I just honeymooned a week in Maui. We stayed at the Westin in the Kaanapali area. I was very glad we chose that hotel in that area.

We saw the 'Ulalana show in Lahaina -- highly recommended. I also recommend that you book your tickets into the Old Lahaina Luau before you arrive in Maui. I waited until arrival to book, but couldn't get in. I had to settle for the Royal Lahaina Luau -- okay, but was looking forward to the other.

We visited the Botanical Gardens in Upcountry Maui -- very beautiful. Also visited the Tropical Plantation -- entertaining. Iao Needle State Park was a short trip, but worthwhile.

I found great deals at the Swap Meet on Saturdays in Kahalui. The "Farmer's Market" in Kahalui shopping center on Wed. was definitely worthwhile, too.

We rented snorkle gear from Boss Frog's for a week rather than book a one-time snorkle cruise. There was plenty of fish in the 'Olawla (sp?) area off highway 30 or 32.
The Maui Ocean Center was a great place to see sealife.

I'm running out of time ... eat somewhere different each time, although I broke my rule. I liked the Maui Bake Shop in Wailuku. The Westin's all-you-can-eat seafood buffet was worth the price. Hula Grill in Kaanapali area was yummy.

The last word: rent a Jeep!

Glad you liked Maui Bake Shop & Hula Grill -- those were two of our faves too!

Interested in staying at the Westin with our family ( 2 kids , ages 10 and 13 ). I've heard the hotel rooms are small - comments?
Also the pool area looks fabulous, is it as good as it looks?
Can you walk to Whaler's Village? Any inexpensive restaurants ( food court ) there?
Thanks for you help!

I live in Oahu and just came back from a weekend visit to Maui.

Do:
See the sunrise at Haleakala National Park

Do not:
Ride the Sugar Cane Train (tourist trap)

Do:
Eat breakfast at Charley's in Paia (have the plate size blueberry pancake(singular, as in 1 pancake the size of your plate - very yummy!)

Do not:
Drive to Hana on a 1/4 tank of gas. IF you make it to Hana, be aware that gas at the Chevron station in Hana is $2.49 per gallon of unleaded regular! Last stop to fill up before Hana is Paia.

Do:
Rent a Jeep

Do not:
Visit Hamoa Beach. All of Maui's beaches are public beaches; however Hotel Hana-Maui has essentially taken it over. There are signs posted everywhere to remind everyday taxpaying citizens that the facilities are for hotel guests only. The only "public" bathroom is a unisex closet-size restroom with 1 toilet and a door that doesn't lock. The surf is not safe for children either. Boycott this beach and hotel on principle.

...Steve

To answer Bill's question. Yes the Westin pools are very nice. Beautiful grounds. There is a walkway that extends from the Hyatt to the Sheraton, passing by all the ocean front resorts. You use this to walk to the Whalers Village and the Hula Grill, fun place.

Hi Bill,

I've heard the rooms are not as small as the Sheraton's. You can probably get the square footage of the rooms. Just remember that some square footage may be unusable depending on how the room is designed. I thought the rooms were decently sized. I didn't get an executive suite or anything.

The pools are as fabulous as they look. I was skeptical, too. There's a water slide, kid's pool, and they hand out towels.

Like another poster wrote, there's a walkway that connects the major hotels in the Kaanapali area. Whaler's village is along this walkway. There is a food court, with a McD's and pizza, I think. However, it's not the cheapest place to shop for gifts.

Inexpensive food in Maui (sounds like an oxymoron) is more likely found outside of the Kaanapali area. Although, next door to Hula Grill is a similar establishment with average-priced meals. Try Lahaina, or Kihei for restaurants. Best bet is to look at menu before you're seated.

You can email me with specific questions if you like! I don't usually check this board often.