Day 4 - Maui has so much to offer...
The group transferred to Lahaina Harbor once again this morning to join a cruise that would take us to out into the harbor to board the Atlantis IX for our submarine adventure.
The Atlantis Submarine experience is ideal for passengers of all ages who may be afraid of water, don’t know how to snorkel or don’t like to get wet.
The group travelled to depths of approximately 130 feet in a 48 passenger air-conditioned submarine, where we saw an abundance of natural coral reefs, fish and marine life including the remains of Carthaginian II, an old whaling ship sunk into the harbor.
Sealife identification cards are supplied in the submarine and full commentary is provided by the crew.
Submarine tours depart every hour from 9am-2pm daily with shuttle services available from selected hotels to Lahaina Harbor.
It was then onto the Maui Tropical Plantation for lunch at the Waikapu Grill followed by a tram tour to learn about Hawaii’s rich agricultural heritage. The 40 minute tram tour travels through 60 acres of fruit fields and orchids. The guide stops the tram along the way, allowing visitors to do some hands-on exploring and take close-up photos. A coconut husking demonstration is also included with the tour. The Tropical Express tour departs every 45 minutes, commencing at 10am.
The Maui Tropical Plantation also features a store that specialises in Made-in-Maui and Made-in Hawaii products. New to the plantation is a Coffee Roasting Room allowing visitors to learn the art and science of roasting and try some specialty drinks and Auntie Pua’s Lei Hut, which provides classes on how to string a perfect flower lei.
A 10 minute drive from the Plantation is Iao Valley, a popular attraction to take photos of breathtaking mountain views or simply enjoy a walk through the Valley.
For those after some retail therapy, the Queen Kaahumanu Shopping Centre is a must, featuring hundreds of shops selling clothing, jewelry, shoes and local produce.
Our eventful day ended at the Maui Prince Hotel in Makena. The group was greeted by the delightful Denise Anderson, Director of Sales of Prince Resorts Hawaii who flew specially from O’ahu to join us for the evening.
The Maui Prince Hotel is situated at Makena Resort on a beautiful crescent beach at the foot of Haleakala featuring 310 oceanview rooms, 19 suites, six restaurants and lounges, 36 championship holes of golf, six tennis courts and two pools and whirlpools.
Attending the Sunset Lu’ai at Maui Prince Hotel is a must for every visitor! Upon arrival to the main grounds this evening, the group was greeted with lei’s and sat at a table beneath the stars to a night packed with amazing entertainment.
The Lu’ai includes an all-you-can-eat buffet, open bar, Imu unearthing presentation, arts and crafts stall, a Pareo fashion show, exhilarating entertainers including a fire performance and Hawaiian music featuring the ‘Drums of Makena’. This was certainly a night to remember.
Deidre from our group was selected by the performers at the end of the show to get up on stage and dance Hawaiian style, and boy did she give the dancers a run for their money…you go girl!
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