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A recent survey has revealed that 18% of respondents used half or less of their paid vacation days due to fear they may not seem as dedicated to their jobs as some of their coworkers. If you feel management looks at you this way, then it may be the time to take a vacation, as stress from the job is taking its toll on you. When you decide its time to take that much needed vacation, consider a luxury condo on a beautiful and quiet tropical island.

Wailea, Maui the perfect spot for family vacations or romantic getaways. You can find everything here, with idea snorkeling conditions, endless sun and gorgeous sunsets.

Once you’re convinced that Wailea is the place you should be, here are a few vacation condos that you can book on Maui’s southern shore:

Top 5 Wailea Condominiums:

1. Premiere studio 8F

This rental is found in the Wailea Ekahi Oceanfront Village. This 600 square foot studio has Cathedral ceilings. The full murphy bed, beautiful furnishings and a fully functional kitchen makes this ideal for two, especially if access to a pool is a top priority. It is a spacious with a touch of luxury for the lone adventurer or lovebirds looking for something cozier than a hotel. It is luxurious without feeling stuffy, and prices range from $200-$400+ a night.

2. The Secret Garden Condo

This condo is located in the Grand Champion Villas, a semi-luxury resort at Wailea’s center. It is near the top of the list because of its affordability, with rates ranging from $150-$250 a night. In the Secret Garden Condo, you have one bedroom and a kitchenette with granite counter tops and a walk-in shower. The condo is furnished with tile floors, handmade and original artwork with a tropical theme.

The next three are in the Wailea Beach Villas, a condominium resort that is considered the cream of the crop. It offers travelers the privacy of residential condominiums whose sizes range between 1,900 and 3,000 square feet. Each condominium has two to three bedrooms and a private lanai with built-in barbeques. There are also kitchens available in each of these condos with top of the line appliances and granite counters. With 24 hour security, two stunning swimming pools, one that is adults only, two Jacuzzis, a fitness facility, activity room and business center, this is really the place to be.

3. The Maui Escape

This 2,200 square foot unit has two bedrooms, a beautifully designed kitchen and breathtaking views with prices ranging from $900-$1,500 a night. It is decorated with Hawaiian and Indonesian furnishings, granite counter tops, and marble flooring with ceiling fans in each room. Some of the features it has include WIFI and flat screen TVs with surround sound. Perhaps the best feature is that it is only a few steps from the ocean.

4. The Maha Lani

is a 3 bedroom, 3,000 square foot unit, including lanai with gas BBQ, 4 flat sceen TV’s, fully equipped gourmet kitchen. Two bedrooms are appointed with luxurious 100% Egyptian-cotton bed linens. Rates start at $1,100 and go up based on availability and season.

This spacious 3,000 square foot unit has 3 bedrooms outfitted with 100$ Egyptian-cotton linens, a gourmet kitchen, and a lanai with a gas BBQ. In it, you can find 4 flat screen TVs, perfect for those lazy days. Rates here start at $1,100 and change depending on availability and the season.

5. The Baby Grand

The Baby Grand is a 4 bedroom unit that is named because of the baby grand piano that calls it home. The master bedroom has a breathtaking ocean view and a double vanity bathroom, while the second master bedroom also has a double vanity bathroom, king bed and walk-in closet. The third bedroom can either have two twins or a King bed accompanied by a bathroom. A queen sized sofa with a custom mattress can be found in the fourth room. Most of the bedrooms have TVs, and the game room has a PlayStation 3 as well as wireless internet.

Out of the five condos, the Maui Escape is probably the best choice, as it can fit 4-6 people, and has a great location on the beach. Make your arrangements for vacation with your job, then head to Wailea to have the tropical vacation of your dreams.

The second largest of the Hawaiian Islands, Maui is also one of the most popular places for fun and relaxation. While on vacation, consider visiting a day spa that can offer amazing body massages and spa treatments. There are a number of Maui day spas that offer traditional spa treatments and unique Hawaiian healing techniques. There are also massage for babies in certain spas, so be sure to look for a spa that has what you’re looking for.

Upon your arrival at the day spa, you will be greeted by a staff member that will take you around the facility and explain the services offered. Services can include Swedish massage, reflexology, Shiatsu, and more. There are also spa packages that are inspired by the traditional use of local herbs and plants as well as aromatherapy. There are spa treatments that target specific problems, such as stress and relaxing active muscles from a full day of tennis, golf, bike riding, or surfing. Some additional treatments include a full service hair and nail salon, hydrotherapy and cosmetic consultations. No matter what you chose, you won’t be disappointed.

Massages are a great idea; in addition to releasing tension, research shows that people who regularly get massages are less likely to attract illnesses and can deal with pain better. They also stimulate your nervous system by healing through touch.

Paradise Awaits You at Maui Day Spas

You will definitely feel amazing by visiting a Maui spa. Soothing massages and rejuvenating body wraps are available at most Maui spas. Licensed spa massage therapists can relax you when they massage your neck, shoulders, and back to the extremities of your body. While on your stay, take advantage of the many lotions, oils creams they offer, as many of them can’t be found anywhere unless purchased through mail order.

A Maui day spa treatment should be a welcome addition to your Maui activities. Not only will you have tons of fun visiting the island’s many beaches and shore, you will return home feeling refreshed and rejuvenated from your relaxing spa experience.

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Visiting Maui, the Valley Isle, can certainly be expensive, but also worth it. There are a number of Maui activities that you can do without breaking the bank. With prices under $25, you’ll find options for the whole family, from body surfing to hula performances. Following are a few suggestions for what you should do while on vacation:

General: A great way to save money while on Maui is taking advantage of its natural resources, such as the sea and mountains.

Swimming – All of Maui’s beaches are free and open to the public, and are outfitted with showers and restrooms.

Snorkeling – Exploring Maui’s underwater life can take anywhere between a few hours to a whole day. You can rent snorkeling gear from the Beach Shack and go on your own snorkeling adventure.

Sunbathing – With perfect weather all year, you can sunbathe from sunrise to sunset, but don’t forget the sunscreen.

Sunsets – Since we’re talking about the sun, there is nothing more beautiful than a Maui sunset. Grab a tropical drink and take in this simple natural marvel.

Reading – Whether you bring your own reading material or visit the historical public library, be sure to find a cozy spot to begin your reading.

Picnicking – Picnic tables and barbeque pits are available at the many beach parks scattered across Maui.

Stargazing – Hawaii’s isolation gives you unobstructed views of the night sky. You can even venture to the top of the Haleakala Crater to stargaze. You can go on your own, or join a group, just don’t forget the telescopes.

Whale Watching – From winter to spring, you can watch the humpback whales that venture to Maui from the beach or your lanai. While you can whale watch from the shore, you can also get on a boat. You may save money by combining two boat trips, like whale watching and a cocktail cruise.

Try Beachcombing – Visit Kanaha Beach Park or Waiehee Beach and pick up seashells to add to your collection.

Surf Watch – Maui is a popular surfing destination, and you’ll be able to watch surf experts glide across the waves.

Scuba Dive – Divers of every level can visit the many dive locations from Kaanapali to Makena.

Body Surf – With the abundance of waves, you’ll be able to enjoy body surfing while on the beautiful island of Maui.

Go Surfing – Visitors looking to learn this sport can take lessons from an instructor. Those who know how can rent a board and head out on the waves on their own. There are many locations suited for all skill levels.

LOCAL EVENTS – Maui has a number of local events such as Halloween, called the Mardi Gras of the Pacific, the Taro Festival, the Makawao Rodeo and the Maui County Fair. There are a number of fun events going on throughout the year. Be sure to check any online calendars to see if anything is going on while on vacation.

Playgrounds – Those with children may want to visit the playgrounds in the area. Kihei’s Kamaole and Kalama Parks have free swings, slides and jungle gyms.

Play Tennis – While your hotel or resort may have a tennis court, there are a number of public courts in Wailuku, Kahalui, Kihei, Lahaina, Makawao, Pukalani, Haliimaile and Hana.

Go Camping – Those who want to fully experience Maui’s natural beauty may want to camp at Kanaha Beach, Hosmer’s Grove, Waianapanapa Park, and Oheo Gulch.

Go Hiking – With numerous ridges on Maui, you will find countless trails scattered over the West Maui Mountains and Haleakala.

Attend a Golf Tournament – In January, the Mercedes Championship is held. The Ka’anapali Classic also takes place on this island.

Lahaina has Hawaii’s largest collection of whaling artifacts. There are a number of short films on whaling, whales, as well as photomurals, graphics, and a large scrimshaw collection and a gift shop. Free tours led by a certified marine naturalist can be arranged. It is open from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily, and admission is free.

Iao Valley & lao Needle

Iao Valley’s mountains are covered in blankets of green, with waterfalls cascading from its peaks, making it one of the most breathtaking sights on Maui. On the road to Iao Valley, you will find the Tropical Gardens of Maui. You can contact this garden at (808) 244-3085 and visit its website at http://www.tropicalgardensofmaui.com. It is open on weekdays, with an admission fee of $3. On its four acres, you will see tropical plants, koi ponds, streams and taro patches.

If you venture further into the valley, you will find the Hawaii Nature Center. You can contact this center at (808) 244-6500 or visit its website at http://www.hawaiinaturecenter.org. Here, you can go on Rainforest Walks, which take place at 11:30AM or 1:30PM during the weekdays, and 11AM or 2PM on the weekends. The Rainforest Walk is $24.95 for adults and $22.95 for children, and once this walk is done, it includes a visit to the museum.

Hana

The best part of visiting Hana is not just your arrival to this beautiful place, but also the journey. It is everything you imagine Hawaii to be, a verdant and tropical beauty. Don’t forget to pack lunch and snacks as you visit the freshwater pools and waterfalls that dot your landscape. There are a number of fresh fruit stands that line the drive there, so be sure to try the fresh banana bread. Once you read Hana, visit the Red Sand Beach, a small crescent of sand in a collapsed volcanic dome. You’ll find some of Maui’s best snorkeling here, made even better because you’ll often have the place to yourself.

Upcountry

You can visit the Kula Botanical Gardens, which is home to more than 700 tropical plants. You will find that the plants on display have tags explaining their types and uses. Admission here is $4 for adults and $1 for kids between the ages of 6 and 12. You can also visit the A&B Sugar Museum where you can learn about sugar cane and its impact on Maui and the sugar industry. This museum is open everyday from 9am to 4pm. Admission here is $4 for adults and $2 for kids aged 6-17, children under 6 are free.

In Maui’s Upcountry, near Ulupalakua, you can visit the Tedeschi Vineyards, which are scattered across 20,000. It has been making its specialty pineapple wine since 1974. Parties here have dated back to the time of King Kalakaua, also known as the Merry Monarch. Here, you can also find the Iao Theater, located in older Wailuku, which hosts shows of Broadway musicals for the local crowds. Tickets for these shows start at $18. It is located on 68 N. Market St. Wailuku, and can be called at (808) 242-6969, and visit the website at http://www.mauionstange.com.

Central Maui

While in Central Maui, you can visit the Kahalui Swap Meet for $1 a person. There is also the Maui Swap Meet in this area for 50 cents a person. Both swap meets are held on Saturday mornings from seven till noon with items like aloha shirts, fresh taro, fruit breads, tropical flowers and more. This is located on South Pu’unene Avenue next to the Kahalui Post Office. The free Ohana Farmers Market is held at the Kahalui Shopping Center under the monkey every Wednesday morning. There is also the Maui Tropical Plantation in Waikapu which offers visitors an opportunity to learn about all of Maui’s indigenous plants. Admission is free, but the tram tour is $8.50 for adults and $3.50 for children.

Lahaina

In Lahaina you can ride the Sugar Cane Train. While very touristy, this train takes you from Lahaina to Ka’anapali, where you can see along six miles of scenery along the West Maui Mountains. While sugar cane is no longer grown across west Maui, you can see beautiful golf courses along the way. A round trip on this train costs $15.95 for adults and $9.95 for kids, aged 3-12.

Friday Night is Art Night at the Lahaina Arts Society. It takes voluntary donations for its exhibits, and now the former whaling streets are lined with beautiful artwork. On Friday nights, the galleries open their doors so that visitors can meet the artists. Many galleries also offer appetizers and beverages to their guests.

There is a Hawaiian Music Hula Show held in the Tiki Courtyard of the Ka’anapali Beach hotel. It is open to the public, and music is played from 6PM to 9PM, with hula starting at 6:30PM and ending at 7:30PM. On Fridays, there are local artisans who grace the lobby and courtyard between 9AM and 12PM. The staff joins in on the fun on Fridays starting at 11AM by performing songs and hula.

The Maui Ocean Center at Ma’alaea Harbor is not simply an aquarium, with an exhibit called “Hawaiians & the Sea,” which features Polynesians relationship with the Pacific Ocean. This exhibit displays authentic hooks, traps and nets, and while visiting this exhibit, you can learn the Hawaiian names of the sea creatures found there. Tickets here are $19, and you can get more information by visiting http://www.mauioceancenter.com.

Hula Shows

The Lahaina Civic Center hosts an Arts and Crafts Fair, where you can buy souvenirs for your friends and family. It takes place on Sundays, and admission is $1 per person. You can take an art class at Kapalua Art School. Lessons are available for children and adults, with prices ranging from $10 for a ceramics class to $110 for an all day art program. This art school also offers yoga and dance classes. Visit http://www.kapaluaart.com for a class schedule. Cliff Diving Ceremony at the Sheraton on Maui is a sunset shore that features a lone male lighting torches atop the Black Rock, before diving into the Pacific waves.

South Maui

Makena Beach is one of Maui’s most beautiful beaches, and is the last major undeveloped beach on the southern shore. Now a state park, people can enjoy the soft white sand coupled with the endlessly blue water. On the right side of this beach is an outcrop that leads to Little Beach, a popular beach for nudists. Keep in mind that nude beaches are illegal in Hawaii. You can walk the shoreline path between the Outrigger Wailea and the Kea Lani. While here, you can also visit theArt and Sculpture at the posh and exotic Grand Wailea Resort. Don’t forget to visit the Shops at Wailea, any shopper’s personal paradise.

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One of the most unique options you have in Hawaii is taking an aerial tour of Maui through a helicopter. The view from the top is amazing, and while many people only experience the view of Maui from a plane window, you have the option of enjoying it through a helicopter tour. Prices range from modest to expensive, but if you have the means it is definitely something you should experience. Depending on the tour you take, you can see all of Maui or a collection of small islands.

While in your helicopter you will see hidden waterfalls, towering cliffs and mountains, covered by tropical rainforest. While on these tours, the tour guide will detail the geography and history of what you are viewing. Many tours will fly you by the Iao Valley, the Haleakala Crater, Hana Town and Rainforest, and the Oheo Gulch. You may even fly over the entire island and see the rugged shorelines and cliffs on Maui’s untouched shores.

Following is a list of Maui Island Tours:

Complete Island of Maui Helicopter Tour

This tour gives you a complete aerial view of Maui with knowledgeable tour guides leading the way. You will visit Hana and its rainforest, the Oheo Gulch, and the northeastern point of Maui, which includes the Haleakala Crater. The price range is $279-$309 depending the aircraft being flown during the tour.

Blue Hawaiian Tours

While it depends on the tour you take, you will take 30-90 minutes flying around places such as the West Maui Rainforest and Mountains, Hana, and Haleakala. Some tours include the island of Molokai and other areas of Maui, or a complete island tour. Prices for this tour range from the low $100s to slightly under $300.

Full Circle Island Deluxe

Maui’s Valley Isle has a tone of places to explore, and this tour last for an hour, taking you over the Haleakala Crater, which is approximately 10,023 feet high. You will also visit the Hana Rainforest, the northeastern coastline of Maui, and the West Maui Mountains, which will cost you a flat rate of $270.

There are more Maui tours available, and if you are looking for more options, be sure to speak to your hotel clerk about scheduling a tour for yourself.

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Maui is known as the “Valley Isle” because of the mountain ridges that line its eastern and western shores. It is the second largest of the Hawaiian Islands with miles of tropical rainforests and beaches for you to enjoy. If you’re planning a trip to Maui, you probably already know the many attractions that call this island home. There is something for everyone on this island, and with many activities and sights choosing where to start can be difficult.

Active people will find countless Maui activities to keep them busy, and even if you prefer to sit upon the shores, there really is no better place to be. People looking for the ultimate relaxation can head to the spa, or even go shopping. With historical places, and the chance to enjoy a luau, Maui is fun for everyone. Following is a list of things to do while visiting Maui.

See a Volcano

Maui has the world’s largest inactive volcano, Mount Haleakala, also known as the House of the Sun. The base of this mountain is big enough to cover Manhattan, and is over 10,000 feet high. You can hike in the craters on this mountain, and get pictures of yourself on the summit at sunrise.

Activities

There are a number of activities on Maui for you to enjoy, no matter what your fitness level. Maui has many golf courses scattered across the resorts and island. With beautiful scenery and courses suited for any level, Maui is the perfect place to golf. There are many affordable package deals.

If you’re looking to visit the beach, you can tan on the shore sipping tropical drinks or sail and surf upon the ocean waves. There are also many shops on Maui where you can buy Authentic Hawaiian pieces.

Underwater Adventures

Many Maui activities are related to the ocean. The Maui Ocean Center is great to visit if you want to learn about Maui’s local aquatic life. If you want to explore Maui’s underwater on your own, you can go scuba diving or snorkeling at one of the many beaches. If you visit Maui in the right seasons, you might be able to go whale watching, fishing and dolphin watching.

Dining

Maui has a myriad of dining places for you to choose from. There are hundreds of restaurants ranging from cheap simple dining, to elegant five star dining. Some of the world’s best chefs have set up restaurants on Maui’s shores. While on Maui be sure to try all the different foods in this area.

Tour the Island

You can tour the island many different ways, from land, sea or air. On land, you can hike, bike, or drive through Maui’s beautiful sites. You can also sail, boating, parasailing and parachuting off the shore. There are also helicopter tours available, where you can view all of Maui from a bird’s eyes view.

Whether you are coming as a family or a couple, you enjoy Maui and all it has to offer. You may even find that you won’t be able to do everything in one trip and will soon find yourself planning your return.

Do you want to take a trip to Maui? If you have, be sure to start making your travel plans soon. If this vacation to Maui is your first, you’re probably looking for more information. Following are a few planning tips that that can help you in your planning process. Using these tips can help your trip become a dream come true.

One of the first steps you need to take is choosing your Maui beach destination. While Maui is small enough to travel within a week’s time, you don’t want to spend your time in your rental car.

When looking at possible destination spots, there are a few factors you should consider. Remember your Maui vacation is for the beaches, so be sure to choose a destination close to the coast, such as Lahaina, Hana, or Kahului.

Another important decision is where you will stay while on vacation. If you don’t have any preferences, be sure to examine all your options. While hotels and resorts are great options, don’t forget to look at the option of vacation rentals. There many different property types available, such as condos, homes, villas, cottages and apartments. Before picking a rental, be sure to examine and compare rental fees and features.

If you do choose a hotel or resort, be sure to look at a Hawaii vacation package. There are a number of online travel websites, like HawaiianBeachRentals.com, which allows you to make travels arrangements on the same site. You can save time by booking everything through a vacation package, as well as saving money.

If you decide against a vacation package, and choose a vacation rental, such as a condo, you need to make the arrangements yourself. These arrangements include your airline reservations and car rentals. Price comparison should be done to ensure you receive the best deals and save money. It is also very easy to do online.

If you do choose a vacation rental, be sure to wait before making any airline accommodations. Maui vacation rentals are popular, and the one you want may already be book for the days you intend to travel. Start looking at vacation rentals months before your intended dates of travel, or you may find yourself changing your travel dates.

Once you have your accommodations settled and planned, start looking at Maui activities around your area of stay. Because Maui has a lot of beaches, you may find yourself venturing to the shore. Some activities require that you plan ahead, so do your research. Your priority may be learning how to surf, so checking if the surfing school needs a reservation may be a good idea. The same applies to dinner cruises, but even more so as they have set schedules.

Ensuring your Maui vacation is a success only takes a few easy steps. Remember, HawaiiBeachRentals.com is a reliable website that specializes in Hawaii vacations. With a large selection of Maui vacation rentals, hotels and resorts, you will find a deal that’s right for you.

Have you already made your Maui vacation arrangements such as the flight and car rental? Are you looking for a place to stay? If you are, be sure to consider Maui vacation home rentals.

Maui vacation home rentals have many benefits, one of them being the privacy and cozy feeling that many of them have. Another great benefit is the amount of options you have, as the properties come in many forms. They come in different shapes in styles, ranging from condos, villas, and everything else in between. With that in mind, begin forming a picture of what you want in your dream vacation rental.

Location is an important part of where you choose to stay, so consider what you would like to do or see while on Maui. Popular locations include Haiku, Kahului, Makawao and Wailua. Knowing what you want to see and do while on vacation can help you determine where you would like to stay. You will be able to save time and money by planning around your vacation home rental location.

Your traveling party also plays a role in where you stay. Size matters when it comes to choosing a vacation rental. Since Maui vacation rentals come in different sizes, you are sure to find one that can meet your group’s needs. Vacation rentals are also great for romantic getaways, as they are often more luxurious and elegant.

The features a rental provides should also be a factor in your decision. If you’re looking to spend most of your time in your rental, this may be more important than what you can do in the area. Even if you do spend your whole day exploring Maui, you will want a comfortable place to return to. Many rentals feature swimming pools and hot tubs, washer and dryer combinations, dishwashers, internet access and cable television. Be sure to consider your wants and needs when looking at these features.

Cost is perhaps one of the most important factors when looking at vacation rentals. Many travel websites allow you to search for accommodations based on your budget. Maui vacation rentals are great, as you can find many within your price range. Keep in mind that costs often depends on location, features and size.

Availability is another important factor. Maui vacations are popular and you may find your dream rental reserved during your intended dates of travel. That is why you should begin your rental search months in advance to ensure that you have your dream rental for your intended dates of travel. Making your reservations as soon as possible secures your accommodations on what could be a great vacation.