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-   -   Limited time on Maui: Advice please (https://www.fodors.com/community/united-states/limited-time-on-maui-advice-please-1114841/)

stevelyon Jun 25th, 2016 04:01 AM

Limited time on Maui: Advice please
 
Mrs Lyon and myself have never been to Hawaii. We are staying on Oahu first before picking up a cruise: NCL Pride of America. As part of the cruise we stay overnight on Maui in Kahului..
Have you any views on any trips to do and with whom, what are the not to miss parts of our stay there which are doable. For private tours, we have been looking at Valley Isle Excursion, Hola Hola Guides and Templeton Tours. Anyone recommend these or suggest alternatives?
Are there any fairly good places to see within striking distance (ie bus) from Kahului?
Thank you in anticipation.
Steve

Odin Jun 25th, 2016 06:14 AM

How long have you got in Maui, I hope it is not just one overnight?

Egbert Jun 25th, 2016 07:26 AM

I couldn't imagine one night in Maui. I would just get on a tour bus. Also, although all of the Islands are magical, Kahului is not so great.

stevelyon Jun 25th, 2016 07:55 AM

Thanks for the replies. Given the distance between the UK and Hawaii this is likely to be our only trip to Hawaii so I have no regrets about a cruise to get an insight into the islands - not ideal, I know.

sf7307 Jun 25th, 2016 09:13 AM

If I only had one day, I would want a tour that takes in Haleakala, upcountry Maui (actually just the drive up to Haleakala is enough) and at least part of the Road to Hana. You'll get beaches and lava fields elsewhere during your trip.

In the evening, try to get into Lahaina, yes a very touristy town, but a lot of fun too.

Inakauaidavidababy Jun 25th, 2016 09:28 AM

If I understand the cruise schedule you have 8am one day till 6pm the next.

I would start looking into a rental car and touring on your own. So many directions you can independently explore. Don't be chained to the boat because of breakfast or dinner. Get island style.

Inakauaidavidababy Jun 25th, 2016 09:34 AM

in my response, understand that I have visited the islands any time but have never cruised. so take it with a grain of salt.

Odin Jun 25th, 2016 09:42 AM

<i> Given the distance between the UK and Hawaii this is likely to be our only trip to Hawaii </i>

I thought that too but have been 3 times now and looking to book the 4th one. My sister lives there now.

I think you have two days/1 night. I agree with the above, Haleakala, Road to Hana (black sand beach etc) really gave a feeling of Hawaii or what I thought Hawaii should be like, Iao Valley as well which is not too far from Kahului. I also like Lahaina for dinner and cocktails, you get a good view of the sunset at places like Ma'la and the food was good too (or it was.) I'm not familiar with the tour companies you mention, except for Valley Isle, I think they are the ones I get stuck behind on the Road to Hana.
Ka'anapali is also a nice place to walk along the beach of an evening and there are places to eat.

jamie99 Jun 25th, 2016 11:32 AM

I'd also rent a car and drive up to Haleakala and afterward visit Upcountry, very pretty countryside. Might want to watch the wind surfers.

fdecarlo Jun 25th, 2016 11:44 AM

IMO you sound like a perfect candidate for a helicopter tour, if it's in your family's interest. Much of the best scenery on Maui is easily viewable only from the air, and it gives much better overviews of Haleakala caldera etc.

These tours aren't cheap, but they can be easily be done in a half day from Kahului.

stevelyon Jun 25th, 2016 12:08 PM

Thanks so much everybody, this has very much helped. I am a fairly confident driver but the thought of being stuck in traffic jams and not being able to enjoy the scenery puts me off. But...should I drive to a great location and take up one of my favourite pastimes: hiking? If yes, where should I drive to for great walking?

Odin Jun 25th, 2016 12:40 PM

I don't remember traffic jams, not of the variety you get in cities but its been couple years. The road to Hana can be quite busy but everyone drives really slowly. If you go early the roads are not so busy. I do think a rental car is a good idea, you can stop where you want eg Ho'okipa Beach where the windsurfers are, Paia, Wailea etc. Great locations for hiking is Haleakala, the Road to Hana (lots of places to stop), Iao Valley.

Bobmrg Jun 25th, 2016 02:12 PM

The traffic jam comment caught me by surprise. The road to Hana is of necessity very slow because if your attention is diverted you will end up in a taro field.

stevelyon Jun 27th, 2016 04:25 AM

Thanks so much for all your help with this.
Best wishes
Steve

tifa2276 Jun 27th, 2016 06:06 AM

I would do Haleakala and Road to Hana. However, remember it is very cold on the summit of Haleakala so you'd need to bring warm clothing. There are many different hikes up there, but not sure if you wanted to hike in the cold.

If you go on the Road to Hana, enjoy the journey there, then past Hana is the Oheo Gulch (Seven Sacred Pools). There are several hikes there, including one that takes you through a bamboo forest. I am not a hiker but several of my friends are and they loved it! I believe it is called the Pipwai Trail. http://mauiguidebook.com/adventures/...waimoku-falls/

Either way, I think booking tours would be best because of your limited time.

suze Jun 27th, 2016 08:57 AM

sf7307 beat me to it. Seeing Haleakala was the highlight of a one week Maui trip for me.

Songdoc Jun 27th, 2016 09:17 AM

I drove the road to Hana last summer. I left early in the morning and hit no traffic whatsoever. It would be a long roundtrip in one day. I loved the Pipiwai Trail that tifa2276 referred to, but I don't think you can do that if you are driving RT in one day, and you certainly could not do it on a bus tour. I also LOVED sunset at Haleakala. Truly incredible. I loved the Iao Valley, too.

I think the key to getting the most out of a cruise to Hawaii is to take tours. I saw people from a ship sitting in a park near the dock. It is one of the least attractive, least interesting places on the entire island--and that was their glimpse of Kauai (which in my opinion is the most beautiful of the islands). But those who did tours to Waimea Canyon or the North Shore got to see some of the highlights.

Enjoy!

jamie99 Jun 27th, 2016 11:17 AM

I'd save the helicopter tour for Kauai (or maybe Big Island) if you had plans to do one.

FranknSense Jun 27th, 2016 11:27 AM

On another forum, I have already advised Steve to spend all his time on Maui reselling dinners from Da Kitchen as a way to reduce the pain of the UK currency collapse. However, I must step in and say the Helicopter tours on Maui are awesome. imo- better than Big Island, almost as good as Kauai

Now that I have entered the discussion, I cant silence myself. Why? Why take a cruise in Hawaii? Pick an island and stay there. I understand the benefits of cruising, but not for Hawaii. With that said, my two cents, do the volcano before the road to Hana

logandog Jun 27th, 2016 11:35 AM

I'm too chicken for whirlybirds.
As stated above you should rent a car. Try driving halfway to Hana, you will certainly get the feel, hike at the botanical gardens in the rain.


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