I thought this would be a good place for people to discuss their trips using the Book Maui revealed.

I was reading through the "West Maui Sights" chapter and was wondering how long that drive they described, "Past Kapalua; Over the Top" would take.

And if it even worth it.

Lets the discussion begin!

Thanks,
Jamie

We did the drive from Kaanapali to the Needle, then to east Maui then north around the top and finally south back to Kaanapali. It was a great scecnic trip on a not so good weather day. We had kids, 3 and 7, with us and they were fine. The roads are very narrow and we often had to squeeze past other cars. It's a slow drive. I would not do it if you have good weather to be enjoying other activities!!!! That's just me though. I won't do the whole drive to Hana because I hate to be in a car.

Did you go to places described in the book?

How long did the entire trip take?

Jamie

Hi Jamie:

The drive around West Maui is certainly worth the effort if you have the time. It takes anywhere from 2-5 hours (Kapalua to Kahului) depending on your side trips. For us, the highlights were (1) snorkeling at Honolua Bay, (2) Nakalele blowhole, and (3) Olivine Pools even though it was overcast and we couldn't see the luster of the pools. Just taking in the coastline views and driving the narrow roads were worth the trip for me. The roads aren't that hary if you keep an eye out/up for oncoming cars and pullouts.

Re the book Maui Revealed, I thought it was a good planning tool. The only problems I had with it were the inadequate directions in the "Adventures" section. Following the directions, I ended up passing the turnout for the Four Falls hike and ended up treading a wet road in pouring rain through a cow pasture, over another fence, and through a nice, scenic forest before realizing it wasn't the right trail. Also, the directions for the trail at La Perouse Bay leading to the Aquarium is really poor for a potentially difficult trek. The author should have emphasized staying near the coastline and especially looking out for the faint red trail markers. Otherwise, the trek through raw lava isn't a whole lot of fun after a few yards...my wife was ready to kill me before turning back! Luckily, I pointed out the kayak groups just ahead before she had the chance. Those were the only beefs I had with the book. But overall, I thought it was a terrific resource.

One thing I thought was overhyped in the book was the supposed "Best Banana Nut Bread on the Planet" as you take the road around West Maui. It was nice and warm for only $5, but nothing to write home about. You can't miss it because there's a girl in the middle of the road soliciting every passing car, kind of like a street vendor.

2-5 hours? Wow. I don't know if we're up for another road trip after the already planned road to Hana. We are only going to be there for 7 nights.

It suppose to our honeymoon -- but we dont want to make too tiresome.

Is this a good idea:
To the the road to Hana, we stop at Hana for the night and continue our trek past hana to the 7 pools and other sights mentioned in the book. Around to the Natl Park and towards the upcountry. Or will the stay hana we a waste of money?

Thanks,
Jamie

Jamie,

In my opinion, with just a week in Maui, I would not spend a night in Hana. You know, there's very little in Hana (which is what some people love!), but I would spend that time doing other things. The thing about Hana is the scenery on the road getting there!! Have a great trip! With these drives that are described in travel books, how long it takes depends on YOU to a great degree! The point of taking the drive is that it's so beautiful; if so, you'll want to get out and admire in places, maybe have a picnic. I would figure that the "Past Kapalua" would take a good part of an afternoon.

We drove this trip around West Maui and I have never been so scared in all my life. We were right on the edge of cliffs for a good portion of the way. Once you get up into some of those mountains it's rainy and the clouds hover around the car so it's hard to see where you are going.

Oh sure, my husband being the he man that he is thought that this was one of the highlights of his trip. I was white knuckled until we got over to the other side and back onto a highway again. Let me tell you that I was making bargains with God the whole way around the top. This is me... OK God if you let me live through this I promise I will start going to church again and I will visit orphanages and old age homes, just please let me live. My husband truly thought I'd flipped out. He would ask me a question and I would answer him with my teeth gritted. Now it seems funny, but while I was going through it I had such a fright.

Yes, you would probably enjoy the trip (Road to Hana) more if you stayed overnight in Hana. That way, you could see more falls, sites and absorb it all at a leisurely pace. Best of all, you could AVOID the crowds at the more popular spots, especially after Hana. Just remember that it's like any other popular destination: day-trippers rarely experience as much delight from a place/region as over-nighters. But if you can only make it into a daytrip (even I didn't heed advice from others), venture away from the road to really enjoy the "road." The herd hardly does. If you care to read them, I listed some highlights on the "Beating the Caravan to Hana" threads (e.g. Nahiku Road, Hamoa Beach, Pipowi Trail to Waimoku Falls).

HAVE FUN!!

Have not read Maui revealed but have used Kauai underground over and over. I found hiking tips and geographical info very very helpful. In terms of business suggestions I find them highly bias. This becomes clearer every time I use them. Some are obvious like best place to get your photos developed on Kauai, because people on the island understand our colors better. Film is either completely developed or underdeveloped you don't need to understand the colors of the original subject to render a quality photo.

Don't think the Hanalei Bay Resort on the North Shore deserves Gem status. It is only ok and has even gone down some since I stayed in 2000. They replaced the chef in the restaurant and with him/her went some great morning pastry items.

Zelos not gem status deserving either, we found 3 dirty menus (all pages) over cooked and undercooked food on our first try. I would not say avoid Zelos unless you don't draw the same conclusions about cleaning habits from menu. We had a better night the second time but I would not put it up there with memorable. And the prices are memorable.

People on this board rave about Postcards and Kauai underground calls them over rated and over priced. I would have paid more for a decent meal in Hanalei. Our best food was at Roy’s, Pacific Café and everyone else kind of fit into either food court or just a dated cooking category. Kind of gave up on restaurants when were disappointed a few times so I don’t doubt there are better restaurants out there. I have not found them though in several trips over.

I can ignore most of this but what really what got my goat this year was when we went to read about our favorite shave ice stand, "The Wishing Well". The proprietors are two adults in their 50's who were the first shave ice people in Hanalei, they work out of a little non air-conditioned blue trailer. We have been going to them for the past few years. Kauai underground said service can be snippy sometimes. The two people that run the place are so sweet, look like and old hippy and Hawaiian who found a way to support themselves. Never said an unkind or gruff word with us in over 8-12 trips over the years.
Just don't understand anyone saying what Kauai underground said unless their review was personal. Why would you want to hurt the business of someone working out of a trailer? Reading this out loud this year in last year’s version of Kauai Underground has prompted me to write them a letter. I really think this especially and the other opinions I have mentioned takes credibility away from them.

I no longer rely on their business suggestions but love the suggestions for hikes, details about swimming safely etc.
Perhaps they do not have business relationships on Maui does not look that way for Kauai.

Sarah, interested in your observations! Have not been to Kauai nearly as much as you........only three trips there BUT wanted to asked if you've been to "Caffe Coco" on the Coconut Coast? It is delightful if you don't mind laid-back service! Used to love Brennecke's but NOT the last time we were there. "A Pacific Cafe" is my favorite restaurant on all the islands, and am horrified to hear many have shut! Anybody know why? Roy's was good, down in Poipu, but not as good as the Roy's at Waikoloa on the Big Island. That location is my favorite Roy's. Anyway, Sarah, do try "Cafe Coco" next trip, if you haven't already!

One more thing, about the "Ultimate Kauai" travel guide, they gave a good review to the Holiday Inn Sunspree, and I thought it was a crummy place, and wrote Doughty about it. No travel writer is completely unbiased..........after all, they're just people, I guess!

Hi Lani I think I read that the other "Pacific Cafes" were not measuring up to the Kauai location. Actually it was in their pannings that I discoverd the Pacific Cafe. It use to be known as the best restaurant in all of the islands. Totally agree that bias is built in that is why I did not get mad until this year. To me Kauai Underground is not just bias from opinion but obviously from either a paid or personal connection. I have just seen too many high marks for substandard quality.

Holiday Sunspree was sold this past year it is no longer part of Holiday Inn. Now you know most companies do not sell when there is money to be made. On Kauai and in a family spot (lydgate park area) you can't tell me run down signs were not apparent at the time of actual reveiw.

I don't recall a big endorsement of Lapperts Ice Cream I could have missed it let me know if I have. This is an original Kauai product that is great!!! The success of that company would lead me to think that Kauai Underground would give a bit more than usual time, perhaps the success story of owner. Kind of a Famous Amos story.

I know I am long winded on this just think it is more obvious than at first glance. Found more than a few bad business suggestions.

Lani we talked about stopping there on the way back from Waimea Canyon but when Pacific Cafe accepted us in our red dirt hiking gear we ate there. Will keep in mind for future?

So Sarah are you referring to The Ultimate Kauai Guidebook: Kauai Revealed by Andrew Doughty, Harriett Friedman; or Kauai Underground Guide by Lenore W. Horowitz;. I think from your posts it is hard to tell as you interchange their titles. I recall that Ultimate Kauai recommended Lapperts.

Lani you may be finding differences in different Roy's as they all have different Chefs. I would stick to the signature dishes in future for more eveness on the product. ALTHOUGH!!! I Can tell the chef in the NYC restaurant is great!!!

I did not like the menu at Brenecks I was traveling with someone that did not want anything with soy sauce on it. funny though she just loved ponzu sauce when she found it on what she did not know was Asian infused.

Still jet lagged X YES EVERYONE I AM ONLY TALKING ABOUT THE KAUAI ULTIMATE GUIDE. Sorry for the confusion. I remember them recommending Lapperts also just don't recall a big endorsement or any story about this Kauai based business which I think it deserves telling, given how under developed Kauai and how great Lappert’s is. We skipped Lappert's entirely on our first trip thinking it was a west coast transplant.

Jamie
If your going to go to another island like Kauai, I would save most of the site seeing for the other island. If you do stay in Hana you might try horse back riding with O'heo stables, its amazing, small groups, no trail you must stick to. Do a search on the web.
Have a great trip.
DMO

Hmm, thread got a bit distracted. We drove around the west end in Oct 2000. we went from Kapalua clockwise and once you get where the county (or maybe State) maintenance ends, things get interesting. VERY narrow, cliff edge in places (my wife would agree with Rosey), lots of switchbacks but all in all worth it for the scenery. We had very little traffic to contend with that day.
Enjoy.
p.

We did west Maui drive in 1999, 2000, and 2002. The traffic has picked up quite a bit but still much less than Hana traffic. It's still a beautiful drive to me - I enjoy this drive more than the Road to Hana.

Road is narrow but manageable. Many interesting sites to visit - Blowhole and Olivine Pools are our favorite. The scenery is just wonderful.

Do watch where you park thou. We saw a lot car break-ins happening around the parking lot. Didn't feel too safe until more cars coming in - may be busy traffic isn't too bad after all.

About the car break-ins, first, plan ahead and don't have anything in your car to take!!! Second, leave your car unlocked and you won't get your windows broken, and have that hassle!!! Parking lots at tourist sites have rings of kids who can rob your car before you can say squat..........they're not dangerous, otherwise, so you don't have to worry about your personal safety 99% of the time. Just don't leave them anything to steal!