Tourism By Region

Cold weather and hectic days on fast-forward can definitely take their toll. The ultimate remedy? Hit the pause button and treat yourself to a weekend at an all-inclusive spa, a couples massage at a romantic bed-and-breakfast, a relaxing respite at a spa resort, or an indulgent afternoon at an elegant day spa. From cozy inns to luxury hotels, there are places all over Illinois where you can relax, rewind, and leave everyday life far behind. Discover some of the must-visit spas in Illinois, below.

Sun Valley's thriving art scene offers a variety of different and exciting mediums. The Sun Valley area was listed 18th in the recently published book, The 100 Best Small Art Towns in America - "a great small art town with a nice balance between the visual arts, theater, and music." Art galleries and craft shows showcase local talent, theater groups perform professional pieces in various local venues, and the sounds of symphony and jazz fill the summer's crisp night air and cozy winter nights. The Sun Valley Arts Foundation maintains a comprehensive website listing of all local on-going arts programs, events, and organizations and publishes the annual Sun Valley Arts Advisor magazine, which provides a detailed wrap-up of the Sun Valley cultural arts scene. There's no better way to keep on top of new and exciting events than by checking out what's happening in Sun Valley. From upcoming gallery events, live music at Whiskey Jacques, avalanche education at ERC or a lecture at The Community Library, there's always some new happening in town. Visit our Calendar for ongoing events Openings Ketchum — A multimedia installation by Kim Abeles that was commissioned by the Sun Valley Center for the Arts is now on view at Scape Gallery in Southern California.To see more, go to www.scapesite.com/ARTISTS/kim-abeles/sweet-dreams.htm. Live Music Ketchum Spring Jam Music Series- A month long celebration of Apres Ski Parties in Warm Springs at Apple's, at the base of Warm Springs. Beginning March 24th and continuing through April 15th (or longer if the Snow Gods shower upon us), Picabo Street will close at 2pm for great bands, food and fun. NO WORRIES the KART will continue to provide transportation so you can arrive and leave from Apple's Doorstep with or without your skiis and boards. Click here for the schedule. Sets will begin at 3:30 and run till 7pm. Outdoor Activities/Workshops The ERC will introduce the Challenge through a five-week campaign starting April 7 with a display at the Warm Springs end-of-season street party and continuing through Clean Sweep on May 19.To take the Challenge, individuals sign a pledge committing to reduce their carbon dioxide emissions by choosing actions from the Action List. The pledge will be available at any Challenge event, the ERC office or any other ERC event. Those who take the Challenge will receive public recognition, monthly global warming updates and other benefits.At the kick-off event on April 7, residents can stop by the ERC’s table at Warm Springs Lodge from 2-6 p.m. to take the Challenge and receive a free compact fluorescent light bulb or PEAK bus pass. Sun Valley Company will also be donating $1 from every lift ticket sold that day to the Challenge.For more information on the Challenge or global warming, contact the ERC at 726-4333 or visit the website at www.ercsv.org. Silver Creek Outfitters presents the 2nd annual Fly Fishing Film Festival at the NexStage Theatre. This year’s festival will be featuring the finest fly fishing films from around the country. All proceeds will be donated to the Nature Conservancy’s Silver Creek Preserve. Tickets are available for $12 at Silver Creek Outfitters 726-5282. Limited seating available. Screenings The Devil Came on Horseback: Bearing Witness to the Genocide in Darfur documentary screening at the Nextstage Theater at 5:00pm. Tickets: $100 donation to Global Grassroots. Prose Lectures The Community Library presents Alex Kuczynski on March 15th, author of Beauty Junkies: Inside Our $15 Billion Obsession with Cosmetic Surgery.Kuczynski is a star writer for the New York Times Styles section, Ms. Kuczynski’s sly wit and fearless reporting has won her fans across the country. Her book captures the follies, frauds, and fanaticism that fuel the pursuit of youth and beauty in a wickedly revealing excursion into the burgeoning business of cosmetic enhancement.The evening will include a reading, discussion and book signing. Join Wildlife Authors and Photographers, Diana and Buck Wilde for a FREE evening for all ages…an intimate look into animal behavior on Sunday March 18th at the Community Campus Auditorium. Doors open at 7pm. On Thursday,March 22, R. Gregory Christie delivers a lecture on whether or not children's book illustrations belong strictly bound to their book spines or can they be hung on the walls of the museum. Christie will be available at The Center before the show while he begins work on a mural.

ALTAR BOYZ is the smash hit musical comedy spoof about a heavenly guy group on the rise to stardom. Join the A-Boyz at the Hawaii Theatre April 18-22 on the last leg of their national tour as they belt out hilarious songs and tell their unbelievably funny story (including how a nice Jewish boy ended up in the group – his mother for one would like to know). With an extraordinary mix of spectacular music, sinfully sensational dancing, uncontrollable laughs and light-hearted fun, this award winning and totally original new musical is 90 minutes of pure delight. Room and show packages available through Embassy Suites. Call 1-800 EMBASSY. Or book online at www.embassysuiteswaikikibeachwalk.com and enter promotion/offer code: TTA. HIGHLIGHTS 1. Event/Festival/Activity Official Name: Altar Boyz 2. Place/Location of Activity: Hawaii Theatre – 1130 Bethel St, Honolulu, HI 96813 3. Date(s)/Time(s): April 18-21 – 8:00pm; April 21 & 22 - 2:00pm 4. Highlight of Activity: n/a 5. Cost (if any): Tickets from $26 - $75 6. Info on Parking: Parking available at various parking garages in the arts district around the Hawaii Theatre. Link to parking map. http://www.chinatownhi.com/?q=node/10 7. Contact Info (Contact name, PH # and/or URL):

Kayak miles of pristine barrier reefs. Hike through lush, magnificent Halawa Valley. Ride horseback along gorgeous coastlines, across wild rangelands, and mountain bike over soaring sea cliffs. Experience the majesty of historic Kalaupapa. Comb golden beaches where the only footprints are your own. And, find something you may have lost somewhere deep inside. Land Adventures Eco-Tours, Hiking & Nature Walks Guided Tours & Sightseeing Plantations, Farms & Gardens Water Adventures Boats & Cruises Fishing Kayaking & Canoes Snorkeling & SCUBA Attractions & Entertainment Attractions Booking & Information Services Weddings & Honeymoons Wedding Coordinators & Services Photographers & Videographers Wellness & Rejuvenation Spas & Facilities MOLOKA'I MUST SEES .... MOLOKA'I MUST DOS FOR A QUICK SEARCH OF ALL MOLOKA'I VISITORS ASSOCIATION MEMBERS -- SELECT A CATEGORY --ACCOMMODATIONS Bed & Breakfasts/Inns Condominiums Hotels & Resorts Reservations & Booking Services Timeshares Vacation Rentals, Homes & CottagesLAND ADVENTURES Eco-Tours, Hiking & Nature Walks Guided Tours & Sightseeing Plantations, Farms & GardensWATER ADVENTURES Boats & Cruises Fishing Kayaking & Canoes Snorkeling & SCUBARESTAURANTS ATTRACTIONS & ENTERTAINMENT Attractions Booking & Information ServicesSHOPPING Art Galleries & Dealers Hawaiian Products & ApparelWHOLESALE Hawaiian ProductsWEDDING COORDINATORS & SERVICES WEDDINGS & HONEYMOONS Photographers & VideographersWELLNESS & REJUVENATION Spas & FacilitiesMEDICAL SERVICES SERVICES & INFORMATION Business & Financial ServicesTELEPHONE COMMUNICATIONS SERVICE TRANSPORTATION Airlines Buses & Shuttles Car Rentals Cruise Ships & Ferries Limousines & TaxisREAL ESTATE

Aloha from the members of Maui Visitors Bureau and the people of Maui's Magical Isles: Maui, Moloka‘i and Lana‘i Here at VisitMaui.com, learn about our native Hawaiian culture along with the beauty, fun and excitement of our islands. Find out how to get here, where to stay, the best way to get around, how to fill your days and nights, and so much more. E kipa mai! Welcome! Sit back, relax and acquaint yourself with the magic of our islands. We hope to see you soon!

Ringed by 120 miles of coastline, Maui boasts over 30 miles of beaches. Many are easily accessible beach parks with lifeguards, picnic facilities and restrooms. Others are undeveloped, pristine, "secret spots" off the beaten path. All of Maui's beaches feature sparkling crystal-blue waters, tropical tradewinds, and azure skies that go on forever. Most of Maui's beaches have white sand but black and red sand beaches are also a part of our island's inventory. Several of Maui's beaches are known worldwide for unrivaled surfing and windsurfing conditions. Others are well suited for the beginning snorkeler, beachcombers, families and children. Scroll down this page for an overview of Maui's favorite beaches. PLEASE REMEMBER: Even though the ocean is Maui's playground there are precautions to observe. Offshore winds and currents can be powerful and they can change suddenly. That means not straying too far from shore or heading out to kayak, windsurf or sail if warning signs are posted, or if conditions warrant caution. Please understand that the descriptions below are intended only to provide general information about Maui's beaches. Just because a beach is described as being good for beginners, as having good swimming, or as being calm, this does not mean that the beach is right for you. In addition, conditions can change without warning. You must use your own best judgment to determine whether a particular beach is appropriate for you and your ability level. WEST MAUI BEACHES Be aware of rapidly changing conditions and heed all warning signs when visiting Maui's beaches. Black Rock -- Ka‘anapali Beach. Black Rock Beach is excellent for beginning snorkelers and swimmers to experienced SCUBA divers. Coral and tropical fish are abundant. This is the northernmost section of Kaanapali Beach. A beachwalk winds through Kaanapali with easy access to beachfront hotels, shopping and restaurants. D. T. Fleming Beach Park -- Kapalua This classic west Maui beach was named "America's Best Beach" in 2006. A long-time favorite for body and board surfing, this public park also features good swimming. Facilities include picnic tables and restrooms. Lifeguards on duty. Kaanapali Beach -- Kaanapali Resort West Maui's "signature" beach. Three miles of white sand; sailboat and catamaran rides and rentals; surf and windsurf lessons. Easy walking access from all Kaanapali hotels.Features “Dig Me Beach. Named "America's Best Beach" in 2003” Kapalua Beach -- Kapalua Resort Known to Maui veterans as Old Fleming Beach, Kapalua is the first of Maui's beaches, and the first beach ever, to be named “"America's Best Beach" (1991).” A truly beautiful tropical beach which offers swimming, snorkeling and SCUBA diving. Launiupoko Beach Park -- South of Lahaina Another local favorite with a unique natural pool surrounded by a lava rock wall. Excellent for small children; picnic tables and restrooms. Napili Bay -- South of Kapalua Napili Bay is noted for its sandy beaches and good swimming. An excellent snorkeling spot for novice and expert ocean adventurers. Puamana Beach County Park – Lahaina This beach provides swimming, picnic tables, restrooms, grills and a grassy park. Waves are excellent for beginning and intermediate surfers. Wahikuli State Park – Lahaina Another local favorite with calm water conditions for swimming, snorkeling and boogie boarding. Restrooms, picnic tables and grills are available. SOUTH MAUI BEACHES Be aware of rapidly changing conditions and heed all warning signs when visiting Maui's beaches. Kama‘ole Beach Parks I, II and III – Kihei Ample parking, lifeguards, volleyball courts and excellent swimming conditions make the Kamaole Parks local favorites. Keawakapu Beach – Kihei Classic views and varied conditions mark this beach. A beachcomber's delight, this beach offers a half mile walk to the Wailea Resort. Kihei Beach – Kihei A series of beaches, coves and tidepools along over six-miles Kihei coastline. Some areas offer lifeguards, restrooms, and picnic facilities. Mai Poina ‘Oe Ia‘u Beach Park – Kihei Excellent swimming kite-surfing, and windsurfing. Facilities include picnic tables, showers and restrooms. Wintertime whale sightings are almost guaranteed. Makena Beach State Park – MakenaBig Beach at Makena is one of Maui's signature beaches with a seemingly endless expanse of white sand. Picnic facilities and restrooms are available. The adjacent Little Beach is an informal (and nominally illegal) clothing optional beach with excellent body surfing. Maluaka Beach – Makena This beach, adjacent to the Maui Prince Hotel, offers excellent swimming and snorkeling. Keep your eyes peeled for the green sea turtles which are abundant here. Mokapu Beach Park – Wailea Excellent swimming and snorkeling. Water sports equipment rentals are available at concessions in front of the Renaissance Wailea Beach Resort. Polo Beach – Wailea Popular with Maui residents and visitors. Excellent swimming and snorkeling, picnic tables and restrooms are available. Named "America's Best Beach" in 1999. Ulua Beach Park -- Wailea Another local favorite with excellent swimming, snorkeling, and beachcombing. Early morning and sunset walkers and joggers abound. Wailea Beach – Wailea Excellent swimming with restrooms and equipment rentals. Along with most other Wailea beaches, the venue for a paved beachwalk meandering past Wailea's hotels, restaurants and shops. Named "America's Best Beach" in 1999. CENTRAL MAUI BEACHES Be aware of rapidly changing conditions and heed all warning signs when visiting Maui's beaches. Kanaha Beach Park – Kahului Famous the world over for its excellent windsurfing conditions, Kanaha also offers good swimming and diving. Close to town, this beach is a popular spot for lunch and local volleyball enthusiasts. Lifeguards, restrooms, showers and picnic tables. Waihe‘e Beach -- Waihe‘e This beach is narrow and relatively free of crowds. It faces east and is a popular surfing spot. EAST MAUI BEACHES Be aware of rapidly changing conditions and heed all warning signs when visiting Maui's beaches. H. A. Baldwin Beach Park – Paia A picture-perfect Hawaii beach with excellent swimming and bodysurfing. Also features a "baby beach" with a lagoon. Lifeguards, restrooms and picnic facilities. Ho‘okipa Beach Park -- Pa‘ia A world-famous venue for professional windsurfing and board surfing. Many contests are held at Ho'okipa. Winter surf can be massive, with excellent and safe viewing and photography. Picnic tables and restrooms are available. Hamoa Beach – Hana Author James Michener called Hamoa Beach the most beautiful in the Pacific. Named one of ten "America's Best Beaches" in 2006. Outstanding swimming and bodysurfing as well as showers and limited facilities on this family-friendly beach. Hana Beach Park – Hana Hana Beach Park is one the nicest swimming beaches. A favorite with local families, Hana Beach Park is one of the most popular swimming beaches on the island. Many local community events are held here. Red Sand Beach – Hana A "secret beach" with volcanic red sand and good swimming and snorkeling. Free spirits love this beach despite its challenging location -- not for the faint of heart! Wai‘anapanapa State Park – Hana Excellent camping facilities, as well as cabins make Wai‘anapanapa State Park one of Maui's best beaches. Overlooks a black-sand beach with good swimming, snorkeling and freshwater pools in caves. MAUI CAPTURES “BEST PACIFIC ISLAND” FOR 16th STRAIGHT YEAR MAUI VISITORS BUREAU MEMBERS & SERVICES DATABASE