Travel Agent sat down with representatives of the Kaanapali Beach Hotel on Maui recently and gathered the hottest selling points at the hotel for Millennials looking to escape winter by heading to the Aloha State.
When it comes to Kaanapali Beach Hotel’s fresh Millennial offerings, look no further than the property’s new Hale Huakai, or “adventure center.” It is basically a great mix of adventure and experiential travel. It offers a Hawaiian perspective to several popular ocean activities such as surfing, stand up paddle boarding, snorkeling, conch shell blowing and more.
Hale Huakai offers clients the chance to go beyond their traditional water activity experience through complimentary and paid offerings, dedicated to providing an authentic Hawaiian presentation of water sports and oceanside living.
Located steps away from the hotel on its sunny shores, each guest who visits the Hale Huakai will come away with a true understanding of how the ancient Hawaiians immersed themselves within their surrounding environment. Hale Huakai will be open 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Monday to Sunday and will offer the following activities.
Conch Shell Blowing
For all ages, conch shell blowing is a complimentary activity teaching guests the use and history of the Pu, or "conch shell." In ancient times, the sound of the Pu signaled the approach of Hawaiian royalty or the arrival of a voyaging canoe from a faraway land. A "Beach Alakai" demonstrates basic Pū skills and a contest is held where participants take turns to see who can blow the longest or loudest.
Stand Up Paddle Board Lessons
The lesson begins with a discussion on the origin and history of paddle boarding and its rapid growth in popularity around the world. From there, guests receive instruction for the proper use of the paddle, placement of feet and tips for managing ocean conditions. Clients are accompanied by a Beach Alakai, who provides further guidance and instruction while also offering interpretation on the natural and cultural history of the Hawaiian Islands. The cost begins at $87 per person for a group class (six people maximum) and $105 for a private lesson (two people maximum).
Snorkel Smart Pool Lessons and Beach Walk
Ideal for beginning snorkelers, a complimentary class provides guests with skills and pointers that will help make their first underwater experience enjoyable and safe. A Beach Alakai will organize pool games using a mask and snorkel to further develop skill and confidence.
Ohe Hanu Ihu (Nose Flute)
A complimentary session for all ages, guests will learn how to play the bamboo nose flute, a popular instrument that accompanies Hawaiian music and hula practitioners. Originally, the nose flute was used to communicate private messages between romantic partners. By the end of the session, guests are able to play a short melody of their own composition.
Hula and Haka
Guests are invited to learn the art and history of hula through complimentary hands-on guidance and instruction to learn basic foot movements and gestures while also understanding the meanings of each motion. At the end of the class, guests will have learned to perform a hula dance telling a story about Hawaii’s ocean environment. Men can learn the haka, another form of hula, once used in ancient times to challenge or intimidate one’s enemy.
And if its simply logging that your clients are looking for, semi-private cabanas are located on a lawn area overlooking the beach and are available for rental at the Hale Huakai on a first come, first serve basis.
Guests can enjoy Maui’s sunny beach at the day rate of $35 for non-guests and $30 for hotel guests. Water sport equipment is also available at the Hale Huakai and includes snorkel sets (mask, snorkel, fins) starting at $12, boogie boards starting at $10 and stand-up paddle boards from $25 for the first hour and $15 each additional hour.
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