I'm about 20 minutes south of LAX. Great area, very casual. LA is not big on public transportation so you really want to be close to the things you want to do.

But I will definitely drive to meet you for cocktails, dinner or whatever!

Did you ever check out bamboo cottage? I just had a good feeling about that place.
http://www.hanaparadise.com/bamboo.html

We stayed years ago at that condo complex and hated it, but perhaps new management and some renovations have changed all that.

As far as Mama's, go during the daylight - lunch or first seating for dinner, as the view is as important as the fabulous fresh fish. But trust me, the lunch is no bargain like you might find at some NYC high end restaurants!

Bill, when you were there, were there many people at the lounge area? Any time I have been to the hotel we and perhaps one other couple were the loan patrons. But oh those wasabi fries at the lounge, and the fish benedict breakfast big enough for 2! I had mrlou's leftovers after flying with Armin on his trike!!!

If you want someone to check out the West Hollywood option (location, etc) let me know and I'll ask my Didier to do it for you.

NP, I haven't followed your plans. Are you going to Kauai?

I'm familiar with the West Hollywood location and even the building, just waiting to hear from the owner.

A week in LA as a stopover, then a week in Honolulu at Ilikai Marina condo facing the marina, then 6 nights in Kauai at Wailua Bayview in a condo, then a week in Kona at Hale Kona Kai, 3 nights at Kate's Volcano Lodge, then 2 nights at the north of BI at Hotel Honokaa. Then to Maui for a week at Kihei at Hale Kai O'Kihei, then these three nights at Hana -- which I did book at Hana-Kai Maui. Then I fly home with the overnight at LAX.

I've also booked my interisland flights which all were quite cheap this far in advance, and great schedules for me.

Gyppielou, Bamboo Inn was one of the places I was looking at, and I had some mixed feelings about it based on reviews, including those that mentioned the small unit I'd want has a big family unit above it and several complained of the noise from above. The Hana-Kai Maui is a condo complex? It seems to be strictly a hotel -- or at least is run as such. In any case, I already have it booked. It will do.

gyppielou,
We were at the Hotel in February and it was pleasantly sparse. There were maybe 10 to 12 tables occupied at dinner and maybe 10 to 15 folks in the bar. Breakfast was busier.

thanks iamq!

Neo, it sounds like a great trip. I just worry about you ending the trip with those nights in Hana. I'll say upfront that I've not spent the night in Hana and IF I do it will be because I want a romantic, low-key getaway. I'm worried about you being in that location for your last nights in Hawaii without Lee. I also wouldn't spend the night before departure back home in Hana. The stress of making the drive back with a schedule would be too much for me. Maybe one night in Hana and then head back to spend the last two nights.

It's been YEARS since I planned a Maui trip but I remember finding a delightful B&B WAY up in elevation mid-island that I wanted to try. We ended up staying at hotels instead (the Hyatt and then the Maui Prince) but I still wonder about that place. I love the St. Croix villa that is up near the ridge and has a killer view and I just think to be "on top of the world" in Maui so to speak would be a great way to end your vacation.

Just a thought.

I'm not sure this is the same one, but read the reviews of the Upcountry B&B on TripAdvisor.

I'll do more searching when I get back later on.

Oh, starrs, don't do this to me after I thought I'd made up my mind.

After talking with several people and doing some more reading, I'm no longer worried about the "pressure" of the drive, since even if I leave at 8, that gives me 4 hours to do the drive that can normally be done in 2. Getting to the airport by noon is already being generous as my flight leaves at 2. I'd be surprised if I didn't actually leave earlier in the morning as I'm sure I'll be awake and I'd avoid much traffic, and also surprised if it even took me 3 hours to do it. I'll be doing a lot of stopping on the way there, not necessarily on the way back.

I guess I'm also not so sure why the condo in Hana would be any more "romantic" than a B&B on a hill with a view. In fact, that type of B&B seems more romantic? I tend to think I'd feel more "out of it" in a B&B by myself than in a larger inn or apartment complex.

Besides, I really would want to spend at least two nights in Hana. Just arriving in an afternoon (can't check in till late anyway) and then leaving the next day really doesn't seem worth it to me. As I said I see at least a full day or two's worth of activities there.

I plan to explore the upcountry area a couple of days while staying at Kihei.

Neo, the ride back to the airport will be against any tourist traffic starting their Road to Hana tour so it shouldn't take that long at all.

I have driven that road in the night in a driving rain storm and it still didn't take that long (on the return).

I think you will enjoy Hana, I sure did. I had a rented house there and the icing on the cake was their memory wall in the house with photos of The Beatles cavorting around the house in their hey day! I was so tempted to sneak away with a photo but I didn't! It's a kick back place but not necessarily romantic so don't worry about that, also take the road past town for beautiful isolated views.

I agree with dining at Mama's in the daylight so you can enjoy the views. I am so jealous!

Sea Urchin,
That is soooo neat about staying in the house that the Beatles stayed in! Who knew the Beatles were ever in Hana. Interesting in that George Harrison must have really liked it as he built a home nearby.

Which one do you think did the driving to get there?

I could look it up, but this is easier -- how far is Mama's from Kihei?

Patrick, I so hope Todd and his family are still cooking on the side of the road when you make the journey to Hana. They do some kick ass plate lunches.

The day we ate there, locals were talking story to all of us! I can just see you now enjoying talking story and eating at Hana's finest!!!

Have a wonderful time! I have a feeling you may run into Willie or Clint or Oprah!!! Who knows?

30 minutes. Maybe a bit more or a bit less depending on traffic through Paia.

Go have lunch at Mama's. Then take a drive up the hill to Makawao and get dessert or ice cream at Komodo Bakery. It is a cute little town, not too touisty, but fun.

icee, How far is the plate lunch place from the hotel? Could Marteen and I walk there? We won't have a car when we're there in April. I guess we could ride bikes, couldn't we?

Absolutely, you can ride bikes. But, since Marteen runs and you are also running now, you should not have a problem walking or running! I have forgotten which days of the week they are there. He was a chef on that terrible island you went to last summer.

Hey, if you do go, please get us a bottle of sauce! The real icee forgot and put his in his carry on and it was confiscated!

We enjoyed breakfast a few mornings across the street from the hotel. French toast and loco moco were ono! Are y'all gonna trike with Armin?

What "hotel" are we talking about here? I'm a little lost.

That sounds so great! I can't wait for this trip. BTW, I am not really running much, just enough so I can post on the Couch potato to 5k thread.

We are getting breakfast thrown in in our deal from the hotel and plan to either eat dinner in the bar of the hotel or get that delicious plate lunch and eat on our deck over looking the pounding surf and ever changing sky. One night the hotel has a buffet and Hawaiian show. The food is supposed to be good and the show features Hana locals singing and dancing. C'mon April 6!

Hi Patrick, I am referring to the Hotel Hana Maui, where I'll be staying in April. It is my 50th birthday gift to myself. I'll do some recon for you while I am there.

The drive from Hana takes me about 1 1/2 hours so being a cautious driver, taking your time I would say 2 1/2 hours would be more than generous.

I don't really understand the words of concern from someone who has never stayed in Hana. Very odd.

Funny, if I was traveling solo and missing mrlou, I think I would be lonelier in the crowds of Kaanapali then the solitude of Heavenly Hana.

I recall walking to the general store from Homoa Bay House at sunrise. Every local truck that drove by slowed down and waved good morning. I have found my time in Hana to be rural but warm and gentle.

And if you're feeling adventurous book a flight with my darling Armin
http://www.hangglidingmaui.com/

You should also consider BevGannons restaurant Hailimaile General Store for her signature Sashimi Neopolean......we are in her barmaid Wendy's Ohana Book for always stopping in when arriving and departing from the airport!