Just back from Maui (May 29). Glad to answer any questions.

Did you take any boat trips? there are so many options, anything you recommend?
Any restaurants you recommend in the moderate category? Either early bird specials or entrees in the $12 to $15 range?
Anything you felt was a waste of time?

Where did you stay and how did you like it?

Thanks

Did not eat dinner any restaurants in the $12 to $15 range. Dinners ranged from $25 to $40. Highly recommend Roy's, A Pacific Cafe and the Hula Grill. Stayed at the Sheraton at K'anappoli Beach. Only thing I felt was a waste of time was the road to Hana.

A real opinion-splitter, that Road to Hana. Count me in the 'wouldn't recommend it' bunch, too. Not as bad as the morning trudge along I-5 in Seattle, mind you, but left me just as impatient toward the end.

My wife and I totally agree with the above posts concerning the Road To Hana. In our opinion, it was not worth the time and effort. We went snorkeling on the Ali Nui. A very nice boat recommended by the Four Seasons. They will not pack you on like sardines (which most of the other snorkeling boats seemed to be doing). I think there were six couples on the boat the day that we went.

How was the Sheraton? I will be staying there in August. Thank you for sharing your experience.

Tracey,
The Sheraton is a first class hotel in a beautiful setting. The beach in my opinion is stunning. As far as staff, I did not find them to be outgoing and friendly. But again, the room was nicely appointed and very comfortable.
I highly recommend breakfast one morning at the Plantation Estates County Club restaurant. The restaurant sits very high on a mountain overlooking the ocean. The views are breathtaking. The food is excellent too. Leave the hotel, and turn left on the main highway. Go seven miles and turn right into Plantation Estates.

Ditto on the road to Hana-yuk.

We stayed near the Sheraton at Eldorado condos. Had to walk to Sheraton to catch our snorkling boat. Took a picnic cruise which started at 11am-3pm. Fun, sun, burn, $74pp. Sheraton's beach was awesome. Buy Maui Jim sunglasses $200, get a cabanna for a day free ($30).

I have no idea what's wrong with all those who did not like the road to Hana. What's up? Did you get car sick or something???
The Hana area is by FAR the greenest part of Maui, with waterfalls all along the way and georgous hilltop views. You won't see waterfalls unless you go up country to Hana. (Unless they have one at your hotel pool!) It is a winding road, but so what? Just take your time. I WILL say it's stupid to try and do the trip in one day. Depending on how many times you want to stop for 'Kodak' moments, it will take you 3-5 hours to get there! Plan on finding a condo or room for the night so you have time to see Black Sand Beach, Red Beach and Hamoa Beach. Hana is BEAUTIFUL!

I have to agree that Hana was a great day trip for us. The roads are tricky but we enjoyed stopping along the way. We carried a picnic lunch and ate at the picnic area overlooking the black sand beach. I would not have wanted to miss the beautiful waterfalls and other scenery that we experienced that day. But if you get carsick, beware. Otherwise, it is a don't miss in my book.

I forgot to reply to Sammie on my first post regarding boat trips.
Do you like boat trips with 20-100 people? Any boat will do for that. If you want an intimate party, go with Dive & Sea out of Kihei. They only take 6 passengers AND they go to Molokini!
Best diving in my life, and they take snoklers too. Also, it's a WHOLE lot easier getting back to Kihei in the afternoons when the wind starts blowing! They also serve a deli lunch and soft drinks, just like the bigger boats. Bill, the boat captain we had is a real hoot. Very intertaining.