Hi, I tried to post earier but I do not think it worked. Me and my 4 girls are going to Maui in March and I was wondering what all I should do to make it a memorable trip since we have not taken a vacation together for some years. We are staying in Western Maui. What should we not miss out on? Also, my older ones (17-18 yrs old) like to go out at night. Is there any teen hang out where other vacationers or local teens can go? Thanks.

I can't really give any recommendations about nightlife for the girls, but they will definitely be able to find something to do in the Kanapali area--lots of shops and restaurants. You might ask your hotel's concierge about teen activities.

As for things to make it memorable...go on a snorkeling cruise, drive the road to Hana and stop to see waterfalls & the black sand beach, spend a day in Paia watching the windsurfers and shopping...eat at Mama's Fish House while you're there, see a Luau (I recommend the Feast at Lele), drive to the top of Haleakala to hike in the crater, there are SO many options! What sort of things do you like to do? Outdoorsy? Shopping? Art? Food? Lying on the Beach? That might help us in recommending things.

Thanks for your reply. We like to lie on the beach sometimes, but we have a lot of fun touring and doing activities. Any ideas on fun resturants, with some casual food, and some island flair (probably not sushi or anyhting) and not too fancy. Thanks again

Lots of fun, casual places to eat in nearby Lahaina - Cheeseburger in Paradise, Hard Rock Cafe, Bubba Gump's! Leilani's in Whaler Village a little more upscale and great at sunset. Shopping in Lahaina is so much fun, I usually go twice when I'm staying in West Maui. Going to the Old Lahaina Luau will give you that fun island flare!

Lahaina has some restaraunts with casual food and island flare...Cheeseburger in Paradise, Kimos. Good food is easy to find on Maui. The girls should try non-alcoholic 'lava flows' sort of like a pina colada/strawberry daquiri mixed together...really good! Definitely do the snorkling cruise...preferably over to Molokini island. The fish are plentiful and used to people. Horseback riding can also be fun on Maui. There are several ranches that do these. Take a trip over to Kihei and the beaches there and also to Wailea and Makena Beach. They're usually less crowded than the beaches at Kaanapali. Kihei and Wailea also have some good restaraunts. Certainly do the Hana trip as well. Hookipa to watch windsurfers from the cliff lookout. Paia town for its quaintness. Makawao (upcountry) for a different but beutiful side of Maui.
Don't know of any teen hangouts but I agree that the concierge should be able to help with that.

Oops! I meant flair. I think Haleakala Crater (at any time of day), Iao Valley, and driving around the "top" of West Maui north of the Kapalua area are all musts for driving trips. The Road to Hana is optional IMHO if you feel nervous about such a long tiring drive OR if you're afraid your teenagers will get bored stuck in the car all day. Something you can always do another trip... We enjoyed our helicopter tour and our catamaran trip to Lanai but next time I go I'm planning more hang loose time and less scheduled activities/tours! You can do just as much great snorkeling without taking a boat trip.

Oh and make sure you see the sun go down! Maui has some of the most beautiful sunsets I have ever seen.

We went to Maui for our honeymoon & had fun on the road to Hana--stopping for a picnic, checking out the sights, swimming in the waterfalls...

We attended a luau at the Old Lahaina hotel (I think that's what it was called).

We took a helicopter tour, but I have to admit it was a bit too long. Snorkeling out to Molokini was fun.

We were kind of surprised by the customer service--we were used to friendly, timely service at restaurants. In Maui, I found food service pretty laid back & it kind of annoyed me. (Sorry--I sound so petty!)

Also, if anyone in your party is sensitive to pollen--be sure to bring some non-drowsy antihistimine with you. There are drug stores there, but every thing is pretty pricey.

I think you and your girls will enjoy Moose McGillicuddy's in Lahaina. It is on Front Street located above the Lassen Gallery. It is where the "locals" hang out. The food and drinks are the best prices you'll find in Lahaina, atmosphere very casual, and they have a sports bar (lots of tv's) and a dance floor for late nights. They are also open for breakfast and lunch. Their early bird specials and happy hour prices make it cheaper dining there than McDonalds!