Hi folks - I have been very fortunate to win an all expenses paid trip to Maui as an award through my work for my wife and I, May 4 - 9th. Much of our itinerary and activities have been planned for us; however we will have some free time to go out and explore. We are staying at the Hyatt resort on the west side of the island. Having never been there, I'm wondering how easy it is to drive around the island? We were considering renting a car one day and wanted recommendations on where we should drive to in order to get a "different taste" of the island - we love to hike and explore. As one of our paid activities, we will be taking a drive to the top of the valcano and doing the bike ride down. My wife would love to be able to hike to some of the waterfalls, but we haven't really seen any that were very accessible except through tours - we'd prefer to do these hikes on our own unless that is risky or not an option.

My wife also wanted to parasail while we were there, but it appears as if parasailing is shut down during the time we are there due to whale season. I found a link to a person that does Paragliding (tandem), which sounds spectacular, but wanted to know if anyone has done it and would recommend the experience.

Finally, on the second night there, the company has given us an option of multiple upscale restaurants to choose from - I chose the Plantation House at the golf course, over the Lanahai Grill - is this a good choice? I can change if needed.

Thanks in advance for all your assistance!

Buy the book Maui Revealed. You will find priceless information in there. We just got back from Maui 2 days ago it was incredible

If you have a free evening Warren and Annebelles is a MUST. Book online in advance it sells out nightly.

If you have a free evening, relax with a sunset (literally ) supper and walk on the beach.

BTW, you might want to read the threas here about the bike ride. And do it last day, just in case...

Congratulations! I would definitley get a car, especially since most of your trip is already paid for. The driving is very easy; there is basically one main road. From what I remember, things are pretty spread out. There are plenty of places to hike, but you will have to drive. You will LOVE Maui!!

If you are only renting a car for one day, you will need to choose between driving around the north end or the south end (the road to Hana). I'd choose Hana - though both were great!

Did the road on the south end ever get re-opened after it was closed a year or so ago?

I also agree with kmadsen's suggestions.

Do yourself a big favor & rent a car the entire time while you are there.

On the Road To Hana there are many waterfalls that you can hike to. Hopefully there will be some rain & the waterfalls will be flowing.

Lots of sites with Maui info:

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g2...ackground.html

Thanks for all the suggestions! I have read the strings on the bike rides. While I'm sure there is an element of risk to it, this is what partially appeals to us. Both my wife and I bike often, so we believe we will be able to handle the ride fine (just got to be alert about those around us!)

I'm not sure if it will benefit us to rent a car for the entire time we are there - we have multiple activities and events scheduled via the company - and of course, we do want time to just unwind by the pool! But we may go ahead and get it for 2 days. I can drive for hours, but my wife is not a huge fan of being in a car for too long, and gets somewhat nauseaus from winding roads. If we start the road to Hana - is it worth it to just go part way? Or would it be better to just take the southern route?

Thanks again for all your help - we are very much looking forward to this trip!!

You should check with the rental car company, as some may prohibit you from driving around the SOUTH side of EAST Maui, and around the NORTH side of WEST Maui.

Also, is your wife gets car sick, the drive to Hana is quite IFFY IMO. Lot's of twists and turns.

"If we start the road to Hana - is it worth it to just go part way? Or would it be better to just take the southern route?"

You cannot take the southern route to Hana.

The road is closed (if you take the northern route) just past Seven Pools. You can get as far as Lindbergh's grave. The road has been closed due to an unstable cliff since the earthquake in October 2006. May reopen in October.

Can she take Dramamine or something? From all I've heard, the road to Hana is pretty incredible.

Lee Ann

The hike to Lindberg's grave was the one major thing that I had planned, but we didn't get to do on Maui. I've heard it's a good one.
http://tinyurl.com/2d8jvm

I also thought I wanted to do the bike ride down, but, after reading of several accidents, decided against it. When I got there & saw the folks, I was glad we were not part of that group & were on our own schedule. It did not appear nearly as inspiring as it did on paper.

Dusty, sorry - I didn't mean taking the Southern route to Hana - I was referring to driving to the southern part of the Island versus taking the Road to Hana. We might try the dramamine, but from a mileage estimator, it looks like about a 10 hour round trip drive from West Maui to Hana - if we would cut this in half, would we get a pretty good taste of the scenerary, or does the scenery get more dramatic the further East you go?

I'm starting to have second thoughts about the bike ride - certainly don't want to participate in a "herd" activity. May revisit our options!

Check out Aloha Bike Tours www.mauibike.com. They are different from other bike tours. You and your wife can ride down the mountain alone, with Mark Friezner meeting you at various checkpoints.

He doesn't do the sunrise. We had a car and did the sunrise ourselves. We did this with our teenagers and loved it.

We let other bike groups wizz by us. Mark reminds the riders, before he drops you off, that the ride is not a race---stop, and enjoy the views--and pull over when a huge group of riders comes by.

Regarding your restaurant choice - I dined at the Plantation House when last in Maui and, while it was good, I was a little disappointed as I was expecting something more. I did not have the opportunity to dine at the Lahaina Grill so I cannot compare the two. You have to take a cab to either one but you might like to walk around Lahaina for a bit either before or after dinner if you choose the Lahaina Grill. The Plantation House is in Kapalua -very pretty area. You could walk from there to the Ritz Carlton if you wanted to have a drink there or a stroll around the premises.

I also think you should rent a car for a few days. I would recommend getting a Jeep. We were there last May and the weather was spectacular. We loved driving with the top down.
If your wife has a serious problem with twists and turns I would pass on the Road to Hana. I hate to say that as it was one of the highlights of our trip, but it is not for the faint hearted. You could definitely drive for a couple hours and turn around if you choose. But the views do get better and better as you go. Just MAKE SURE that you leave in enough time to make the drive back during day light. You do not want to be making those turns, crossing one lane bridges, etc after dark.

Link to Lahaina Grill:
http://tinyurl.com/2y4q4q

Link to Plantation House:
http://tinyurl.com/2hmwyl

We also ate at Planation House ( as recommended by Heretoday_GonetoMaui )
& enjoyed it very much. She recommended early reservations requesting rail seating, so I made them before we left for the trip.

Take a look at both the links for pics & menu options. Lahaina Grill's menu looks fantastic, but I have no personal experience there.

Here's a picture of my sweetie at PH:
http://tinyurl.com/3b29v7
...And, one of us together:
http://tinyurl.com/27vaqj

I will link you the our Oahu, Maui pics on WorldisRound, if you'd like more of this area.

The road to Hana was Ok for me after taking Dramamine. There were alot of turns. But, the motion sickness wasn't there. The sconery is fabulous. Don;t miss it.

IMO the road to Hana is best appreciated in a convertible.