Maui Activities Help - Leaving Friday!
Jul 26th, 2004, 09:47 AM
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Maui Activities Help - Leaving Friday!
On Friday I am leaving for Maui with DH, my sister and parents. I need some advice on activities. We are staying 9 nights north of Wailea.
So far the only activity I have booked is Old Lahaina Luau. I plan on booking Warren and Annabelle's. After that we are still somewhat undecided. So here are my questions:
1. Biking down Haleakala - Is this a must do? I am interested but don't think I want to do the forced paced guided tours. Are the self-paced tours safe and worth it?
2. Snorkeling Molokini - I am leaning against it but if we do, we will probably go with Four Winds. Are we missing anything by skipping Molokini and just snorkeling elsewhere?
3. Parasailing - DH and I are very excited about parasailing. Which company is better? West Maui or UFO?
TIA!
So far the only activity I have booked is Old Lahaina Luau. I plan on booking Warren and Annabelle's. After that we are still somewhat undecided. So here are my questions:
1. Biking down Haleakala - Is this a must do? I am interested but don't think I want to do the forced paced guided tours. Are the self-paced tours safe and worth it?
2. Snorkeling Molokini - I am leaning against it but if we do, we will probably go with Four Winds. Are we missing anything by skipping Molokini and just snorkeling elsewhere?
3. Parasailing - DH and I are very excited about parasailing. Which company is better? West Maui or UFO?
TIA!
Jul 26th, 2004, 10:01 AM
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The Four Winds has a great captain and crew that will ensure that you will have fun, but since you are staying in Wailea we found the snorkeling from Ulua Beach, just north of Wailea Beach to be excellent and rivalling Molokini. 
Jul 26th, 2004, 11:08 AM
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I know you did not ask for meal recommendations but I am putting my 2 cents in anyway.
Dinner: Mama's Fish House-go early and watch the surfers, Nick's Fishmarket at the Kea Lani hotel was a spectacular dinner.
Lunch: Maui Onion at the Renaissance, also a cheap and really good meal was Maui Tacos in one of the shopping centers there.
1. Did the Bike down Haleakala the second night since we had not adjusted to the time change yet. We were picked up around 2:30AM, picked up a bunch of other couples at their hotels, went to the bike shop had coffee and donuts, then back in the van w/the bikes on a trailer up the mountain. It was rainy and cold up there (Oct.), so we could not see the sunrise, which was a bummer. We had a van full of young honeymooners, we were on ours as well, which made it really fun! We all decided not to wait our turn to go down the mountain we were like #50 to go, so we drove down the mountain a little further and started there, we feel like we did not miss anything by doing that. The good thing about being with a tour, is that they follow you in their van, kind of keeping cars away from you and if anything happens to a bike or biker, they are there to help. I would be really scared to do this on my own, also how would you get back to your car after riding down? The bike is just coasting for like 26 miles, so everyone on your trip could do it, no skill necessary. We stopped for breakfast and ended up on a beach. We went from wearing a rain suit, then sweat pants and long sleeves (which I had to to the Gap to buy, so be prepared) to tank tops and shorts at the end, it was pretty cool. We really enjoyed it, but next time we go to Maui, we will just drive our own car up to see the sunrise that we missed. Since then, all of our friends have done it and all seen the sunrise and said it was beautiful.
2. We went snorkeling to Molokini and thought it was a huge waste of time and money. We booked for 2 people and were on a little raft-like boat with only one other couple. Thought we'd be on a larger boat with more people. It was so rough out there that we were sore for days afterward from all the bouncing of the boat and we are young and in pretty good shape, that may have killed my parents! The snorkeling was not that good, even at Molokini, so I would really think about this. The best snorkeling we did was off the beach at The Renaissance.
3. I am sure you can't go wrong with parasailing in such a beautiful place. We did not do it in Hawaii, only in Jamaica and it was so fun!
Are you sure you want to spend money on the luau? I have heard people are usually disappointed after a luau, I personally have not been to one, so I cannot comment. Have a great time!
Dinner: Mama's Fish House-go early and watch the surfers, Nick's Fishmarket at the Kea Lani hotel was a spectacular dinner.
Lunch: Maui Onion at the Renaissance, also a cheap and really good meal was Maui Tacos in one of the shopping centers there.
1. Did the Bike down Haleakala the second night since we had not adjusted to the time change yet. We were picked up around 2:30AM, picked up a bunch of other couples at their hotels, went to the bike shop had coffee and donuts, then back in the van w/the bikes on a trailer up the mountain. It was rainy and cold up there (Oct.), so we could not see the sunrise, which was a bummer. We had a van full of young honeymooners, we were on ours as well, which made it really fun! We all decided not to wait our turn to go down the mountain we were like #50 to go, so we drove down the mountain a little further and started there, we feel like we did not miss anything by doing that. The good thing about being with a tour, is that they follow you in their van, kind of keeping cars away from you and if anything happens to a bike or biker, they are there to help. I would be really scared to do this on my own, also how would you get back to your car after riding down? The bike is just coasting for like 26 miles, so everyone on your trip could do it, no skill necessary. We stopped for breakfast and ended up on a beach. We went from wearing a rain suit, then sweat pants and long sleeves (which I had to to the Gap to buy, so be prepared) to tank tops and shorts at the end, it was pretty cool. We really enjoyed it, but next time we go to Maui, we will just drive our own car up to see the sunrise that we missed. Since then, all of our friends have done it and all seen the sunrise and said it was beautiful.
2. We went snorkeling to Molokini and thought it was a huge waste of time and money. We booked for 2 people and were on a little raft-like boat with only one other couple. Thought we'd be on a larger boat with more people. It was so rough out there that we were sore for days afterward from all the bouncing of the boat and we are young and in pretty good shape, that may have killed my parents! The snorkeling was not that good, even at Molokini, so I would really think about this. The best snorkeling we did was off the beach at The Renaissance.
3. I am sure you can't go wrong with parasailing in such a beautiful place. We did not do it in Hawaii, only in Jamaica and it was so fun!
Are you sure you want to spend money on the luau? I have heard people are usually disappointed after a luau, I personally have not been to one, so I cannot comment. Have a great time!
Jul 26th, 2004, 11:40 AM
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This is a cut a paste reply from another thread because I have written this so many times. Searching on this site for Haleakala Bike Company will get a few more as well
Message: I am partial to the Haleakala Bike Company because they have better equipment and the trips are unescorted. I have ridden with them a few times. Unescorted allows you to eat when and where you want, the stop when you wish to enjoy a vista or take pictures, stop to shop, or venture off on a side trip down an inviting path. They just ask that the bikes be back by 3 pm. They provide you with mountian bikes, as opposed to the single speed cruisers you will get with an escorted tour. DH is a mountain biker and would never be happy being locked into a group that is herded down on a predertimed time schedule and who must travel at the speed of the slowest member of the group. Each time we ride with them, the trip is different because we decide wheew we will go and what we will do.
But, that said, some people prefer the group rides and do not feel comfortable riding alone. The escorted trips have a van at the front and a van at the back of the pack. Escorted tours start a bit higher than unescorted and the escorted tours come all the way down Baldwin Ave into Paia town.
But as for the safety myth that escorted rides are safer, more accidents actually happen on the escorted trips because they tend to ride too closely and are prone to domino style accidents. And there was an accident not too long ago where the following van actually hit a rider.
Message: I am partial to the Haleakala Bike Company because they have better equipment and the trips are unescorted. I have ridden with them a few times. Unescorted allows you to eat when and where you want, the stop when you wish to enjoy a vista or take pictures, stop to shop, or venture off on a side trip down an inviting path. They just ask that the bikes be back by 3 pm. They provide you with mountian bikes, as opposed to the single speed cruisers you will get with an escorted tour. DH is a mountain biker and would never be happy being locked into a group that is herded down on a predertimed time schedule and who must travel at the speed of the slowest member of the group. Each time we ride with them, the trip is different because we decide wheew we will go and what we will do.
But, that said, some people prefer the group rides and do not feel comfortable riding alone. The escorted trips have a van at the front and a van at the back of the pack. Escorted tours start a bit higher than unescorted and the escorted tours come all the way down Baldwin Ave into Paia town.
But as for the safety myth that escorted rides are safer, more accidents actually happen on the escorted trips because they tend to ride too closely and are prone to domino style accidents. And there was an accident not too long ago where the following van actually hit a rider.
Jul 26th, 2004, 12:09 PM
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If you are interested in the experience, I would definetely do the bike ride/sunrise. However, it just depends what you like. I loved it, but I love active adventures like that..also I had a beautiful sunrise. I also rode with Haleakala Bike Company and loved the self paced tour. We could stop whenever we wanted and felt completely safe. However, we all are familiar with riding bikes so once again, it just depends on you and your group. Another option is to do a van ride to the top and just watch the sunrise, then ride down in the van OR do a day van trip up the volcano.
I did not do the Molokini snorkel trip because i don't care for crowded group activities usually. However, I have heard great things about the Four Winds tour...do you enjoy snorkeling?
One thing that we did with our group that we really enjoyed is a sunset cruise aboard the Kapalua Kai. It gave us a chance to see the west side of the island since we were staying in Wailea and also gave us a chance to get on a beautiful, clean boat! The crew was great and they served cocktails and appetizers. Be warned though..there were a few people (not from our group) that got seasick.
If you enjoy fine dining, there are some great restaurants on the island. I know most people don't view dining as an activity, but there is just something about being in a beautiful setting around sunset, drinking a fabulous, cold drink and eating top notch food....boy, that is heaven to me. Go to Nicks, Mama's Fish House, Spagos or Ferraros and treat yourselves. All are great, have great atmosphere and will be an experience you will never forget.
Have fun!
Becca
I did not do the Molokini snorkel trip because i don't care for crowded group activities usually. However, I have heard great things about the Four Winds tour...do you enjoy snorkeling?
One thing that we did with our group that we really enjoyed is a sunset cruise aboard the Kapalua Kai. It gave us a chance to see the west side of the island since we were staying in Wailea and also gave us a chance to get on a beautiful, clean boat! The crew was great and they served cocktails and appetizers. Be warned though..there were a few people (not from our group) that got seasick.
If you enjoy fine dining, there are some great restaurants on the island. I know most people don't view dining as an activity, but there is just something about being in a beautiful setting around sunset, drinking a fabulous, cold drink and eating top notch food....boy, that is heaven to me. Go to Nicks, Mama's Fish House, Spagos or Ferraros and treat yourselves. All are great, have great atmosphere and will be an experience you will never forget.
Have fun!
Becca
Jul 26th, 2004, 12:11 PM
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My daughter and I enjoyed the ride down the volcano though it probably isn't for everyone. It is cold best case and fortunately it wasn't raining or it would be a miserable experience. We used Maui Mountain Cruisers and they hinted that they try to time thier rides to be one of the first groups down. Don't know if thats true, but worth asking. If you had to wait for all of the groups it would be a long morning.
I wouldn't waste my money on Molokini, there is far better snorkling at Honolua Bay and La Perouse bay and it is far less expensive (easy to drive to). We rented kayaks on our last trip and it was great fun. No guide needed just ask for basic instructions and where to go.
I think everyone should go to a luau once and Old Lahaina is the best I've been too. Its touristy, expensive and a bit cheesy, but that's part of the fun.
I think the drive to Hana is worth the time, some do, some don't. If you go pick up the narration CD, its worth the $20. Plan on taking the whole day, and drive all the way to the national park aand hike up to the waterfall. Its a two hour round trip hike, but worth the time and effort.
Try surfing, take a lesson, its worth the $50.00. Once you get the hang of it you can rent a board for $20 all day.
My younger daughter parasailed and enjoyed it. It wouldn't appeal to me.
A day trip to Haleakala to hike around and see the unique plants and geologic formations is also fun (for some).
I wouldn't waste my money on Molokini, there is far better snorkling at Honolua Bay and La Perouse bay and it is far less expensive (easy to drive to). We rented kayaks on our last trip and it was great fun. No guide needed just ask for basic instructions and where to go.
I think everyone should go to a luau once and Old Lahaina is the best I've been too. Its touristy, expensive and a bit cheesy, but that's part of the fun.
I think the drive to Hana is worth the time, some do, some don't. If you go pick up the narration CD, its worth the $20. Plan on taking the whole day, and drive all the way to the national park aand hike up to the waterfall. Its a two hour round trip hike, but worth the time and effort.
Try surfing, take a lesson, its worth the $50.00. Once you get the hang of it you can rent a board for $20 all day.
My younger daughter parasailed and enjoyed it. It wouldn't appeal to me.
A day trip to Haleakala to hike around and see the unique plants and geologic formations is also fun (for some).
Jul 26th, 2004, 01:35 PM
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Go buy this book tonight. Can read on the plane, it had a lot of really cool activites. We loaned ours out, or I would go look up the awesome drive we took around Maui. Have fun, I'm jealous!
Maui Revealed, The Ultimate Guidebook
Maui Revealed, The Ultimate Guidebook
Jul 26th, 2004, 01:45 PM
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Thanks everyone for the quick responses. I have a lot planned but most of it doesn't require reservations or tour companies.
Here's a tentative itinerary:
7/30 - arrive evening; check-in to hotel; find dinner; sleep
7/31 - free day; maybe walk Lahaina before checking in to rental house
8/1 - beach day - Wailea area; luau
8/2 - Haleakala; Paia; Haiku
8/3 - Lahaina & West Maui
8/4 - Road to Hana
8/5 - beach day (may switch 8/4 and 8/5)
8/6 - snorkeling and more beach day
8/7 - parasailing; maybe Lahaina again or other area
8/8 - Kula & Upcountry; flight leaves at 11pm
So how does that sound? Anything you would change or switch? Am I leaving anything important out?
Oh restaurants on my list to eat at:
Mama's
David Paul's
Aloha Mixed Plate
Sansei
I'O
Maui Onion
Kimo's
Hula Grill
Longhi's
Maui Tacos
TIA!
Here's a tentative itinerary:
7/30 - arrive evening; check-in to hotel; find dinner; sleep
7/31 - free day; maybe walk Lahaina before checking in to rental house
8/1 - beach day - Wailea area; luau
8/2 - Haleakala; Paia; Haiku
8/3 - Lahaina & West Maui
8/4 - Road to Hana
8/5 - beach day (may switch 8/4 and 8/5)
8/6 - snorkeling and more beach day
8/7 - parasailing; maybe Lahaina again or other area
8/8 - Kula & Upcountry; flight leaves at 11pm
So how does that sound? Anything you would change or switch? Am I leaving anything important out?
Oh restaurants on my list to eat at:
Mama's
David Paul's
Aloha Mixed Plate
Sansei
I'O
Maui Onion
Kimo's
Hula Grill
Longhi's
Maui Tacos
TIA!
Jul 26th, 2004, 03:26 PM
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Kopper - I've only parasailed once, years ago, because now I always go during whale season. we used UFO - I was scared to death & they had a bench type seat where we could sit side by side. I also requested not to be dipped in the ocean, and they didn't. We took off from & landed on the back of the boat. I have to admit, once I got up in the air, it was worth it & I didn't want to come down.
BTW, I didn't see Warren & Annabelle's on your final itinerary - did you decide to skip it? I've been 3 times, and have enjoyed it every time.
Aloha & enjoy!!
BTW, I didn't see Warren & Annabelle's on your final itinerary - did you decide to skip it? I've been 3 times, and have enjoyed it every time.
Aloha & enjoy!!
Jul 26th, 2004, 08:26 PM
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My husband and I went to Maui last October. First of all, "Maui Revealed" is the BIBLE of finding and rating activities/hotels/restaurants. We didn't go anywhere without it.
We did the Feast at Lele luau instead, based on the book's recommedation. It is a little more expensive, but was well worth it. Amazing food that it served individually to your table (not a cattle herd buffet like most), great view, and fantastic entertainment.
My husband and I are not morning people, so the trip to Haleakala (leaving at 2:30 am) was a killer for us. We would never have had the energy for the bike trip. Some say it's fantastic and a lot of others say it is scary and distracting (you are paying too much attention to the traffic and steep cliffs to enjoy the views). Instead, we drove/hiked to some of the other beautiful sites up there pointed out in "Maui Revealed," got to the bottom way before the bikers and napped by the pool at our condo to catch up on all the sleep we missed! I'm sure a lot of it depends on whether you are an experienced biker and have had recent practice. Going for the sunrise was a great one-time experience, but we don't feel the need to ever do it again if we return. The sunrise was pretty, but not nearly as pretty as the sunset every night. If you go, BUNDLE UP and take a flashlight! It is freezing up there in the dark and you will be very glad you made a little extra luggage space for a sweatshirt, jacket and hat. We also took the comforter from our condo to wrap up in!
We didn't snorkel Molokini because people told us it was so jammed with tourists that sometimes you don't really see anything. We took Maui Adventure Tours to the island of Lanai and loved it. It was a small group (20 or so), the guides were wonderful, low key, friendly and knowledgable, and the snorkeling was amazing. They go wherever the snorkeling is good that day (where there was no one else besides our group), then they take you to the island and you can snorkel off the shore. It's a great way to combine snorkeling and seeing another island.
Do not miss Sansei (in Kapalua) if you like sushi. (They also have plenty of entrees that I'm sure are great.) It was the best sushi we ever had. They have happy hour from 5:30 to 6:00 each evening where all sushi is 20% (or 25%?) off, which saves you quite a bit. Mama's Fish House was our other favorite. One tip: go for lunch so you can see the huge waves and beautiful whitewater; it will also save you $$ because it's very expensive. Maui Tacos is great fast food--we ate there several times (try the fish tacos).
Have a wonderful time--I'm so jealous!
We did the Feast at Lele luau instead, based on the book's recommedation. It is a little more expensive, but was well worth it. Amazing food that it served individually to your table (not a cattle herd buffet like most), great view, and fantastic entertainment.
My husband and I are not morning people, so the trip to Haleakala (leaving at 2:30 am) was a killer for us. We would never have had the energy for the bike trip. Some say it's fantastic and a lot of others say it is scary and distracting (you are paying too much attention to the traffic and steep cliffs to enjoy the views). Instead, we drove/hiked to some of the other beautiful sites up there pointed out in "Maui Revealed," got to the bottom way before the bikers and napped by the pool at our condo to catch up on all the sleep we missed! I'm sure a lot of it depends on whether you are an experienced biker and have had recent practice. Going for the sunrise was a great one-time experience, but we don't feel the need to ever do it again if we return. The sunrise was pretty, but not nearly as pretty as the sunset every night. If you go, BUNDLE UP and take a flashlight! It is freezing up there in the dark and you will be very glad you made a little extra luggage space for a sweatshirt, jacket and hat. We also took the comforter from our condo to wrap up in!
We didn't snorkel Molokini because people told us it was so jammed with tourists that sometimes you don't really see anything. We took Maui Adventure Tours to the island of Lanai and loved it. It was a small group (20 or so), the guides were wonderful, low key, friendly and knowledgable, and the snorkeling was amazing. They go wherever the snorkeling is good that day (where there was no one else besides our group), then they take you to the island and you can snorkel off the shore. It's a great way to combine snorkeling and seeing another island.
Do not miss Sansei (in Kapalua) if you like sushi. (They also have plenty of entrees that I'm sure are great.) It was the best sushi we ever had. They have happy hour from 5:30 to 6:00 each evening where all sushi is 20% (or 25%?) off, which saves you quite a bit. Mama's Fish House was our other favorite. One tip: go for lunch so you can see the huge waves and beautiful whitewater; it will also save you $$ because it's very expensive. Maui Tacos is great fast food--we ate there several times (try the fish tacos).
Have a wonderful time--I'm so jealous!
Jul 27th, 2004, 10:51 AM
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Thanks here_today. I called Tom Barefoot's this morning and hope to hear back soon.
jjd - Thanks for all the input. Sansei is at the top of my list as sushi is my favorite food. Mama's for lunch might be an option. I am checking into snorkeling trips off of Lanai. That is definitely an option. Going to search on Captain Steve's and Paragon (the two that TB's recommended) and Adventure Tours. Still not sure on biking down Haleakala. We may just drive up there for the sunset and do some hiking. So much left to decide!
jjd - Thanks for all the input. Sansei is at the top of my list as sushi is my favorite food. Mama's for lunch might be an option. I am checking into snorkeling trips off of Lanai. That is definitely an option. Going to search on Captain Steve's and Paragon (the two that TB's recommended) and Adventure Tours. Still not sure on biking down Haleakala. We may just drive up there for the sunset and do some hiking. So much left to decide!
Jul 27th, 2004, 01:53 PM
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We used UFO for parasailing Sept. 2003. They were great.
As for Molokini, after numerous trips to Maui, we finally went Sept. 2003 and it was great. We went on the Mahana Nai'a and, yes it was a bit crowded, but the fish were plentiful. It isn't just the snorkeling that makes the trip though--it is the whole experience--seeing dolphins on the way, good food and drinks on the way back, the sailing--it's all good. We went through Tom's Barefoot Cashback Tours.
As for Molokini, after numerous trips to Maui, we finally went Sept. 2003 and it was great. We went on the Mahana Nai'a and, yes it was a bit crowded, but the fish were plentiful. It isn't just the snorkeling that makes the trip though--it is the whole experience--seeing dolphins on the way, good food and drinks on the way back, the sailing--it's all good. We went through Tom's Barefoot Cashback Tours.
Jul 27th, 2004, 03:37 PM
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Kopper - I've been using Captain Steves since 1995 - he's great! Of course, since I go once a year, he now recognizes me before I even say my name - given the number of people he must see every year, I think that's amazing.
As far as restaurants, I agree with the poster who suggest going to Mama's Fish House for lunch - it's a little less expensive, and you can enjoy the ocean view. I like Maui Tacos in Lahaina. I've become very disappointed with Hula Grill & don't think I will go back - a shame, since it used to be one of my favorites. Don't miss Aloha Mixed Plate for lunch - all seating is outside, right on ocean next to Old Lahaina Luau, friendly staff, great value for amount of food.
As far as restaurants, I agree with the poster who suggest going to Mama's Fish House for lunch - it's a little less expensive, and you can enjoy the ocean view. I like Maui Tacos in Lahaina. I've become very disappointed with Hula Grill & don't think I will go back - a shame, since it used to be one of my favorites. Don't miss Aloha Mixed Plate for lunch - all seating is outside, right on ocean next to Old Lahaina Luau, friendly staff, great value for amount of food.
