Hawaii Terry Some Fun Stuff and Cultural Activities on Maui and Honolulu. On a recent trip to the Islands we spent 5 jam packed days doing activities that I had never experienced. I would really encourage everyone to venture aware from the “normal” tourist activities – and to revisit some of those activities you especially enjoyed before. Here is my list of favorites. The Maui Ocean Center - open daily 365 days a year from 9am to 5pm July-August till 6pm. A great time to stop is the lag time before checking into your resort hotel or before the return flight home. We love it - lots of local underwater flora and fauna and great entertainment for kids. I could spend many hours here! Tasaka Guri Guri - A specialty frozen dairy desert that is a cross between sherbet and ice cream. They only have 2 flavors, strawberry and pineapple. Who needs more when these are so delicious? This is a secret family recipe that is closely guarded and not found anywhere else and it’s only $1.00 for a cup! Tasaka Guri Guri is located in the Maui Mall not far from the airport. Alii Kula Lavender Farm, in upcountry Maui - Learn how to make a wreath, or take a Lavender Garden tea Tour and enjoy lavender scones with Lilikoi Lavender Jam and Chamomile Lavender Tea. They have over 76 different lavender products and 45 different varieties of lavender plants to enjoy. Reservations are recommended and tours start at 10am. Enjoy beautiful sweeping views of Maui. It’s a great place for a picnic. Kapalua Adventures in the Kapalua Adventure Center. They offer a variety of activities, including hiking and kayak tours, Maui Gold Pineapple Tour, and mountain biking as well as the Zip Line, a climbing Tower and a challenge course in the New Mountain Outpost. We were fortunate enough to give the new zip line a try - it was great! Reservations are a must as it does sell out. This is one of the best activities on Maui. Napili Kai Foundation sponsors a Polynesian Show every Tuesday evening at 630pm at the Napili Kai Beach resort. These talented hula students start as young as 6 years of age and continue on until they are out of high school or turn 18 years of age. It is wonderfully entertaining and great to see local kids embrace the Hawaiian cultural. The Napili Kai Beach Resort also sponsors the Masters of Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Concert Series every Wednesday night at 700pm. Another great Hawaiian Cultural event not to be missed. Several of the performers have won Grammy Awards! Some of the best snorkeling is by mile marker 14 on Highway 30 just before you get to Lahaina Town Surfing Goat Dairy. Located on the beautiful slopes of the Halekala Crater in up country Maui. These little goats really do surf! This is a great family outing especially for small children who will the entertainment by the baby goats! When one of the workers calls the kid goats to come, they ran down the hillside. At the bottom they jump onto the long surf board and slide into one another, just like they were surfing! We were laughing till our sides split! They are open 10am to 5pm daily except Sunday until 2pm. There are 3 different tours, Casual Tours, Evening Chores and Milking, and the Grand Tour which includes the cheese making process. The Dairy Store is open 10am to 5pm daily were you can sample or purchase their awarding winning Goat Cheeses. Most excellent!! I think one of the best bargains around is the GO Hawaii Card. It can be purchased for 1, 2, 3 5 or 7 days and is good for over 25 attractions, museums, tours and excursions, cultural and historical attractions and a 1 day car rental [tax not included] or a surfing lesson. An example of some of the participants include The Bishop Museum, the Waikiki Trolley Pass, Diamond Head Crater Tour, and Sea Life Park just to name a few. I felt like I really got a great value when I purchased a 3 day card. Doris Dukes Shangri La - This is a very WOW place. Reservations are a must and can be made at the Honolulu Academy of Arts. The 2 ˝ hour tours are Tuesdays through Saturday and begin at the Academy of Arts with a short video of the history of the home. You are then transported by mini bus to the property. Space is limited and sells out fast. Doris Duke’s collection of Islamic Art was assembled over a 60 year span and defines the elegance of the estate. China Town in Honolulu - It is the best place for a cheap meal, the best deals on Lei’s (you can watch the tata’s making them), there are wonderful inexpensive souvenirs, (I found some great Jade bracelets for under $10.00), local artists and of course fresh fruit. There is quite a hustle and bustle of activity and lots of local flavor and Asian art. You can even get a local walking tour of the area if you wish. Adventures Index | Specials | Home (253) 853-8687 | info@andersontravel.net | FAX: (206) 938-8496 5229 Olympic Dr. NW, Unit B | Gig Harbor, Washington 98335 - U.S.A. Monday - Friday 9:30 am - 5:00 pm / Saturday 10:00 am - 2:00 pm