Hawaii has come through the recession better than mant destinations. Tourism numbers held steady  this past spring as many visitors who had considered Mexico revised their vacation plans and traveled to Hawaii. While prices have dropped and deals are available, the influx of Asian clients due to the loss of value of the US Dollar is propping up the Hawaiian tourism economy. The best deals are flat and estate rentals on the smaller, less popular islands away from the major resort enclaves. We suggest contacting our partners at Ali’i Resorts on Maui.  From now until December 14, 2009, the 3rd night is free on select properties, new bookings only, not valid with other promotions, discounts or offers.

While Hawaii’ is a premier destination in itself, the island of Maui offers guests the ultimate Hawaiian experience from adventure and touring to pure rest and relaxation. While the 2nd largest of the Hawaiian island’s, it is also one of the least populated (less than 139,000 residents versus Oahu with over 900,000 residents) allowing guests to this island paradise to enjoy the many charming and quaint towns on the island, all welcoming and each unique.

Known for its spectacular beaches, there are 81 spanning 120 miles of coastline. If you tire of the beaches, head uphill, literally to the Haleakala Crater, roughly the size of Manhattan Island and watch the estimated 3,000 humpback whales which visit each winter enjoying the warm ocean waters. Of course, the many activities will enchant (the waterfalls of Hana) and delight, playing golf on courses visited by PGA professionals.

For the foodie, each day is truly paradise from breakfasts of fresh tropical hand-picked fruits and macadamian-nut pancakes to delights from the surrounding sea. Maybe bar-b-que is to your liking as the local chef prepares succulent pig on a spit combing tradition with an Asian flair.

Yet Maui is not all rest, relaxation and adventure. With the many events year round, visitors will enhance their vacation by partaking in the many opportunities including:

Music: John Legend on Maui, September 10th at the MAAC Castle Theater

Photography: The Maui Photo Festival and Workshop, September 16th – 20th at the Hyatt Regency Resort and Spa bringing world-class photographers to one of the most photogenic locations in the world.

Golf (Professional):The Kapalua LPGA Classic an annual event tales place on the Bay Course with the top female golfers will compete for a $1.5 million purse from October 12th to 18th.

In January (4th – 10th), an elite field of champions from the 2009 PGA Tour will compete in the season opener of the SBS Championship at Kapalua Resort’s Plantation Course. Golfers including two-time defending champion Stuart Appleby, Tiger Woods, Vijay Singh, David Toms, Jim Furyk and Davis Love III are scheduled to play with the balmy trade winds enveloping them as Bethpage Black, a distant summer memory sits frozen under a coating of snow and ice.