, octopus, lobsters, all sorts of different types of rays and even sharks

The Maui Tropical Plantation is another attraction which spotlights the Island’s agricultural history. Visitors can take tram tours and see how plantations have played an important part of Maui’s growth. You will see acres of sugar cane, papaya, guava, mango, banana, pineapple, kona coffee and macadamia nuts. It’s very interesting, and guaranteed to have you sitting on the edge of your seat.

Be sure to make time to visit the Hawaii Nature Center. Here you will discover more more than thirty hands-on exhibits that will enable you to learn about Maui’s environment. Would you like to be able to experience the ability to see a hundred directions at once? “Life As A Dragonnfly” is just one of these exhibits that kids and adults will find fascinating. The Naturalists offer a guided tour called the “Rainforest Wilderness Walk” which gives you a detailed background of the history of the area called the “Tao Valley.” You will walk away with a greater appreciation for the gifts that nature gives us.

Of course the beaches are another great way to spend your time getting to know the area. Kaanapali Beach (which has also been referred to as “Dig Me” beach), is one of Maui’s best beaches. Kaanapali Beach is four miles long, and runs alongside the sea channel for almost it’s whole length. The sand is a golden color and has a paved beach walk path. The swimming is awesome and there are many beach activity vendors, offering any type of water activity or equipment that you could imagine.

Whether you stay in the upscale resort hotels or Maui’s beach parks and camping facilities, you are guaranteed to have great memories. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself back in this beautiful island again. There’s just something about the magnetic attraction of Maui.

Author: Elizabeth Ann Wares
About The Author

Elizabeth Ann Wares is an avid traveler and shares travel and vacation tips. She is the webmaster of Airfare X, a leading resource for discount airfare: http://www.airfarex.com.

Author :Mike O’Brien ,

Whether you crave a holiday full of outdoor adventure or a relaxing vacation sampling gourmet cuisine and award winning wines, New Zealand has something for everyone. And, there is no better way to explore this highly diverse country than to rent a New Zealand motor home. With many tourist destinations within a few hours of each other and a well-maintained network of roads and highways, renting a motor home or camper van in New Zealand provides travelers the freedom and flexibility to experience all of the sites and attractions while enjoying all of the comforts of a home on wheels.

With many companies specialising in renting motor homes in New Zealand, it’s helpful to compare prices and availability on the internet. Rates tend to be higher during the summer months of December through February, and the best deals are to be had from May through September. Reputable rental companies will offer comprehensive insurance, roadside assistance, and 24-hour customer service. Other features that are also frequently offered when renting a camper van in New Zealand include itinerary planning, kitchen utensils, linens, unlimited mileage, ferry booking assistance, airport pickup, and luggage storage.

Camp ground facilities throughout New Zealand are generally very well maintained and in convenient, and often times, scenic locations. Along with BBQs, kitchen facilities, restrooms and showers, most campgrounds have laundry rooms and playgrounds. It’s always a good idea to reserve space at a campground prior to arrival, especially during the peak season of summer. Although most New Zealand motor homes and camper vans have a shower and toilet on board, it is illegal to discharge this waste into anything other than an approved dump station. Keep New Zealand clean and green. Should you dump the waste elsewhere it will end up in out pristine waterways. The main pick up and drop off cities for a New Zealand motor home or a New Zealand camper van are Auckland and Christchurch, although some companies have an office in Wellington, Picton or Queenstown. One way hires have a minimum hire period. It is also legal to park motor homes in New Zealand on national park land as long as there is not a “Parking Prohibited” sign posted.

Most first time visitors of New Zealand visit both the North and South islands to experience the vastly different landscapes. Camper vans and motor homes can be conveniently driven onto the Interislander ferry for the three hour journey between the islands. Most rental companies will gladly book reservations for the ferry and provide you with all of the information that you will need prior to setting sail.

When touring the stunning beauty of the South Island, it’s especially important to be aware of the weather. Snow frequently falls in the winter months, and chains are required on some roads. The speed limit on New Zealand open roads is 100 km or about 62 miles per hour. To have a safe motoring holiday, it’s essential to stay within the speed limit and to obey all of the traffic signs. Many of the roads, while well paved and signed, are somewhat narrow and often slick from rain or ice. Photo radar is used throughout the country to enforce the speed limits, and there are strict laws forbidding drinking and driving.

New Zealand is an amazing country with plenty to offer every traveler, and motor homes and camper vans allow the convenience, comfort, and flexibility to make the most of your holiday. Without wasting time checking into hotels or unpacking and packing up cars and suitcases, you can spend your time enjoying the sites and relaxing in your home on wheels. Happy Motoring!

Mike O’Brien offers advice and information about new zealand car rental This is a quality web site with a choice of New Zealand rental car, motor home hire and general New Zealand information at your fingertips!

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