Now that it's getting close, looking for suggestions for vacation with teens (boy 19 and girl celebrating 16 while there)of things to do, places to eat that won't cost a fortune, etc. Staying at Renasiance in Walea.

Tommy Bahama Bar at the shops in wailea

I personally find Tomy Bahama to be overpriced, but YMMV. Do a search here for Maui grinds, Maui restaurants, Maui in general. Then come back, tell us where you are staying, what you might like in the way of eats and activites and we can help you better. Do know that Christmas is tereribly busy here and activities fill up well in adfvance during the holiday season.

We're staying at the Renaisance Walea. It will be my daughter;'s 16th birthday,any suggestions on something really special to do? She would like to take a surfing lesson. Suggestions on good "teachers?" Do I need to make reservations before we leave? Is a helicopter ride a must or something we could miss? Is the 34 mile bicycle ride down from the volcano good to do--if we only have 6 days to enjoy the good weather. I'm especially looking forward to the snorkling. Best to rent or bring our own equiptment? Sorry for all the questionms--but it is getting close and I don't know if I need to plan things before we get there. Will be there over Christmas, returning on the 30th.

Christmas is probably the busiest time here. Yes, book things in advance.

Surfing at the Rennaisance beach won't happen. The west side of Maui is not a big surf area excetp at maybe the Lahaina area.Body surfing is generally ok in December, but surf can be either non existant or surf breakers and too dangerous. The best snorkling is down the coast at the Maui Prince. Do you have a Costco membership? The BEST advice I can give is to hit Costco right near the airport on your arrival. Stock up on snacks, drinks, boogie boards (about $35 each but $5 or more an HOUR at most resorts)etc They pay for themselves in a couple days. You will have a refrigerator in the room. By the way, the hotel is about to change hands and become a W Resort with major reconstruction. I hope it is well kept when you arrive. Ask to see the rooms first, as "change of hands" often is a red flag.If there is a problem, make them correct it before you take your room.Back to purchased boogie boards... The baggage dept on your airline can send them on with your luggage when you leave. I always recommend having your own snorkle equipment for sanitary purposes no matter what anyone else says. I would not use a "cleaned" toothbrush used by anyone else. Vision problems can be corrected by custom masks with your glasses RX.You can reuse your equipment for years to come. Kihei has very reasonable restaurants. Some of the best food we've had is at the restaurants at the Maui Prince, and we go to Wailea at least twice a year. Sansei sushi bar in Kihei is excellent but you need to get there early or wait a long time for a table or the sushi bar. For your daughters 16th birthday, the Rennaissance puts on a fun and special LUAU. It is typically Hawaiian and if you have never been to a Luau before, we found the food to be very good, for buffet style-luau food!
Mele Kalikimaka!

Suggest you avoid Maui Tacos, a chain ... unclean.

>> The west side of Maui is not a big surf area
>> excetp at maybe the Lahaina area.

West Maui is a primo surf area. From Ladyland to Honolua, some of the best spots are found off of west Maui. And nearly all of the surf schools operate there as well. Goofy Foot is at 505 Front Street and has a good reputation. I've watched their instructors and they seem to be OK, especially with kids. I took my surfing lessons with a private instructor through Alan Cadiz's HST. I had undivided attention of the instructor and he chose our location based on the conditions that day. Nancy Emerson is in Lahaina and also teaches at 505 Front St. I have heard nothing but good things about her style. When I get a nice new long board I plan on taking a few private lessons with her. I have also heard good things about Maui Surf Girls, who run classes at Olowalu and Launipoko. Your daughter might feel more comfortable learning from girls, and they do a clinic that includes yoga and lunch.

You can google any of these instructors for more info.

Gee, sorry, just noriced that you are staying in Wailea. For some reason I thought you were staying in west Maui. D'oh! Lots of surf lessons at Cove and Kalama Parks. Start with Maui Wave Riders. There are other instructors down at Cove Park too, but I can't for the life of me think of any of them rght now. Christmas is very busy, so you should try to book the lesson now.

Surfing at the Rennaisance beach won't happen. The west side of Maui is not a big surf area

Uh, the Renaisance is in Wailea...which is SOUTH Maui. West side has plenty surf schools with good instructors...Goofy Foot & such. A few schools give lessons off of Cove park in Kihei, closer to Wailea. The best time for beginners to learn is actually summer but still can in winter too.
Last I heard the hotel was to begin rennovations in like March of 2005, so you should be ok, but can check with the hotel prior to leaving. Most are more than willing to accomodate the guests requests, even during a rennovation or "change of hands".

thanks for the info. My last question concerns dinner. Like something special with a nice view --maybe outside. We will have a car but hope not to travel too far. Tommy Bahamma sounds sort of commercial. Rather something interesting, pretty, different. Suggestions?

More from me--is Mama's FishHouse worth the drive from Wailea? It looks wonderful and differnt--not part of a hotel. What about Humuhumunukunukuapua's worth the cost?

Thanks!

I've always enjoyed my meals at Mama's, but be prepared for $38 entrees, al a carte. Humu's does not have the best reputation for its food, but it's a nice place for cocktails. For us it's a place to meet for drinks before going on to eat someplace else. Of course, YMMV

Weather report looks like rain for mucho of our trip---Walea was supposed to be the dryest..any suggestion of what to do in rain besides read? We're going for the beach but.......

The forecast I have heard is for high around 82, scattered showers, 30 percent chance of rain. No worries, yeah? Most every day there are showers some place, but they don't call it "sunny Kihei" for no reason. And, hey, what are a few showers at the beach? The water is wet already. Plus, weather changes all the time, systems stall, move up, down, etc It's a week away. Check back next Friday for update http://www.hawaiiweathertoday.com/content.php?pid=3

Had a wonderful time in Maui. My daughter's only regret was that the waves died down and were rather calm the last few days. Liked the Renaissance very much. Very attentive staff. Grand Walea was over the top and very crowded. We did go to their spa which was worth it. Discovered a relatively new restaurant in Kihei--Tastings--sort of Asian tapas. Delicious!

Thanks for the suggestions. COSTCO was a great suggestion. Safeway also allowed us to stock up on Breakfast foods. Mama's and Joe's were both great!

Happy New Year