Maui: Must-Dos?
 

My husband and I are going to Maui for the first time in October. (Staying in Lahaina.) Any thoughts on the "must-dos" while we're there - restaurants or activities?

My husband and I just returned from Maui and you must eat at Mama's Fish House (about 40 minute drive from Lahaina) the food is amazing and worth the drive. Also we did the "Road to Hana", I would say that this was the best part of our trip. We left at 7:30 am and got back to our hotel at 7 pm. It is definitely and all day event, but worth it. Stop in Paia at a restaurant called Picnics and they will pack you a lunch for the trip. Purchase the audio tape to play on the way that tells all about the area as you drive by. The biggest misconception about the "Road to Hana" is that you need a four wheel drive. You can make the trip in any car. Have a wonderful time.

Leslie, can you stay at one hotel on Maui and take day trips to all the sights or would it be better to stay at two different locations? We're planning to stay on Maui for one week and also thinking about staying in Lahaina.

I would certainly goto the Old Lahaina Luau if you've never been to one. We didn't think Mama's Fish House was all that great, but good (and $$$). If you are there, make sure you watch the wind surfers (some are world class) at the nearby beach. Your first morning there (if flying in directly to Maui) catch the sunrise on Mt. Haleakala - you'll wake up at 4am anyway. Our favorite restaurant was the Plantation House in Kapalua. It's been voted best ambience and with it's setting, easy to see why. Go for a late lunch (2pm) for a great bargain and incredible views. We'd also recommend Cheeseburger in paradise on Front Street, and grab some Hawaiian shaved ice (with ice cream at the bottom) for dessert. If you do do the road to hana, leave very early to beat the traffic, and go all the way around - it's safe. <BR> <BR>Have fun. See you there (leaving in only 2 days 18 hrs!) <BR> <BR>Aloha!

Dave- <BR> <BR>Yes you can do almost anything on Maui as a day trip front LaHaina, the longest day being the road to Hana. <BR> <BR>Aloha

Great place to catch a sunset at dinner is Longi's in lahaina. Great food!! <BR>Good breakfast also..Verbal menu so kind of differant. If you like to snorkel spend a morning at Black Rock in Kaanapali. Go all the way around the tip and follow the rock to see turtles and eagle rays,,gets pretty crowded right around the Sheriton side but if you make your way around the tip less crowded and better chance at seeing turtles and rays. <BR> The road to hana is a must see...and as someone already said, get the tape VERY informative. If your coming from Lahaina going to Hana, there is a little hut by, thinks its a shell food mart,at the big intersection of the Hana highway. If you get it there, you get some free stuff at the store,,water, chips, ice, and a cooler. pretty good deal.think it was 20 bucks. <BR>The drive up the Volcano is another must see.. Little restaurant about halfway up, cant remember name but fantastic view. <BR> Iao valley state park is another nice side trip. very pretty. Good way to kill some time on way back to airport on last day if you have a late flight. <BR> The aquarium is also worth seeing. <BR> If you wanna spend the $$, a helicopter ride up to the volcano and around the back side is definetly worth it. <BR> Also, one evenning take a drive up to the old Lahaina school. Nice views of Lanai and the Lahaina area. Very romantic at sunset BTW *W*..

I would suggest going up to the seven sacred pools the back way. It cuts the drive time down to 2 hours from 4. The back way also goes by Maui's only winery. They open at 9am, they'll give you a tour (about 20 minutes) of the small winery as well as free wine tasting. - I loved their pineapple wine! <BR>One word of caution though, there are a few miles of dirt road that can get bumpy, but not too bad. We actually did it in a Ford Taurus. <BR> <BR>Jennifer, my husband and I have been going every year for the last four years and I've put together a list of must do's and places to eat. If you're interested, email me at [email protected] and I'll be glad to send it to you. <BR> <BR>Have a great time, I'm sure you'll love it.