Lanai or Molokai
 

Has anyone been to Lanai or Molalkai (Sp?) We will be on Maui in March fro 12 days and were wondering if it is worth it to take a day trip to the other islands in that area. Thanks:)

I've been to Molokai. It's very quiet and really not much to do there unless you just want to go to the beach or drive around the island. The beach is lovely though, I believe it's called 7 mile beach. When I was there, there were only 3 of us!!! You can also take the mule ride to the leper colony or hike there with special permission. That would take a special permit and al lot of courage. It's straight down!! I think Lanai is about the same, quiet with a pineapple company there and maybe 2 resorts. I did enjoy my stay on Molokai, so if you want quiet, then definitely go. It's inexpensive to fly inter-island. I believe Aloha gives AAA discounts.

Going to Oahu, Kauai, or the Big Island is about a 20 minute plane ride; I can't remember how long it takes to get to Molokai or Lanai from Maui. But they are all short rides so if that was your concern, don't worry. <BR><BR>Both Lanai and Molokai are very quiet islands with not a lot to do. In fact, when I was on Molokai a couple of years ago, the loudest thing was my breath--the silence was really deafeaning! But Deborah gives some good advice, do explore the rural activities. If you like to golf, Lanai is a good place. <BR><BR>If you decide you want an island with more to see &amp; do, try Oahu or even the Big Island.<BR><BR>For more info on each island you can try www.gohawaii.com

Diane, if it's possible to change your plans I would stay 6 on Maui and 6 on Kauai. However, if you're the type who needs A LOT of nightlife, then choose 6 on Oahu instead. If you can't change your plans and find yourselves getting &quot;antsy,&quot; then by all means, take a day trip over to Kauai and/or Oahu (GREAT scenery on the Eastern side of Oahu, away from Waikiki). If you're not interested in the hussle/bustle of Oahu, then Kauai and the Big Island. If only ONE island, then Kauai! I would definitely avoid Lanai and Molokai!!

I would forget about visiting Molokai. I agree that one beach is nice but you can not swim there because it is too rough and it is impossible to walk on it. The sand is so soft that it is hard to take a few steps

We've taken a day trip to Lanai from Maui. If I remember correctly, it was about a 45 min ferry ride. We rented a jeep (expensive but necessary since there are very few paved roads) and went all over the island... shipwreck beach, garden of the gods, and ended the day at Holupoe beach (beautiful beach and not crowded). Had a great day but decided that we probably wouldn't want to stay on the island for an extended amount of time.

Okay here I go again! The resident &quot;expert&quot; on Hawaii will give you the facts and then you decide.<BR><BR>First, do NOT change your plans and go 6 days Maui and 6 days Kauai. That would be a BIG mistake. It is a mistake a number of first time travelers to Hawaii make. You can do day trips to other islands but go the route of 3 days here and 4 days there. You spend ALL your time packing/unpacking, returning/picking up rental cars, checking in/out of hotels, yada yada yada. Maui is a perfectr place for twelve days. You can do something different on Maui each day and still not get to see everything you want to see.<BR><BR>Lanai has two great golf courses and resorts. People go over for a meal or to play golf. A little pricey for what you get (considering you are on Maui!). Molokai has a different experience. Real ranch countery and very very rural. If you want to see no one then go there. Again, there is a myriad of things to do on Maui.<BR><BR>Case solved. You are welcome.

Justine, I think Sidney always has given sound advice and is thorough in his posts. I don't know what defines an expert but Sidney is as close as this board can get in regards to Hawaii questions. He has been here a long time and many &quot;fans&quot; of which I am one.

wow I have been posting on Hawaii for 2 years I don't recall every seeing a Sydney post.<BR><BR>I don't like hoping around Diane but I think I would get antsy on Maui for 12 days. I have never explored the many hiking trails on that island though. I would take a couple of nights on Molokai. I think the stars must be incredible on a clear night. They also have the highest sea cliffs in the world. Never been I have heard mixed reviews. Residents have told me that you do get a taste of old hawaii here. Underdeveloped when comparing to the other islands. I have also seen stunning turn of the century pictures. <BR><BR>Last it would be hard for me not to go to the big island if the volcano is flowing when you are your trip. you want to catch a night flow though so no hoping over for an evening return, not worth it as far as I can see.

Sarah,<BR>I was just going to say the same thing. I've been on the Hawaii board for a while too and today's the first time I've seen a post from Sidney.

I must be in a time warp. I have posted on this board for about 6 months and have seen numerous Sidney/Hawaii posts. He seems pretty geared towards Maui but I have found his posts accurate and informative. He seems to have alot to share and does so generously.

With every post he makes Sidney, announces that he is the resident expert on Hawaii. Is this sharing information generously ?

Actually, Sidney, you are dead WRONG! If you're going to be on an island for 6 days, then there is virtually NOT that much time spent &quot;unpacking/packing,&quot; the &quot;rental car,&quot; etc. Stop acting like it's the biggest burden in the world when it really isn't, especially with the convenience -- and short flights -- of lsland hopping! Yes, you can certainly spend 12 days on Maui, IF you're an extremely active person who needs to be on the &quot;go&quot; every single day, but for most people, who just want to lounge around the beach and perhaps drive around the island and enjoy the scenery and make a few stops, etc., 6 days is PLENTY of time to do so! So naturally, I will stick with my original advice about the 6/6 split!! It would be PERFECT for what she's seeking!!

Hmm, I live in Hawaii and have never seen Sidney.

A few replies are in order. First, I have been posting for many months and have recieved significant positive feedback as well as thanks for advice. It is not my responsibility to notify everyone when I post---if you read the board on a daily basis then you will know me. If you have taken my advice (or know a thing or two about Hawaii) you will regard me as an expert. Are others as competent? Everyone has an opinion and I respect that; I have yet to see anyone else post with the detail, accuracy, insight and wit regarding Hawaii on a consistent basis as I have. Facts are facts.<BR><BR>To Melissa (above)-reread your post, dear. How can we take you seriously? You know everyone on Hawaii?<BR><BR>To Ron. You continue to give advice that will not assist the original poster. Please!! If you have done this as long as I have--and know Hawaii as well as I do- you would know that one island with day side trips is the answer. Ron, reread your thoughts before posting! Maui is a great place if you want to relax and do nothing on the beach for 12 days! Why lose a day in travel and related work (check out/in, car rental return/pick up, packing/unpacking, etc) when you have it all at your fingertips? IT MAKES NO SENSE. Maui is also the place for the active person--multiple options every day for 45 days (much less 12) without repeating yourself. Also the best dining is on Maui.<BR><BR>Ron, you need to think things through. Consider taking a smaller area to offer advice on (Vermont? Molokai and only Molokai, etc) and refine your skills. I'll help by critiquing or other advice if you like. This board needs better posters and I am pulling for you Ron. And everyone else too!!!!!<BR><BR>You're welcome.

Let us all bow down to Sidney's infinite wisdom! <BR><BR>Is anyone really taking this guy seriously? His posts are cracking me up!

Just out of curiosity, I did a search for Sidney under the Hawaii board. It appears that our resident troll, oops I meant expert, has only made a handful of posts. This particular one below overwhelms me with its detail, accuracy, insight, and wit.<BR><BR>Author: Sidney ([email protected])<BR>Date: 12/27/2002, 05:21 pm<BR>Message: Being the resident &quot;expert&quot; on Hawaii I thought I would chime in and agree with Colleen's post above.<BR><BR>The Ritz carlton Kapalua is where you want to stay. Kapalua Bay Resort would be a second choice. I like the rrITZ MORE.<BR><BR>nOW YOUR PROBLEM IS SOLVED. <BR>nEXT?

Hi Diane - If you are to make a day trip, I'd suggest another island. I've taken one (4 day) trip to Lanai. Although I was entertained for 4 days there really isn't a ton to see - some hiking, two fancy resorts, a town of about 2 blocks in length - it is mostly a place to completely lounge around (and the beaches are better on other islands). Apparently Lanai does have a spectacular golf course. BTW - renting a jeep on Lanai (regular car won't work on the unpaved roads) will cost about $150 without insurance for one day.<BR><BR>I haven't (yet) made it to Molokai. But - if you were to make a side trip, I'd suggest spending a few days on another island. (Ok - 12 days on Maui would be great. Depending on the pace you like to set you could easily fill your time without going to another island). However - if you do decide to take a side trip I'd recommend more than just one day - maybe 2-3 minimum - my first suggestion would be the Big Island, then Kauai or Oahu (depending on your interests).<BR><BR>Since all interisland flights are short in duration and about the same cost you don't need to limit yourself to Lanai and Molokai just because they are close to Maui. (Of course, if you want to go buy boat rather than plane then those islands are your only choices).<BR><BR>In 12 days you can't see everything on Maui. I've lived on Oahu for 4 years and still haven't seen everything here - and certainly haven't throughly covered the other islands. But - there is something to be said for a trip to another island to see some major sites (like the Volcano!) when you have 12 days of vacation.<BR><BR>Either way - have a great trip!

Sidney, once again, I must vehemently disagree with you! You state, and I quote, &quot;you would know that one island with day side trips is the answer.&quot; Side trips is the answer?!? I DON'T think so, Sidney!! First, there you are, ranting and raving about unpacking and rental cars, etc., while on the other hand you feel that it's oh-so-easy to take a side trip! If she's going to go through the hassle of traveling to the airport and catch a flight to another island for just ONE day (a WASTE!), then she might as well plan on STAYING for a few days as well! Otherwise, THAT is a big waste of time and energy as far as I'm concerned!! Ditto even for the boat trip over to Lanai which is definitely a BIG waste of time as there is NOTHING there worth seeing in MY opinion (and I stayed at the Manele Bay)!<BR><BR> You are NOT welcome!!<BR>

I agree with Ron about a day trip. If you're planning a day trip why not just go there and stay for a few days. <BR>We been to both Molokai and Lanal and I rather go to Kauai or Big Island where is so much to see and do.

This seemed like such a lively question, I thought I'd jump in. I'm no expert at all, but have been to Hawaii (various islands) a few times. A while ago, when I visited Maui, they had a trip to Lanai on a big Cat (boat versus mammal). I think the name of the charter group I used was Trilogy - but it went over to Lanai for a day snorkeling trip. This was before Lanai built it's hotels, but if that is still offered - it was a wonderful day experience. The boat ride was great, the crew was wonderful (incredible cinnamon rolls for breakfast), the snorkeling was quite good, they had a lunch on the beach - and then the ride back. You might want to look into something like that - because I wouldn't think it would be interesting to just go visit the couple hotels over there (we didn't when we were in Maui in May)....... Actually Sidney, you would know if they still have those kinds of things..... maybe you could comment on this suggestion..

Hey thanks for all the replys:) This is our third time to Maui and we were went for a week each time, it wasn't enough. So I know we won't have any problem with 12 nights. We are going during the whale season and have an oceanfront condo so we will have a nice little apartment to watch the whales every morning and evening. Just thought it might be intersesting to see the islands we can see from our room even if it's just for a day on the beach over there Aloha!!!

I have been reading posts here since my first trip to Maui in 2000. I have really enjoyed the advice from most so called experts!<BR>Sidney has not been around that long, nor is he my favorite - very condescending and snotty!

The Trilogy idea is good if you want more of a beach day. Paragon Sailing www.sailmaui.com also offers a similar day trip to Lanai. If you want to explore more of the island (not necessarily the two resorts), go with the ferry/jeep combo. Stop at Pele's Other Garden in Lanai City for lunch if it's still around.

take the trip and decide for yourself. Some people, including Bill Gates, must think its a decent place to visit (He got married at Manele Bay). <BR><BR>I've been, and while I'd rather go to Kauai or BI, it's probably not a bad day trip. Esp. since you'll probably see whales on boat ride over.<BR><BR>Personally, after 7-8 days at a resort (or island), I get really restless. Yes, Sidney is right in that there are plenty of things to do in Maui. However, to do them you'll spend 2-3 hours driving each day (roundtrip). I'd rather go to a different island, spend maybe 4 hours total with the travel/check in, and all those new experiences at my fingertips.<BR><BR>Coachboy

I think Sidney is one of those people who moved to Maui to have his corporate breakdown. Take your meds and chill!

Actually, Diane, you should have stated that you had already been to Maui once before for 7 days in your original question instead of acting like it was your FIRST trip to Maui (VERY misleading)! Plus the fact that you apparently are &quot;locked&quot; into a condo rental on the island. Quite frankly, I think you WASTED everybody's time with your question!!

Sidney, just what are your qualifications as a &quot;Hawaii Expert&quot; ? Do you live in Hawaii ? How many times have you visited Hawaii ? What islands have you ben too ?

I don't see how it matters that I have been to Maui before or not since I have never been to the islands I was inquiring about, also if you noticed I asked about a day trip so it doesn't seem to matter if I was locked into a condo or not since I was only looking for something to do for the day. I do appreciate the info I got from the people who posted, but it is unfortunate that so many of you seen to take joy in putting other people down. So again thanks to everyone who gave me some very useful information.

Diane, you absolutely should take a day trip to either Lanai or Molokai. When I go to Hawaii I base myself in Maui and do one other island (day trip or a few days). I would suggest that Molokai might be more interesting than Lanai. Air is quite expensive for one day. The problem with the ferry is that it doesn't arrive on Molokai until about 9 am and it returns at about 3pm so that doesn't give you much time to rent a car and explore.

Hi Diane,<BR><BR>This was a great question. I have been to Maui for extended stays and have considered short trips to both Lanai and Molokai. <BR><BR>To Sidney: True it is not a good idea to island hop too much on a trip but if you book early morning flights it is not too bad. Just don't let your travel agent book you into those mid-day flights or you will waste an entire day on travel.