Just returned from Maui
 

Here are some trip highlights...<BR>Spent 2 days at Renassance Wailea. Pretty beaches. Nice relaxing resort. Pretty laid back (almost too much for us). We had rain (Kona storm 1-1/2 days... told us it happens very rarely). Still, enjoyed Big Beach, Little Beach & snorkeling on Mokapu beach in front of resort. Also, since it was raining, took in the art tour at Grand Wailea. The curator was really entertaining and we enjoyed this (free) tour alot.<BR>Then, spent 3 days at the Huelo Point Lookout B&B (star cottage). It was wonderful. We really felt relaxed. Unfortunately, still had to drive to do things. One day - Hana Hwy. My husband insisted on driving around the island (BIG MISTAKE). It was pretty for the first 3 hours. Got old after that. We really enjoyed hiking in Haleakala. Did a 3 hour hike. Then, also enjoyed Paia & Makawao. Among our favorite restaurants -- Mama's Fish House (the best!!), and Jacques in Pai (fun atmosphere...). Last part of trip was spent in Lahaina. Too touristy for me, but enjoyed visiting northern beaches, Ka'anapali & Kahana & Napila. Did some wicked boogie bording on Napila Beach. Still trying to get sand out of my hair after 3 washings. We ate at Roy's (Kahana... excellent service & good food). We did lots of activities -- a favorite, was the South Pacific Kayak tour... really excellent snorkeling at LaPerouse Bay & Ahihi Cove. The guide was great. A small group. Convinced it was worth the extra money (as compared to other Kayak tours. And it was not that strenuous). Also went on Amerika II which we enjoyed alot. Decided we would resist being wimps. Thus, we did not buy the $1 plastic poncho. (A mistake on the sunset tour, as it did get cold). We also did windsurfing. It was fun, but too gusty, and thus, we didn't really learn much. Not worth the $69 each. We bought the gold card and did get our $$$ worth (barely). I would not be able to decide if I had to choose one spot to stay. The Wailea area was great for beaches. But Paia, was lots of fun, as was Kaanapili. Anyway, a good trip. Would be glad to answer more questions... Jodi

WOW! Sounds like you had quite a vacation! We would like to take our two boys, ages 11 & 9, to Maui in Feb. We were there in '99 and loved the island. Just not sure where to stay with the two boys. Also, not sure if Maui or the Carrib. Islands would be better. AH! Any suggestions would be great! THANKS!

We took our family of four boys to Hawaii in 1998 and stayed in Kaanapali. The oldest preferred that area because of the night life. This year I wanted to avoid the night life so we stayed at the Outrigger Wailea. Very nice, better beaches, prettier surroundings, nice pool area for younger kids with a slide, etc. I would stay in Wailea again.

Hey Jodi, what days where you in Maui? My wife and I were there 11/27/01 - 12/03/01 and the first day we were there, the rain was so bad that some roads were closed, we also stayed at the Renassance and loved the laid back atmosphere.

Hi! will be at Outrigger Wailea Resort on 12-24 thru 1-3. how did you reserve activities , through the concierge? any recs for good tours? thanks for restaurant tips, my girls are ages 16 and 18 and are looking to meet kids their own age.

We are staying at the Renaissance over the holidays. Was there any construction going on? Would you stay there again? Was it very crowded or is tourism down? Thanks for the helpful travel report.