Repeat and first-time Hawaii clients alike will enjoy the new activity options found throughout the islands. Read on if you’re planning itineraries for clients interested in active cultural immersion, wellness, smart technology and more.
PlaySight Tennis, Anyone?
Royal Lahaina Resort guests can hone their serve-and-volley skills like never before thanks to new tennis technology from PlaySight. Royal Lahaina’s 10-court tennis ranch is the only resort facility in Hawaii to boast a SmartCourt with live-streaming tennis capabilities. It features six high-definition cameras and an interactive touch-screen kiosk that, when used together, offer advanced tennis analytics. The SmartCourt also provides line calling, instant multi-angle video replays and detailed statistics for every shot played. Clients can even use the system to capture and log the type, speed and spin of their strokes.
www.royallahaina.com
Maverick Adds Helicopter Tours
In honor of its first anniversary on Maui, Maverick Helicopters has added two tours to its aerial itineraries. The new three-island Sunset Odyssey ($299 per person) provides bird’s-eye views of Molokai and Lanai, then returns to Maui for a sunset perspective on the partially submerged crater of Molokini as well as waterfalls and jungles. Maverick’s second new tour, Aloha Adventure ($229), presents a panorama of Maui’s north shore, with vistas of Wailua Valley waterfalls, Haleakala National Park, Oheo Gulch and the coastal Hana Highway. Maverick’s seven-passenger helicopters feature voice-activated headsets, theater-style leather seats and wraparound windows.
www.flymaverick.com
New Snorkel Tours From Kaanapali Surf Club
The waters around Black Rock — one of Maui’s most famous natural landmarks — are known for their abundance of green sea turtles and tropical fish, making the spot a popular place for explorations above and beneath the surface. Recently, Kaanapali Surf Club launched a new kayak and snorkel eco-tour at the northwest Maui site, starting with a brief land lesson in basic safety and paddling techniques. The group then kayaks toward Black Rock for 30 minutes of prime snorkeling beneath 60-foot-high sea cliffs. Guides share information about marine wildlife as well as fascinating legends and lore of the culturally significant area. The two-hour excursion costs $99 per person in a double kayak and $119 for single kayakers. Private tours are also available.
www.kaanapalisurfclub.com
Hale Huakai for Meaningful Ocean Experiences
Kaanapali Beach Hotel’s new water activities center puts a meaningful new spin on the Maui ocean experience. Called Hale Huakai (which means Adventure Center), the facility offers a local perspective on fun in the sun by focusing on authentic, ancient traditions. Its knowledgeable staff members serve as stewards of culture as they present free lessons in snorkeling, hula, nose flute and conch-shell blowing. For a fee, guests can try stand-up paddleboarding while learning about the sport’s origins and importance in Hawaii. Hale Huakai also rents equipment for snorkeling, boogie boarding and paddling. Fittingly, the thatched roof structure is located just a few steps from the beach.
www.kbhmaui.com
