First timer Maui trip report
 

Just returned from a seven night trip to Maui. First 5 nights at Westin Maui on Kaanapali Beach. This is a really lovely hotel. First night was in a munchkin size room in the Ocean Tower. Yikes! Can you believe there was no closet? Really. We had a crib and 4 large pieces of luggage so there was no room to walk around. If you are light packers with no kids, this room would be fine, I guess. Remaining nights were in the Ocean Tower in a much larger room with a closet (of all things). We had nice sunset meals at Leilani's and Hula Grill, just next door. This time of year, sunset is about 6:25 pm, so getting a reservation at 6:00 pm for an outdoor table is a good idea. Westin's Tropica is actually very nice too. My son loved the Westin's grounds (flamingos, koi fish, waterfalls). The pools are great and we enjoyed the waterslide. Good snorkeling within walking distance at Black Rock in front of the Sheraton. Had to do the Sugar Cane Train and Maui Ocean Center since we had our toddler. Since we have a train loving toddler, the train was awesome. We would probably pass if we hadn't had him along with us. Maui Ocean Center is very nice too, but since we just went to Sea World in April, it seemed less than spectacular. Very small, and not many hands on experiences as I expected. Drove up to Roy's for dinner one night, which was excellent. I am a big fan of Roy's.

Last two nights were at the Inn at Mama's Fish House in Paia. I wish we could have stayed longer. It was heavenly. We had a beachfront room with a lovely patio overlooking a cove through a coconut grove. Had a couple meals at Mama's Fish House. This is a beautiful restaurant.Yes, the food is pricey, but it is a real dining experience, and it wasn't much more than Roy's in the end. We ate at a little crepe place in Paia Town which was awesome and cheap. Hookipa had some very talented windsufers that were a thrill to watch. We weren't in awe of the road to Hana like most people seem to be. Maybe it is because we had been to Kauai a couple of times and had already seen such breathtaking scenery that it just wasn't worth the long, windy, sometimes scary drive. I don't know. It will be hard to decide which island to go back to now. Kauai is so beautiful, but Maui has so many options...

oh yeah, I can sit here, reading your report and in my mind smell the air, feel the breeze.........you can bottle it in your mind. Thanks~

1tiredmama, thank you for sharing! Sounds as though you had a wonderful time! Agree with you on the road to Hana.... lovely, but we had been to Kauai first, and what can compare? :-)

Actually even though it has the name Westin I do believe it was originally called the Maui Surf or something like that years ago before the Westin took it over or so I read in a guide book. Some things can be renovated such as the grounds and overall appearance but room size can't, not w/o major redesign. Glad you enjoyed your stay. Thanks for the report. Aloha, Larry

Yes, it was a very nice trip. I feel like I have to go back just because I have everything down now.

The yummy restaurant in Paia town is called Cafe de Amis. Cheap eats!

Jacketwatch is right! We stayed at the Maui Surf in 1978! We're returning to Hawaii next summer for the first time since 1984 and plan on staying at the Westin while in Maui. Thanks for the positive report. Glad you had a wonderful time!

1Tired: Cafe des Amis, perhaps?

Yes, I did mean Cafe des Amis. Oops, I wouldn't want to confuse people with the missing "s". Thanks.

To summer04: I'll bet the differences at this property will be eye opening. I do believe you will really like it. Cheers, Larry

I forgot to add one of the most important things! Ate Lappert's Kauai Pie ice cream three times. I know I can get it here in Cali, but it just doesn't seem the same.

Thanks for the report!! 11 more days until our first visit. Getting pretty excited!!!

tommyd: Have a wonderful time. I look forward to your trip report.:)