Things to Do in Maui

Dec 06 2024

Tropical Holiday Vacations: Celebrating Christmas in Maui

The holidays are a time for families, and we always look forward to welcoming back our guests and families who have become ‘ohana on their annual Maui Christmas vacation. However, things have changed and will feel slightly different since the Maui wildfires destroyed Lāhainā town’s familiar restaurants, shops, and hangout spots. If you are a returning guest or if it’s your first visit, we’ve made a list and checked it twice for things to do on Maui to help spread good cheer.

Santa Sightings

Tell the kids not to worry. Santa Claus is coming to town!

Santa will surf by catamaran at Kā‘anapali Beach before heading to Hula Grill at Whaler’s Village for a family-friendly event with photo opportunities with Santa, cookie decorating, cocoa, and take-home goodie bags.

Ali‘I Nui Catamarans is sailing with Santa on board for an intimate two-hour morning cruise, including free digital photos & holiday story time, a hot cocoa & holiday coffee bar, Christmas cookies & hot and cold gourmet appetizers. Or book a brunch or dinner on Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, or New Year’s Day.

Maui Christmas Events

Meet Santa at the Halona Kai Holiday Village on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The experience also includes a free family photo with Santa, a tree lighting ceremony, a holiday dinner buffet, sweet treats, family activities, and an outdoor holiday movie under the stars with popcorn and cocoa.

Uplifting the island of Maui, here are a few Maui holiday events to welcome you to your island home for the holidays.

The Maui Ocean Center will hold an inaugural Festival of Lights, an ocean-themed light display showcasing Maui’s ocean life, including sea turtles, whales, and jellyfish. Admission includes the holiday-themed dive show in the 750,000-gallon aquarium, live music, family crafts, and a festive 3D screening of How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

Hanau Ke Ali‘i’s A King is Born is an inspirational performance at the Maui Community Cultural Center, affectionately known locally as The MACC. The show features Hawaiian songs and over 100 Hālau Nā Lei Kaumaka o Uka dancers. The performers will also be collecting Food Bank donations for those impacted by the wildfires.

Buy local at the annual Hui Holidays presented by the Hui No‘eau Visual Arts Center on their beautiful Kuluanui estate. ‘Tis the season to truly find a one-of-kind Maui gift or memento crafted by and supporting Maui’s top artisans. There is also a one-day Santa’s workshop with crafts, games, and a visit with Santa.

West Maui Christmas Church Services

The historic Maria Lanakila Catholic Church, completed in 1873, was miraculously spared from the fire despite its devastation. While the burn zone area is still off limits, their sister church, the Sacred Hearts Mission in Kapalua, typically holds mass on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Sadly, Lāhainā’s historic Waiola Church, established as the first Christian Church on Maui in 1823, was destroyed in the Maui wildfires just after celebrating its 200^th Anniversary. Established in 1840, Lahuiokalani Kā‘anapali in Honokōwai has embraced the Waiola congregation and will hold a Christmas Eve service.
The Lahaina United Methodist Church had just celebrated its 100^th anniversary, but it was lost 10 months later. They are holding a Christmas Day service at Lahuiokalani Kā‘anapali in Honokōwai, which has graciously provided a place to worship for other faiths.

West Maui Vacation Rentals and Resorts

Let Chase ‘N Rainbows by Castle Resorts be the backdrop to your cherished Christmas traditions and unforgettable moments by spending Christmas in Maui. Decorate your living room with twinkling lights, garland, and aloha print stockings while the kids dream of sugar plums in their private bedrooms. Order a special holiday meal from Foodland Farms Lāhainā or Safeway Lāhainā to heat up in your full kitchen and pick an oceanfront condo for a sit-down meal in the dining area or outdoor lanai with golden sunset and blue ocean views, surrounded with aloha by those you love most.

These holiday recommendations are seasonal and may only be for one day. Reservations for accommodations and activities are limited, so start planning your island getaway today and unwrap the magic of Christmas in Hawai‘i!

Aug 15 2024

The Best Places to Go Snorkeling in West Maui

Maui Snorkeling: A mother and her young son explore a tropical reef off the West Maui coast.

If you’re planning your West Maui vacation and looking for things to do, you must consider snorkeling. The Maui snorkeling scene is world-class, and our side of the island is no exception. Still, you may want some help narrowing your options to only the best of the best. From floating above the reef to swimming with sea turtles, the ocean is beyond immersive—and Chase ‘N Rainbows is here to share some insider information on the top spots and where to buy gear so you know what to expect!

Where to Go Snorkeling in West Maui

West Maui offers a variety of top snorkeling spots that cater to different interests. Whether you’re looking for a laid-back beach vibe or full-day excursions, here are some of our favorites:

Olowalu is known for its massive protected coral gardens with tropical marine life and iconic green turtles.
Napili Bay provides outdoor showers, soft sand, and relatively calm waters, ideal for families.
Kaanapali Beach is home to the famous Black Rock, a prime location for beginners wanting to encounter marine life.
For another chance to swim with sea turtles, hop on a boat and head to Turtle Town near Makena.
For more adventure, consider a boat trip to Molokini Crater with Four Winds or Lanai Island with Trilogy Excursions. Both places are known for their clear waters and abundant marine life.

West Maui Snorkel Gear Rentals

Whether you plan to visit some of the places above or explore the waters near your condo, you may want to rent some snorkeling gear.

Snorkel Bob’s

Snorkel Bob’s is a go-to choice for snorkeling gear in West Maui, offering high-quality equipment and a wide selection to suit all needs. With seven convenient locations, renting gear is simple and hassle-free. The friendly staff ensures a smooth experience and online reservations make the process even easier. Whether you’re a seasoned snorkeler or a first-timer, Snorkel Bob’s provides everything you need for a great day in the water.

Boss Frog’s

Boss Frog’s is another trusted resource for snorkeling gear rentals in West Maui. It is known for its knowledgeable staff and exceptional customer service. With nine locations in West and South Maui, they offer great gear prices and comprehensive instructions for use. Beyond equipment, the staff provides excellent advice on other activities, ensuring visitors get the most out of their Maui experience. Whether you need snorkeling gear or beach essentials, Boss Frog’s has you covered with convenience and expertise.

West Maui Vacation Condos on the Beach

West Maui is an outstanding snorkeling destination, offering crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and abundant marine life. Our top spots will surely provide unforgettable underwater experiences for all skill levels. Staying with Chase ‘N Rainbows gives you easy access to these prime locations and convenient options for snorkeling gear rentals and nearby tour companies. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced snorkeler, West Maui’s stunning underwater landscapes await your exploration!
Remember to check out our specials page, which has plenty of Maui deals!

Jul 25 2024

5 West Maui Family Activities You’ll Remember Forever

If you’re planning a family trip to West Maui, you’re in for a treat! The island is brimming with exciting and memorable activities that will delight every family member. There’s something for everyone, from the youngest adventurer to the most seasoned traveler. Here, Chase ‘N Rainbows will help you explore some memorable Maui family activities to make your vacation truly unforgettable.

Explore the Maui Ocean Center

For a more relaxed yet captivating experience, visit the Maui Ocean Center. This award-winning aquarium is home to diverse marine life, including sharks, rays, and tropical fish. Interactive exhibits and educational programs make it a fantastic learning experience for kids. They can feed coral, view sea turtles up close, and learn about humpback whales inhabiting Maui’s waters. The Maui Ocean Center provides a perfect balance of fun and education, making it a standout among family activities in Maui.

Sailing and Snorkeling with Trilogy Excursions

Sailing and snorkeling are some of the top family activities in Maui, and there are few better places to do them than the Bays of Honoapi’ilani. Accessible via sailboat from Ka’anapali Beach, West Maui’s reefs are home to some of Hawaii’s most vibrant marine life. Trilogy Excursions offers a half-day sailing and snorkeling tour that is perfect for families. With experienced guides, high-quality gear, and a focus on safety, you’ll feel at ease as you discover the underwater paradise and glide across the ocean. The sights will mesmerize kids and adults alike, from colorful coral reefs to playful fish.

Maui Animal Farm

Maui Animal Farm offers families a delightfully fun and educational experience amid stunning ocean views. This well-maintained farm allows children to interact closely with various animals, including rabbits, goats, donkeys, and tortoises. The hands-on experience includes opportunities to see, hold, and feed the animals, making it especially engaging for young visitors. The staff are enthusiastic and kind, ensuring a memorable visit. With reasonable tour prices, Maui Animal Farm is a must-visit destination for families with kids, providing fun and learning in a beautiful setting.

Slappy Cakes Breakfast

Slappy Cakes offers a fun and unique dining experience perfect for multi-generational families, including those with toddlers. Known for its delicious breakfast, it allows kids and kids at heart to create personalized pancakes right at the table. The restaurant’s attentive staff and excellent service enhance the enjoyable, kid-friendly atmosphere. Families will appreciate the easy and interactive dining, with the coconut syrup being a must-try. Slappy Cakes is an ideal spot for a memorable and engaging breakfast everyone will love.

See a Keiki Hula Show by The Napili Kai Foundation

The Napili Kai Foundation’s Keiki Hula Show is the longest-running of its kind and offers a low-key cultural experience that’s family-friendly and affordable. The children put on a fascinating performance showcasing their dedication to their craft, and your kids will love seeing other youngsters represented in traditional Hawaiian customs. This keiki hula show is educational and immersive, supported by a live band and local educators. The comfortable seating and affordable price make it an excellent venue for families with elders and preschoolers.

West Maui Resorts and Condo Vacation Rentals

West Maui is a treasure trove of family activities that promise to create lasting memories for your family. Whether exploring marine life, meeting furry friends, observing cultural traditions, or simply sharing a memorable family breakfast, these experiences will make your trip beyond special. And when it comes to finding more than a place to stay, look no further than Chase ‘N Rainbows for the ultimate condo vacation rentals and resort accommodations, which are near all the best things to do in Maui.

Ready to embark on your next family adventure? Book your trip to West Maui today and experience these unforgettable Maui family activities. Your dream vacation awaits!

Apr 08 2024

Where to Go for a Lū’au in West Maui

West Maui Luau: Three fire dancers show off their skills at a West Maui luau celebration.

Given the cultural significance, it’s no surprise that many West Maui visitors have put “attend a lū’au” firmly atop their must-do activities list. And although we may be a tad biased, the lū’aus on our side of the island are some of Hawaii’s best. While all closed as a result of the August 2023 wildfire, most have reopened, and Chase ‘N Rainbows has created an easy West Maui lū’au guide to help you find what’s available, including some new ones.

Find the Best West Maui Lū’au

Drums of the Pacific | 808-667-4727

Maui Nui | 877-846-5554

Myths of Maui | 833-539-5150

Old Lāhainā | 808-667-1998

Sunset Lū’au | (808) 662-6627

Tales of the Kapa Moe | 808-665-7089

Wailele Polynesian Lū’au | 808-661-2992

What to Know Before Attending Your First West Maui Lū’au

Before you attend a lū’au for the first time, you should know a few things.

Experience: A lū’au is a combination of feast and festivities, and more importantly, it shares the culture of Hawaii. Some Maui lū’au shows may be dedicated specifically to Hawaiian culture, while others embrace Polynesia with exciting fire knife dances. There may be lei greetings, cultural demonstrations or activities, but all offer an abundance of delicious food, tropical cocktails, and storytelling through music and dance.

Food: Nearly all lū’aus will have traditional foods like shredded smoky kalua pork, fish poke, poi, and haupia coconut pudding. You’ll find a variety of familiar entrees, salads, starches, and sides from abundant buffets to sample everything and eat as much as you want! Many include an open bar serving your favorite tropical cocktails, beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages.

Attire: Attire for lū’aus can be dressy or casual, depending on the lū’au you choose. We recommend shopping on Maui for an Aloha shirt paired with slacks/shorts or a dress available in both bright or muted colors and patterns to suit your style and taste. Wear a flower on your left ear, which means you’re taken, and on your right to signify your availability! Casual beach footwear, including flip-flops, is allowed, and you may find yourself barefoot before night’s end!

Cost: An authentic lū’au experience can last two to four hours and starts at around $100 per guest. Prices vary greatly depending on the amenities, menu, inclusions, upgrades, deals, and production costs. Cash tips are always appreciated unless otherwise noted at the lū’au.

Reservations: Advance reservations are strongly recommended since they often sell out weeks or months in advance. Lū’aus are extremely popular and one of the top things to do in West Maui.

Discover Your West Maui Vacation Rental

Cultural immersion is a cornerstone of any vacation experience, so when you come to West Maui, we encourage you to attend at least one lū’au. The dedication it takes to execute such a performance is extraordinary, and you’ll enjoy an authentic cultural experience. We promise it’s something you’ll never forget. In the meantime, we invite you to peruse our vacation condo rentals, which offer the perfect combination of luxury and affordability, all on or near the beach. Book your stay online and start planning your Maui getaway today!

Oct 07 2023

Finding the Best Waterfalls in Maui

Water Falls in Maui: Twin Falls is among the best waterfalls in Maui.

The waterfalls in Maui are captivating natural attractions you shouldn’t miss during your vacation. To add to the allure, many of these mesmerizing displays have paved viewing sites that are safe and comfortable for visitors, while other waterfalls are not as easily accessible. No matter how you prefer to experience these beautiful wonders, here are a few recommendations to help you narrow down your choices and make the most of the best Maui waterfalls and ways to enjoy them.

Waterfall Safety

It’s easy to get caught up in the moment when you’re seeking out waterfalls in Maui, but safety is crucial. Here are some tips:

If safe parking isn’t available, move on and do not cause traffic jams
Heed all warning signs
Stay on marked trails and be prepared for slippery conditions
Streams and waterfalls may not be safe to drink or swim.
Rainy weather upstream could mean dangerous flash flooding downstream

Twin Falls

Twin Falls is one of the first stops along the Road to Hana. Parking is limited to a first-come-first-serve basis, so you’ll need to do some planning. Still, management at Twin Falls is dedicated to ensuring easy access for visitors, making this stop worth the effort. The round-trip hike to see Twin Falls is a moderately challenging route for most, taking nearly an hour to complete.

It’s important to use care when walking because the trail has loose rocks and is sometimes muddy. The trail will bring you to a resting area near the waterfall with lush surroundings and a swimming area. Since Twin Falls is on a farm property, visitors can also enjoy local fruit and smoothies before or after their hike.

Pua’a Ka‘a State Wayside

Starting with a low-key spot to rest, stop for a bathroom break or a picnic, Pua’a Ka‘a State Wayside is an inviting introduction to waterfalls in Maui. It’s one of the more accessible waterfalls because of dedicated off-street parking and a paved trail leading to several small waterfalls. A dirt rainforest trail across the road from the bathrooms leads to an open area with a swimming hole and a modest yet pretty waterfall.

Kings Garden

If you’re looking for a more exclusive way to experience one of the best waterfalls in Maui, The Kings Gardens is a worthy consideration. Set amid a native rainforest with prehistoric flora and an ancient water cave, The Kings Gardens offers a two-hour private tour with a knowledgeable guide. The archeological area is an enriching historical site, but the main draw is the private cascading waterfall visible from two vantage points. The hike is an immersive experience that also lets you see chocolate grow in its natural habitat.

Maui’s Garden of Eden

Located directly adjacent to the legendary Puohokamoa Waterfall, Maui’s Garden of Eden is a treasure trove of scenic beauty. Featuring 26 acres of rainforest, three waterfall lookouts, and over two miles of trails, Maui’s Garden of Eden lives up to its name. Although standard admission doesn’t permit access to Puohokamoa Waterfall, you can witness it from a lookout or schedule a tour with Rappel Maui (see below).

Rappel Maui

For adventurers seeking an adrenaline boost, Rappel Maui offers the perfect blend of tranquility and excitement within Maui’s Garden of Eden. Visitors will explore waterfalls, tropical canyons, and serene freshwater pools via their choice of a group tour or private tour. As the island’s only waterfall rappelling service, Rappel Maui offers a unique experience you’ll remember forever.

Blue Hawaiian Helicopter Tours

For an aerial perspective of hidden waterfalls on Maui, you should contact Blue Hawaiian Helicopter Tours. Jaw-dropping panoramic views, awe-inspiring craters, and iconic mountaintops are all visible from the clouds. The West Maui and Molokai tour showcases nearly 90 miles of pristine shoreline, captivating cliffsides, and stunning cascades—most of which aren’t visible from ground level.

West Maui Vacation Rentals and Condo Resorts

Discovering Maui waterfalls is one of the most popular things to do for visitors. Outdoor adventure is abundant on this beautiful island. There’s nothing like making yourself at home in the comfort of your vacation condo rental. Prepare a hearty breakfast or a picnic lunch in your fully equipped kitchen. At the end of each day of exploration, many condos have in-room or on-site laundry to be ready for another day of adventure. What’s more, many tour services offer pickup from your West Maui vacation rental in Ka’anapali, Honokawai, or Kahana. To start planning your Maui vacation, please visit us online and book your stay today.