First trip to Hawaii & staying in south Maui in Hale Hui Kai for 5 days. Need help with itinerary - what are the must do's? Also looking for recommendations on best moderately priced restaurants, whether to take snorkeling trip or snorkel on beaches, and are the luaus worth the $, and if so, which is the best, and can you find discounts. Also, are there helicopter trips from Maui to Big Island available?

We went to the most fantastic spot for snorkeling last June: Honolua Bay in Maui. It is north of Lahaina and is a marine preserve so there are lots of fish who are not too worried about people. We saw turtles, eels, and even squid/octopi (I don't know the difference). It is a cove so there was not a strong current when we were there (June 2004). My guidebook says the snorkeling is best in the morning and calm spring, summer, & fall. The snorkeling was easy enough for my children, as well as my 60-ish mother and in-laws. My family all agreed that it was like being in a National Geographic special. Take hwy 30 north of Lahaina past D.T. Fleming Beach Park. You'll see a Mokuleia-Honolua Marine Reserve sign near a parking area. Go past this just a little ways and watch for a tiny dirt side road on the left. There will probably be other cars parked there. Park by the road and take the trail/dirt road in. The trail is an easy walk and absolutely lovely. The Snorkel Bob shops may even have a free print out map. We felt so pleased with ing in for free when we saw one of those snorkel tour catamarans that people pay a tidy little sum for.

Hi there...

I just posted my trip report on Maui. Here's the link:
http://traveldiva.marsik.org/mauiday1.htm

We did Feast at Lele and it was a great experience.

Mahalo

be sure to book reservations for "warren and annabelle's" magic/comedy club in maui! fantastic and amazing fun.

Are you aware of the great, great book available for each island that gives a lot of great advice for lodging, dining, activities - including snorkeling?

The Maui book is called "Maui Revealed".

Some people in this forum refer to them as the blue bible!

We just came back from Maui and Kauai and the books proved to be invaluable while planning the trip as well as very helpful while we were on the islands.

I would also agree about snorkeling at Honolua Bay. We got luck and were able to snorkel here in Feb. on a calm day – it was great.

Enjoy