Hotel Spotlight: Kaanapali Beach Hotel, Maui

Located on Maui’s pristine Kaanapali Beach, the Kaanapali Beach Hotel is situated on 11 acres of lush, tropical coastline with unobstructed ocean views. With 432 spaciously appointed guest rooms, 2 award-winning restaurants, a full-service spa, and a themed whale-shaped pool, this resort has all the amenities of an upscale, full-service resort with an ohana (family) feel. Voted by Conde Nast Traveler magazine as one of the world’s “Best Places to Stay” and "#1 Best Value Hotel in Hawaii" according to Travel & Leisure magazine, your vacation to Hawaii should begin at the Kaanapali Beach Hotel.

The Kaanapali Beach hotel wants your experience on Maui to be as authentically “Hawaiian” as possible. On your first or second morning on the island, the hotel invites you to participate in a welcome breakfast where you will get insider tips on Maui’s best activities followed by a truly Hawaiian breakfast buffet with hula dancers and live traditional music.

Not only does the staff want your experience to be unique, they also want to make sure you are well informed on the Hawaiian culture. Each employee is required to take a Hawaiian culture class where they are immersed in Hawaiian history and traditions. They also offer ukulele lessons, lei making, poi making demonstrations, hula lessons, pineapple cutting, lau printing, Lauhala Weaving and an Aloha Passport Kids Program-- all complimentary to hotel guests! These activities are offered daily and a printed schedule is available at the front desk. Reservations for these activities are required and should be booked in advance. As if that was not enough, the hotel also offers a full-service tour desk to assist you in finding other activities on the island. From helicopter tours to snorkeling, sailing to hiking, if it is offered on the island, the staff at the Kaanapali can make it happen. Its convenient location, right on Kaanapali Beach, makes it easy to explore all that Maui has to offer.

When it comes time to say goodbye, join the hotel staff in a very Hawaiian farewell ceremony where you will be serenaded by the staff and receive your very own Kukui nut lei to take home as a reminder of your trip to paradise.

Escape to the Kaanapali Beach Hotel without emptying your pockets. The great rates and specials Get Away Today offers make planning a trip to Hawaii affordable for any budget. Book online or call (866)FUN-TRIP (386-8747) today to book your trip to paradise.

Maui: The Best Beaches

Surrounded by 120 miles of coastline, Maui is home to over 30 miles of beautiful beaches. If you are planning a trip to Hawaii, and want to spend at least some of your time relaxing at the beach, Maui is the island for you.  From quaint to crowded, white sand to black, every beach on Maui is unique in its own way.  Here are some popular area beaches that have received the best reviews.

Ka’anapali Beach
Known for its amazing sunsets, Ka’anapali Beach has been named West Maui’s “signature” beach. It boasts three miles of white sand as well as breathtaking sunsets. Snorkel equipment rentals and surf lessons are available. Easy access makes this beach a popular choice for locals and tourists alike.

D.T. Fleming Beach Park
This classic Maui beach was named “America’s Best Beach” in 2006. The entire area is surrounded by large ironwood trees which provide beachgoers with ample shade and it’s an ideal location for body and board surfing. This beach park is very family friendly as well, and offers picnic tables and public restrooms.

Red Sand Beach
Looking for a unique beach experience? Look no further than Red Sand Beach. Known as “Secret Beach” by the locals, its slippery path is not for the faint of heart. Though it is difficult to get to, the gorgeous volcanic red sand is definitely worth the trek. Swimming and snorkeling are good here because of the calm water.

Hana Beach Park
Another unique beach is Hana Beach Park. This beach is the most popular swimming beach on the island. It is also an ideal spot for canoeing. Located off the Hana Highway, this beach is easily accessible as well as family-friendly. If you are planning a day trip up the road to Hana, this beach is a perfect place to stop and cool off.

Kama’ole Beach Park I, II and III
These three distinctive beaches all have their own exceptional qualities. Located in the surfing town of Kihei, all three beaches have great swimming. Kama’ole Beach Park I is the biggest beach of the three. There is ample parking here as well as a big grass area for picnics. Since this beach park consists of three different beaches, you are sure to find a quiet place to relax and take in the beautiful Hawaii sun.

Black Rock
Black Rock Beach is perfect for beginning snorkelers. Coral, tropical fish and sea turtles are abundant here. Scuba divers prefer this spot for the same reason. The combination of beautiful ocean life and stunning black  rock plus calm waters make this a model beach for water activity. If you stay around long enough, you may also get to see the cliff divers!

Getting to Maui is easier than you think, and with so many beaches, you’ll want to experience them all. Get Away Today offers many hotels on some of these amazing beaches and takes care of everything so all you  have to worry about is packing! Plan your trip to Maui today and save even more with our fall specials.

Going to Hawaii? Choose the Island That Is Right for You!

When most people say they’re going to Hawaii, the first question that’s asked is “Which island?” To those going to Hawaii for the first time, this can be an overwhelming question. Each island features nature, adventure, excitement, and beauty uniquely its own. Here is an overview to help you decide which island provides YOUR ideal Hawaiian vacation!

Oahu: The most densely populated and most visited island has been welcoming travelers for many years. World famous Waikiki Beach attracts thousands of sun bathers, surfers and the like year round, yet those seeking solitude can find empty beaches off the beaten path. Honolulu and Waikiki provide hours of shopping and dining opportunities, while the North Shore and west side of the island offer more of a Maui feel. Popular attractions like Pearl Harbor, the Polynesian Cultural Center, Dole Pineapple Plantation, and Diamond Head all top many “must see” lists.

Maui: Time slows down in Maui where surf and sand are the main attractions. Snorkeling, surfing, and sun bathing is how most travelers spend their days. Whale watching tours are incredibly popular during migrating season which falls between January and March. Fine dining, high-end shopping and art galleries are abundant and convenient without feeling congested.

Kauai: Oftentimes referred to as the Garden Isle, Kauai consists of lush tropical forests, gorgeous gardens, majestic waterfalls, and of course, amazing beaches. Outdoor  activities like hiking, biking, kayaking, golfing, and snorkeling are plentiful in this idyllic paradise.

Hawaii (the BIG Island): The Big Island (also known as Hawaii) is one “hot” spot, and not just because of its lava spouting active volcanoes. Its stunning black rock beaches and plethora of parks and historical monuments give visitors endless opportunities for adventure. 

Of course no vacation to Hawaii would be complete without a luau, which are available on each island. Many visitors opt to visit two or more islands during their trip to get a complete Hawaiian experience. Get Away Today offers affordable accommodations and airfare between islands so you can explore as much of Hawaii as possible. Book your escape to the Aloha State today!

Top Ten Reasons to Visit Oahu

Oahu’s magnificent scenery, exhilarating activities, and rich history make it one of the world’s top vacation destinations. Narrowing the activity options down to fit your schedule can be a bit daunting. Below are the top sites you don’t want to miss! Whatever your tastes, the diverse array of experiences Oahu holds for you will create vacation memories to last a lifetime.

1. Immerse yourself in the magic of the Polynesian Cultural Center! Learn the culture of Polynesia firsthand at Hawaii’s #1 paid tourist attraction. Enjoy the excitement of the long-canoe pageant, the tantalizing buffet dinners, and the beauty of the Horizons night show which culminates in the Samoan fire-knife dance!

2. Explore the excitement of world famous Waikiki Beach! Splash in the warm waters and sink your toes into the soft sand of this two-mile stretch of paradise! Rent a surfboard, bodyboard, or canoe for an adventure-filled afternoon. World class shopping and dining are just footsteps away!

3. Grab your mask and snorkel in Hanauma Bay! Dazzling exotic fish, mysterious eels, and spectacular coral surround you as you explore the wonder of underwater Hawaii! Shark’s Cove on the North Shore also offers an excellent snorkeling environment. Turtles frequent this area which can only be accessed during calm weather.

4. Pay respect to America’s fallen sailors at the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor. Step back in time as you feel the hushed reverence of this significant monument where World War II began for the United States. Minutes away is the USS Missouri noted for being the place where WWII came to an end.

5. Experience the breathtaking views atop Diamond Head, the world’s most famous volcanic crater! Once you have completed the short hike to the crater’s rim, the view of Waikiki and the Pacific Ocean is unparalleled.

6. Meander through the tropical gardens of the stunning Byodo-In Temple at the Valley of the Temples. This replica of the Byodo-In Temple in Japan is situated against the gorgeous green cliffs of the Koolau Mountains and is one of the most peaceful places on the island. Koi ponds dot the gardens and the rich sound of the peace bell can be heard resonating throughout the grounds.

7. Discover the vibrant history of Honolulu. Hawaii’s past comes alive at Iolani Palace, the only royal residence in the United States. After touring the historic palace, catch a glimpse of the beautiful architecture of Ali'iolani Hale where Hawaii’s Supreme Court congregates and see the famed gold-plated King Kamehameha Statue.

8. Escape to the north shore and experience the laid back atmosphere of Haleiwa. This quiet surf town is home to a variety of fun shops, art galleries, and the North Shore Cultural and Surf Museum. Be sure to grab a shave ice with ice cream and azuki beans at Matsumotos, unanimously voted the best shave ice on the island .

9. Make your way up to the Dole Pineapple Plantation. Here you will learn how pineapples are grown and harvested, and have a chance to wander through the world’s largest maze. Cool down in the extensive gift shop, and be sure to savor the famous “pineapple whips.”

10. Challenge yourself to a round of golf at Turtle Bay. This renowned resort houses both the Arnold Palmer Course and the George Fazio Course. Each is encircled with tropical gardens and boast spectacular ocean views.

© Darcy Yung, Get Away Today Vacations

Hotel Spotlight: The Turtle Bay Resort

If your idea of a Hawaiian vacation is swaying palm trees, relaxing poolside with a drink in one hand and a book in the other, the natural beauty of Oahu's north shore and the landscaped beauty of the Turtle Bay Resort is truly breathtaking. 

Listen to the Get Away Today Travel Show podcast and let our customers describe the incredible beauty that awaits you at the Turtle Bay Resort. 

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Turtle Bay Resort offers visitors five miles of beachfront views.  Located 45 minutes from the energy of Honolulu, Turtle Bay Resort guests will enjoy the natural tranquility of the North Shore lifestyle and spectacular ocean views from every one of magnificent beach cottages and guest rooms.

The Turtle Bay Resort features two lushly landscaped pools, two championship golf courses, tennis courts, horseback riding, hiking and mountain bike trails, a surfing school, world-class dining and shopping. Just minutes away, find one of Hawai‘i's most popular destinations, The Polynesian Cultural Center, and many other famous Oahu attractions.  The Turtle Bay Resort offers a true Hawaiian experience.

As a result of the resort's unique position on the island, all of the 375 luxury guest rooms, 26 suites, 42 beach cottages and luxury ocean villas offer picturesque views of the Pacific Ocean. These accommodations are the best Hawai‘i has to offer. No matter which Turtle Bay Resort lodging you choose on Oahu, you will be surrounded by the beauty and majesty of the North Shore.

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