5 Ways to Visit Maui, Hawaii Virtually
Next time Netflix asks if you’re still watching, say no & pour yourself something tropical…we’re taking you on a MAUI VIRTUAL VISIT! With the necessary travel restrictions to and throughout Hawaii as of late March 2020, physically experiencing the beauty of the Islands must be saved for a later date. But, thanks to some of our favorite Maui places, you don’t need to leave your armchair to feel the aloha.
Ready for a virtual adventure?! Here we go!!
Stop 1: Sea Life!
A typical day in Maui involves a stop at the beach and sometimes, when you’re lucky, you will catch a glimpse of a Hawaiian green sea turtle (honu) or the occasional monk seal without even entering the ocean. Throw on your snorkeling gear and jump in to Maui’s warm waters and you’re bound to see lots of sea life including beautiful fish, eels & more.
A fun way to observe your ocean “friends” without leaving the comforts of your living room is to head over to Maui Ocean Center’s website. This aquarium features one of the world’s most sizeable collections of live Pacific corals, the Humpbacks of Hawaii exhibit and a 750,000 gallon Open Ocean exhibit, among other experiences. The website includes multiple live webcams and even a virtual ocean classroom.
Stop 2: Lavender Farm
Next, journey to beautiful Upcountry Maui! On the slopes of Haleakala, Maui’s famed dormant volcano, you will find Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm. When you’re here in person, you will feel the refreshing cool air, smell the beautiful flowers and witness a spectacular view of the island. If you’re like us, you’ll stop at the gift shop first for some lavender tea to carry with you as explore the 13.5 acres of beautiful gardens blooming with 20 varieties of lavender, as well as other flowers such hydrangea and one of our personal faves, protea.
Thanks to the powers of Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm’s Instagram account, @aklmaui and IGTV channel, you can visit the farm remotely. Want to make it even more real, their website has a lavender shop with culinary lavender goodies, tea, soap and more! We’re big fans of the lavender scones – just saying!
Stop 3: History & Culture!
It’s no secret that Hawaii is rich in history and culture. Hale Ho’ike’ike, the Bailey House museum in Wailuku by Maui Historical Society, preserves the past through an archival resource center, curation of important information through featured exhibits, classes, lectures and more.
Even the building itself is historic. Located on the royal residence of Kahekili, the last ruling chief of Maui, Hale Ho’ike’ike was “built as a mission home in 1833.” According to the website, teacher Edward Bailey and his family lived here until 1888. The home also served a role in the island’s sugar plantation days, as well as World War II where it became the Civil Defense headquarters before later becoming the museum it is today.
Since we can’t visit in person, Hale Ho’ike’ike offers a mobile app with a virtual tour and other interesting information.
Stop 4: Music!
No visit to Hawaii would be complete without the sweet sounds of the ‘ukulele. According to UkuleleFestivalHawaii.org, Hawaii’s most illustrious musical instrument dates back to 1879 when Portuguese immigrants introduced the braguinha to the Islands. This small guitar was quickly named “’ukulele” by Hawaiians who were impressed at how one Portuguese musician’s fingers “jumped like fleas” as he played the instrument. As such, the word “‘ukulele,” as you may or may not suspect now, translates to “jumping flea.”
The instrument was a fast favorite of the Hawaiians, including Hawaii’s King David Kalakaua, the Merrie Monarch. King Kalakaua changed the tempo creating contemporary Hawaiian music, popular and iconic to this day.
While learning to play the ‘ukulele in person here in Hawaii is not currently possible, Maui’s Mele ‘Ukulele shop, is generously offering free virtual ‘ukulele lessons. Visit their website and Instagram account (@meleukulele) for details.
Stop 5: Haleakala Summit!
End your Maui virtual vacation with a visit to one of the island’s most iconic bucket list stops – its dormant volcano, Haleakala. Haleakala National Park itself has two main districts – the Summit District (accessible through Upcountry Maui) and Kipahulu District (located at sea level just past Hana). Both areas of the Park offer a variety of hikes, camping (for Summit District, camping is offered around 6,000 ft.) and programs such as stargazing.
Without a doubt though, the most well-known “thing to do” at Haleakala Summit is watch the sunrise or sunset. Luckily, thanks to the live webcam on the National Parks website, you still can!
