Just back from 10 beautiful days on Maui-it was just wonderful!! We stayed upcountry in a cottage in Haliimaile-quiet and very reasonably priced-kind of a cross between camping and a hotel. It worked great for us-very easy to get anywhere on the island. Traffic was not a problem at all. Highlights: ocean rafting/snorkeling with Capt. Steve(saw beautiful fish, turtles, spinner dolphins and even an octopus), more snorkeling in Honolua Bay, Old Lahaina Luau, dinner at Kula Lodge, breakfast at Charleys(Paia), sweet treats from Komoda Bakery(Makawao). Went up Haleakala but not for sunrise. "Did" the Road to Hana-11 hours-definintely a must do but something you probably wouldn't repeat... Went all the way around without difficulty. We actually thought the road around west Maui was in some ways more scenic(and scary)-we did that twice!!! Used "Maui Revealed" daily-definitely the best guidebook. Let me know if I can answer any questions.

Laurie,
What time and how did you go up Haleakala? I've heard visibility can be bad if not at sunrise. What was it like? Thanks.

How was your experience at Honoloa Bay? Was parking a problem? Was the water CLEAR and CALM, even right at the shore line as you walked in? Thanks!

Hi Bill:
We were just there today. There is some parking for cars but ppl also park wherever they can find a spot. The water is very clear. It is very rocky to walk there & get into the water so water shoes would be a good idea. We went around 8:00 am to avoid all the crowds. As the day goes on, more & more ppl come on top of 3 or 4 catamarans full of snorkelers. Too crowded for us. We saw some really awesome fish & are going back asap. I am hooked

Jillian-We went up about 9:00AM and it was still pretty clear on the way up(some puffy clouds) with good views down below and the crater was totally clear. It was chilly-we were OK in shorts and a light jacket though I would have put on pants if I had had them. It was certainly worth the trip up-the views were great but unless you are really into hiking, you probably won't spend more than a couple of hours up there. The clouds definitely increase as the day progresses so the earlier the better.
Bill-Agree with Michelle that morning is better for ease of parking and less crowding. It was very clear and calm both times we were there. Saw tons of beautiful fish and turtles both times. One time we just missed some dolphins that had come in to the Bay. We snorkeled at 5 different places and this was by far our favorite. If you have the guidebook "Maui Revealed" look at the beautiful picture on pages 2-3 taken from the cliffs above.
Forgot to mention in my frist post that we also enjoyed the Swap Meet on Saturdays in Kahului-lots of fresh produce, baked goods, local crafts etc.

We went to Haleakala for the sunrise. It was still dark and the sunrise was absolutely spectacular. If you go for the sunrise, it is cold before the sun comes up. I had on jeans, long sleeve shirt and light jacket. Wished I had brought the blanket. It is so funny to listen to people reactions to the weather, and how cold they were. When the sun comes up, we saw people in bathrobes and blankets from hotel. We were amazed at the temp. But, the sunrise is something to see. We were there in March of 2000. Going back to Maui in Sept. going to try the sunset. Interested in what the temp will be and people's reactions.

Dear Laura,

I am planning a trip to Maui at the end of August. I am going solo, hoping to get some writing done, but also to snorkel, scuba and relax and possibly meet the wonderful guy I've never found in L.A. or at least someone nice to hang out with. Any suggestions for the best place for a single person to stay? I have the book MAUI REVEALED, and it's fabulous but not written with my question in mind. Any advice would be most welcome. I'm not looking for a singles meet market but just a hotel or condo that has more than families and honeymooners.

Laurie

I am interested in your comment that the back way from Hana was scary. We are renting a car - who knows what it will actually be but I would like to try the complete circle. I tend to get nervous in unfamiliar, less traveled routes. Don't want to commit to the road and then be sorry!

Thanks for any extra confidence you can give me!

Barb-Sorry if the post was confusing. Only the road around west Maui was "scary" (and IMHO more scenic) in places-narrow roads, no guard rails, high cliffs etc. With that said, we went around twice and thought the scenery was spectacular!!! If you go slowly and blow your horn a lot at blind curves, you'll be fine if you decide to do that trip. As I said, we went all the way around on the road to Hana without difficulty. I don't remember any parts that were scary and road conditions when we went were quite good-you can check for sure at the Ranger station at the 7 sacred pools. I have heard that some car rental companies prefer you don't go around-may want to check with yours. We also were happy that we were in a small car-much easier on some of the narrow roads. Also, folks in jeeps seemed to be having a blast. I would get the smallest vehicle you would feel comfortable in. Have a great time-let me know if you have any other questions.

We went all the way around in a convertible & it was fine. You just have to go slow & honk your horn at curves like Laurie said. The car rental companies do not want to go on that road but a lot of ppl do. I really enjoyed it & I am a big chicken as a rule

Laurie, We are going with a group and will free time before 9:30 a.m. and in the afternoons noon to 5:30 p.m. How can we best use this time in Maui.We are going in January.

Thanks Laurie and Michelle.

Have reserved a small convertible with Hertz but may try the round trip if the weather is good and the rangers say the road is ok. This is in September so I think the weather is usually ok.

We will pass on the west side of Maui! We will only be there 2 1/2 days so plan to see upcountry and Hana. Did the other areas on the last trip.

Geo - try to get to the sunrise on Haleakela. An amazing experience.

Thanks again

Barb,

going to Hana. If there are two of you, rent a jeep. It is much more fun and you can get around with a higher degree of safety.

Stop at Picnics and get your lunch to go. They do an excellent job for lunch .
And don't forget to buy the cassette. It will instruct you as to where all of the sites are. A great trip, done it twice.
Leave EARLY.

We took the road that goes around the West side of Maui (the top of the "head" of the island, if you will) and it was absolutely the most incredible scenery we saw. We just kept stopping to view, since viewing while driving was impossible for my husband. The road IS scary - very narrow at points. It takes about 3 hours to get around this part of the island. It was great.

The other part of Maui that we really enjoyed was the 2.2 mile hike up to Wailuku (sp) Falls in the "7 Pools" area. This is the upper hike. It was fabulous. Take a good 4 hours to get to the top and back, and will most likely be raining, but so worth it. You hike through a bamboo forest and finally reach a GORGEOUS 400 ft tall waterfall with swimmable pool below. We swam in the pool (freezing, but great photo op!) and loved it.

what great info in this post. I'll do the Jeep, thanks to you guys. A question: what is the "Hana Rd." v/s the "road west around Maui"? Has anyone stayed in Hana? Suggestions for lodging there? I travel slow because I'm out of the car often. So much to see. thanks, bcool