Maui for 5 days - help me plan itinerary
 

Hi -

My husband and I will be in Maui (Fairmont) for 6 days with our 3 year old and 1 year old. We will have a babysitter for part of the time. It is our first trip to the Island. Can someone suggest an itinerary/list of must-sees?

One of the innumerable guidebooks would be a must-see.

Make sure to go to Lahaina for shopping. This is a quaint little shopping town. Maui has beautiful beaches and wonderful sunsets. You will enjoy just exploring the island.
Make sure to go to a luau. This will be one of the highlights of your trip. We have gone to the Old Lahaina Luau, and it was wonderful. If you have access to a camcorder, make sure to bring it. Make sure to bring snorkle gear, if you're able. You can also rent it. The snorkling on Maui is wonderful. You can also take day snorkle trips to different islands, such as Molokai and Lanai. Your hotel should have more info. Enjoy your visit. I know you will have a wonderful time. Please give us a trip report when you return.

I was going to respond with "avoid Lahaina unless you like history, and don't bother with a luau! That said (to each his own), be sure to go snorkeling, go to incredible Haleakala National Park to see the crater (and the change in weather/vegetative zones). And try to relax on the beach.

Haleakala sunrise, Road to Hana, Iao Valley, stroll Lahaina.

Drums of the Pacific Luau at Hyatt has the best fire knife dancer on Maui.

www.gohawaii.com free brochure

www.visitmaui.com free brochure

www.mauihawaii.org

www.hawaiiweb.com

www.alternative-hawaii.com Good driving tours & restaurant guide

www.driveguidemagazines.com Good maps & restaurant guide

www.thisweek.com XXX

www.spotlighthawaii.com XXX

www.101thingstodo.com XXX

XXX - These also have free hard copy brochures that you can get when you get to Maui.

6 days with a 3 year old and a 1 year old? Depends on how much driving in the car they can tolerate. You can probably forget Hana; they'll drive you nuts in the car over and back.

I'd spend most of the time hitting the beaches in Wailea and Makena area near where you're staying. You might be interested in Lahaina, but I don't think the kids will be until they're more like 5 yrs old. And it's a 45-60 minute drive away. I don't think they'll get much out of Haleakala either.

Just hit various local beaches and relax. Kids also seem to like the aquarium at Maaleaa, but it's $$$. Once the older one hits 5, you can do Lahaina, Kaanapali, Haleakala, Hana, etc.

If the babysitter is full-time, hit Kaanapali beach one day and then Lahaina for late afternoon and dinner (I'o or Pacific'O). Stay late and then drive back.

Haleakala would also be a fun trip if you can leave the kids with the babysitter.

If you like snorkeling, the Makena area has some good sites, with lots of turtles. Plus further south near Perouse Bay, the Fishbowl and the Aquarium are great snorkeling sites (see guidebooks).

We have a five day (childless) trip upcoming and hope to do the following:

Day One -- Just rest, relax and explore Lahaina with dinner at the Hula Grill

Day Two -- Road to Hana. Dinner open.

Day Three -- Iao Needle with dinner at the Old Lahaina Luau. I understand the Iao Needle is a half day trip.

Day Four -- Halakala Volcano. Dinner at Mama's Fish House

Day Five -- Free during the day to see what we might have missed with a sunset cruise to end the trip. Dinner at Kimo's

We are staying in Kaanapali. We're 50, so scenery and relaxation are more important than entertainment. Days are somewhat flexible, dependent on the weather. Hope this helps.