I hope that I haven't made a huge mistake. This will be my first trip to Hawaii. I am so excited, but wonder if I am made a mistake in our travel arrangements. Traveling with Hawaiian Air (now in bankruptcy). For the hotel I used Priceline for the first time..received the Sheraton Maui. Car rental (convertible) with Thrifty.

Now I am second guessing every decision. Will the bankruptcy at Hawaiian air affect our travel? Will the Sheraton be worth the $145 a night, or should I spend the extra $200 a night and upgrade? Will we regret the Thrifty car rental, as opposed to Hertiz or Avis?

Now I am looking at making luau reservations and bike trip down the volcano. But very nervious about trusting myself.

Any input would be appreciated. Has anyone stayed recently at the Sheraton? Travelled with Hawaiian Air recently, or used Thrifty?
Also any advise that can be offered about the tour company for the bike trip, or recent luau reviews would be greatly appreciated.

Sorry for the length of this inquiry. I have greatly enjoyed reading many of the other posts and hope that this forum's knowledgeable travelers can give me some assurance that I haven't made a mess of our first trip to Hawaii.

Thanks in advance.

The Sheraton in Maui is fab. Make sure you catch the torch lighting ceremony at sunset at least one time. A convertible is a great idea. Thrifty is fine.

As far as Hawaiian Air goes, haven't United & AA been in BK for awhile? Filing chapter 11 is a way to protect themselves from creditors while still doing business to generate income. It's also a way to negotiate down some of their union contracts.

Sheraton is awesome. Great rate. Thrifty no problem. Hawaiian shouldn't be a problem either. We enjoyed the Old Lahaina Luau, book online now for the best seats. Buy "Maui Revealed" for lots of great tips

I think you will be fine. I don't know much about the airline, but just about any rental car agency will work. The convertible was great! We just returned from Maui and we checked out the Sheraton. The price sounds great and the location of the hotel is great. We walked from the Hyatt to the Sheraton every night we had a chance to watch the sunset and the diver and then walked back a ways to Whalers Village to eat and shop before returning to the Hyatt. You will love the boardwalk and the beach where you are. We upgraded to an ocean view the last 3 nights we were there and they only charged $50.00 per night for the upgade. It was worth it for the money. Maybe you could give that a shot when you get there. My husband and I did not bike down Haleakala but we drove up and enjoyed the views and the drive. We went early afternoon so there wasn't much traffic. We didn't feel like getting up early to make the sunrise. When we go back we will definitely do the hike down into the crater though. Have fun!

I forgot about the luau. We went to the Royal Lahaina Luau. Forget it. We heard the Old Lahaina Luau is the best but you need to make reservations before you go. Try buying the Maui Revealed book for tips. It is really helpful.

Did you purchase your airline ticket with a credit card? If so, don't worry about it. If Hawaiian Air stops operating, the credit card company will reimburse you. It would take about a month. Meantime, you'll be able to book a flight with another airline.
I'm speaking from experience. My husband and I had booked a cruise through French Polynesia and the ship filed for bankruptcy and completely stopped operations 2 days before our scheduled trip!! Thank goodness for credit cards, that's all I have to say.
So we ended up going to Maui instead.
We stayed at the Westin but I've always heard good things about the Sheraton.

Also, are you planning to fly to Hawaii after May? From what I've read, Boeing owns more than half of Hawaiian Air's planes. Boeing says Hawaiian Air owns them money and is threatening to take back its planes by the end of May. So yes, you may be affected if that happens.

Did I just worry you even more? I'm really not trying to. And if you booked your vacation with a credit card, you'll be fine.

That is an awesome rate for the Sheraton.You will not be disappointed.Do not worry about Hawaiian Air.They will be around.Thrifty is solid.Old Lahaina Luau
is OK although I personally am not a big fan of luaus.I like the food just not all that goes with it.Juts my opinion.

Friend just got back from Maui and said the Feast at Lele was terrific. Table seating right on the ocean with great views. Many course meal served to you including drinks. Entertainment was nicely paced and good. Great meal. Here's a link to teh menu: http://www.feastatlele.com/lele_menu.htm

Said it would be totally romantic with a SO as tables are set for 2 to 4. You do not sit in big groups on a bench nor is it buffet style.

Thank you all so much for your prompt and encouraging replies.

Yes we did book using credit cards, so just worried about canceled flights, service, etc. We are looking forward to the Sheraton, but concerned about the service for Priceline booking customers. I really hope that this was not a mistake. Oh well, it will be an experience.

I have read the Maui Revealed (a couple of times), great book! Hoping for recent reviews. Torn between the Old Lahiana luau and Feast of Lele. Any recommendations? I know that luaus are terribly touristy, but figured that it would be a fun experience.

Has anyone done the bike trek? I want to find a safe, reputable company, as I understand the ride can be dangerous.

We will definately be doing the Road to Hana in addition and thanks to the book have several stops picked out.

We are also trying to decide about snorkeling, from the shore or take the trip out Molokini? Any advise?

Have I missed anything? Can you tell I'm excited? And yes, I'll worry about the details until we are in the air and on our way!

I would stay at the Sheraton anytime. You are also the closest hotel to some good snorkeling - the black rock.

We did the biking down Haleakala last year and loved the experience. You have to pay close attention to the road, but the tour guides keep you pretty safe. We plan to do it again to celebrate my husband's 60th birthday in a few years. We used Maui Mountain Cruisers,I think their name is. They say they are the only bike tour company that gives a safety video....it was very helpful. Do it and have the experience of a lifetime.

Just wanted to say...we'll be there May 20-25. Have a great time!

Oh, and we did make OLL resies on-line. We figured if we change our mind we can always cancel but it's nice to have the option.

Personally, I found the OLL cheesy although better than any other luau I've been to when I went two years ago. We went to Feast at Lele a few weeks ago and had a fabulous time. An early reservation netted a table for two directly in front of the stage and we had an absolutely wonderful meal and enjoyed the dancing and the meals from each island. Not exactly haute cuisine, but several notches above luau food from a buffet line. I'd call an reserve either luau in advance for the best seating.

Otherwise, you should try not to stress so much. Its going to be fun. Your hotel and car will be fine.

The hotel and area you booked are great. Call the sheraton and check your reservation to give you peace of mind.The sheraton is in whalers village and you will have many activities to explore. I used activity warehouse to book all my activities, but there are other booking companies.Dont forget to bring 2-3 meales and drinks on the road to hana and drive all the way arround, i thought it would be easier than turning back,and the sites on the dry side are special. nick

Thank you all for your assistance. I have found all of your knowledge helpful and am grateful that you are all willing to share your experiences and advise.

I'll be sure and post a trip report upon our return.

Don't worry so much Hang loose
I'm going to Maui to 18-25th
I made all my reservations threw AAA travel. They took care of everything I wonted We are staying at the Aston Papakea then one night in Hana.
It's our first trip to HI.2 You'll have fun & your doing a great job so far,enjoy Hope we all have Great wheather!! LOL Maui here we come!

I've been to Hawaii more than a dozen times and the only time I wasn't happy with my rental was a rental thru Thrift. We returned it the next day!! I've rented thru Alamo, Budget, Hertz, and Dollar and was pleased with all!!

Gale, what didn't you like about the car from Thrifty?