Surf’s up in Maui
34
i Yo u r
Winter 2018
As the second-largest island in
Hawaii, Maui has abundant natural
resources and its sub-climates make an
ideal setting for a horticultural history
that harkens back to early Polynesian
settlers, who arrived as early as 450 AD.
It’s believed these voyagers introduced
taro, coconut, banana and sugarcane
to the islands. In the late 18th century,
maybe it’s the hibiscus-
scented air or the
soothing rhythm of
ocean waves, but few
places in the world
do laid-back luxury
better than hawaii.
resort properties
have mastered the
art of combining
AMA insider
relaxation with quality
cultural programming.
excellent dining, cool
bars and activities, like
cocktail classes and
sailing, are a given at
many hawaiian hotels.
But some resorts also
offer island pastimes
like ukulele lessons
Westerners arrived with cattle, coffee
and pineapple—and a new age of
industrial agriculture began.
Passing through a region of
rolling farm fields, we learn about
land ownership—and how it was a
foreign concept to island residents in
the 1800s, who lived by a system of
communal subsistence. To secure the
and lei-making work-
shops. at the newly
renovated sheraton
maui resort & spa,
guests can witness
an iconic hawaiian
tradition: rock diving.
Watch death-defying
divers leap off Black
rock daily at 6 p.m.,
then grab a table at
the hotel’s roCKsalt
restaurant to dig into
the local catch of the
day. ama members
save 5% or more, and
earn marriott rewards
or sPG points.
AMATravel.ca/Hotels
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Your
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aii
On my first morning in this prim-
ordial paradise, I’m travelling from
the elevated Kula countryside and
the slopes of the Haleakala volcano to
Kihei on the southern leeward coast.
Although it’s barely 9 a.m., I’m already
geared up for a day of pineapple wine
and coconut beer as I clamber into the
back of the colourful tour van.