J Saunders

We've waited 20 years for this and don't want to miss a thing as it may another 20 before we can go back! We're going the 3rd week of March and staying @ the Kaanapali Beach Hotel. We know we'll be going on the Hana road trip but not sure after that. My husband is an avid fisherman & also would like to snorkel (how's Black Rock?) Would like some helpful tips on some do's and don'ts. I would so hate to get back home & find out we were within spitting distance of a great time & missed it cuz we didn't realize it was there!

L. Montgomery

What a wonderful trip you have to look forward to.
The first thing I would do is to buy Fodor's book on Hawaii and also the "Maui Handbook" by J.D. Bisignani and plubished by Moon Publications, Inc. you will find so much to do.
The Road to Hana will be an all day trip leaving early in the morning. Have your Hotel pack a picnic lunch for you to eat at one of the many wonderful stops along the road. The Hotel will also provide beach towels for you to take with you and you will want to have your bathingsuit so you can jump into some of the ponds with huge waterfalls spilling down. You will also want to stop in the little town just before you start up the Hana Road and buy a tape ($7 I believe) that will describe everything you will be seeing. Play it as you drive and it is timed to start telling you what you are to be seeing next just as you are arriving at that spot.

s humphrey

DO NO GO ON HANA ROAD. SLOW AND A WASTE. IF YOU WNAT TO SEE WANT IS AT THE END TAKE THE BLUE HAWAII HELICOPTER TRIP. MOST SAFE ON ISLAND.
HAVE LUNCH AT THE HULA GRILL AND A SANDWITCH AT CHEESEBURGER IN PARADISE. GO TO A LUAU AND WALK IN OLD TOWN AT NIGHT. MAUI IS GREAT BUT REAL TOURISTY

Brandi

We went on our honeymoon on maui and stayed at the grand wailea. I'm not sure if non guests can get in but try and spend a day at their pool its fantastic. It has waterslides, relaxing tube floats, pool bar, etc. its the most extensive pool Ive seen and quite fun or relaxing. With respect to the above gentleman, take the trip to hana, we did it was long but worth it and definately get the tape, I think we got it at the gas station. We are scube divers and I dont remember the name but it is a crescent shape rock and there were a lot of snorklers at that site. Or look up a boat tour it will take you snorkling at different locations. As far as fishing goes if you husband goes with a tour vessel he cannot keep his fish, so he should ask before he goes if he wants to keep his fish. For more information look up maui tourism website. Well hope you both have a wonderful time and enjoy the memories you make in Maui.

P. Thompson

My husband and I visited Maui in August for our honeymoon.

Be sure to do the road to hana. I agree to have your hotel pack a picnic. We were in the seven pools ares (I think that is what they are called) along the ocean and pulled out our picnic and enjoyed the scenery. There is also a black sand beach in that area. Fodor's is the best guide to help you find all sorts of things to do.

A lovely and romantic restaurant was Swan Court at the Hyatt Regency. Make sure to make a reservation right before sunset as the view will be lovely.

We also visited the Winery and bought some champagne and wine. The tour was not that impressive as they did not show us that much, but gave us lots of history. It is a nice drive especially since it is where you'll see some goats, cows and wild pigs.

In the area of the Grand Wailea hotel there is a whole section along the road of lava rock, it was really wild to see. There are also some nice beaches in that area.

Be sure to visit the main area (I forgot the name of it) where there are lots of shops and restaurants. The prices are basically the same from one shop to another so don't go crazy trying to find a deal. In the open area where there are all types of vendors set up there is this one guy who will do some pretty fancy art work with peoples names. We had him write out our last name and it consisted of letters that looked like a whale, palm tree, butterfly etc. He is pretty talented and it wasn't that much money.

Have a great time!

Elaine

Simply to reiterate comments already expressed...TAKE THE ROAD TO HANA and be sure to stop EVERYWHERE possible. My husband and I included Maui as one of three island stops on our honeymoon and look forward to returning by our 10th anniversary. We discovered hidden beaches off the road where we were the only people enjoying the views and waters; waterfalls where a bit of hiking was necessary but was well worth it! EXPLORE! YOU MUST SEE THE SUNRISE OVER HALEAKALA!!!! A van will pick up at your hotel at 2am but again, well worth it. Wear warm clothing and a jacket and even bring a blanket from your hotel; extremely cool due to the elevation; unforgettable however!!!!! PLAN ON SEEING THIS!!! And I agree, the Swan Court at the Maui Regency (where we stayed on Maui)is very romantic and another MUST stop. The best and least commercial luau I've been to (I've probably been to 4 over my two visits there) is on Maui. The name escapes me at this moment but if you wish to send a few luau names to me, I'll recognize it immediately
MY SUGGESTION: If your vacation budget permits, fly over to the Big Island and take the helicopter tour over there, around the complete island. If possible, ALSO have car access in order to tour by foot the Hawaii National Volcanoes Park. It is amazing. We took a helicopter tour at 7am one morning and I feared (my first helicopter ride)I'd possible react negatively - NO! It was one of THE most exciting, rewarding sightseeing experiences of our lives. Well worth whatever it costs, and inter island airfares are minimal. ENJOY YOUR VISIT TO HAWAI! ALOHA!!

Darlene Woods

You'll have a great time. My husband and I and another couple went in 96 and we're returning in March. Relax. buy a Fodot's Hawaii. Lots of info. Hana highway is pretty but we won't do it again. You can fly to Hana and drive back. The road from Ialo to Kaanapli is gorgeous, narrow road with areas that only one car can pass at a time, rental car agencies don't want you on this road but we had Geo's and were fine. See Haleakala at sunrise, dold but beautiful. Enjoy you trip. Make your memories.

Keith

With exception of the person who said to NOT go to Hana everyone has been right on with their advice. My wife and I went last February and stayed in the Kaanapali area. It was perfect. We did the Hana trip (the road was interesting to say the least) but the Seven Pools area was absolutely unbelievable. I have never seen anything so beautiful. Definitely stop all along the way. The rainforest are beautiful, bamboo forests, spectacular views of the coasts, etc.

One person mentioned going to the Big Island. We went there for 5 days also during that trip. We actually liked it more as it was more "Hawaiian" and quiet. The island is, of course, lava. This was amazing. You should definitely try to visit to see the active volcano and Volcano National Park.

Kaui is also a neat island (like Jurassic Park) thick with folliage.

Enjoy yourself. Also, talk to the locals they are very proud of their heritage and wonderful to speak to.

Mike

A couple quick notes on The Road to Hana. I don't know when the last time most of these repsondants were there, but when we went two years ago and made it to the seven pools, there was not much water to see and was told it was because it hadn't rained in a week or so. Well, we just got back from Maui and the Big Island and the entire state (Big Island has been hit hardest) is in the middle of a SERIOUS drought. This won't diminish your trip at all I don't think, but the waterfalls and the seven pools on the road to Hana may not be as spectacular as most remember. I do though, thinkthe views are some of the most amazing I've seen, but wouldn't do the drive again - the driver of the car can't enjoy it much. The views are gorgeous and the driving tedious. You MUST whale watch. On our two hour trip we had a mother and baby (calf) perform a series of breaches (jumps out of the water) that I'll never in my life forget. Sometimes they even did it simultaneously (Got this on film!!) I would also, as others do, recommend the Big Island. The helicopter ride is amazing. Please let us all know how your trip went!

Rick

You asked about Black Rock. GREAT place to snorkel.
Dont know if they still allow it, but last time we were there you could also dive of the cliff. Very fun!!!!!.. Good place to see turtles is around the front of the rock. Go in on the Sheriton side, follow the wall out and around. Dont go inside the
"bowl", but cross to the other side. then follow the
wall around. Good spot for turtles.
Another great snorkeling spot is to drive up passed
Kapalua to Honolua Bay. Look for a dirt road on your left about 4 miles passed Kapalua. Some drive down it, but very rough. Only a short walk..
Looking out to sea, on the left side of the bay
almost to the bay opening look for lots of boulders
on shore. Out about 50 yards is a good spot for morays..
On another note, for a sunset to die for. Go into lahaina, and down by the Pioneer Inn. Great photo
op. with the whaling ship in the foreground.
Iao Valley State park is another pretty area.Lots of trails threw the jungle.