Maui Trip report 2/28 to 3/6/04

Old Mar 9th, 2004, 05:32 PM
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Maui Trip report 2/28 to 3/6/04

Just got back from a great trip in Maui. I received alot of useful info. on this site prior to going, esp. the trip reports. So, I am contributing our trip report. It long, but hopefully useful.

Day 1
Left Dallas around 8am. Flew into LAX and left around 10:30am for Maui.
Flew into Kahluiui airport around 2:20pm. It was actually relatively painless to get our luggage and then get our rental car (took all about 30 minutes).

Weather was partly cloudy, but no rain. Drove down to our hotel the Marriot Renaissance Wailea resort (about 30 minutes). Open air lobby with simple elegant decoration. Valet took us around the resort telling the highlights (in a golf cart) before arriving to our room at the Mokapu beach club section. This was actually a separate section right next to the ocean consisting about 26 units. Had an upstair king room. Room was clean, roomy enough, comfortable, but not luxurious. We did have a private lanai that was very nice. The view was great, right on to the ocean. Also separate area for us with cabanas and a private concierge. The pool as most other have stated was small.

After settling in we drove to Lahanina and dined at Mamma?s fish house. It was right next to the ocean, we got in just prior to the sunset, and we had a great view. Food was excellent, but over-priced. Service was excellent and very friendly.

Day 2

Awoke at 4:30am, yes you read right, 4:30am. Why? To drive to the summit of Haleakala mountain to see the sunrise. The road was narrow, windy, and dark. Even though, I never thought my life was in danger, it was nevertheless, a not-so-easy drive. Took us about 2 hours to get to the summit. There was a visitors center near the top and bunch of people gathered inside trying to stay warm. Word of advice, believe when they say IT IS COLD. We brought fairly heavy jackets and it was STILL COLD. I?ve been told that the sunrise could range from disappointing to a religious experience. The key is rather it is cloudy up there. It was cloudy so the sunrise was mediocre at best, but at least I can say I did it. Did see a bunch of mountain biking companies as well.

Ate our breakfast buffet in a very nice ocean view restaurant that was free with our room. Variety was good (omelet, juices, cereal, eggs, fresh fruits, bacon, sausage, waffles, pancake, etc). Cost is $20 if you are not staying in the Mokapu section.

Then we spent part of the day shopping at the Shops at Wailea shopping center. Bought some gifts to bring home. Spent most of afternoon sunbathing in our private cabana.

In the evening, we drove to Lahaina to go to feast of Lele. However, the canceled it on account of the rain. We reschedule, and ate at Pacific O rest. Right next to the Feast of Lele. Ocean side seating, smallish rest. Food was excellent and price was fair. Service was great and friendly as well.

Day 3

Woke up finding and found the weather to be uncooperative. It was cloudy, windy, and sprinkling. We drove to Lahanina again for our snorkel trip with Four Winds. Due to the weather conditions, it was canceled, and we had to reschedule again.

We came back, disappointed, and ate the free BK buffet. It stopped raining, and we decided to change our plan and drive to Hana. We got to Paia from Wailea around 10am. For the 1st 2 hours of the drove, it was great; we had the top down; stopped at fruit stand; and took pictures at a few waterfalls that were visible along the highway. Since like everyone else we read the Blue bible, we decided to pick 2 things we wanted to see/do on the way to Hana, and then if time others on the return trip. The first stop was at the 31 mile marker at the Blue Pool. You had to make a turn off of the highway, and drive about 3 miles of unpaved road. At one point, there was a sign that said Last available parking before Blue pool-$4. DON?T BELIEVE IT. If you do park there you have to walk at least 1.5 miles to the blue pool. Go past it and keep driving. You will encounter some very hilly road?at 1 point the sign says only 4WD allowed past this pt. We ignored it and drove in our Sebring Convertible. Finally, you will arrive a makeshift parking lot charging $2 for parking. Then you walk a short distance over rocks to the blue pool. It was very beautiful, and the recent rain, made the waterfall stronger. You can jump in and swim up to underneath the waterfall. It was worth the trip.

Our next stop did not come to until we past Hana, and arrived at Oheo Gulch at the ?7 sacred pool?. The picture in the Blue bible is exactly what it looked like. Quite a few people were there and jumping off the cliff into the water. Great location for pictures as well.

Well, by this time it was 3:30pm. We had initially planned to drive around, but the ranger told us that due to recent rain, the roads were closed. Thus, we made a return trip back. The return trip was hard, because by that time, you were tired. The many windy roads and 1 way bridges, became less appealing. We did not stop any where else and did not get back to Wailea until 3 hours later. Thus, from Wailea, it took about 5 hours to reach the sacred pools, and 3 hours back without stopping.

We ate at Vietnamese Cuisine in Kihei. The food was good and price was fair. We collapsed exhausted and slept well at night.

Day 4
Woke up late, at the breakfast buffet.
We decided to go shopping. We went to the Maui Tropical Plantation to visit. It was basically a large plantation that had a huge store and restaurants. They were selling pineapples 3 for about $16 (boxed and airport ready). They also sold the basic Hawaiian gifts (t-shirts, picture frames, cookies, coffee). We did not take the plantation tram tour since it cost $9/person?and did not look interesting anyways. We walked around the grounds a little bit and left.
After that we went to the local Safeway shopping strip to buy some snacks, etc. We saw an ABC store (popular chain store in Hawaii) and my wife and I bought matching Hawaiian shirt and dresses for our Luau that night.
At 5:30pm we arrived at the Feast at Lele (rescheduled from earlier in the week). The weather was perfect. The setting was perfect. It was literally on the beach, beautiful sunset, and the staff was great. We were greeted with Lei?s. There was a professional photographer to take your picture if you wanted. We had front and center seats for the whole thing (they seat you by how early you book). The performance was GREAT (and very professional/authentic in my opinion). The staff was extremely friendly. The food was great in my opinion. It was individual seating and they brought you food (not buffet style). It was all you drink including alcohol (lava flow, pina colada, mai tai, beers, etc). The whole event took about 1 hour and 40 minutes. We both loved it, and would definitely go back.

Day 5
The weather did not cooperate today. It was rainy throughout most of the day. Our planned Discovery Scuba with Lahaina Divers was canceled. Afterwards we went back to the Marriott Renaissance Wailea hotel and ate at the Maui Onion Rest. We ate the famous maui onions which were excellent along with the great tasting buffalo wings?this was chased down by our tropical drinks.
After the hearty meal, we walked the beach front walkway that connected our hotel to the 4S, Grand Wailea, Fairmont Kea Lani.
The weather cleared up and we rented a boogie board at the Wailea beach (on the walk way). We had a blast spending the afternoon on the beach boogie boarding, etc. The beach had a lot of people, but was not overwhelming.
For dinner we ate at Sarento?s on the beach (after the sun had set). I had the veal and she had the tiger shrimp. I thought mine veal was very avg?tasted like beef stew meat. Her tiger shrimp was good. Service was excellent. Dim lighting.

Day 6
The weather turned back to beautiful sunny skies for the whole day. At 7AM we went snorkeling with the Four Winds II group. It was an awesome experience. The boat was big. It felt like there was about 80 people, but it did not feel crowded. You could stay upstairs, downstairs, or on the side of the boat. For the most part, the ride was smooth. It took about an hour to get there at a steady pace. Captain John was hilarious. His job was more to entertain us than drive the boat?that was left mostly to the kids and his crew. Apparently he has been doing this job for 13-14 years. We got to the Molokini Crater and dropped anchor. The crew was very professional and efficient in getting all the snorkel equipment, including fins to everybody in a timely fashion. There were 2 stair cases and a slide. They also had boogie boards available. The were plenty of equipment for every body. After about 30min. they started cooking hamburger and chicken. There was also alcohol and sodas available. The food was good and also plenty to go around. We stayed all together about 2 hours at the crater. The water was very clear and good variety of fishes. We spent our time coming back and saw whales too. He really took his time and allowed us plenty of time to enjoy the whales and take pictures. I truly enjoyed this experience and definitely recommended it to everybody.

We got back around 12:40 to the dock. We actually checked out of the Renaissiance and checked into the Grand Wailea for our last 2 days. We booked a terrace view, and was upgraded without asking to a garden view free of charge. The Grand Wailea was an very nice resort. They did nickel and dime you a little bit. There was the infamous $15/day resort fee. They offered valet parking for $12/day or self parking somewhere. There was a very beautiful waterfall in front of the hotel (apparently it was one that a tour company used as their advertisement for Hana tours). The lobby was very open air and had a lot of couches. The grounds were well cared for.
We had reservation at the 4 season for a couple Oceanside massage. After a great steam room, and a shower, my wife and I headed to the ?hut? by the Oceanside. It was a wonderful experience and very relaxing 50min. I fell asleep a few times during the massage. My wife absolutely loved it and called it the best part of the vacation. It had better be for the cost
For dinner we ate at the Saigon Café (recommended by the blue bible). The cuisine was excellent and reasonably priced. My wife had the vermicelli with beef and I had the vermicelli with eggroll and beef.

Day 7 (last day
Of course, the main reason we came to the Grand Wailea were the pools. They were great. Everyday you had to get a pool tag and towel for the main ?hut?. There was 1 large pool and multiple other smaller pools. We rode the ?water elevator? which was fun. There had several Wet and Wild type slides that was a lot of fun. There was the swim up bar, ?tarzan rope?, and other smaller water falls. Although, there were a good amount of kids there, it was not overwhelming/disturbing?although, I could see how the numbers of kids can get very high in the summer time. We ate at one of the poolside rest. Which was surprisingly reasonable. The rooms were nice (nicer than the Renaissance) and even had a couch. There was maid service twice a day if you wanted it. We did not reserve the covered cabanas since it cost $120/day, but there plenty of lounges around the pool and front lawn which were free. We spent the whole day by the pool.

For dinner, we ate the Maui Prince Prime rib and seafood buffet. In my opinion it was the most disappointing meal for the dollar. They did not have lobster (I know most don?t) or crab legs. The had a shrimp, mashed potatoes, seafood chowder, salad, pasta. It was fine, but definitely not worth the money and I would not got back again.

Anyways that sums up our wonder trip to Maui. We got a great tan despite the weather not cooperating for a few days. This was our 2nd trip to Hawaii (our first trip was 5 years ago to Oahu and Kauai for our honeymoon) and loved it. Hope this was helpful.
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Old Mar 9th, 2004, 06:08 PM
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Aloha rugtown,

Thanks for the TR... sounds like you had a great time!
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Old Mar 9th, 2004, 07:22 PM
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no prob. we did, and i'm missing it already
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Old Mar 10th, 2004, 03:25 AM
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Aloha Rugtown,
Would you be so kind as to comment on the condition of the Wailea Area Beaches?

What was your opinion of Wailea Beach in front of the Grand Wailea, was it nice and sandy or was it rocky?

Mahalo in advance for your reply.
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Old Mar 10th, 2004, 05:21 AM
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Would you return to the Grand Wailea? It sounds like your dinner at Sarento's was a little disappointing. What was your single best meal experience in Maui?
Mahalo
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Old Mar 10th, 2004, 10:16 AM
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John D

In response to your question about the Wailea beach in front of the Grand Wailea.

Acutally it was a nice combination of both. They acutally had a sign that stated on one side was "Hardened shore line" and the other side was sandy beaches. We stayed on the sandy beach side. There was defintely plenty of room to roam for everybody. The condition of the sand was good, and there was a place right in front that you could rent boggie boards, kayaks, etc. The beach had plenty of people, but did not feel crowded.
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Old Mar 10th, 2004, 03:57 PM
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to crazy for hawaii:

Yes, I would definitely return to the Grand Wailea. The Mariott Renaissance Mokapu section was nice because for the price we got a great ocean front (we're literally feet from the water) view. However, the Grand Wailea felt much more upscale, the room was nicer, and the pools were unbeatable. I would not pay for an "oceanfront view" at Grand Wailea because the price is not worth the view. Also there were many lounges right near the beach. Hope it helps.
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Old Mar 10th, 2004, 03:59 PM
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crazy for hawaii:

oh, for the other part of your question. I believe overall Mamma's fishouse was the best meal. The sunset view was beautiful, the staff couldn't be any friendlier...just be ready to shell out a few bucks though...but you are on vacation
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Old Mar 12th, 2004, 02:29 PM
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Hi Rugtown. Thanks so much for the trip report. My fiance and I are going to Maui in June for our honeymoon (will be staying at the four seasons). We are so excited!

If you don't mind sharing, how much were the oceanside massages at the four seasons? And did you reserve them ahead of time (i.e. from home) or once you got to Maui? This is something we are thinking about, but I would like to have an idea of the cost before I get too excited about it.

Thanks!
Meg
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Old Mar 13th, 2004, 03:58 PM
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to 1MegMeg:

first of call congratulations. For both of us the couple oceanside hut massage for 50 min was $250. This included the use of their facilities (shower, steam room, lockers, etc). Even though, it was pricy, my wife truly enjoyed it, and worth every penny.

to answer your 2nd question. if you stay at the 4S, you can pretty much reserve anytime you want. If you are not staying at the 4S (we were staying at the Grand Wailea), you cannot reserve until 48 hours in advance. We called within 2 days, and they still had a few slots left. Our massage was at 3pm.

hope this helps. have FUN on your trip.

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Old Mar 16th, 2004, 07:47 PM
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Rugtown - Great trip report.

A question about the couple's massage at the 4 Seasons. We are thinking about driving up to the Crater to watch the sunrise and hike a little in the early morning in the crater, then head down to Wailea to the 4 Seasons for a Couples Massage and hang around there to have dinner at 6 pm at Ferraro's before heading back to the Sheraton?

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Old Mar 17th, 2004, 09:36 PM
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Thanks Nancy 2003

Yeah, I think is very doable. It takes about 2 hours to get to the summit and about 1.5 hours back (more light, easier to drive). I would probably try to do like a 4 pm couples massage, take a relaxing shower afterwards and then go to your dinner. Sunset around this time is about 6:30pm so your timing would be perfect. Have FUN. Let me know about Ferraro's...
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