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Change of Maui accomodations
I'm currently spending a week at Kona. I've been booked ages for a week at Hale Kai O'Kihei in Kihei starting Sunday, Oct. 4 -- now they advise me that there is major reconstuction work to the building and there is a lot of drilling, pounding, and debris. Fun, huh? They offered me several other condos, none of which I like, or I can just get a full refund.
Meanwhile I'm starting to think after a week in a condo on the beach on Kauai, and week here on the beach in Kona (plus some other stays), maybe I should do something totally different. So before my three days in Hana, I'm thinking of something like the little quaint Old Lahaina House in Lahaina. I do want to go to Molokai, and maybe to Lanai also, so it would sure be convenient for that. Other thoughts? I'd also thought maybe four nights in Lahaina then two or three in the upcountry. I hate to spend over about $110 per night which is what I'm getting back. So I'm not looking for big resorts or high end places. Other question. My three nights booked in Hana meant I'd be driving back the Hana highway after my last night there to catch my 1:30 plane back to the mainland. Should I see about moving that stay forward a day so I can drive the rest of the way around the island and spend a final night back nearer the airport? I'll have a full day to drive the Hana highway enroute to Hana. |
aloha Neo..
what a drag? Did they not mention to you before that there would be major renovation going on? I would strongly suggest that you move up your hotel in Hana so you can stay close to hotel near the airport in Maui for your 1:30 departure.. 2 hours min and it was very crazy last week out of LIH to LAX..TSA was not messing around and they shut off luggage at 1.5 hour before flight out or your bags didn't make its destination. There are some hotel/motels that are reasonable right near Maui airport under $100 Aloha and safe travels! |
How about the Plantation Inn in Lahaina?
http://www.theplantationinn.com/Main...Home_Page.aspx Staying in Lahaina would be really convenient for trips to Molokai and Lanai. It's quite a long drive from Kihei. Will you be in Lahaina on a Friday night? |
No, there had never been any mention of reconstruction work at the condos. This came out of the blue. Apparently they called me at home in Florida (big deal, since I'm in Hawaii) two days ago to tell me about it. I only found out because I happened to email them yesterday to ask a couple basic questions and then they told me.
This may be a blessing in disquise, as I'm not sure I'd get that much out of another full week in a beachfront condo there, like I'm doing now in Kona and I did last week in Kauai. I guess I'm looking for something a little different. Meanwhile, I've been a little disappointed with the heat and humidity and find that idea of living with the doors and windows open without the AC is a myth -- at least for me. I did check and I can move the Hana stay forward a day with no problem, so I could drive the "circle" on around the island from Hana -- which sounds good. The Plantation Inn is about $190 for a standard room with taxes, and doesn't really excite me anyway. Package deals make no sense for me, since I'm a single traveler and they usually include benefits for two, or a rental car and mine is already fully paid with Priceline. This is what I've been looking at. http://www.oldlahaina.com/index.html Do you think it would be a mistake to spend all 6 nights (five days) in Lahaina -- then my 3 nights in Hana -- then 1 night near the airport (which makes dinner at Mama's an easy option)? Those two full day other island trips would come off that. Yes, if I did all 6 nights, my last night in Lahaina would be on Friday. Why? |
Lahaina is centrally located to all and the hotel looks great and it has ac!
3 nights in Hana..6 nights in Lahaina..sounds great to me..you can walk to restaurants and it'll take 30-45 minutes to the airport which isn't bad. You can catch the ferry to Lanai right out of Lahaina..if you want to go for the day. Glad you can move your hotel forward in Hana. I can't imagine going to the islands and not having ac..was humid the last days in Kauai when both of us were there and I couldn't imagine not going to my room and chill without ac.. Best to you! |
OK. How about the first 5 nights in Lahaina, then the 3 nights in Hana, then final 2 nights at the Old Wailuka Inn, which would also be good for the airport when I leave?
http://www.mauiinn.com/aloha.html (Old Wailuka Inn -- which has specials -- I think my room would be about $140 a night with full breakfast) A "Fodors choice". |
Friday night in Lahaina used to be Art Night, when most of the the galleries were open, had artists either working or just to talk to and many served refreshments. Maybe they don't do it any more.
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Who in their right mind would spend three nights in Hana!? ;;)
Glad you're having a good time. |
Forgot to mention...The Old Wailuku Inn is very quaint. Stayed there years ago. The area is not a tourist area really, but it would give you a more local feel.
How about staying at Mama's Fish House? http://www.mamasfishhouse.com/ |
I say, whatever makes you happy..looks like a cool place.
the back side of Wailuka to Kapalua is wild and way more scary fun then Hana..make sure you stop and see the famous Maui guy from the 50's at the fruit stand..he'll offer you a beer and he has the best fruit evah! |
iamq, no one in their RIGHT mind would spend three nights in Hana. That's why I'm taking your advice and doing it!!
For fun I just bid Lahaina-Kap. resorts on Priceline up to $102. Of course when you have to add $15 or $20 a day resort fee, plus up to $20 parking, and usually $10 to $15 for internet, it sure adds up quick. In any case I didn't get it --yet. I'm a little turned off by the place I linked as they only have the room with two twin beds "regular length" with my feet sticking over the ends, and entrance is through the owner's quarters. I'm now looking at a studio condo in Lahaina Shores Beach Resort. |
Have you looked at the Pioneer Inn? I think it's a Best Western. My son and his wife stayed there for a couple nights. They liked the location and the sense of history. More unique than Lahaina Shores.
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Hi Neo Patrick
We miss you over in the Lounge. Glad to hear you are busy with your travels! :) |
The lounge? Who has time for that?
What a day. I sent off my check for full payment this morning for Lahaina Shores. I get back this afternoon to an email from the owner telling me he just discovered that repairs to the building which were to be completed are NOT, and that there will be major construction or repair going on and that the pool will be closed. He agreed to tear up my check when he receives it, and fully understood my not wanting to stay there. He couldn't have been nicer. Barbara, you're a life saver. I had looked at Pioneer Inn and thought it looked fine and great as it's across the street from the harbor for my two boat trips -- and parking included! But I was finding $149 a day for a standard room plus tax and it seemed high for what it was. Now I found a special prepaid internet rate for $104 for a guaranteed Queen room with harbor view and balcony! Free parking, free internet. So I booked and am all set once again. Now if they call me and say they are undergoing construction, I may skip Maui altogether!!! I've also confirmed the change of dates for my three nights at Hana Kai Maui Resort in Hana, and confirmed my room at Old Wailuku Inn for my final two nights. Phew. Now I can go to bed tonight and not worry -- since I have to get up at 5:30 tomorrow morning to drive up to Hawi and do a four hour zipline tour! |
OH, and if anyone is still listening, originally I was "too bad" that I wouldn't be in Hana on Friday or Saturday nights as I was arriving on Sunday. Now I'll be there on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night. Without my searching, what am I supposed to do??? Something about a dinner, or someplace only open on Friday or Saturday?
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Hula and buffet at Hotel Hana Maui, as I recall from iamq. I'll miss it while I'm in Hana next month, so if you go, I'll look forward to your report! lol
((R)) |
Hawi zipline? I can't wait to hear about it!
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Well, either I'll report about it tomorrow, or you can read about me in the newspapers.
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I think your new Maui lodging plan is ideal! I know someone who stayed at the Wailuku Inn and loved it. Great way to end your vacation.
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Don't forget...eat in the bar at the Hotel Hana Maui. Cheaper, plus the added bonus of entertainment. The ribs and fried chicken at the Hana Ranch Restaurant are very good too.
If there is banana cake or banana bread on the menu...order it! |
Bill, are you still monitoring?
So since I'm at Hana Kai Maui for Fri, Sat, and Sun nights, are you thinking I should do the show and buffet at Hotel Hana on Fri? Then maybe the bar one night and the Hana Ranch one night? Other suggestion? I'll have a full kitchen, but let's pretend I won't. |
go to red sands beach at sunrise and get nekid
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PS. Driving down to Mama's for dinner my last night in Hawaii from Old Wailuku Inn.
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Ah, that went fast! I'm thinking of you as I'm here in Hawi, and wondering whether I should go for the zipline!
As for me, I'm dining at the Bamboo tonight, Sushi Rock last night, Cafe Pesto the day before. David Gomes and the Kupuka'as at the Kohala Country Fair today. Hapuna Beach yesterday. Also, I'm counting bike riders practicing for Iron Man. NeoPatrick, are you ready to decide which is the best island now? I hope you had a wonderful time in Hawaii and met with a lot of aloha spirit! |
Well, I still have Maui to go, but I don't think I'll decide on a "best". They're each a little different. I liked the buzz at Honolulu and Oahu. Kaui may be the "prettiest". And BI has so much variety and a lot to do.
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Aloha, Patrick.
Sounds like you are having a great time. I don't think I could handle 3 nights in Hana... Brad and I did the drive PAST Hana (a no-no for car rentals) and it was really a neat drive, but bumpy and at times pretty hairy. Would I do it again? Not so sure. "Been there, done that" seems to do it for me. Brad says he would do it again... I liked the up country. I also enjoyed Tedeshi Winery in that area! Give it a look/taste. I have to agree with you on your assessment of the islands so far. Oahu is my fave, just because of the buzz and all the options of eats/entertainment/drives/scenery. Kauaii, for me, is also the prettiest. Carol |
Hmmm. I thought it was now OK for car rentals on the south circle out from Hana? Another poster recently did it and loved that trip. Guess I'll ask today when I pick up my car on Maui. I was thinking of coming into Hana that way (I'll have all day to do it) then leaving by way of the Hana Highway. This is actually what was suggested by the gal at Hana Kai Maui. But even Mapquest shows one 33 mile segment as taking 2 hours and 3 minutes. That's something like an average of 16 miles an hour without stops.
I always say there are no mistakes on vacation -- only lessons. Well the lesson I learned this time is that Honokaa on the Big Island is NOT worth a stop, yet alone a two night stop. I did it because of the early AM horseride yesterday in the Waipio Valley. And I'm staying at what I thought was the "quirky and quaint" old Honokaa Club Hotel. Make that "dilapidated" instead. It's great place to stay though if you want a wake up call for 4. That's when the roosters start. They closed the dining room here completely, and I am not exaggerating to say that there is not a single place open for food in this town after 7 -- even on Friday or Saturday nights. I drove both nights about 15 miles to Waimea and ate at Daniel Thiebaut's and at Merriman's -- which were both good -- Merriman's really excellent! |
When you ask them, I'm sure they will say "no"... but that said, many people do it anyway! IF you have any problems, your rental agreement is thrown out the window. My only warning would be to avoid the no-no road IF there has been a lot of rain. That could be a real problem.
Have fun on Maui! C |
We did the no-no road without problems - rough & long stretches of arid views of the ocean. It got tedious, but I'm glad we did it. We went the traditional route, not the one you've got planned. Let me know how it works out.
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OK, here's the "official word" on driving "no-no" roads. I spoke with the manager at National here on Maui.
Certain roads -- including the stretch of the southern route below Hana is "restricted" as well as a section of road on the north end of West Maui. So I asked him exactly what that means. "If you get a flat tire or break down, you are totally on your own. We won't help you. And the tow companies will charge you up to $500 to start just to come get you there." Half jokingly I said, "isn't that what AAA is for?" and surprisingly he replied, "yes, AAA will come get you and pay for it in full if you have a problem." "So, what about "canceling my contract" if I get stuck on that road?" I ask. "Well, I don't know what people mean by that", he said. "We don't fine you or take your car away or anything like that -- it just means that if you took our insurance then it is void on that road. But most people have other insurance that will cover them or if you don't take our insurance because you use your credit card or personal insurance, then it really makes no difference." "So, you're saying it's OK to drive those roads?" "I can't tell you what to do. Hundreds of rental car drivers do take those roads. It's up to you if you want to risk breaking down." So the bottom line? Sounds to me like the whole idea that you are "not allowed" to drive a rental car on those roads is totally bogus. You are simply risking not being insured if you are dependent on THEIR insurance (and I never am). Meanwhile this morning I did drive the full route around the north end of West Maui. It's a spectacular drive, all paved. The guy at National said it is the worst and "trust me, you wouldn't want to drive it. You'll know driving up from Lahaina when you'll want to turn around and go back." Well, I DIDN'T know. I just kept going. Yes the road got narrower and narrower. There was almost no one else on it, so no problems with passing. Sure some of the road was right on the edge of the cliffs with no guardrail, but frankly I don't consider any of this half as frightening as driving the New Jersey Turnpike at 5 PM! I'm glad I did that road this morning, and I'm ready for the complete circle route to and from Hana. |
I once, without thinking sent a friend on that drive in an 8 passenger SUV! It was lifechanging in a good way! Hana is easy compared to the narrows of the west end drive. Safe journey
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I'm SO glad you did it & enjoyed it! It was one of the highlights of the trip for me. Did you see the white horse ( I petted his nose as we drove by). I hope you stopped & got shave ice at Auntie Ululani's stand @ Kahulua?
http://www.onmyplate.org/2003/12/treats_from_kah.html |
>>>Another poster recently did it and loved that trip.
That would be me, I think. I did enjoy the drive. It is long stretches of lava with a view of the ocean as OSB said, but I liked it as a change in scenery from the north side. Full disclosure however...it was raining when we did the north side, so the sun was very welcome. Also, I felt like once we got past Kipahulu it would take us longer to go back around the north than keep going the south way. We did read the rental contract and had some question about whether it was allowed. But I think you have it right about what "allowed" means, it means "drive at your own risk". And given AAA and your own insurance, there really isn't much exposure there. We didn't drive the road around West Maui. I wanted to, but just didn't fit it in. |
OSB, despite what I feel has been really healthy eating, my glucose has been sort of out of whack. So shaved ice, malasadas, MaiTais, banana bread, Lappert's ice cream and passionfruit sorbet, and various other goodies are currently on the "no-no" list. To be honest, it's not much of a sacrifice. Just don't take away my Ahi and Kalua Pig!!!
Oh, and yes, ChinaCat -- that poster would be you. |
Neo, glad you're having a great time. Can't wait to read the trip report! :)
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glad you had a great trip around the back west side..I love it more than the road to Hana..what did you have at Mama's?
Aloha would you stay in Hana again..and how was the resort? might be on the list |
Too bad about the glucose, but the best is the feast for the eyes you are having!
One non-edible option would have been Auntie Ululanie's CD (they sell along with the shave ice). Nice Hawaiian flavor for the ears! |
Info from good friend visiting who used to live in Kauai. If you want a change of scenery (didn't keep track of what you decided on this thread) stay at the Lodge on Lanai. It is a mountain resort, sister hotel to the Manale Bay Resort.
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Patrick, another one here who is looking forward very much to your trip report ... :)
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