Barb Kennedy

We just returned from a two week trip to Maui and Kauai. Highly recommended on Maui: Snorkel trip with Pacific Whale Foundation, Haleakala bike trip with Cruiser Phil's, Warren and Annabelles show in Lahaina. Restaurants: Kimos, Hula Grill, Longhis
Not recommended: Marriott Luau!! Highly recommended on Kauai: Fishing with
Anini Charters, Kayaking the Wailua River, Helicopter tour, Hiking
Restaurants: Dukes Canoe Club, Keoki's Paradise, Brick Oven Pizza
Not recommended: Hiking Pihea trail!!!

Virginia

What was wrong with the Pihea trail. Is this the Alakai swamp trail. I loved this on my trip 2 weeks ago. My only problem is that I was with three kids who would not clamp it long enough for birds to feel safe around us. When another bird watcher went by us and told me to loose the kids I sent them packing with my sister, their mother.

This was a boardwalk trail, yes? I loved it even if I did not see a single bird but I did once I got rid of the kids. You had to sit quite and still for about 15 minutes and then they start to come around. But I just loved the quality of the landscape leading to the thicker area of woods.

We also did Kuilau trail which was easier to one member in our group and had picture perfect lush green valley views. The best trail, one I have done before but this time turned back from because it was a bit steep for our kids or their mother's sanity I should say was on the North Shore, the Kalalau trail to Hanakapi beach.

How were your accommodations? If you were on the west side were you happy in this location? I have a hard time not staying on the north shore but I know I pay for this in days of overcast. We hit a lot of clouds all over the island on the week Aug 11-18. Hanalei bay, Kakee and Haena just knocks my socks off so I always return like robot.

Barb Kennedy

The Pihea trail was one of the trails that got you to the Alakai swamp trail. It was a very extreme trail in places and very very muddy....no boardwalks. Not a trail AT ALL for inexperienced hikers. The view from the first two vistas were beautiful but after that it was steep, slippery, muddy and not much fun with no views.
B the time you finally got to the swamp trail you were extremely muddy and a bit tired. The swamp trail was really special almost like being in a prehistoric forest. We also went as far as the beach on the Kalalau trail and it was one of the best hikes that I have ever been on. One mile continually uphill then one mile down to the beach and then back the same way. Awesome views, at one point we were looking DOWN at the helicopters. Dont go if you are afraid of heights and lots of water is a must.
We stayed at the Embassy at Poipu Point and loved it. The weather was great no rain.
Barb

Naneki

Barb, can you tell me a little more about your snorkel trip with PWF. Which trip did you go on? Did you see alot of dolphins? I'm going to Maui in November and have been thinking about going on a snorkel/dolphin watch trip with PWF, so would like to know more about your particular experience.

TIA

Barb Kennedy

Yes, we went on their Molokini/Lanai trip on the Odyssey. We got a discount by purchasing a gold card at Maui.org. Last year we went on their Molokini/Turtle arches trip and both were nice. The Odyssey is their newest,biggest boat and really nice. They have actual seats and not just hard benches like lots of the other boats we saw. When we went this year two weeks ago we saw turtles, lots of dolphins and of course the beautiful fish. About 40 dolphins came up by our boat and put on quite a show one of them with a small baby.

Barb Kennedy

Oops! Continued message. The captain let us stay watching the dolphins for quite a long while even though it was way past time to leave. It was really amazing! Their Odyssey trip gives you a barbeque lunch at the Lanai site while the Molokini/Turtle Arches they give you a deli sandwich lunch. We went on the other trip in December and saw lots of whales. These people are really wonderful and the proceeds go for a good cause. My 80 year old father went snorkeling and really anyone can do it. They give you noodles or life jackets if you want along with the snorkel equipment. They have snorkel lessons, naturalist talks about the different fish, naturalist led reef tours while snorkeling, knot tieing demos and on board films of the different reef life. On the Molokini/Turtle Arches trip they have optional snuba for an additional fee.
These people are wonderful and really care about the environment. I highly recommend them!
Barb