For a relaxing vacation filled to the brim with wondrous sights, stunning beaches, and exhilarating recreational activities that will most certainly take your breath away, head to the always popular Hawaiian Island of Maui. Maui is a tropical paradise where your most vacation fantasies can come true, so pack your bags and make your way to this pristine jewel in the Pacific.
When one thinks of the Hawaiian Islands, the first thing that usually comes to mind is the spectacular beaches where all your cares are set free. While Maui is certainly no exception with its amazing stretches of sand scattered throughout the island, the west shore is definitely the place to be for a picture-perfect afternoon. Kaanapali Beach is widely considered one of the best beaches on the island for its memorable snorkeling opportunities at Black Rock while Kapalua Beach is continually rated one of the top beaches in the world for its pristine sand, picturesque views, and excellent swimming and sunbathing conditions.
For a beach experience that extends far beyond the everyday, head to the Hookipa Beach Park on Maui’s north shore for some of the best windsurfing in the world. Famous for its large waves, particularly in the winter, and continuous strong winds, experienced windsurfers can enjoy the ride of their life along the banks of this stunning white sand beach. Surfers should not feel left out, though, as Honolua Bay offers winter waves that should only be tested by experts with nerves of steel.
Outdoor lovers and adventure seekers will certainly want to spend a day exploring the stunning terrain and dramatic views of Haleakala National Park. The park is home to the world’s largest dormant volcano and visitors can scale to the summit of the expansive crater for a look at the sculpted and intense landscape. While the Haleakala volcano is the centerpiece of the park, be sure to explore either the Kuapo Gap Trail for a sampling of the ecological zones surrounding the mountain or the Kipahulu Area for a glimpse of the lush, subtropical rainforests and shimmering waterfalls.
While Maui certainly has many exciting towns that are worth a visit, including Kihei, Wailea, and Haiku, Lahaina is truly something special. One of the most noteworthy attractions is the Old Lahaina Luau, where music, traditional cuisine, and crafts take center stage and provide an authentic island experience unlike anything you could imagine. While in town, also be sure to stop by Front Street for a stroll past restaurants, shops, and boutiques or to pick up a perfect island souvenir.
Visitors spending their time on the west side of Maui near Kihei can visit the Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary to learn more about the state’s official marine mammal. Those on the island between September and May, however, have the distinct advantage of being able to go on a boat tour or whale watching cruise to catch a glimpse of these awe-inspiring creatures as they put on an acrobatic display. While many times Hawaii’s humpback whales can be seen quite easily from the shore, a close up encounter is a thrill that will leave children and adults alike speechless.
With so much to see and do on this busting island, it can be easy to relegate your accommodations choice to the backburner. However, Maui vacation rentals make it easy to enjoy everything you love about this gorgeous island by placing you close to the attractions and features that mean the most to you. Whether you want to stay along the shores of a pristine, sandy beach or atop a breathtaking hill with some of the most amazing views you have ever imagined, a condo or home rental is the perfect way to realize the Maui vacation you have been dreaming about.
Last Minute Getaway Vacation
An Adirondack chair is the combination of form and function in outdoor relaxation. Also known as a Cape Cod chair or Muskoka chair in different areas of the world, Adirondack chairs are usually made from durable, insect resistant woods like cedar and redwood, although other materials are also used. Well made Adirondack chairs are quality pieces of outdoor furniture that can last for generations.
Design
The ancestor of today's Adirondack chair was designed by Thomas Lee in 1903. After arriving at a final design for the "Westport plank chair," Lee offered it to Harry Bunnell, a carpenter friend in Westport, New York , who built the chairs during winter for sale in the springtime. Harry Bunnel eventually patented the robust design, which combined a slanted back and wide armrests.
While the original Adirondack chair was thought to have a straight back, contemporary designs often include more curves. Adirondack chairs are comfortable because the chair back usually has an incline of 30 degrees and excellent lower back support. These chairs also feature wide, level arms that double as tables for drinks and books.
The basic design of the Adirondack chair has been expanded over the last 100 years to include chaise lounges, loveseats, rockers and other outdoor furniture that follow the lines of the traditional Adirondack chair. Other variations of the chair's design feature a curved back and rolled seat made to wrap around the body and cushion the legs, something you just do not get with any other type chair. And no matter what style you choose, these robust All-American chairs will offer years of pleasure and comfort.
Wood Types
Nothing is quite as relaxing as sitting in a wooden Adirondack chair with your hands on the large, smooth armrests. This is one reason for their enduring appeal; another is the fine looking wood of which many of these chairs are made. Other than the most popular (red or white cedar,) woods used in the manufacturing of Adirondack furniture include teak, cypress, mahogany, alder, eucalyptus, and southern yellow or white pine. The wood can be stained to preserve its natural color, painted in any shade you desire, or left to weather naturally. Certain woods, like pine, most definitely need to be treated regularly with a protectant.
There are those who prefer resin rocking chairs to wooden ones because they are easier to maintain and are more durable. Plastic Adirondack chairs are not considered to be as beautiful as wooden ones, but are less expensive and can last for a very long time. Winning the longevity award for a natural material, however, is teak. With an average lifespan of 75 years, teak wood has long been commended as the ideal choice for outdoor furniture. Teak is exceptionally expensive, however, and is out of reach for many on a budget.
Conclusion
Adirondack chairs are a unique combination of man-made ingenuity and craftsmanship in combination with the beauty of natural design. Adirondack chairs were once found only on campgrounds and summer retreats. Now, these chairs are found more and more on porches, lawns and in the homes of people who have fallen in love with them while on vacations in the mountains, at the lake, or similar places. While Adirondack Chairs are not confined to a single manufacturer, or even a single style, they are still beautiful pieces of furniture that can call to mind a vacation-like experience for just about anyone.
Both Jennifer Weiss & Jason Gerth are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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