I've read MANY posts on this site and Trip Advisor. I'm a firm believer in feedback and the opinions and reviews of others.

This post was originially an email I typed up for here_today_gone2Maui, but it got kicked back to me.

This is unbelievably lengthy as a post, but here goes..
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Aloha,

Seems from reviewing the Fodor's site, you're the person with the insight on Maui.. Have you written a book? I found this email address on one of the responses and wanted to go straight to the source.

Johnny & I will arrive in Maui late November 12 and fly out on the 21st.. This is our honeymoon and I wanted to probe you for more opinions! I DO NOT want to over book, which I have the tendency to do.. I'll be in trouble with Johnny if I have us running the entire honeymoon. My idea was to have one "highlight" per day and lots of variables for the rest of the day. I was hoping to spend $150 or less on food daily.

I'm open for MANY of your suggestions.

We will stay in these towns and I've listed check in/out dates. We have 8 full days to play.
Lahiana - Sunday, 11/12 - Friday, 11/17 http://www.mauiguesthouse.com/
Hana - Friday, 11/17 - Sunday, 11/19 http://www.hanamaui.net/cabana.php
Makawao - Sunday, 11/19 - 11/21 http://www.mauisparetreat.com/cottage.aspx

We will have access to a shared kitchen in Lahiana.. and private kitchens in Hana & Makawao.. I know we're on vacation, but plan on cooking to help with the food budget. Also, aside from accommodations, no reservations have been made at this point so it'd be no problem to switch days around on Lahiana activities.

(Day 1) I read your advice on bike riding in an unguided mid-morning tour by Haleakala Bike Company versus guided. My understanding was the sunrise was the highlight of this adventure.. My only problem with the bike ride was the cost.. As a cheaper alternative, I thought maybe we could drive to the summit for the sunrise then.. Well, take a hike! What's your opinion on a sunrise hike versus the mid-morning unguided bike ride? Also, my brother suggested we do this the first morning since we'll still be jet lagged.. So, Monday 11/13 would be our day for that. Do you know if the bike trip you take is available at sunrise?
Breakfast: at the b&b
Lunch: ?
Dinner: ?

(2) The one thing Johnny wanted to do was surf.. So, surfing lessons for him will be Tuesday, 11/14.. I imagined we grocery shop at Safeway and shop the whaler's village? Piddle.
Breakfast: b&b or Gazebo restaurant north of Lahiana
Lunch: Pacific`O or I`o
Dinner: Cook

(3) Snuba at Molokini for Wednesday, 11/15.. I've snorkeled once and I pretty much just floated on the water (on a cruise in Mexico). The view was beautiful, but I didn't feel like I got down in it.. Seems like snuba is the way to do this (albeit pricey).
Breakfast: on boat or b&b
Lunch: on boat
Dinner: cook

(4) Thursday, 11/16, We're open during the day.. For that evening, I'm torn on a few things.. At first we had a dinner sail and 'Ulalena both on our list.. In an effort to save money.. I thought to scratch them both an do the Old Lahiana Luau instead.. Today, I read about Feast at Lele. I did read your 2/2005 response of Feast of Lele or OLL.. "I think of Feast at Lele as more of a dinner show than a lu`au. The show is very nice,as is the meal. But if you are looking for a typical lu`au experience, with the imu, and communal tables and typical lu`au food the Old Lahiana Lu`au would be a better choice." From your review, it sounds like Feast of Lele might be an idea way to scratch the dinner cruise & theatre. What do you think?
Breakfast: b&b
Lunch: cook or Sansei
Dinner: included in choice of entertainment

(5) Friday, 11/17, The journey.. The Road to Hana.. This night will be spent in Hana, so we've got the entire day to explore. I did find the Garden of Eden botanical garden & arboretum on that route.. Any other suggestions along the way?
Breakfast: b&b
Lunch: Hana Hou Cafe or Pa`ia Fish Market
Dinner: cook

(6) Saturday, 11/18, Explore the black and/or red sand beaches, 7 sacred pools, Charles Lindburg's grave.
Breakfast: cook
Lunch: picnic basket
Dinner: cook

(7) Not much was planned for these last 2 days.. We got a "splurgy place" that we wouldn't want to leave.. We will wake up in Hana Sunday morning (11/19) and sleep in Makawao that night. You recommended the Keawala`i Church in Makena.. Maybe we can make the 2nd service at 10a.. You think that's pushing it as far as time goes?
Breakfast: cook
Lunch: Hali'imaile General Store or Mama's Fish House
Dinner: cook

(8) Fodor's recommended a massage from the students at Spa Luna.. I also found Aloha Spa to come to us for a reasonable price. I thought this would be nice for our last full day in Maui.
Breakfast: cook
Lunch: cook
Dinner: Casanova Italian Restaurant

Restaurants:
Seawatch
Eskimo Candy Seafood Market & Cafe

P.S. Who is DH? I saw someone else use those initials as well.

I also wanted to share with you a site I've found useful for collecting links.. It seems like you might like to use it in your reviews.. You are amazingly thorough. http://del.icio.us

If you've made it this far.. THANKS FOR READING.. If nothing else, typing out this email has helped me.

--
The accountant's prayer:
Lord, help me be more relaxed about insignificant details, starting tomorrow at 10.53:16 am, Central Daylight Saving Time.

Try this site, it has really good info on Maui and I have read many folks complimenting Jon on his site. I used it to make some of my plans...

http://www.mauihawaii.org/

Hope this helps...
Debi

DH = Dear Husband or Da Husband, depending on your take on things.

I thought I posted this this Am, but don't see it now.
I had noticed the OP was an email, so I forwarded it to _gone2Maui for you this morning.

I really like your two unplanned days at the end of your trip. It seems to me that Maui visitors plan so many activities and don't take time to just relax and enjoy the ocean, Maui's best feature.