Benbuck6

In 1999, my wife and I went on our Honeymoon to Maui. We stayed at Ka'anapali Beach Hotel. We asked my son who is about to complete his Freshman year in HS where he wants to go for his Graduation. He didn't hesitate...he said Maui. He has heard us talk and has seen pictures. So, I have a little over two years to save and plan for this. I have started the process.

We will not be going back to Ka'ananpali Beach Hotel because we will be using Marriot Rewards to help with staying at Marriot Ocean Club. Besides this I was hoping to find out some names of places we went over 16 years ago...if those places are still the same quality...and any information that can be given. So, here's the list.

1) We went to an aquarium. Is that still around?
2) On the way up to the crater we stopped at some place early in the morning and had Breakfast. It was really good. We ended up stocking up on some of their preserves and jellies but those are long gone to get the name of the place.
3) We ate at a place in Lahaina that it seems we looked down from our table and saw fish swimming.
4) The Luau at the time was suppose to be the best of all the islands, all I remember was we walked out of our hotel room to the beach, took a left along the boardwalk type thing, walked for 5-10 minutes and it was right there...I had too many Mai Tais and don't remember much after that.

So any info would be great...are these spots still around...are there better places to go now...anything? We are a Disney family so I am used to putting a ton of planning time into vacations and this includes saving for one. Its going to take 2 years to save for this and I want to know as much as I can as early as I can. Thanks

FaceInTheCrowd

"...my son who is about to complete his Freshman year in HS...I have a little over two years to save and plan for this."

Congrats to your son! Smart kid, completing HS in only three years.

In answer to your questions, I'm not certain that any/all of these were there back in 1999, but my best guesses/possible options would be:
1) Maui Ocean Center: https://www.mauioceancenter.com/.
2) Kula Lodge: http://www.kulalodge.com/restaurant_lodge.htm.
3) Kimo's: http://www.kimosmaui.com/. If you don't mind turtles instead of fish, try Mala Ocean Tavern: http://malaoceantavern.com/.
4) Old Lahaina Luau: https://www.oldlahainaluau.com/. Feast at Lele, which is more of a Polynesian review, would be fun too: https://www.feastatlele.com/.

Activities I expect your son would enjoy: snorkeling, stand-up paddle-boarding, zip-lining, paddling an outrigger, watching the sailboarders and surfers at Ho'okipa...

Benbuck6

I guess I three years before we GO. I want to have it booked in, mostly planned, and paid for in a little over two. Maui Ocean Center is it as well as Kula. Thank you for the response. At the time of travel...My other son will be 15 and my daughter will be 12.

FaceInTheCrowd

Our kids were 9 and 14 when we first took them on a tropical island vacation. We had a very loose plan, which turned out to be a good thing because after they experienced snorkeling, any other activity had to be scheduled around time they wanted to be in the water.

suze

This is a fascinating question. I've been to Maui but sorry don't know the answers to any of these questions! Maybe a guidebook from the library? I wish you and your family a wonderful trip... and fun in the planning.