Maui June 2009

OK, I know this trip report is waaay overdue. I enjoy Fodors and always get great advice, so I know the right thing to do is post a report even if it is over 4 months old.

Maui in June--husband and I used flyer miles. Flight from Chicago to Kahului was fine (discounting the 4 hours we spent on the tarmak at O'Hare because of bad thunderstorms). Rented an Audi convertible and loved it! It was the best way to view the beautiful island.

Stayed at the Kaanapali Beach Hotel and found it much to our satisfaction, plus it was less expensive than the chain hotels surrounding the area. I don't recommend the restaurant, Tiki Terrace, at the hotel--the Tiki Bar and Grill and Mixed Plate are good, however. The beach is gorgeous and very close to Black Rock where there is excellent snorkeling. Saw many sea turtles, two small sharks, and abundant colorful sealife.

Day trip to Haleakala (crater) was great. Upcountry is beautiful and the quaint little towns are so interesting. The crater is breathtaking and the colors look as if they've been carefully placed there by hand. It was very windy the day we were there and the temps were in the 50s. Very cool compared to the 80s we left in Kaanapali.

The road to Hana was absolutely beautiful. We loved the switchbacks and old bridges. The foliage is so lush and green. Drove through an area with several vendors selling food, jewelry, and trinkets. I couldn't wait to get to Seven Sacred Pools to enjoy the water; however, upon arrival we learned that there was no swimming because of the high water (it was quite windy the week we were in Maui). Instead I body surfed at Hamoa Beach--big waves were so fun.

Maui's southern beaches offer nice snorkeling and swimming. Wailea Beach is wide and very nice. Watched kids enjoy boogie boarding--the boys were showing for their girlfriends, I think. ha ha. Tried snorkeling at Black Sand Beach, but the surf was too rough and the shoreline was rocky where I was attempting to enter.

Food: had many very good meals, but our favorite was Mama's Fish House in Pa'ia. The view alone is worth it and the fish was outstanding. Another great meal at Pacifico's--sat virtually on the beach at sundown. Beautiful. Other restaurants worth noting--Milagros (Paia) and Sea House (Napali). We didn't care for Ahola Mixed Plate (Lahaina) or Lahaina Fish Co. (Lahaina).

Enjoyed a couple of evenings shopping beachfront in Lahaina. A lot of activity in that area at night. I also liked Whaler's Village near our hotel. The sidewalk connecting all the Kaanapali beach hotels is wonderful!

We loved Maui so much. We've definitely been bitten by the island bug.