About Susan J
Susan J., budget traveler extraordinaire, inherited her Yankee frugality from her mother and it has served her well on trips across the US and the UK. Whether scoping out the nightlife scene or searching for that perfect pair of shoes, Susan loves writing and travel. She has lived outside of Seattle, Washington, and in Boston, Massachusetts and Albuquerque, New Mexico. She recently returned from a trip to Hawaii, where she made full use of her Go Oahu Card!
Blog posts written by Susan J
April 30th, 2008 by susan j
You’ve talked about visiting Maui for years and now you’re finally taking that once in a lifetime trip. You’ve booked a hotel, packed your bags, and now you’re ready to lounge on the beach with a book in one hand and a Mai Tai in the other.
Wait… did you remember to bring a map?
Don’t worry, because we’ve got you covered. Our prints on a single letter-sized sheet and includes all of the attractions, activities, and tours that are part of the Go Maui Card. So, relax and enjoy your trip. Or as they say on the islands, “!”
Planning a trip to
Maui?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Maui Card.
April 14th, 2008 by susan j
Eating in Maui Photo uploaded by
Maui is one of those travel destinations that is notoriously expensive. But does the island really live up to its reputation? According to the Los Angeles Times, there are plenty of dining deals to be had if you know where to look.
LA Times staff writer Rosemary McClure scoured the island of Maui with a couple of local culinary experts: Bobby Santos, chef instructor at the Maui Culinary Academy, Charmain Tavares, the mayor of Maui, and others. Together, they compiled a list of . McClure’s picks include CJ’s Deli & Diner, Sunrise Cafe, and Fish Market Maui.
Do you know of a place on Maui that serves inexpensive eats? Leave us a comment, and tell us about it!
Planning a trip to
Maui?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Maui Card.
April 1st, 2008 by susan j
Underwater fish photo uploaded by
Earth Day is fast approaching, so now is the perfect time to think about ways that we can reduce the environmental impact of our travel and protect the natural beauty of places like Maui. is hosting an Earth Day Celebration & Plant Sale on Saturday, April 19, complete with entertainment, food, games, and more.
If you’re interested in learning more about our ecosystem or just appreciating the natural splendor of Hawaii, then check out some of these outdoor activities in Maui.
- Haleakala Bike Ride lets visitors cover Maui by bike, reducing the harmful effects of driving pollution. This self-paced bike ride runs from Haleakala volcano to the beach.
- Makena Kayak and Snorkel Tour takes visitors through caves, tunnels, and volcanic arches. You can enjoy the calm and clear waters of Turtle Town, encountering sea turtles, dolphins, tropical fish, and more.
- Maui Ocean Center is the only aquarium in the world devoted to exploring the marine life of Hawaii. This three-acre marine park features the largest reef aquarium in the Western hemisphere.
- Hawaii Nature Center Rainforest Hike and Interactive Museum is nestled in the West Maui Mountains. This nonprofit organization offers visitors guided interpretive hikes and an interactive nature museum.
Leave a comment, and tell us about what you’re doing to celebrate Earth Day this year!
Planning a trip to
Maui?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Maui Card.
March 19th, 2008 by susan j
Maui sunset photo uploaded by
This weekend, March 21-23, 2008, the Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua, Maui hosts the 16th annual . This year’s theme is “Ka Mana Leo,” which means power of the voice. The theme ties into the festival’s hands-on approach to Hawaiian arts and culture, which features lectures from elders, performances by students, and renowned Hawaiian storytellers. .
Planning a trip to
Maui?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Maui Card.
March 14th, 2008 by susan j
Hakeakala Crater Photo uploaded by
Though tomorrow’s event is closed to runners, there’s still time to check it out at a spectator. This grueling 36-mile marathon takes long-distance runners up the switchback of Haleakala Crater to its 10,000-foot summit. Running 36 miles isn’t exactly my idea of a vacation, so I think I’ll sit this one out, but I’m sure the views will be stunning (see photo above).
Planning a trip to
Maui?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Maui Card.
February 20th, 2008 by susan j
Camera photo uploaded by
They say a picture’s worth a thousand words. If that’s true, then you’ll want to snap tons of photos to remember your vacation. has some tips on to help capture your favorite travel memories.
My favorite tip is the one on bringing extra batteries. It seems almost inevitable that whenever I go on vacation, the batteries in my digital camera mysteriously die, so that I have to hightail it to the convenience store for replacements. Next time, I’m bringing extra batteries! Do you have any tips on taking cool travel photos? Leave a comment and let us know!
Planning a trip to
Maui?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Maui Card.
February 13th, 2008 by susan j
Beach photo uploaded by
If you’re as fair-skinned as I am, then you probably already know the importance of wearing sunscreen. Experts tells us to wear sunscreen daily, even when it’s overcast, but it’s even more important when you’re visiting a warm, sunny locale like Maui or Oahu and spending lots of time relaxing on the beach. If you have a vacation coming up, then check out this clever article called .
Planning a trip to
Maui?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Maui Card.
December 24th, 2007 by susan j
Christmas photo uploaded by
From our family to yours, here’s wishing you a very happy holiday. As they say on the islands, Mele Kalikamaka!
Planning a trip to
Maui?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Maui Card.
December 17th, 2007 by susan j
Waimoku Falls Trail
Photo uploaded by
Guided tours and travel packages are great for helping you cover a lot of territory in a short time, but sometimes it can be worthwhile to spend a few days exploring places and people that are a little further off the well-beaten path. Here are some of our tips for discovering Maui’s hidden gems and soaking up the local flavor.
- Explore local events like Haiku Hoolaulea, the Kapalua Festival of the Arts, and the International Festival of Canoes.
- See colorful Protea, orchids, and Birds of Paradise at the Kula Botanical Garden.
- Spend a day wine tasting at and try the pineapple wine.
- Take a hike to the stunning 400-ft. Waimoku Falls past Hana.
- Dress warmly and watch the sunrise from the top of Haleakala Crater.
Planning a trip to
Maui?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Maui Card.
December 11th, 2007 by susan j
Photo uploaded by
Sheila over at Go Visit Hawaii recently blogged about . She offers some great suggestions, including visiting the or the , so be sure to check it out before your next trip to Maui!
Planning a trip to
Maui?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Maui Card.
