I just came back from my honeymoon in Maui and wanted to share some tips with those of you who are going soon. Before we left, we had 2 things we struggled on....first, Wailea vs. Ka'anapali and then which hotel. I think that's what most people can't decide on. Now that I've been there, I don't think one is necessarily better than the other. It's more of what you prefer. Both areas has its disadvantages as well as advantages. Wailea is definitely more classy, luxury resort area where 4Seasons, Grand Wailea, etc are located. But I also thought it was too quiet and not much to do. Ka'anapali is definitely where the action is, but it is also way too crowded and congested. But we had chosen the Hyatt and after my trip, I'm glad we did. Of all the hotels on Ka'anapali, I think the Hyatt is best for honeymooners. Even though you're on a paradise, staying at the Hyatt makes it even more so. By Ka'anapali is Lahaina (10 minutes from Hyatt) where there's lots of shopping and restaurants; you're also near Black Rock which is near Sheraton for great snorkeling; you're also 15 minutes from Kapaulua Bay where the Ritz is. I think of all the hotels in Maui, the Ritz is #1 for the luxury. Unfortunately its not on a great location. It seemed windier and more cloudy up there. We struggled with the road to Hana since it closes for construction but even though its a long drive go anyway. We wanted to experience each part of the island. But go on the weekend when the road is not closed for construction, otherwise it is closed 6-8:30am and 11a-3pm. And go early! We left around 8am and got back to the hotel at 5-6pm. Actually the road should not be called road to Hana but to the sacred pools. Also for snorkeling, I think Black Rock was the best. But go very very early like 8-9am otherwise that beach gets very very crowded!
We saw a sea turtle and lots of colorful fishes! Honolua Bay is also suppose to be very good but the weather is unpredictable up there and unless its a very clear and sunny day, I think Black Rock is better. For those of you going in Sept, it might not be as crowded. Since we got married in August, it was primetime for families! And that is what I meant by crowds. Anyways, we are talking about going back on our anniversary. But I was wondering when is the best time to go? Jan through March? Sorry for the long post. Hope this helps anyone out there.

Michelle, So glad you had a wonderful time on Maui! Congratulations on your marriage.........

I think the best time to go to Hawaii is May through July, then maybe late October - thru November. I've been in May, July, October & February, and May and July were my favorites weather-wise. The fruit is most abundant and sweetest then, there are more flowers blooming, I think it's heaven! Don't care for the August - early October, because it can be hotter than you'd expect! Having said that, I would never turn down a trip to Hawaii!

Aloha, Ruth

Dear Michelle,
Wow! Did I ever need your message. I am getting married April 9, 2000 and am also struggling with the Wailea vs. Kaanapali issue. I thought that I was set on the Hyatt in Maui, but your message just confirmed that!! My fiance and I are not the dancing till dawn type but we are pretty young and would enjoy a bit more activity than the Wailea area I think has to offer. I know that you went in August and had to deal with crowds. I am sorry about that but none the less it did sound like you had a wonderful time. I saw your question about the best time to go, and saw the response you got as well. I hope that April is O.K. I would have loved to get married in May but it was much more expensive. One question. Did you do the sunrise trip to the crater? If so did you go on a tour or did you and your husband drive up on your own? I am trying to decide wheather or not we need a car in Maui. Again, thanks a lot for your message and if you have any other activity suggestions please feel free to pass them along.
Aloha, Gina

Gina, You definitely want to get a car on Maui; there's too much you'd miss if you didn't have one, and car rental is cheap in Hawaii, believe it or not, compared to most places on the mainland. With discounts, you can easily get in the $25/day or so range!

And April should be beautiful - especially if you stay in Kaanapali (you'd have a little more chance of rain farther north)- you're right in the shoulder season. If you & your fiancee aren't timid drivers, I'd drive to the sunrise - it's just a slow winding drive, and you'll have company, I assure you!

By the way, Wailea is not exactly "over-the-hill" at night. There's "Tsunami" nightclub at Grand Wailea, and a couple of lively dance places in Kihei, two minutes up the road. And plenty of shops, movies, restaurants, malls in Kihei. I've only heard of a couple of people, literally, who've stayed there and had any complaint about it being too quiet!

Have a wonderful honeymoon!

Aloha, Ruth

Thank you Ruth. I could use all the tips I can get. I think that my fiance and I will decide to go with the Hyatt but I am still worried about the crowds and children. I do love children and don't mind them at all during a vacation, but I had something different in mind for our Honeymoon. I guess the time of our trip will -be the deciding factor. We are going- 4-9-2000 as I mentioned before and am wondering when schools will be giving their recess. Next year Easter comes late in April so maybe, just maybe, we will beat the spring break rush. Oh well, I guess like Michelle, I will pick the Hyatt and hope that I made the right decision in this Kaanapali/Wailea struggle. Thanks again. Gina

Gina, I really don't think that you will have any problem with real crowds in April. I think that will be a great time to go, people-wise! Let me tell you, I've been in Hawaii at different times of year, with crowds, with no crowds, and the only thing that EVER bothered me was extreme heat and no tradewinds in early October on Wailea once. But I understand that was a freak thing - no tradewinds - so I would go to Hawaii anytime. You'll have a fabulous time at the Hyatt! It's lovely!

Aloha, Ruth

I just returned from Maui last week. Stayed in Kaanapali area. We didn't have a problem with crowds--we didn't think it was all that crowded. Snorkeled at Black Rock in the afternoon and hardly anyone was there. Went to Lahaina many times and always found a parking spot right on the street. Didn't pay for parking once. So, crowd level (like anything else, I guess) is subjective.

We've been to Maui about 8 or 9 times in April and never were bothered much by overcrowding. Easter is late in 2000 so perhaps all the spring-breakers will do their thing late in the month! Likewise people traveling with kids. We usually have gone around the 15th of the month and found the weather ideal as well. Also, have always stayed in the Ka'anapali area as it is much handier to Lahaina, etc. and we enjoy being close to "town" for shopping, etc. I think you will have a marvelous time and you might even see some whales in the channel between Maui, Lanai and Molokai - we have!

Gina,
Oops! Posted the above in error. I'm so glad I was able to help. I know its your honeymoon and you want it to be as perfect as possible! But really Maui in itself is a paradise. We are not the dancing till dawn type either! But I only peferred Ka'anapali due to its close proximity to Lahaina where we did most of our shopping and there are tons of restaurants. Maybe next time I will stay in Wailea area at the 4Seasons. As for renting a car, definitely rent one! You will need it and it is fairly easy to drive around. As for the sunrise to the crater, we decided not to, instead we drove up around noon cuz they said it was clearer in the afternoon. But again, weather was not cooperative. The clouds would roll in and out. We did hike down the sliding sands trail and that was kinda neat. But it was tiring on the way up. As for crowds, we went in 2nd week of August which was primetime for families. But again, it wasn't that bad. I don't think you will have such a problem with crowds in April. I think you will love the Hyatt. Did you get the Sunshine breakfast deal? YOu will love having breakfast in Swan Court!! Also, get a partial oceanview. The view of mountains and ocean is breathtaking. Congratulations and I know you will have a wonderful time!!! Email me if you have any more questions.