booking activities through concierge or yourself
 

Going to Maui in Oct. I don't know if I should book our activities through the hotel concierge or book it ourself. Anyone have any suggestions?

I saw on the inter-net a posting for the "Haleakala Bike Ride" plan it thru the internet-and you could save BIG! I'd advise you to call the concierge or activities desk and ask them-We went to Maui 2 years ago-when I tried to book activities when we arrived-some of the things were already booked up...just a suggestion.

The "concierges" at most Maui hotels and condos are not hotel employees but they work for an outside company. They promote whatever they get the best deal on, not what is the best deal for the customer. Forget the concierges, and forget their free introductory presentation that you will be invited to attend on your first morning.

On our 2nd trip we rented snorkel gear for a week at Maui Dive shop at Whalers Village. (Stayed at Sheraton 2002) We got a package deal with - gear for week, early A.M. snorkel trip to Molikini, A.M. whale watch out of Lahaina and Maui Ocean Center (on last day on way to the airport) for one price. I cant remember how much it was but it was quite a bit cheaper then booking everything seperate. Our 1st trip we booked the Old Lahina Luau online aleast 2 months before we went. (for the best seating) Do your Luau the 2nd or 3rd night you are there - that way you wont have any other nights tide up to a reservation in case you are running late or really tired from your daytime activity. Have fun!

I find "Maui Revealed" guidebook to be a usefull guide to prices of activities, website: www.wizardpub.com/maui/maui.html
Using a concierge is convenient, but one can usually find discounts on activities by talking to the timeshare agents around Lahaina (attended one TS presentation and it was a hard sell, regretably), be sure to check discounts/companies versus Maui Revealed.
I think it is worthwhile to check the internet for prices on activities, sometimes they have special coupons, and also you can research this site for previous threads about specific Hawaii coupon books you might obtain. :S-

I think that you can save some money by booking it yourself ahead of time as well as ensure that you get the activity you want when you want it. certain popular things sell out and some of the Luaus assign your seating based on when you booked it.

A few months back, I found a web site that showed all the activites on all of the islands that offered at 15% discount for booking and paying in advance. I can't find it anymore! Does anyone have a good/inexpensive/comprehensive booking website? Thanks!!!

I think that http://www.tombarefoot.com/ is generally considered one of the best. Having said that, I didn't find any activity that I couldn't book off of their own site for less money. Booked everything before I left home, saved money, and didn't have to worry about a thing when I got there.