dhack

I will be venturing forth to Maui with 3 friends and my mom in July for a week. This is my first visit to Hawaii, so I don't want to miss anything, although I hope to return someday. We will be staying at the Royal Aloha timeshares in Kihei and will have a car. I'd like to go to a luau (it is my first visit, after all) and Mom would like to go to a pineapple plantation (not sure if there is one on Maui). We'll probably have a beach day or two, maybe do some snorkeling and don't want to miss the volcano.

I'd love some feedback on restaurants, shopping, and day trips that can't be missed. Any suggestions?

iamq

A nice day/half day trip is to take a drive to Paia and wander and shop and maybe have breakfast or lunch there. Drive on to Hookipia Beach to watch the kite and wind surfers, double back to Paia and head up the hill to Makawao for a little upcountry flavor. Makawao is a nice place to wander and snoop with good eats.

We had an incredible meal recently at Sansei in Kihei. Very good sushi and well prepared fish dishes. Highly recommended.

Here is a link to my recent trip report if you're intereested.

http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...rass-shack.cfm

Barbara5353

I don't believe there are any tours of pineapple plantations on Maui. I always take first time visitors to Maui Tropical Plantation. It's a short drive from Kihei and the tram tour gives a nice overview of history and crops grown in Hawaii. We usually allow about 2 hours. Scenery is lovely, too. Check it out here: www.mauitropicalplantation.com

Just up the same road a couple miles is my favorite museum, Bailey House. It is small but quite interesting. The grounds are so peaceful, with the West Maui mountains looming behind you. Also, it has one of the best gift shops on Maui.
www.mauimuseum.org

MiamiBeachMomma

We loved Paia!! So much more that Kanapali. Eat at http://www.paiafishmarket.com/
I wish I could eat there very day!!!

DanM

I also recommend the Bailey House.

suze

The trip up Haleakala is FANTASIC (it's not a currently spewing lava type volcano though).

Old Lahaina Luau was very very good luau. My entire family loved it.

And the town of Lanaina is fun to poke around in. Lots of tourists shops, art galleries, restaurants and bars, art walk, historic walking tour, etc.

kimamom

We will be going to Maui in June! Any opinions on the Feast at Lele and road to Hana? ***kim***

logandog

We like Da Kitchen down Kihei Rd. next to the Denny's.Great local selection.Foodland has a good selection of local specialties such as ahi poke and you can get all your groceries.
Paia Fish Market is my favorite,never miss it.
The beaches near your condo are not the best for swimming. Make the short drive down to Kamaole III beach park. Easy parking ,showers and first rate snorkeling.

offlady

For shopping, you will want to make a day of it in Lahaina along Front Street and Whalers Village in Kaanapali; a drive up to Haleakala crater will take up another day; you can catch a luau in Wailea (near Kihei), or in Kaanapali after your shopping. If you decide on Old Lahaina Luau, be aware that it is strictly traditional Hawaiian hula, so there is no fire dance, nor the large feather headdress Tahitian dances, etc. popular at other luau shows.

Maui Tropical Plantation is good for first timers (they will let you sample fresh pineapple on the tram ride), as well as a drive into Iao Valley nearby.

Snorkel gear can be rented anywhere in Kihei; they will show you popular snorkeling spots.

logandog

On our many trips to Maui we always drive to The Iao Valley, a beautiful tropical experience.
Maui Tropical Plantation is a great stop on the way back from Iao Needle. Good hot dogs and ice cream cones.

suze

Feast of Lele is like a dinner theater/luau combined.

No Road to Hana for me (I get carsick).

islandaze

kimamom, you'll probably get more responses if you start your own thread rather than high-jack someone elses.

Barbara5353

For luaus: I love the fire dancers even if not "traditional" Hawaiian. For Lahaina area my pick would be the Feast at Lele. The secret is to make your reservation as far in advance as possible. It is all reserved seating. We had a table for 2 in the front, so close that we could feel the heat from the fire dancer. For So. Maui I like the luau at Marriott Wailea. The setting is beautiful and it is a short ride home when staying in Kihei.

Vaycee

On a first visit to Hawaii we did the PCC on Oahu and enjoyed the experience but much preferred the Old Lahaina Luau. Having said that we would probably try the Feast at Lele or the Marriot one at Wailea on another occasion both come with recommendations. It will depend entirely on what you are looking for. Check the OLL website it's very good. Unfortunately the Feast at Lele seems to be having some difficulties with theirs. You may also get more basic info from a site such as Hawaii Activities or Hawaii Discount Activities (two different sites)

Suzette85

When in Kihei also check out Wok Star and right across the street there is an outdoor skating rink right on the beach. You can rent roller blades.
In Paia (which is only 15 minutes from Kihei) there is also Milagros and great little shops that dont sell the traditional 'tacky tourist' / ABC store stuff.
Many will recommend Mamas Fish Market, which is very good, but expensive. Paia Fish Market is definitly the best quality seafood for the price. Go early because they will run out of certain fish.
Between Kihei and Wailea is Ulua beach which is great for just walking. Past Wailea are excellent beaches (Big Beach) and snorkeling. Enjoy!

dhack

Thanks so much for all of the great suggestions! The beach recommendations are appreciated - I knew we weren't near a swimming beach, so will need to take a beach day or two. I'll continue to check out the restaurants and the discount offers.

Two of our group members are interested in a trip to Pearl Harbor. Any suggestions for a day trip?

Placename

My mom preferred the trip up to the winery, as it is in such and interesting and historic location, and the Lavender Farm. The pineapple farm was really just a massive store with pineapple and island-themed stuff next to rows of pineapple plants.

Placename

Remember that the Haleakala volcano on Maui is the inactive one, while it's the Kileaua volcano on Hawaii that is the more active one in the news.

Haleakala National Park on Maui
http://www.nps.gov/hale/index.htm

Hawaiian Volcanoes National Park on Hawaii
http://www.nps.gov/havo/index.htm