Flowers in Hawai’i – Maui’s Amazing Diversity

Popular Flowers On Maui (And Flowering Trees) Of all the types of flowers that grow in Hawaiʻi the diversity in Maui is sure to impress even the most educated botanist. Many types are recognized with ease. From lilies and variegated roses to the ever popular exotic tropicals, pretty much everything grows easily on Maui. Numerous tropicals […]

What To Expect in Maui During March, April & May

Spring In Maui Maui is one of the most diverse of all the Hawaiian islands. You can drive, in less than an hour, from an area that is the second wettest place on earth to an area where the annual rainfall is 16 inches per year. With this kind of variety, Maui is an island […]

Maui Rainbow Eucalyptus

Maui is a tropical paradise like no other in the world Even when compared to the other Hawaiian islands, Maui stands out as unique. Thus the term “Maui No Ka Oi” (which means Maui is the best) has become a common and well known local term used to describe the island – it even has […]

Top 5 Stops on the Road to Hāna

There are so many stops on the road to Hāna that most people miss something that they wish they had the time for. This is why Maui has one of the highest return rates in the destination travel industry. The road to Hāna on Maui’s lushly rugged east side is a stunning yet white knuckled […]

Support the creation of Hāna Hub!

What is the Hāna Food Hub Project? For decades, the need in Hāna for a community-based commercial kitchen, agricultural aggregation space, and resilience hub has been identified by our residents, and now is the time for taking action! Hāna Community Commercial Kitchen & Food Hub Center Hāna community leaders who have been organizing efforts to […]

5 Tips When Traveling to Hawaiʻi in 2025

If you’re planning to travel to Hawaii, there’s no doubt that you will want to make the most of your time here. There is so much that the Hawaiian Islands have to offer, and by following a few simple tips, you will be sure to have an incredible trip while also being respectful of this […]

Valley Isle Excursions Announces Qurator Elite Certification

MAUI – Valley Isle Excursions is excited to announce its Hawai‘i Tourism Authority (HTA) Qurator certification, the State of Hawai‘i’s official mark of excellence for Hawai‘i-based and operating businesses, acknowledging the company’s commitment to responsible tourism.

Discover Hana Bay in Maui

Nestled along the enchanting eastern coast of Maui, Hana Bay is a hidden gem that captures the essence of Hawaii's beauty and tranquility.

Honoring Charles Lindbergh: Exploring His Grave Site and Historical Significance

Honoring Charles Lindbergh: Exploring His Grave Site and Historical Significance Charles Lindbergh, an aviation pioneer and an American hero, forever changed the course of history with his monumental solo flight across the Atlantic Ocean in 1927. His extraordinary achievement not only marked a pivotal moment in aviation history but also captured the imagination of people […]

Maui Accommodations Guide Following the August 2023 Wildfires

Power Lines and Equipment: Electrical faults or equipment malfunctions, such as sparking power lines, can lead to wildfires, especially during dry and windy conditions.

Was the Road to Hana Destroyed by Fires?

Was the Road to Hana Destroyed by Fires? Despite recent wildfires in Maui, the Road to Hana remains untouched and open to travelers. The fires on the western side of the island did not impact this iconic route. The Road to Hana: A Symbol of Maui’s Beauty Hawaii’s Highway 360, more commonly known as the […]

Is Maui Open to Tourists After Recent Fires?

In the wake of the recent wildfires in August 2023, areas on the West side of Maui, have been greatly affected. Although the fires were concentrated in Lahaina, many areas remain open and welcoming to tourists. Visitors are encouraged to approach with understanding, support local communities, and consider the broader impact of their travel decisions. […]

Why Maui Private Tours Are Worth It

When visiting Maui, there is no doubt you will want to see the beauty of the island and get the most out of your time (and money). Maui private tours are one of the best ways to do this! Here are some of the benefits of taking a private group tour around the island of […]

Best Stops on the Road to Hāna: Hāna Harvest Cafe

When on the Road to Hāna, there are tons of sights to see, like Haleakalā National Park, the black sand beach at Wai’ānapanapa State Park, wildlife, waterfalls, and so much more. Aside from the wonderful natural attractions, a great stop on the Road to Hāna is the Hāna Harvest Cafe. The Road to Hāna is […]

Maui Volcanoes and the Hana Lava Tube

The Hawaiian Island chain was formed long ago when a volcanic hot spot occurred in the middle of the Pacific Plate. Maui specifically was formed from two volcanoes on the ocean floor. Maui is also home to the Haleakalā Crater and lava tubes that are beautiful displays of how volcanic activity is a significant part […]

Top 5 Waterfalls on the Road to Hana

The island of Maui is full of beauty everywhere you look. When taking the road to Hana, waterfalls are among the many incredible sights you will witness along the way. Here are the top waterfalls to keep an eye out for. Upper Waikani Falls Also known as Three Bears Falls, this waterfall becomes visible around […]

Valley Isle Excursions is Featured in Kismet Mag’s “An Unforgettable Memory Awaits You on This Road to Hana Tour”

Valley Isle Excursions is proud to announce that we have been featured in Kismet Mag’s latest article, “An Unforgettable Memory Awaits You on This Road to Hana Tour.” The article highlights our exceptional Road to Hana tour and showcases the incredible beauty of Maui’s iconic drive. Kismet Mag, a leading lifestyle and travel publication, has […]

How to Build a Sustainable Future for Maui: Support Local Business

Valley Isle Excursions (VIE) is committed to the necessary and collective effort toward fostering responsible tourism across Hawaii and especially here on Maui. As residents of Maui, with many of our team having been born and raised in Hawai’i and a handful being native to the land, we are passionate about caring for our islands’ […]

Wildlife You May See on a Maui Tour

As one of the most isolated land masses in the world, there are many species of wildlife that can only be found in Hawaii. There’s no doubt that visitors will want to catch a glimpse of as many of the unique animals, on land and sea, as they can during their visit. So what wildlife […]

Visiting Haleakalā Crater

Haleakalā has long been a wondrous sight for kama’aina and visitors alike. It is one of the highest peaks in the Pacific Ocean. Only about 5% is visible above sea level, but if you measure Haleakalā from its base, it measures taller than Mount Everest. For over 1,000 years, before those early missionaries climbed the […]

Best Beaches in Hana, Maui Hawaii and the Beach to Skip

When planning a trip to Maui, there is no doubt that visiting several of the beautiful beaches will be on your itinerary. Hana, in particular, has some of the most incredible and unique beaches in the world, thanks to the various colors of sand, towering palm trees, and majestic mountain backdrops. Hana Beaches to Visit […]

Items to Pack for Your Road to Hāna Trip

The Road to Hāna is a 64.4-mile stretch of winding road that connects Kahului to the historic and charming town of Hāna along the northeastern cliffside of mount Haleakalā. It is one of the best ways to view incredible seascapes, plunging pools, dramatic waterfalls, and thriving rainforests from a unique perspective, especially when you hop […]

Road to Hana: Drive Yourself or Take a Tour?

Experiencing the Road to Hana hits just about every “Top things to do on Maui” list out there, so you definitely must work it into your Maui vacation itinerary. The question is will you dare to drive the famous road yourself or treat yourself to a Road to Hana guided tour? Our recommendation to Maui […]

Maui – Demigod of Polynesia

The legends and myths of ancient civilizations are often the stepping stones to understanding the relationship between man and nature in the minds of ancient peoples. It is helpful to first understand the difference between a legend and a myth. Though the differences can become blurred, in general legends are often stories of real people and […]

Hawaii’s Volcanoes

TYPES OF VOLCANOES Most volcanoes of the world are not shield volcanoes. The eruptions of volcanoes like Mount St Helens or the recent eruption of Fuego in Chile are stratovolcanoes. These types of volcanoes have steep sides and produce sudden violent eruptions that send pyroclastic flows of 1000 degree clouds of ash and gases rocketing […]

What’s the Weather Like In Maui?

The weather is generally really awesome here on the island of Maui. We have great weather for everyone. Those who love the sun and heat, Kihei & Lahaina are for you. Those that want to live a bit cooler life head for Kula while those who donʻt mind the rain are happily residing in Haiku. […]

Polynesian Wayfinding and Celestial Navigation

History Of Wayfinding & Celestial Navigation When history speaks of the great explorers of the world we often hear brave stories of conquest and discovery. These stories, with the likes of Magellan, the Vikings and Columbus, tell of men voyaging into the open ocean to discover new lands. However, you may not have learned in school that […]

Hawaiian Pidgin English

Hawaiian Pidgin Words & Meanings Pidgin quotes and sayings Hawaiian pidgin evolved from the sugar industry which began in the mid 1850’s on Maui. Immigrant workers came in waves from different countries to work in the sugarcane fields. The first waves of immigration where the Chinese, Japanese and Portuguese who needed to communicate with Haole (english speaking) […]

Fall Months in Maui (Sept, Oct, Nov)

Maui In September, October & November Maui is an amazing place to visit year around but you may find that the fall months and early winter seasons can be one of the best times of year on the island. This is because the weather cools down a bit, the crowds are small with the kids returning […]

Breadfruit Trees

What Is Breadfruit? One of the most important plants (known as “canoe plants”) brought to Hawai’i by the ancient voyaging Polynesians is the breadfruit tree. This beautiful tree played a major role in colonizing the Pacific and was a key staple food. For hundreds of years before western contact with Hawai’i this fruit tree, called ulu, was […]

Monarchy

100 Years Of Hawaiian Kings & Queens Few societies on earth have undergone the immense and fast moving changes brought on by foreign discovery during the 18th and 19th centuries than Hawai’i. In ancient times this self sufficient and battle ready civilization was estimated to have been 1 million strong spread out on 6 major islands. Kamehameha the […]

Hawaii History & Civilization Growth

The Hawaiian islands are the most isolated landmass on earth. The earliest archaeological evidence shows some carbon dated fish hooks on the Big Island dating back to 450 AD but most historians believe the classic Hawaiian civilization did not begin to develop until nearly 700 years later. Hawai’i has many mysteries about its ancient past […]

Rat Lungworm Disease in Hawai’i

What Is Rat Lungworm Disease? Maui is a beautifully diverse island that sees visitors from all over the world enjoying the warm weather and wonderful beaches. However this transient economy brings in invasive species that can become a concern in a very short time. This is the case with an invasive slug that has brought […]

Prince Jonah Kuhio

Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalaniana’ole From Prince to Statesman The Hawaiian royalty always played an important role in the hearts and minds of native Hawaiians but few were more revered and respected than Prince Kuhio. During a time of struggle and conflict at the turn of the century he became a champion of the Hawaiian people and his […]

Learning The Things To Do In Maui

What We Want You To Do On Maui Our “Things To Do In Maui” list is a little different – as we are not advocating for or promoting locations and activities. We want you to go out there and experience all of the beauty Maui has to offer, while learning to “malama the aina” (care […]

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day

“THE ULTIMATE MEASURE OF A MAN IS NOT WHERE HE STANDS IN MOMENTS OF COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE BUT WHERE HE STANDS AT TIMES OF CHALLENGE AND CONTROVERSY .” – DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. Dr Martin Luther King Jr greatest legacy was his philosophy of nonviolent resistance to achieve peace. His message of respect for […]

Car Sickness Causes And Remedies

Causes Of Car Sickness Anyone can get car sickness. It’s caused by the mixed signals the brain can experience when the motion one is feeling does not match the visual experience. If you cannot see the motion your body is feeling, or vice versa, it becomes likely that the brain will get mismatched signals and possibly […]

Hawaiian Culture on Haleakala

Ancient polynesians had a tremendous ability to discover the many resources that the natural environment provided. This resourcefulness allowed them to travel thousands of miles on the open ocean on double hulled voyaging canoes that were believed to carry up to 80 people and their provisions which included dried foods, plants and animals. This is how migrants […]

Native Plants & Animals Haleakala

NATIVE HAWAIIAN PLANTS & ANIMALS IN HALEAKALA NATIONAL PARK The barren, moon like surface of Haleakala Crater may look like a lifeless place… and for the most part it is. However there are some very unique plants and animals here that are found nowhere else on earth and are perfectly suited to this extreme environment. Unfortunately many of […]

Trees of Maui & Hawaii

We Love Maui’s Trees! We have always loved trees. Our Tour guides learn an incredible amount about Maui’s flora and fauna so they can answer all your questions correctly and in most cases they also have some interesting stories about them too! This is an invaluable learning experience as you can can always look up what kind of tree […]

Kamehameha The Great

The Life And Times Of Kamehameha Most people who visit Hawaii have heard of King Kamehameha. Many visitors see the name used everywhere. This is because of all the rulers of ancient Hawaii he was the most successful at conquering his rival island chiefs and then bringing together the people of all the islands under his […]

Summer Time in Maui

Things To Do And Summertime Events Maui is an amazing island to visit anytime of year and summertime is one of the most popular for visitors. Many people enjoy traveling with their families in the summertime and Maui is a great place for a family vacation. Take in the summer holidays like Makawao’s 4th of […]

Quotes and Proverbs of Maui

Expressing Hawaii In Words Over the years writers, poets and artists of all mediums have strived to express the feeling of the inspiring beauty of Maui. This has resulted in many famous quotes starting in 1866 with Mark Twain and is still ongoing today with famous entertainers, mostly who live or are from Hawaii. Proverbs of […]

Earth Day in Maui

History Of Earth Day In Hawaii Maui is an amazing place unique to all the Hawaiian Islands. The ancient Hawaiians knew this and many battles were fought for it’s control. Today new battles are being fought not only for the aina (land) but for a culture and it’s principles of caring for the land and […]

Eco-friendly Vacations In Maui

Take An Eco-Friendly Vacation To Maui Hawaii is at the forefront of renewable energy and ecotourism. Maui is proving to be the perfect testing ground for many brand new energy technologies. From solar, wind and wave power to electric vehicles and green certified accommodations and tours, there is no better place to experience the eco-vacation of a lifetime than […]

Easter in Maui

Easter Sunrise Sunrises are spectacular in Maui. Easter is a great excuse to get up for sunrise, and you’ve just arrived in Maui you will probably be up anyway because of the time change. Most people are affected by the time change the first few days after arriving on the island and find themselves up early. Many […]

Maui Sugar Cane

If you’ve ever been to Maui you know that one of the reasons Maui is No Ka Oi (the best) is that compared to the other islands Maui has a diverse landscape and a combination of open spaces, the jungle waterfalls of Hana and the high mountain slopes of Haleakala are unique to all of Hawaii. Now […]

Humpback Whale Watching In Maui

Maui Is The Best Place To Watch Humpback Whales Why does Maui keep winning so many “best of” awards? It’s because of the amazing array of outdoor activities. From all the beaches to play on, ocean sports like SUP, surfing and all the wind-powered toys, the amazing road to Hana and all the dive and snorkeling spots and boats, […]

Maui’s World War 2 History

Maui’s Military Contribution To World War 2 The military history of Oʻahu during WW2 is well known. The attack on Pearl Harbor was the turn point for America’s entrance into the war on December 7th, 1941. What may not be well known is Maui’s military contributions to WW2. The island had the largest Naval Air Station in the world at the […]

What To Expect November Thru February on Maui

Winter is an amazing time to visit Maui. The humpback whales are visiting our warm waters, the weather is better than anywhere else in the United States and there are plenty of things to do. We share in some of our other posts details about the major events of the season, including what to do in […]

Road to Hana Tips

Road To Hana Tips To Fill Your Journey With Aloha It wasn’t the Hawaiʻi tourism industry that introduced the world to the concept of Aloha, it was the ancient Hawaiians. The word Aloha has been romanticized into a commercial punchline for enticing visitors to this incredibly beautiful place. People all around the world know that […]

Thanksgiving Day in Maui – Top Things To Do

There are many ways to enjoy Thanksgiving day in Maui in 2016 and I won’t go into every option here but I will share with you my Top 6 Things To Do if you’re visiting Maui for Thanksgiving. Having lived for close to 20 years in Maui, I have experienced Thanksgiving day in dozens of different ways. Ohana […]

Maui Halloween Celebrations, Events & Traditions

CELEBRATIONS OF HALLOWEEN ACROSS MAUI Besides the Lahaina celebration on the night of Halloween there are many other events happening across the island in the lead up to the big night. The weekends are filled with events tailored to families, adults or the all important teenagers. In many cases, a local resort or condo complex […]

Halfway To Hana Or Not?

When you read about driving the road to Hana online, it seems like a daunting task. Close to 60 one lane bridges. Over 600 hairpin turns and, many of them with blind corners. A The road hugs many cliff edges which narrows to one lane in several places, often with only 20 ft of sight distance.This […]

Father’s Day in Maui

FATHER’S DAY IN MAUI – HISTORY AND THIFATHER’S DAY IN MAUI – HISTORY AND THINGS TO DONGS TO DO Hawaiʻi is all about ohana (family). In ancient times the Hawaiian culture had an amazing way of raising children. They were free to roam their world and learn from whomever they were inspired by. As a Hawaiian child […]

Celebrate Mother’s Day On Maui

Hawaiʻi is all about Ohana (family), and few holidays mean more to this culture than Mother’s Day. All the traditional appreciation that most people do for mom, like flowers and cards and brunch, still happen here but with a flare towards the culture of Hawaiian family life. Of course, it’s easy to pull off a bouquet of […]

Spring Break in Maui

Having lived on Maui as a professional photographer for close to 20 years I am happy to share a few tips about enjoying spring break on this amazing island! Families from all over the world love to treat their children to a well deserved spring break and the creme a la creme of spring break family getaways is the […]

Kahlua & Cheesecake Recipe

VALENTINES DAY DESSERT Nothing says I love you like cooking for the one you love. While many may do this on a regular basis, rarely does it seem that many a great cook take the time to make a decadent dessert. One of the wonderful things about this recipe is that it includes making your […]

Valentines Ideas On Maui

Things To Do This Valentines Day 2019 Hawaiʻi is for lovers – so the saying goes. Maui is a romantic place no matter what time of year you visit but especially on Valentine’s Day. Why? Well here are just a few ideas for you to ponder if you’re bringing your sweetheart on a Maui Valentine vacation! […]

Hawaiian-Style BBQ, Marinade & Rubs

Maui Foods (BBQ) & Recipes There is nothing quite like some teriyaki meat in Hawaiʻi for the holidays. Whether it’s a turkey or something a little more luxurious like duck, a good island marinade and an herb rub can bring a Hawaiian flare to your holiday meal. In Maui we have the added benefit of some amazing […]

Maui Banana Bread

BANANA BREAD IN MAUI Everyone grew up with it as a kid. Didn’t matter who made it or where it came from – it was worth a try. It became a little harder to find the good stuff as we got older. We get picky as we age. It often comes as a big muffin, a […]

Bringing In New Years In Maui

Bringing In New Years In Maui Why not ring in the New Year while dining and dancing the night away – Maui style? And, here’s the great news – you can do it by land or sea, with kids or without! Wine and dine in gourmet fashion by taking a fabulous evening ocean cruise, attending […]

Maui Christmas Holiday

Fun Things To Do In Maui Over The Holidays Christmas time in the islands is special every year and 2019 is no exception. All over Maui there are events, festivals and entertainment for young and old. Santa will visit multiple beaches, arriving by canoe with treats and gifts! There are many holiday events throughout the island including: Lighting of […]

Photography Tips

How To Capture Great Maui Vacation Photos As a professional photographer working in Maui for over 20 years I can tell you that every day there is something beautiful to photograph here. Being a teaching artist for the last 12 years I’ve created some of my most memorable images of Maui while teaching. I’ve done photo […]

Maui Beaches

It’s a bit of a joke in Maui about the titles the media gives our beaches. Pretty much any Maui beach you’re standing on was a “Best Beach in America” at some point. Our beaches are often mentioned in some of the world’s best beach category too! America’s Best Beaches award has been picked from Maui’s […]

Hana Ancient History

Maui’s History Along The Road To Hana Ancient Hawaiians were a people without writing who preserved their history in chants and legends. Maui’s ancient history, as with all the islands, was passed down through close to 100 generations by the kahuna priests of old Hawaiʻi. Hana, on the eastern side of Maui, has some of the […]

Maui Tropical Fruit

Where To Find The Best Maui Fresh Fruit It goes without saying that you will try some of Maui’s tropical fruit while visiting the island. Probably on your first meal outing. Papaya, mango and pineapple are on just about every menu no matter where you go. But those who live on the island know there […]

Road To Hana Stops – Top 10 Things To Do

There are so many stops on the road to Hana that most people miss something that they wish they had the time for. This is why Maui has one of the highest return rates in the destination travel industry. The road to Hana on Maui’s lushly rugged east side is a stunning yet white knuckled […]

Driving in Maui and The Road To Hana

Getting to the airport, security lines, layovers and feverishly counted hours on a plane and you’ve finally made it to Maui. Now you can relax. Except now there are so many things to see and do. Exploring in a car in Maui actually has it’s own level of stress. The narrow roads often have little or […]

Maui Flower Farms in Hana

Maui Flower Farms Along The Road To Hana One of the great things about the road to Hana is the opportunity to see and learn about the immense diversity of Maui’s tropical flower farms. From botanical gardens to working farms shipping flowers around the world, Hana is an amazing place to view flowers. Its outlying areas of […]

Things To Do in Maui on a Return Trip

…you may want to repeat one of the other top 5 things to do in Maui from the previous article. You could add these to your first visit also, but unless your here for 2 weeks it could be daunting to get them all in. I have lived on Maui for over 17 years as a professional […]

Top Five Things To Do On Maui

Check Out The Top Things To Do On Maui Maui is a larger island than most people think. It’s hard to get a grasp on its size and all there is to do unless you’ve been there. And even if you have been here once or twice it always seems like there are still some things […]

Maui’s Flowering Trees

Almost All Of Maui’s Flowering Trees Were Imported Here From Around The World. One of the most impressive of Maui’s flowering trees is the Jacaranda.The story of Upcountry Maui’s Jacaranda trees can be traced to Elmer F Cravalho. He grew up in the Keokea area where the first trees seem to have appeared. These brilliant lavender purple trees were originally found in Brazil but […]

Hiking on Maui

There are many types of hikes in Maui. They are as diverse as it gets covering dozens of climate zones, many of which are found nowhere else in the world! From 10,000 alpine deserts to lush rainforest and waterfalls, Maui offers something for almost ever skill level. Keep in mind that safety should be your […]

Hiking Haleakala

Haleakala National Park Summit Area Trailheads There are some spectacular hiking trails throughout Haleakala’s summit area. However, only a handful of them are what most people would consider a “day hike”. This is because most of the Crater trails are backcountry wilderness with no roads and spotty cell phone service. A few even require overnight stays […]

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