Maui - February '07 Trip Report
Mar 4th, 2007 | 10:58 AM
#1
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Maui - February '07 Trip Report
This was our second trip to Maui, the first being in November of 2001, so we did not do some of the things that first time visitors do. We wanted basically to enjoy the warm weather and eat in some wonderful places.
Here’s link to Shutterfly for photographs: http://tinyurl.com/2cco7f (Note you don’t have to register to Shutterfly, just click on “View Pictures”)
From February 6 to 13 we stayed at a condo in Kihei - Kauhale Makai (Village by the Sea) - Unit 610 - a one bedroom unit - both the bedroom and the living room have large sliding doors opening onto the lanai with views of Ma’alaea Bay - as soon as we arrived we saw a whale or two in the bay. The condo was everything and more that we expected and a good value. (This unit is not handled by the resort itself but by Bello Realty.)
Activities this trip: Most of our “activities” didn’t require a lot of activity on this trip but were excursions of one sort or another.
*We took a couple Pacific Whale Foundation trips. We saw whales but would have like to see more - I guess this is a “catch as catch can” experience. We had a nice evening on their Sunset Cocktail Cruise out of Lahaina - not many whales this voyage but had a good time.
*Maui Air’s Sunset Volcano Tour (Maui over the Big Island and back) It IS pricey but the best way for my wife wanted to see the lava flow. (We drank quite a few LavaFlows, too - but that's another story!) It would be best if you could pick your day knowing that the weather would be perfect and the U.S. military was not using the saddle area of the BI for some sort of testing - as it was our trip was a little cloudy and we couldn't fly through the saddle but we had a lot of lava activity to see. The trip is fun, comfortable, and the pilot (Capt. Bill, on this trip) was great.
*Drove to the lava fields south of Wailea and Makena - hadn’t been here before - narrow one lane road in places - very interesting to see - also exasperating to have people coming toward you that can’t judge the size of their vehicle and refuse to move.
*Drove up Haleakala - I strongly recommend this! We were lucky and on the way up experienced no clouds. We went in the early afternoon so did not have the dramatic lighting effects of sun rise or set but still were awed.
*Keali’i Reichel Concert - we went to the Maui Arts and Cultural Center for the Keali’i Reichel Concert. Some months ago posters on this board enlightened me to Reichel. We thoroughly enjoyed the evening. In addition to the main event there was other entertainment in the courtyard, quality craft sales, and a wonderful exhibit in the gallery focusing on the works of Edward Bailey and some modern interpretations of similar scenes.
*’Iao Valley - like others have noted here - not a long trip but worthwhile. On the way down from the park we stopped at the Bailey House Museum - all the more interesting after seeing many of his paintings the evening before.
Next post - a favorite part: FOOD!
Here’s link to Shutterfly for photographs: http://tinyurl.com/2cco7f (Note you don’t have to register to Shutterfly, just click on “View Pictures”)
From February 6 to 13 we stayed at a condo in Kihei - Kauhale Makai (Village by the Sea) - Unit 610 - a one bedroom unit - both the bedroom and the living room have large sliding doors opening onto the lanai with views of Ma’alaea Bay - as soon as we arrived we saw a whale or two in the bay. The condo was everything and more that we expected and a good value. (This unit is not handled by the resort itself but by Bello Realty.)
Activities this trip: Most of our “activities” didn’t require a lot of activity on this trip but were excursions of one sort or another.
*We took a couple Pacific Whale Foundation trips. We saw whales but would have like to see more - I guess this is a “catch as catch can” experience. We had a nice evening on their Sunset Cocktail Cruise out of Lahaina - not many whales this voyage but had a good time.
*Maui Air’s Sunset Volcano Tour (Maui over the Big Island and back) It IS pricey but the best way for my wife wanted to see the lava flow. (We drank quite a few LavaFlows, too - but that's another story!) It would be best if you could pick your day knowing that the weather would be perfect and the U.S. military was not using the saddle area of the BI for some sort of testing - as it was our trip was a little cloudy and we couldn't fly through the saddle but we had a lot of lava activity to see. The trip is fun, comfortable, and the pilot (Capt. Bill, on this trip) was great.
*Drove to the lava fields south of Wailea and Makena - hadn’t been here before - narrow one lane road in places - very interesting to see - also exasperating to have people coming toward you that can’t judge the size of their vehicle and refuse to move.
*Drove up Haleakala - I strongly recommend this! We were lucky and on the way up experienced no clouds. We went in the early afternoon so did not have the dramatic lighting effects of sun rise or set but still were awed.
*Keali’i Reichel Concert - we went to the Maui Arts and Cultural Center for the Keali’i Reichel Concert. Some months ago posters on this board enlightened me to Reichel. We thoroughly enjoyed the evening. In addition to the main event there was other entertainment in the courtyard, quality craft sales, and a wonderful exhibit in the gallery focusing on the works of Edward Bailey and some modern interpretations of similar scenes.
*’Iao Valley - like others have noted here - not a long trip but worthwhile. On the way down from the park we stopped at the Bailey House Museum - all the more interesting after seeing many of his paintings the evening before.
Next post - a favorite part: FOOD!
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Mar 4th, 2007 | 12:11 PM
#8
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Joined: Jun 2004
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O.K. - now to the real meat of the report!! The meat was most often fish!! Here’s a link to some food pictures not included above http://tinyurl.com/333bvl
Gerard’s French Restaurant in Lahaina. We had been there before and wanted to return. We sat on the porch. The food here is great! I would return. Sadly, I cannot recall what I had - think was the fish special but this time I didn’t note it. Wife had the scallops and shrimp au gratin - remembers it being very rich. One of the members of our group is a vegetarian so the beautiful veggie plate in the pictures was for her.
Barefoot Bar at the Hula Grill at Whaler’s Village, Ka’anapali, - someone here suggested this spot - really neat - our first lavaflows of the trip were here - they actually didn’t have much flavor. The food for lunch was very good - I had a lot of ahi just about everywhere. Be sure to note the footprints on the plates. I would return here if no other reason than just for the view and the sand under the chairs!
Feast at Lele, Lahaina - we had been to the Old Lahaina Luau previously and knew that is regarded as the best and most authentic luau in Hawai’i but we weren’t that impressed by the food so this time we went to the Feast at Lele. (O.K. I know the fire twirling isn’t indigenous to Hawai’i but neither are condos, rental cars, and restaurants and most of us enjoy them, anyway.) I had heard that the amounts on the food was skimpy - but I did not feel that way. Considering the number of courses the food for each course no one could go away hungry! They present dances from Hawai’i, Aotearoa, Tahiti, and Samoa and with each dance a near plate of food is brought to you. (Not a buffet.) They prepared special food for our vegetarian. The food was much much better than the Old Lahaina Luau - just about as good as any you’ll find at a restaurant. This feast is also a treat for those who want to have a variety of drinks - each course has suggested quality drinks - all included. While I might not use the funds to return, I would encourage anyone who wants great food with their luau-type experience to go to the Feast at Lele.
Vietnamese Food - We went to both A Saigon Cafe in Wailuku and Vietnamese Cuisine in Kihei - they have both been highly recommended here, but we did not find the food all that impressive. Maybe we just ordered the wrong thing. I still can tasted Vietnamese spring rolls I had at a stand in the food court in Honolulu - the ones on this trip paled in comparison.
Humuhumnukunukuaua’a at the Grand Wailea - we had enjoyed the experience here before so returned. Though we had an early reservation we had to wait a bit. The appetizer - Ahi Traps were great. the rest of the food was very good. Walking around the grounds of the resort is a real treat and the parking was free. Though I really like the setting, I probably would not return.
Waterfront at Ma’alaea - had to be my favorite as far as the food went - I had ahi just about everywhere (as noted above) and this was the best. the decor is not island style more classy supper club - we sat outside so couldn’t enjoy that aspect as much. We went on a Saturday evening - glad we had reservations as they were turning away folks. Finding the place at night for the first time was a little challenge and there is little parking but that won’t stop me - I shall return!
Da Kitchen, Kihei - go for lunch!! You’ll be filled!!
Shave Ice - finally got to try it - go to Local Boy Snack Shop - Kihei Kalama Village. Why hasn’t this treat hit the mainland?
Seawatch, Wailea Gold Golf Club - went here for late breakfast after packing up and checking out of the condo - the few is sublime as was the food. Wife had classic eggs benedict I had crabcake benedict. They serve breakfast and lunch from 8:00 A.M. - 3:00 P.M. daily. Driving out I think it was a mongoose I saw scrounging around in the shrubs.
Pacific ‘O, Lahaina - probably our favorite place for lunch but foodwise and locationwise. Might also win the prize for lavaflow! I’m gonna have to try this place and/or I’o for dinner sometime.
I know I didn’t hit details as far as food goes - so ask away and I’ll see if I can answer. I’ve had fun just remembering all the above!
Gerard’s French Restaurant in Lahaina. We had been there before and wanted to return. We sat on the porch. The food here is great! I would return. Sadly, I cannot recall what I had - think was the fish special but this time I didn’t note it. Wife had the scallops and shrimp au gratin - remembers it being very rich. One of the members of our group is a vegetarian so the beautiful veggie plate in the pictures was for her.
Barefoot Bar at the Hula Grill at Whaler’s Village, Ka’anapali, - someone here suggested this spot - really neat - our first lavaflows of the trip were here - they actually didn’t have much flavor. The food for lunch was very good - I had a lot of ahi just about everywhere. Be sure to note the footprints on the plates. I would return here if no other reason than just for the view and the sand under the chairs!
Feast at Lele, Lahaina - we had been to the Old Lahaina Luau previously and knew that is regarded as the best and most authentic luau in Hawai’i but we weren’t that impressed by the food so this time we went to the Feast at Lele. (O.K. I know the fire twirling isn’t indigenous to Hawai’i but neither are condos, rental cars, and restaurants and most of us enjoy them, anyway.) I had heard that the amounts on the food was skimpy - but I did not feel that way. Considering the number of courses the food for each course no one could go away hungry! They present dances from Hawai’i, Aotearoa, Tahiti, and Samoa and with each dance a near plate of food is brought to you. (Not a buffet.) They prepared special food for our vegetarian. The food was much much better than the Old Lahaina Luau - just about as good as any you’ll find at a restaurant. This feast is also a treat for those who want to have a variety of drinks - each course has suggested quality drinks - all included. While I might not use the funds to return, I would encourage anyone who wants great food with their luau-type experience to go to the Feast at Lele.
Vietnamese Food - We went to both A Saigon Cafe in Wailuku and Vietnamese Cuisine in Kihei - they have both been highly recommended here, but we did not find the food all that impressive. Maybe we just ordered the wrong thing. I still can tasted Vietnamese spring rolls I had at a stand in the food court in Honolulu - the ones on this trip paled in comparison.
Humuhumnukunukuaua’a at the Grand Wailea - we had enjoyed the experience here before so returned. Though we had an early reservation we had to wait a bit. The appetizer - Ahi Traps were great. the rest of the food was very good. Walking around the grounds of the resort is a real treat and the parking was free. Though I really like the setting, I probably would not return.
Waterfront at Ma’alaea - had to be my favorite as far as the food went - I had ahi just about everywhere (as noted above) and this was the best. the decor is not island style more classy supper club - we sat outside so couldn’t enjoy that aspect as much. We went on a Saturday evening - glad we had reservations as they were turning away folks. Finding the place at night for the first time was a little challenge and there is little parking but that won’t stop me - I shall return!
Da Kitchen, Kihei - go for lunch!! You’ll be filled!!
Shave Ice - finally got to try it - go to Local Boy Snack Shop - Kihei Kalama Village. Why hasn’t this treat hit the mainland?
Seawatch, Wailea Gold Golf Club - went here for late breakfast after packing up and checking out of the condo - the few is sublime as was the food. Wife had classic eggs benedict I had crabcake benedict. They serve breakfast and lunch from 8:00 A.M. - 3:00 P.M. daily. Driving out I think it was a mongoose I saw scrounging around in the shrubs.
Pacific ‘O, Lahaina - probably our favorite place for lunch but foodwise and locationwise. Might also win the prize for lavaflow! I’m gonna have to try this place and/or I’o for dinner sometime.
I know I didn’t hit details as far as food goes - so ask away and I’ll see if I can answer. I’ve had fun just remembering all the above!
Mar 4th, 2007 | 05:36 PM
#11
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Joined: Jun 2004
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I forgot to mention Pa'ia Fish Market. Ate there on the last evening before heading to the airport. Very, very good! Not fancy at all - you place your order at the counter, find a seat at a trestle table, wait for your name and get your food. Not air conditioned andcan be a bit warm - I wish I had some of those warm breezes now!
Jul 16th, 2007 | 11:10 AM
#13
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Joined: Jun 2004
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Sorry that I'm replying so late - just noticed your question. We used Volcano Air Tours (I think they are the only ones doing it)- did the sunset trip. It WAS pricey - but the best way to see the volcano without actually going to BI. My wife has wanted to see the lava flow for some time. You can't get REALLY close but it is impressive. The plane was air conditioned.
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