1st time in Maui - 40th Anniversary - Suggestions please
 

We are staying in Kaanapali Beach for 6 nights beginning August 8th, with a rental car. Would love to hear from mature (note: not "old" as 60 is the new 50, haha) visitors as to suggestions. I have been doing a lot of research online and with books. Interests range from moderate hiking, moderate snorkeling, vineyards, coffee plantations, biking, sightseeing, to boating, beaching, nightlife (yes, we love to have fun), etc. I have been doing my research for restaurants but if you know of a place that is fabulous, please let me know. Would prefer restaurants that are not in a hotel. Is there a luau that is NOT touristy? We like discovering, so any trips we can make without a tour would be great. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.

My favorite restaurant on the island is Hali'imaile General Store in upcountry. The sashimi napoleon is heaven, as is the pineapple upsidedown cake.

A nice afternoon out would be to drive over to Paia and wander around for a bit, then head over to Hookpia Beach to watch the kite surfers and windsurfers and walk along the beach, then head back up the hill to Makawao to snoop around the shops there. If you're interested in the arts, on the way up to Makawao, you could stop at Hui No'eau Visual Arts Center for a look-see. They have workshops, galleries and a shop. After Makawao, it is just a short drive over to Hali'imaile for dinner.

Don't miss the beaches in Wailea and Makena, particularly "Big Beach". Beautiful. The beach by the Maui Prince in Makena is a great place to snorkel and to see turtles.

Take a drive up to Haleakala and take a hike into the crater. Quite an experience.

Have a great time.

A luau that is not your typical luau is the Feast at LeLe in Lahaina. You get individual tables, high quality and creative food served to you while you enjoy authentic Island song and dance right at the beach at sunset time. I would highly recommend it.

Great dining experiences:

Sansei in Kapalua if you like sushi

Mama's Fish House

Pacific'O

Hula Grill

Kimo's

For a hilarious and wildly entertaining show see Warren and Annabelle's comedy/magic show. But only if Warren is not on vacation that week. Make reservations well in advance.

Thank you iamq and Monterey bob. I like your suggestions.

iamq, really hit the nail on the head with the general store for excellent food and places to snorkel too.
Tedeschi winery in upcountry is wonderful.
we really enjoy breakfast at Gazebo or Plantation house in Kapalua.
Hula Grill in Kaanapali is a good time for lunch or dinner.
I am not a fan of luau's..too much money spent and cheesy..imo
Mama's Fish house is excellent but expensive..good celebration for lunch or dinner.
Have a great time!

The Feast at Lele is better than a typical luau. You sit at your own table-for-2 and are served your meal. Actually, it's several different small meals..samples of food from each island group prior to each segment of entertainment. Drinks are included, and there is a good variety including beer and wine. Much better than the usual buffet. The key is to make your reservation early. Seating is in reservation order. I made our reservations about a month in advance. We were front and center, and could actually feel the heat from the fire dancer's torch. The oceanfront setting is lovely. Strangers chat from table to table, and take pictures of each other. Good vibes.
IAMQ has already outlined what I would consider a perfect day on Maui...although if time allowed I would probably venture further Upcountry to enjoy the stunning scenery and views in Kula.

If you go to Makawao, stop into Sherrie Reeves store. She makes the most beautiful T-shirts, and other Hawiian art. She and her mom are lovely people.

I loved the Old Lahaina Luau (and normally I have a low "touristy" tolerance), but it's just such an excellent event.

I also enjoyed a self-guided historic walking tour you can do around the town of Lahaina. There's lots of great shops and restaurants there.

Of course, Haleakala is worth the visit. We did it mid-morning because no one wanted to get up so early and make the drive in the dark to see sunrise.

U'lalena at Myth & Magic theater in Lahaina was a fun cirque-de-soile styled music & dance show about the history of the islands.

Another thumbs up for Sherri Reeve crefloors! I bought my mother a couple of shirts from her shop and she loves them. The colors stay bright and vivid.

I second (or third) iamq's suggestion of Haili'imaile general store! Excellent food. You'll need a reservation for dinner, but can walk in for lunch. And I agree with the exploring of Pa'ia / Makawao / and Hui No'eau Visual Arts Center. An excellent day! And an added suggestion of driving up Olinda Road a bit (from Makawao), just to smell the eucalyptus trees and see the views looking down the slopes of Haleakala from that road. One of my favorite drives.

For a moderate hike, I suggest visiting the Iao Valley. The paths are paved, and the valley is beautiful. Very historical.

Congrats on the 40 years!

We had our 25 year anniversary dinner at Pacific'O and it was very delish and we timed it for cocktails at sunset. Congratulations on 40 years! I like the 60 is the new 50 because that means that 54 must be the 44!!! :S-

Stick with a luau that has a fire knife dancer & the varieaty of dances from many Polynesian countries.

Feast at Lele is good.

Drums of the Pacific has the best fire knife dancer on Maui.

Lots of sites for all islands & some for just Maui:

http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...trip-to-hi.cfm

Of note, www.mauihawaii.org really has a lot of info & links to other sources.

A long time ago we took a tour for the road to Hana and it was great. The tour we took was a loop, so we didn't double back. We never take tours, but this was a good idea because anyone driving would have missed the scenery.

These are all such great suggestions. You are so helpful...better than a book...or shall I say, makes it easier to decide after looking at the book. And yes, Mary2go, 54 is definitely the 44.

I agree that 60 is the new 50 and maybe even pushing 45! I second the suggestion for the Plantation at Kapalua and it's fairly close to where you are staying. We've been there for lunch several times. Other people may suggest "high end" restaurants, but we enjoy Moose McGuillicuddy's in Lahaina. It's fun, the food is more like home (Midwest) and reasonable $. For entertainment try Warren and Annabelle's magic show. We really enjoyed it and the magic is very good. Be sure to go when Warren is there. We've taken 3 helicopter rides (West Maui, Hana and Haleakala) I would definitely do the first 2 again, but didn't really like to flight to the top of Haleakala.
If you haven't been to Maui before, at least one tour is a good idea. It gives you insite and information that you won't get just going by yourself.
Congrats on the anniversary. Have a great time and don't forget to take time to just relax and enjoy the island. It's easy to get caught up in everything and then have to go home to recover. :-)

I recommend Lahaina Grill (formerly known as David Paul's Lahaina Grill. http://www.lahainagrill.com/ The website has menu info and pictures to whet your appetite!

My husband and I were there last summer and had the Chef's Tasting Menu. It's a wonderful way to experience more of the delicious menu.

Happy Anniversary!

TravelGram, I have to agree that 60 is possible 45 because that is how I feel. I will take you up on your suggestions and your's also islandsnoopy. I like to do at least one "tour" thing, so we aren't just wasting each day trying to figure out what to do. That is why I greatly appreciate all of your suggestions as a guide. Yes, it is our first time to Hawaii. After Maui, we are going to Kauai where we re renting a house in Maaloha Bay in the North end. I have lots of ideas for Kauai, but it was Maui causing me concerns.

Would anyone recommend taking a side trip to Molokai or Lanai? Which is better if we can only do one?

Many on here and good friends of mine highly recommend the Trilogy boat trip to Lanai (snorkeling, breakfast on the boat, picnic on the beach, trip into Lanai town if you choose)...

http://www.sailtrilogy.com/

Your are going to love Moloa'a Bay on Kauai. Quiet and laid back.

We loved the amazing breakfasts at Longhi's in Lahaina right on Front Street. The pancakes, homemade jams and muffins were out of this world. Enjoy Maui!