going to Maui in late January
 

We arte two people in our 70s who are going to Maui. we are staying 6 nights at the Westin resort and spa in Kaanapali. we plan to do a sunset sail from Lahaina and maybe one from our beach at Kaanapali. any other suggestions about experiences in Maui? I've heard mixed things about the drive to Hana. Is the volcano worth visiting?

thanks for any suggestions.

Taking a van tour for the road to Hana would be more enjoyable than driving oneself. That way you can relax and enjoy the scenery and highlights. Haleakala is so amazingly beautiful, but has a tendency to cloud up by 10 am. I’ve always tried to get up Haleakala no later than 9 am to enjoy the views. I have never done a sunrise trip and have no interest in getting up that early. Haleakala is at about 10,000 ft elevation, so bring a sweatshirt!

Lahaina is a fun little town. We enjoyed the Feast at Lele dinner and show. Old Lahaina Luau is popular too. We also loved Warren and Annabelle’s show. It sounds hokey but is excellent and very fun evening.

Beach time, snorkeling are a must! You will be there for prime whale season, so take advantage!

Whale watching is a must in my opinion. I usually go late Feb. or March though and see something different every time I go. We went with the Pacific Whale Foundation.
Another vote for a luau. We went to the old Lahaina Luau.
I always go to a church service at the oldest church in Maui- the Waiola Church in Lahaina. The church will be 200 yrs old in 2023- not the building itself but the existence of the church. Services are partly English, part Hawaiian. Music usually a piano, guitar and a ukulele. Following the service, a lunch is served in the church hall.
Next to the church is an old cemetery where many of the Hawaiian royalty are buried as well as many of the missionary families and other early residents. I always look forward to visiting.

Maui is always fun. Make sure you spend some time in Kihei, Wailea, UpCountry, Paia. I find Lahaina extremely touristy, but you gotta do it and judge for yourself. Hana and Haleakala are definitely worth doing this trip, if you only plan to be in Maui once. Doing a tour drive to Hana has plus and minuses… you don’t have to drive, but you don’t get to stop wherever you want…. Make reservation to eat at Mama’s. It’s 1 of those that’s so famous, yet is worthy of the hype. It will be a splurge tho. $$$$$$ Whale tour is good too.

Yes, Haleakala (it is not currently active) is definitely worth going up. Some people go for sunrise or sunset, our family chose to go mid-day. There is a lot you can see from the car and various lookout points. Also various walks and hikes you could include.

The Old Lahaina Luau was the other highlight for us. None of us were interested in doing Road to Hana (3 out of 4 get carsick -haha). suze