KTinTX

I'd like some experienced Hawaii visitors to have a look at my trip plan and comment. Yes, we're taking a slight shotgun approach and not giving either island a week, but wanted to at least see both Maui and Kauai:

June 18-26th
Day 1, arrive Maui 3 pm'ish...get convertible, check-in @ the Whaler...dinner at Hula Grill

Day 2: (saturday) either road to Hana, or explore Kaanapali etc. to get in the island mood

Day 3: (sunday) Hana if we don't do it on Saturday...beach if we did

Day 4: (Monday) morning Molokini trip with Paragon charters...afternoon/evening????

Day 5: (Tues) daytime ???? Old Lahaina Luau

would like to drive up Haleakala, but probably not for sunrise...

Day 6: (wed) direct interisland flight to Kauai...arrive about 10 am and get jeep...drive up to north shore and check-in at Princeville hotel explore the north shore area

Day 7: (thurs) morning NaPali boat trip with Na Pali Catamaran..afternoon explore north shore beaches etc.

Day 8: (fri) drive around to south shore/canyon/polihale and back

Day 9: (sat) early flight to HNL arriving about 9am..rent car and drive to Pearl Harbor to see exhibits/Arizona...afternoon will depend on how long we're at Pearl...suggestions?? flight leaves HNL at 9 pm


You'll notice I haven't listed dining choices or anything too specific as we like to go with the flow when we can. I'm open to your suggestions, and we've been poring over the "blue bibles" and other guidebooks. We're celebrating our 10th anniversary with this trip. Thanks.

KTinTX

SoBeTraveller

Your first day is Ka'anapali, try Pacific'O in Lahaina ... better than Hula Grill. Ten minute drive. Or Sansei in Kapalua - 15. Do the beach walk, Hyatt to Sheraton. You'll see how neat it is at sunset.

Going to Hana, lunch at Mama's Fish House - near the airport (OGG) just past Pa'ia.

See the west coast before Hana .... takes a day.

SkippyW

I went to Maui and didn't have time for Hana (I wish I would have done Hana for all the waterfalls and lush plants). The Old Lahaina Luau is wonderful; it is right on the beach and not part of some resort so it is smaller but you get more attention. Also, you get to see the dancers better. I really enjoyed the Old Lahaina Luau, very romantic. Kaanapali is just a resort area and nothing more so go to Hana. I heard Hana has many waterfalls and great views.

Kauai is gorgous and the north shore is a great choice. Hanalai has some neat shops and the beaches. Tunnels is great for snorkeling and same with Ke'e. Haena is next to Tunnels and is beautiful too, but no snorkeling. The south shore is neat but the North shore is more tropical and beautiful. Do a helicoptor ride if possible; it is awesome. I recommend Jack Harter tours (clean saftey record; very important); you see so many waterfalls too. You are going to have a wonderful time. Enjoy

gyppielou

I am loving your relaxed yet informed attitude...we always watch the sunset at Hula Grill to get that kitchy fun thing done with great atmosphere, casual but good food, since after a long flight getting land legs is often required... and then say goodbye to the tourist thing. I am not a Molokini fan at all, so much to see and explore that that time would be to precious for me. Love that you can stay at Princeville and love Polihale, beware the riptides and use somber caution and have a blast....one last note...I have always wanted to do a Napali boat trip - timing is everything...check cancellation policy and then do a strict study of weather and water conditions forecasted, so you can cancel in time rather than waste a day green! and I don't mean with envy! Have a blast

BLYVAIL

I'd move Hana back to the 2nd day. It takes all day and after traveling the day before, RELAX!! at least for the day...

I, also, am not a big Molokini fan. Last time we went, it was boat, after boat, after boat all lined up next to each other. The most wildlife we saw were the other tourists from the boat next to us. Much nicer boat and snorkeling trips out there.

KTinTX

Thanks..lots of good info so far...

Regarding the Molokini trip...we are going with Paragon for a smaller boat crowd and full sailing. My wife would love the trip just for the sailing itself, the snorkeling is just to see what it's like. Instead of Molokini, we could do the longer Lanai'i sail/snorkel/beach picnic with Paragon, has anyone done this?

KTinTX

crazy4Hawaii

We went to Lanai with Trilogy and enjoyed it very much. The sailing back was a blast! Also, it gives you a chance to visit another island and not just a cindercone. We spent our time exploring the island but understand the snorkeling was good.

Lorio

Where is the Hula Grill on Maui? Is that a good place for drinks & food and to catch a great sunset?

Thanks

Lori

hmmm

Lorio: Hula Grill is at Whaler's Village, Ka'anapali. Good food. Good setting.

KTinTX: The crowds at Molokini that you cannot avoid or control come from the aggregate of the snorkelers. Lana'i is far superior, both in terms of sealife and space-though the fish are fed there by misguided humans as well. The Old Lahaina Luau is wonderful.

KTinTX

hmmmm: Do you think the 7 hour Paragon trip to Lana'i would be worth the extra time and money? My wife and I like the idea of a true sailing catamaran and smaller crowds, hence our preference for Paragon (www.sailmaui.com). That trip doesn't return to Lahaina until 4pm....I guess we could either hang out in town there for dinner...or back to the Kaanapali for shower and eat around the Whaler???

Thanks.

KTinTX

bonniebroad

DO see Haleakala at sunrise!!! It's like nothing else, but it will be cold so take a sweat shirt and hot coffee! The best thing about Hula Grill is the location. I'd have drinks & pupus there, watching the sunset, then go spend my money on better food somewhere else! JMHO.......