Hello everyone,

I'm trying to help my boss plan a surprise anniversary trip in December.

They'll be staying on Maui, at the Wailea Beach Marriott arriving late Tuesday night, departing late Saturday night.

Here are where we are looking for suggestions:

Anniversary Dinner - the private dining is amazing but a little pricey. They would love something in the Ruth's Chris, The Palm, Morton's sort of price range for their anniversary dinner. Any restaurant suggestions?

Luau - they would like to do a luau that is more adult oriented (romantic trip - not wanting to be in a family friendly environment)

Zip line tour - anyone used a zip line tour company they especially liked?

Day trip to Oahu - they want to do the Pearl Harbor Memorial and the Dole Plantation. Are they better off to book HA airfare and just book a tour when they arrive, or is there an all-in air included provided they should explore? (They'd rather not drive themselves, but would prefer a structured tour).

I've done research and obviously there are many providers with information online, but I trust the expertise of the forum members who've really been there, so thanks in advance for your feedback!

Jenny

I hope you have made rental car reservations. The price is going through the roof for that time period, if they are even available.

Personally, I like Mama's Fish House for a special occasion dinner. It will be expensive, but the setting is gorgeous.

I don't know of any luau that does not allow kids. Old Lahaina Luau is one of the best. Some people like Feast at Lele because of the fire dancer, but I have also heard that there are more kids at that one because of the fire dancer.

Look at booking the car thru www.discounthawaiicarrentals.com

Used them my last trip to Kauai and got a nice mid sized with Avis.

I would not advise two different islands on such a short trip. There is more than enough on Maui to keep busy during the time you stated.

Marginal: thanks so much! I've put the Old Lahaina Luau on the list for them, and Mama's Fish House looks amazing. I'd still like to give him a couple of options, but this is definitely on the list. And as far as price, I think they're looking for something like $200-$300 range for the two of them.

Marginal & jamie99: thanks - I did book a car when we got the hotel and airfare. (We get a pretty good break with our Avis corporate rate)

Paul: you are right - it's a short trip, but his mind is made up to do a day of it with a hop to Oahu.

Really helpful feedback everyone. Still compiling info for them.

A few years ago, my niece had her wedding reception dinner a the Grand Wailea Resort. It was delicious and is a very romantic place.

http://wailearesortdining.com/humuhumu/

Also, we just recently had dinner at Mama's Fish House and it was the best meal we had on our trip.

I vote for Maui!

Only FOUR NIGHTS? Even coming from the west coast, that's a long flight for such a short stay. Either stay on Oahu (and do Pearl) or skip it.

If they're coming in *early* December, that's the least expensive time to visit Hawaii. Rates go up for the Christmas holidays. If early, no problem booking restaurants, a luau, etc. Later...good luck.

This is NOT the best season on Maui. Even South Maui may be getting rain.

The is a Ruth's Criss at Shops At Wailea, but of course you can do that many places. You can walk to Shops from the Marriott -- maybe lunch at Tommy Bahama or Longhi's. Five Palms and Sarrento's are both close by in South Kihei and both have views. Gannon's on the Gold golf course (above Wailea) has a view. Each of the Wailea hotels has a restaurant or two -- not a lot with views. The Waterfront has just reopened in Maalaea. Feast at Lele and Old Lahaina Luau are both up in Lahaina; I don't consider a luau a 'must', but these are both good. Mama's is across the island in Paia -- maybe lunch, then watch the windsurfers while any alcohol wears off before starting back to Wailea?

I hope you've reserved a room for their last day. No fun being 'homeless' from early checkout to late flight home.

Thanks ChiSue. Those recommendations are really helpful.

Yes, we've already secured airfare, hotel and car. It is a long flight for a short stay, and I know island hopping (even for one of the days) is really pushing it, but this is the only way they were able to make the trip happen.

They may not realize that flying interisland is just as time consuming as it is everywhere. You have the same early arrival for the TSA drill. I'd strongly discourage spending extra time in a two airports during a stay that is already extremely short. Pearl and Punchbowl will still be there for their *next* visit.

People come Hawaii to get on Island Time and soak up the Aloha, not to spend time in transit. Let them simply enjoy MAUI.

(I just noticed that you mentioned the Dole Plantation...really? Not even #100 on anyone's list.)

I would also recommend Mama's for dinner, they will not be disappointed. Allow for at least a 40 minute drive from Wailea - sunsets don't wait for anyone. Five Palms has a great view on the terrace. The Old Lahaina Luau is interesting, I wouldn't consider it romantic - sharing a large table with about 6 others. It's all out in the open, beautiful - in rain would not be so fun. Food is buffet, I know some people consider it excellent and fantastic, I would say it's ok to good, same with the drinks. The drive is about 45 minutes from Wailea *if* traffic cooperates (which honestly can be a nightmare if there's an accident, and it happens) so they could take in Lahaina for the day if they want the luau. Sounds like the Boss likes to keep busy on holidays... kinda wonder what's up with the Dole Plantation too. Maybe a craving for Dole Whip?

I'm not a super huge fan of Mama's. I think the food is good, not great, and the price tag is inflated due to its popularity and view. Yes, they have great mai tais. But I've had better meals in other restaurants.

On my last trip (Sept 2012), my favorite "special" dinner was at Nick's Fishmarket at the Fairmont.

http://nicksfishmarketmaui.com/

The setting is incredible, the prices are in the range you're looking for, the service is great, and the food is fabulous. Bonus is that the restaurant is in Wailea rather than a long drive to Mama's. It's especially nice if your boss and his wife want to celebrate with some drinks. With Nick's being closer (just over a mile away), it would be a lot easier to get a cab to Nick's and enjoy the evening without one of them being the designated driver, IMO.