We only have 5 days to roam around Maui. We're staying at the KBH. What's the top 3 activities... must do? So far, I only have one that pops up, sunrise at Heleakala. The other one I am really thinking about is, Blue Hawaiian Helicopter Tours? Has anyone tried this before? Anymore suggestions??? Please keep in mind... TOP 3 activities, must do???

Maui:
1. Road to Hana (dinner at Mama's Fish House)
2. Whalewatch or snorkel trip from Lahaina
3. Sunrise at Haleakala
4. Maui Ocean center

You must do a whale watch! It was the most breathtaking experience. We had a mother and calf swim right underneath us. You won't regret it.

We loved Blue Hawaiian for our helicopter tour of Haleakela/Hana. You can see so much more from up there. All I could think of was that this is what God meant when he talked of paradise. This is also a must do.

We loved driving around the West Maui Mountains. Not Hana, everyone and their brother does that. This drive is not for the faint of heart, but the beauty we saw has been etched in my brain ever since. The one lane roads through farmland and driving on the
edge of cliffs are an awesome sight. On the way back we stopped at the Bailey House museum and gained a bit of history.

These would be my three must do's.

Fivestar: We are going to Maui in March (3rd trip) We have taken the drive to around to Hana. On this trip we will be with family - (7 people) and have rented a van. We would like to go all the way around the West Mountains above Kapalua. Would you attempt this with a Mini Van? Thanks to anyone who would like to reply.

riggsie, I would only suggest driving the whole way around with a van, if the driver is confident and a good driver since you may have to back up hairpin turns to let ongoing traffic by. If you are unnerved by just the possibility of having to back up on a cliff with a few hundred foot drop, since you will if two or more cars appoach and outnumber you, then you may want to reconsider. That said, it is no more intimidating than driving in Manhattan. And having to ever back up is a crap shoot. A good confident driver, used to a van or large vehicle, and using mirrors will be absolutely fine. How's that for playing both sides of the argument? Best of Luck - G

You could do it in a mini-van, but keep in mind that some of these turns are very hairpin so keep in mind that you must go VERY slow at these parts. We did it in a convertable. I white knuckled it most of the way until we hit the highway again, but my other half, being the testosterone driven guy that he is, thought he was Mario Andretti! He had a blast and I couldn't wait to pull over so I could breathe again. It was really a God given gift to see the views we did.

The road to Hana is fabulous, but doing it all in one day is looong. Tried the west mountain trip last month in a Sebring convertible. No problems. Had to back up once but otherwise meeting cars there was always a place for one of us to pull over. We left Wailea about 11 am, stop and snorkeled Honolua Bay for an hour or so - great fish and coral! Continued around with a stop at the Blowhole and the Olivine Pools, got some great shave ice in Kahakalua Village (get the coconut ice cream on the bottom) and we were back home by 5 pm or so. Great views, perhaps not as spectacular as the Hana trip, but more relaxing and not really a tougher drive. Shouldn't be a problem in a mini-van unless you're a nervous driver.

How about the seven pools near Hana? What can you say about that trip?

The seven pools can be a bit of a let down. There are countless other reasons to do this drive however. Check out Maui Revealed for detailed listing and descriptions of things not to miss when doing this drive. There a lots of isolated places that really are amazing. Blue Pool is sublime and fabulous...if you are there early before other people come and can be alone in it. Pick two big things to do and hang out at Kapalua the rest of the time.

bless those Maui Revealed writers, they gave me Olivine, but stole the hidden Blue Pools as the price! Seems like just yesterday it was a very unknown gem - then again 20 years ago seems like just yesterday!

gyppielou: I was at the blue pool around 15 years ago the first time and could not believe it. I was alone for most of the time I was there (about 2 hours). It truly is one of the special places. I hope it is not totally overrun with people now.