Big Island Fans - will we like Maui?
Jul 24th, 2014, 08:04 PM
#41
Wait, I have it now .
Paris and Detroit, for example.
(My wife's family lives in the Detroit area.)
Both cities are on a river.
Both cities have good art museums.
Both cities have public transportation systems.
Both cities are kind of grey and cold in the winter.
Paris reminds me of Detroit.
Paris and Detroit, for example.
(My wife's family lives in the Detroit area.)
Both cities are on a river.
Both cities have good art museums.
Both cities have public transportation systems.
Both cities are kind of grey and cold in the winter.
Paris reminds me of Detroit.
Jul 25th, 2014, 06:21 AM
#42
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Suze
Born and raised in Southern California. Maui reminds me of all the beach communities in Orange County. To each his own. Clearly, to you it is a world apart.
Detroit....the Paris of the Midwest....will need to add it to my travel list. Haven't been in awhile.
Born and raised in Southern California. Maui reminds me of all the beach communities in Orange County. To each his own. Clearly, to you it is a world apart.
Detroit....the Paris of the Midwest....will need to add it to my travel list. Haven't been in awhile.
Jul 25th, 2014, 07:09 AM
#43
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"the Hawaii comparison that comes up so often by others on this topic."
I believe this relates to Maui, not Hawaii in general.
And, if others so often make the same comment, maybe there's something to it. Think about it.
We don't all see everything through the same lens.
I believe suze goes to Oahu for the most part, anyway.
Yes, logandog, it's exactly like that. How clever.
I believe this relates to Maui, not Hawaii in general.
And, if others so often make the same comment, maybe there's something to it. Think about it.
We don't all see everything through the same lens.
I believe suze goes to Oahu for the most part, anyway.
Yes, logandog, it's exactly like that. How clever.
Jul 25th, 2014, 09:41 AM
#44
Thanks for the background, taitai, I appreciate the answer.
Actually it's Waikiki that does remind me in a way of southern California, not currently but like it felt in the 60's when I was growing up there.
Actually it's Waikiki that does remind me in a way of southern California, not currently but like it felt in the 60's when I was growing up there.
Jul 25th, 2014, 01:38 PM
#45
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Ah, but when Paris is cold and grey you can go to Nice -- and be cold and grey on a beach. (Thanks for the laughs!)
I wonder why we don't fly from Chicago to Southern California in winter. Much faster and cheaper than South Maui
I wonder why we don't fly from Chicago to Southern California in winter. Much faster and cheaper than South Maui
Jul 27th, 2014, 05:55 PM
#47
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We just returned from a week at the Makena Surf in Wailea. DH and I have been to Oahu and the Big Island many times, as singles, after we were married and later with our kids We have also visited Kaui and this was our third trip to Maui ( the last being 17 years ago) as we also prefer the Big Island but we wanted something different.
Our condo was lovely and the beach was beautiful. Every possible amenity was available within a 5-10 minute drive. We found Maui to be very developed. We did not like the area around Kihei at all and Wailea has a resort/ hotel vibe which for us was not conducive to a relaxing holiday. It likely depends on the type of holiday you are looking for.
South Maui beaches are beautiful to look at but there are some very real dangers, particularly at Big Beach where the waves break right on the shore. I would suggest that you search Makena Beach on TA for some interesting and recent information about serious injuries and fatalities at this beach. It is a nice spot for a picnic but there are signs everywhere warning "If in doubt, don't go out" .
We love to snorkel and many of the organized snorkel tours congregate each morning in front of the Makena Surf. We were able to snorkel from the shore. DH thought it was nice ( he went further than I did) but we have snorkelled all over the world and I was underwhelmed. There were some beautiful turtles but they are also on the Big Island where the sea life is more abundant and colourful.
There were also two shark incidents last week in South Maui. The beach was closed from the Kihei boat ramp to the Four Seasons one morning. Though it would never prevent me from going in the water, the recent increase in shark activity on the Makena to Kihei stretch necessitates caution and common sense. Sharks are everywhere in the Hawaiian Islands, but I have never been as acutely aware as on this trip.
We enjoyed our trip but still prefer the Big Island or even Oahu over Maui.
Our condo was lovely and the beach was beautiful. Every possible amenity was available within a 5-10 minute drive. We found Maui to be very developed. We did not like the area around Kihei at all and Wailea has a resort/ hotel vibe which for us was not conducive to a relaxing holiday. It likely depends on the type of holiday you are looking for.
South Maui beaches are beautiful to look at but there are some very real dangers, particularly at Big Beach where the waves break right on the shore. I would suggest that you search Makena Beach on TA for some interesting and recent information about serious injuries and fatalities at this beach. It is a nice spot for a picnic but there are signs everywhere warning "If in doubt, don't go out" .
We love to snorkel and many of the organized snorkel tours congregate each morning in front of the Makena Surf. We were able to snorkel from the shore. DH thought it was nice ( he went further than I did) but we have snorkelled all over the world and I was underwhelmed. There were some beautiful turtles but they are also on the Big Island where the sea life is more abundant and colourful.
There were also two shark incidents last week in South Maui. The beach was closed from the Kihei boat ramp to the Four Seasons one morning. Though it would never prevent me from going in the water, the recent increase in shark activity on the Makena to Kihei stretch necessitates caution and common sense. Sharks are everywhere in the Hawaiian Islands, but I have never been as acutely aware as on this trip.
We enjoyed our trip but still prefer the Big Island or even Oahu over Maui.
Jul 27th, 2014, 08:43 PM
#48
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Just to throw another opinion into the mix, DW and I have been to all the islands multiple times (even Lanai twice).... except Big Island, only once, for a week.
Most visited? Oahu and Maui. Honolulu is mostly avoided.
While we may never return to Big Island, we did not have a 'bad' experience there. It just wasn't for us,
Mind you, Kaanapali isn't for us either. After 1 stay, we never returned.
I guess my point is, 'different strokes for different folks'. But we love Hawaii, are going back in March, and despite anything I have said, we would have a great time on any of the islands.
They all have the Aloha Spirit....
Most visited? Oahu and Maui. Honolulu is mostly avoided.
While we may never return to Big Island, we did not have a 'bad' experience there. It just wasn't for us,
Mind you, Kaanapali isn't for us either. After 1 stay, we never returned.
I guess my point is, 'different strokes for different folks'. But we love Hawaii, are going back in March, and despite anything I have said, we would have a great time on any of the islands.
They all have the Aloha Spirit....
Jul 28th, 2014, 10:33 AM
#49
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wow, thank you for all this. I am now totally confused though. We will get some books from the library about Maui and check out the different areas.
Pirouette - what did you not like about Kihei? Do you think the high surf just had to do with the weather or do the south Maui beaches always get big surf? We have young kids but some surf is fun to boogie board on.
I guess you can't help the sharks. We get them here on Cape Cod too.
will keep you posted on our decision!
Pirouette - what did you not like about Kihei? Do you think the high surf just had to do with the weather or do the south Maui beaches always get big surf? We have young kids but some surf is fun to boogie board on.
I guess you can't help the sharks. We get them here on Cape Cod too.
will keep you posted on our decision!
Jul 28th, 2014, 12:49 PM
#51
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Kihei is apparently not what it used to be. We had lunch with friends yesterday who formerly a condo there. They now say it looks like a strip mall. ( I tend to agree) They have since moved on to a new place in the California desert. I have never stayed in Kihei. Some may like it but it is not my ideal location for a relaxing holiday. Too many cars, tourist shops etc.
Jul 28th, 2014, 01:44 PM
#52
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North and Central Kihei are not "a tourist destination". This was and remains a real beach town, with real residents. It has the same things you'd expect in any small town: Banks, drug stores, a hardware store, gas stations, repair shops, groceries, and fast food. It also has some bars and restaurants that cater to tourists. In many ways it is no different than many small towns, but it's on Maui.
*South* Kihei, especially from Kam III Beach Park south, has nice vacation rental condos. We own one that is three minutes from the upscale Shops At Wailea and all but one of Maui's top-rated hotels.
*South* Kihei, especially from Kam III Beach Park south, has nice vacation rental condos. We own one that is three minutes from the upscale Shops At Wailea and all but one of Maui's top-rated hotels.
Jul 28th, 2014, 01:57 PM
#53
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I too am not a fan of Kihei. Although the beaches may be really nice, I think the main road is downright unattractive, and doesn't qualify as tropical. (I love the French toast at Kihei Kafee though).
(Haven't been to the Big Island since 1978 though so I can't comment on that. For tropical flavor/lush surroundings, I prefer Kauai, and I love the beaches on the east and north shores of Oahu).
(Haven't been to the Big Island since 1978 though so I can't comment on that. For tropical flavor/lush surroundings, I prefer Kauai, and I love the beaches on the east and north shores of Oahu).
Jul 29th, 2014, 07:36 AM
#55
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wekewoody -- I think people want some assurance they are spending wisely on what may be their one big vacation in some time. Happily, most places in Hawaii have Hawaii in their favor. (Strangely, it sometimes seems to me that the more people spend, the less likely they are to have their expectations met.)
Jul 29th, 2014, 07:58 AM
#56
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Chisue, I get that, but one of the things that I love about traveling is discovering new things and that new "favorite place". That would never happen for me if I didn't take a leap and a risk once a in while when deciding on where to go next. I'd be happy and content to return to Hanalei every year. I know I will love it, but there are other places to see and be. In my over 30 years of visiting The Islands I never never been disappointed in any place I have visited.
Jul 29th, 2014, 10:54 AM
#58
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Yes, thanks Tabernash2.
We love discovering new places and have been all over the world. It is just a long (14 hours) and expensive trip for us to come from Boston mid-winter with two young kids so we are trying to pick a place that is best suited to us. My husband and I loved Kauai, for example, but we don't want to take our chances on the weather there in February with our kids.
The responses have shown me that we'll probably be happy on Maui and that it is different from the BI in certain ways but not better or worse. Like someone said, the choices are not so different.
We love discovering new places and have been all over the world. It is just a long (14 hours) and expensive trip for us to come from Boston mid-winter with two young kids so we are trying to pick a place that is best suited to us. My husband and I loved Kauai, for example, but we don't want to take our chances on the weather there in February with our kids.
The responses have shown me that we'll probably be happy on Maui and that it is different from the BI in certain ways but not better or worse. Like someone said, the choices are not so different.
Jul 29th, 2014, 11:56 AM
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You will probably be happy on Maui. I may get yelled at, but in terms of terrain and wet/dry areas, it reminds me of a tiny Big Island.
A suggestion for condo rental, check out the Maui Eldorado complex in the Kaanapali area. It is separated from the north, less crowded, part of Kaanapali by a small golf course. I am seriously considering it for our 10th or so trip to Maui next year, with 3 year old granddaughter included.
I happen to like Kaanapali. I don't find it crazy crowded, swimming and a bit of a snorkel at Black Rock is great for kids, and it's nice to walk to the restaurants at Whaler's village.
A suggestion for condo rental, check out the Maui Eldorado complex in the Kaanapali area. It is separated from the north, less crowded, part of Kaanapali by a small golf course. I am seriously considering it for our 10th or so trip to Maui next year, with 3 year old granddaughter included.
I happen to like Kaanapali. I don't find it crazy crowded, swimming and a bit of a snorkel at Black Rock is great for kids, and it's nice to walk to the restaurants at Whaler's village.
