The Blue Pool (also known by its Hawaiian name as Heleleikeoha Falls or Helele’ike’oha Falls as well as Blue Angel Falls) on the Hawaiian island of Maui, could very well be one of the most scenically located swimming pool waterfalls in the world.

The beautiful waterfall  faces the ocean as it’s sheltered by rocks protecting its picturesque plunge pool from the crashing waves. If there was ever a place you could take a dip and contemplate the scenery, this is it!

In Hawaii, it’s rare for a waterfall to fall right into the ocean (or almost). This is one of those rare occurrences where there is a waterfall on one side of you and the sea on the other.

The falls are typically light flowing. If it hasn’t rained for a while, it probably trickles. Nonetheless, the location makes it easy to forget whether the falls are flowing or not.

At one time, Blue Pool was known only to the local folks. Now it is written up in all the guidebooks, and is quite a busy place. Busy isn’t necessarily bad, but Blue Pool is just that – a pool. Small. I recommend that if you want to visit Blue Pool, try to go early in the morning to beat the crowds and catch the sun at the best angle.

Blue Pool is located at the very end of Ulaino Road (about ½ mile west of airport road) on Maui. Ulaino Road is 3 miles long, and is wide and paved for about a mile, then becomes narrow and dirt.

There is a small parking area at the end of the road, with parking enough for about 6 cars.

Photo: Jeff Greenberg

Pu’u Keka’a” is the Hawaiian term for Black Rock. The large, black lava flow juts out into the Pacific Ocean and virtually divides Kaanapali Beach on Maui, Hawaii in half.

If you do not want to pay for a cruise to do some great snorkeling, Black Rock is supposed to have some great underwater viewing for snorkelers. Black Rock lava flow is the last lava flow on the island of Maui.

If you don’t find the snorkeling good at Black Rock give Old Airport beach a try. It is just around the point from Black Rock.

If you are not staying at one of the hotels that line Kaanapali Beach, there are public access paths so that you can also get down to the same beach where others are paying hundreds of dollars a night to stay.

Each night the Sheraton Hotel, which is anchored right into Black Rock, puts on an act where a diver climbs out onto the end of Black Rock with a torch. At the appropriate time, the diver tosses his torch into the ocean and then dives in. This is symbolic because ancient Maui residents believed that their spirits “jumped off” or left this world at this spot.

Cliff Dive Bar – Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa

The Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa is an amazing Maui property. One of the popular activities on Maui is watching the nightly torch lighting ceremony and cliff diving ceremony.

One of the best places to see the torch lighting ceremony and cliff diving ceremony is at The Cliff Dive Bar, where you can have wonderful grilled food and delicious drinks.

The Cliff Dive Bar is surrounded by a scenic, lava-enhanced swimming pool making it the ideal spot for relaxing and enjoying the local views including popular Black Rock. Try the classic tropical Pina Colada!

Each night at sunset, the luxury Sheraton Maui Resort narrates an ancient story along with playing native Hawaiian music while reenacting King Kahekili’s cliff diving skill.

Hours of operation at
Cocktails: 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Food Served 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

On the edge of the upcountry rainforest, you’ll find Piiholo Ranch, in Makawao – Maui Hawaii.

Owned and operated by the Baldwin family, Piiholo is a working cattle ranch that lies in the midst of a native Hawaiian eco-system.

Spread out and ride through emerald green pastures and towering forests with picturesque views of the blue Pacific Ocean.

Rides are offered twice daily with a maximum of six riders each. Larger groups can be accommodated and private rides are available for two riders or more.

With six generations and more than a hundred years of ranching on Maui, the Baldwin family welcomes you with true aloha.

The Royal Lahaina Resort on beautiful Maui, includes a fabulous restaurant that offers terrific Pacific Ocean and sunset views as its backdrop.

The Royal Ocean Terrace Restaurant delivers an open-air atmosphere and is a wonderful combination of elegance and an unforgettable tropical setting.

The Royal Ocean Terrace offers a variety of excellent meals including traditional American favorites, Fresh Seafood and  Pacific Rim specialties. Your contemporary dining experience is complete with gorgeous views, overlooking the ocean and Royal Lahaina Resort Hotel gardens.

You can also enjoy both a la carte and buffet breakfast service at the Royal Ocean Terrace. It’s offered each morning and is the best way to begin your Hawaiian paradise day.

Adjacent to the restaurant is the Royal Ocean Terrace Lounge, a full-service and open-air poolside lounge. Enjoy your favorite cocktail with views of the ocean and the neighboring Hawaiian islands of both Molokai and Lanai

Enjoy a relaxing meal at the a wide range of tropical drinks, beer, wine and appetizers. Each night, the Royal Lahaina Resort presents a sunset torch lighting ceremony and live Hawaiian entertainment.

Now sit back and enjoy a fine meal at the  Royal Ocean Terrace Restaurant. Sip a couple of Mai Tais and watch another picture perfect, Hawaiian sunset on Maui.

Royal Ocean Terrace Restaurant
2780 Kekaa Dr.
Lahaina, HI, 96761
(808) 661-3611

The Spa Moana at Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa is now infusing a dynamic new workout into their extensive fitness program.

The luxury spa has just introduced Zumba. The Latin inspired workout – Zumba – eliminates the “work” from working out. by combining incredible Latin and international music with dynamic, yet simple exercise moves.

Zumba class participants will constantly be engaged and entertained with the variety of rhythms including salsa, merengue, samba, belly dancing, cumbia, flamenco, reggae, and more.

The luxurious Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa is proud to be the first Ka’anapali resort on Maui, to offer Zumba classes to its resort guests, island visitors and kama’aina.

Karen Paresa, who is the Fitness Coordinator at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa, says, “Zumba is a perfect addition to the resort’s fitness program. Zumba is about creating a place where, for one hour a day, guests can go to sweat, dance, and, most importantly, have fun.”

Paresa, along with other certified Zumba instructors at Spa Moana, will lead classes every Tuesdays and Thursday mornings at 9:00am in the expansive Fitness Center aerobics studio. A special Monday evening session at 5:30pm will be offered just for Hyatt staff.

Pricing for the Zumba classes will be $10/class per person for Hyatt Regency Maui guests and kama’aina, and $15/class for all non-resort guests.

Spa Moana is Maui’s only oceanfront spa, and offers its customers an extensive variety of fitness classes, including Yoga, Pilates, Hydro-Fit, Beach Boot Camp, and more.

General Manager Michael Jokovich states, “Conde Nast Traveler readers recently ranked Spa Moana as among the country’s top resort spas for 2010. We are dedicated to frequently updating offerings, so we can offer a wealth of amenities and activities that exceed guests’ expectations.”

For additional information regarding Zumba at Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa, contact the resort at (808)661-1234, or visit the website at www.maui.hyatt.com

Chang’s Beach is another terrific snorkeling spot in Maui., is just south of Po’olenalena Beach. Because of this location, it really offers the same snorkeling grounds, just accessed from the south side of the rocky point, instead of the north side.

This park beach is located near Kalama Park and is favored by local residents. It is well known to have great surfing, when the waves are really pounding.

Actually, Chang’s Beach is rather small. Depending at the tide level, the beach can go away completely. Because of this, you may want to snorkel this from the Po’olenalena side because the beach is much better, and there are showers there.

Diamond Hawaii Resort & Spa is an elegant 15-acre resort nestled on the grassy hillside overlooking Wailea, commanding the most spectacular panoramic Pacific ocean views.

Experience the peace and tranquility of Maui in a quiet tropical setting only moments from Wailea’s beautiful tropical beaches.

The Japanese-themed all suite Diamond Hawaii Resort & Spa is among the most unique hotels in the state. Once an exclusive private retreat, today Diamond Hawaii Resort & Spa specializes in presenting an authentic Japanese experience for its guests.

Designed as a mountain retreat in a tropical setting, the architecture of Diamond Hawaii Resort and Spa is eye-catching and spirit-lifting. The lobby building resembles a magnificent, wood-and-stone chalet with a focal point of a soaring, cone-shaped roof covered in jade-green Chinese tiles and supported by massive coral pillars.

In the spacious, tastefully furnished interior rotunda formed by the roof, guests look up at a beamed-wood cone squared off and skylighted at the top, a space inspired by the inside of a Japanese umbrella. Brightening the main building are large, brightly colored, wall-mounted rugs woven in the styles of Spanish painters Joan Miro, Picasso, and Isabella.

From dining in fine restaurants, to relaxing in the traditional Japanese spa baths and walking among the richly landscaped gardens, waterfalls, and pools filled with Koi, you will find Diamond Resort a relaxing haven in which to unwind.

Diamond Hawaii Resort & Spa
555 Kaukahi Street
Wailea, Maui, Hawaii 96753
808-874-0500
Fax: (808) 874-8778

Lahaina Fish Company

With an excellent waterfront location and an extensive, reasonably priced menu, the Lahaina Fish Company eatery is one of the best bargains in all of West Maui – Hawaii.

The Lahaina Fish Company offers its patrons a fantastic choice of Hawaiian fresh fish, seafood, and other island fare, plus ribs, grilled steaks and chops, as well as burgers.

Lahaina Fish Company offers waterfront dining, friendly service and great food. It’s one of the most popular restaurants on all of Maui.

The panoramic views are priceless, as you gaze over deep blue waters, out towards the Hawaiian island of Lanai.

If you truly want a magical moment on Maui, be sure to plan your meal for an unbelievable Hawaii sunset.

Sunsets here over of deep blue waters of the pacific Ocean are spectacular!

On the lush island of Maui, a must see is the splendor of Iao’s Valley. Iao Valley and Iao Needle, is named for Iao, daughter of Maui.

The needle itself is said to be Iao’s warrior lover, found by her father and turned to stone. Once a peaceful taro farming valley, the valley at one time turned into the location of great brutality. It is the site of a famous battle (1790) in which King Kamehameha I defeated the Maui army during Kamehameha’s push to unite the Hawaiian Islands.

Historians say that warriors from Kahului retreated into Iao Valley where they were bloodily defeated in battle. A local guidebook mentions, “the waters of Iao Stream were so choked with bodies that the area was called Kepaniwai meaning ‘Damming of the Waters.’

Luckily for visitors coming today, Iao Valley is once again peaceful, lush and green.

The highlight of the park of course is Iao Needle, a 2,250 foot tall pinnacle. Due to its height, the Needle is often shrouded in clouds of fog, making for interesting photo opportunities.

There is a short paved trail that goes to a viewpoint, but better photos are from the bridge near the start of the trail. An additional short trails loop down along Iao Stream, which I believe offers the best photos.

Also to be discovered, is an inviting trail that leads farther into the lush rainforest. Unfortunately the trail is  accompanied by a “No Trespassing” sign.  Proceed at your own risk.

There is also a small area planted with native plants such as taro, and an imu pit, used by local people for cooking.

For another memorable photo opportunity, also visible from the park is Puu Kukui, the highest spot in West Maui at 5,788 feet, and also the wettest point.

Kapalua Bay beach has been routinely listed in the top ten beaches in the world.

The sand and water are great, and what’s below the water is also fantastic! Snorkeling is terrific or you can enjoy a picnic lunch on the beach. The coral and marine fish were beautiful.

The beach cove that fronts the Kapalua Bay hotel is the stuff of dreams: a golden crescent bordered by two palm-studded points. The sandy bottom slopes gently to deep water at the bay mouth; the water is so clear that you can see where the gold sands turn to green and then deep blue.

Protected from strong winds and currents by the lava-rock promontories, Kapalua’s calm waters are great for snorkelers and swimmers of all ages and abilities, and the bay is big enough to paddle a kayak around without getting into the more challenging channel that separates Maui from Molokai.

Waves come in just right for riding. Fish hang out by the rocks, making it great for snorkeling.