Lynn

We'll be taking a cruise to French Polynesia and Hawaii in early October and are in the process of selecting our excursions. We're puzzled about Maui. We'll be docked in Lahaina and a tour to Hana is not offered nor would we be able to get there on our own in the time we have. So our choices are: 1) Halaeakala Crater/7hrs 2) Iao Valley and Tropical Plantation/4hrs 3) Maui Downhill Bicycle Cruise/7 hrs. We'll be in Lahaina from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Should we do one of these tours or schedule something else on our own? What about Lahaina--shopping, things to see?? Thanks!!!

P.S. I keep reading on the forum about a Zodiac Trip of the Napali Coast in Kauai. We'll also have a day in Kauai. This trip is not offered by the cruise line--can anyone provide more info??

Jim

While in Maui go Parasailing for a thrill and great views. Shop Lahaina and take a leisurely ride around the coast.
While in Kauai go on a Helicopter tour of the Island. Take a leisurely ride to Poipu Beach. Do some shopping there.
As you can see I don't think you can do a lot in the time you have but the above will wet your appetite for a longer stay the next time you go to Hawaii.
We will be there in early October but we will be spending a week on both Islands.
Have a great trip.
Aloha
Jim & Margaret

WLN

Trip to Haleakala crater 35 mile drive, great trip. Go for the sunrise if possible.Iao needle interesting. Hana must be made by van,it will be a most of the day trip. Extremely rough trip,and I doubt if I would try it again. Beautiful stops along the route though. Lahina a ball on halloween, try for a luau while on Maui. A little early for whale watching in October.

Debbie C

Aloha!

The zodiac trip to Na Pali coast is breathtaking. I was not prepared for the splendor and awesome sites of the Na Pali coast. We actually took the zodiac in one way and hiked the 10 hour hike out in the same day.

The zodiac trip took us through clear waters where we saw a large school of sea turtles, caves, and the Na Pali coastline. Absolutely spectacular. You can even take a full day trip complete with snorkeling, lunch, etc. I highly recommend it. Also, a stroll through the seaport town of Lahaina is also worth it. If you decide on Haleakala, be sure to stop at the charming old cowboy town of Makawao and definitely eat at the infamous Halimale General store. These are all must-sees and must-do's!

Any other questions, please email me.
Deb

FYI

FYI, One of the companies that offered the Zodiac Rides has had its license pulled due to a recent accident involving negligence on the operators part. Classic Hawaii no longer offers this trip because of this problem.

Jon

Of the three Maui excursions that you ask about, I would definitely suggest the one to Iao Valley and Tropical Plantation. Not because it is necessarily the best of the three, but because it is short enough to allow you some free time to ALSO see some other parts of Maui on your own. I'd suggest you use your limited free time to walk through Lahaina, and to visit the Hyatt or some of the other spectacular hotels on Kaanapali Beach (only a 10-minute cab ride from Lahaia). You will definitely want to come back for a longer (at least one week) visit to Maui in the future.

LOTS more info about Maui restaurants, sights, and activities, is in the 30-page Maui info paper available at this web page:
http://members.aol.com/Derm1/index.html

Jon

K. mccarthy

the ideal maui day:
take the half-day TRILOGY snorkeling trip out of Kaanapali beach (the kaanapali beach hotel can give you information). Then spand the rest of the afternoon exploring the town of Lahaina and the coast and go to an early dinner at the Chart House.The Hula Grill is also excellent.