bawc

We are planning to vacation in Maui for 12-13 days with our 4 y.o. son at the beginning of august. We will rent a condo in the Wailea area (not sure which complex yet), but should we split it up, and spend some time around Hana? Or another part of Maui?
I have been to Maui, Hana, and Haleakala, but my husband has never been to Hawaii. We like to explore, hide and horseback ride, although my son could probably stay on the beach the whole time.
I would appreciate any suggestions.
Barbara

iamq

Splitting the time between Hana and Wailea/Makena is exactly what I would do too. Do maybe 3 to 5 in Hana and the rest in Wailea? If it is in your budget, I'd look at the Makena Surf condos. Great location on an excellent beach with good snorkeling a short walk away. Sounds like a great trip.

golpher

How does your son do on long, twisty roads? A lot of people get sick on that drive. Something to think about.

iceeu2

Definitely spend some time in Hana. When we were there recently we met the guides for one of the horseback riding tours and ate lunch with them on the side of the road at Todd's plate lunch.

If I had a 4 yo, I would probably stay at the Hotel, but if you would like a great cottage check out hanasheaven.com

Let us know what you decide to do.

bawc

Thanks for your replies. Do you think it would be best to start in Wailea, then do Hana? I will check out the Makena Surf condos, can't be more than the Polo ones we looked at on VRBO.com!
Any ideas which condo complexes are more child friendly and within walking distance of the beach?

My son does well in the car, and traveling, although the road to Hana may test his limits. Hanaheaven does not take children under 12, which hotels or condos in Hana do you recommend? I am also curious about the horseback riders you saw, we would love to do something like that if we can find a babysitter through the hotel...
Thank you,
Barbara

iamq

Barbara,
There is really only one hotel in Hana and that is the Hotel Hana Maui. It is a well established, very laid back luxury hotel right in town. It's great. It's not directly on a beach, but they have a "pavillion" at Hamoa Beach a couple of miles away.

Can't help you with condo choices as I am only really familiar with the Makena Surf. You might look into Wailea Elua, another beachfront complex in Wailea. Hope this helps.

Bill

bullitt731

Personally I would not take a child that young on the Hana trip if you want to get out of the vehicle, and actually see any of the water falls up close. They would just get much too tired on that type of trip. I would also recommend that if you take the Hana trip you are actually driving through Paia just a little after sunrise. This will put you about a 1/2 hour ahead of most of the traffic making the trip. Do not bother trying to go the entire way around either. I did it on our 3rd trip, and there is NO short cut down to Wailea. I would go as far as the 7 Sacrid Pools, and then head back

iceeu2

Barbara, I'm pretty sure they set up horseback riding from the Hotel Hana Maui. There are stables down near the road to Lindberg's grave. May be all the same company.

Sdill

Maui is incredible. I spent the best 10 days of my life there. However, I did it without children. Most of the things we did would not work with such a young child. Wailea is the most beautiful place to stay on the island. Makenna is even better. I personally loved Hana. I would advise you to take your time, stop frequently, and stay in Hana at least 1 night. This will help with the 4 year old. You can do the rest of Hana the next day. Some of the sights would be a difficult trek for your little guy, but it is very beautiful and very, very COOL. Their is a little shop on the road to Hanna. Going in it's on the right I believe before the town, and they sell and ship flowers, hand make jewelry from sea urchins, and much more.They were wonderful and gave us some ginger. Squeeze the flower and it smells incredible. Also, the bannana bread shack towards the beginning is worth the stop. Unbelievable and hot out of the oven, WOW. You should consider driving into Lahaina. You have plenty of time to really see everything. Good Luck!

dusty56438

You won't have any problem taking a 4 year old on Road to Hana.

They are at an age where they like to "explore" things.

Kids like the road & though it is winding, you'll have frequent stops.

Kealalani

iceeu'2!!!!!

icksnay on the anas-hay eaven hays! It is a roach infested rat hole!!!!! Also known as - if you tell them, they will come and book your akahine out of your favorite lodging!!!!

Definately a few nights in Hana basc!!! Just make sure to provision up!

bawc

Any suggestions as to how to divide our time between Wailea and Hana? How many days in each area, which to do first? We are coming from the East Coast, with a 2 day stop in LA to see family, so jet lag may be a factor.
Thanks,
Barbara

iceeu2

'lani, it's probably just as well they don't take children under 12. It wasn't that great

Barbara5353

Having raised 6 kids, I can't think of anything more agonizing than riding for hours in a car with a 4 year old. Also, there is no safe beach for kids in the Hana area. Hamoa Beach usually has strong under currents...I don't feel safe there. I like swimming in Hana Bay, but the sand is black, hot, and usually dirty. If staying in a Wailea condo, I'd see if the Wailea Marriott had a room available at a decent rate for one night. Their little water park is just right for small kids. By renting a room for 1 night, you can get use of the pool area for 2 days if you check in early. Doesn't matter if the room is ready. Try to do it on a luau night. Their luau, with the fire dancer and vibrant music, is appealing for children.

bawc

Thanks for your input. Do you prefer the Marriott for one night over the Grand Wailea? Also, we were thinking of taking him to Haleakala, although I don't know if we would make the sunrise, not that he gets up much later than that...
Barbara

iceeu2

Barbara, the kids pool at the Marriott is great. I would have liked to have played there, but no kidlets with me!!

Barbara5353

Barbara:
Next week we'll be on Maui staying in a So. Kihei condo. I'm trying the Grand Wailea for one night. I have older kids with me this trip, and I know the Marriott would be too tame. The Grand has a kiddie pond, but my impression is that the water park is too big and too busy for a 4 year old. Mom and Dad would probably love it, though! I'll let you know when I get back. I much prefer the Haleakala drive to the Hana drive. Although I've done the sunrise trek, I like driving through Upcountry on a clear day when you are up above the clouds and can look down over all of Maui and even spot other islands in the distance. Your son might enjoy visiting the Surfing Goat Dairy.
The visitors center for Haleakala is a nice little stop, too.

bawc

Barbara,
Thanks for your reply. Any suggestions for condos in Wailea, close or on the beach would be easiest with the little one?
Barbara

wabashcannonball

Did you notice in your original message you were planning to "explore, hide, and horseback ride?" I don't know, that struck me as funny, although I'm sure you meant hike. Sometimes I want to hide too!

I was advised by our agent not to try road to Hana with our six year old, and while there, we met some families who had done it and said it was NOT worth the time or effort to get up there with kids. It just wasn't. Everyone said it was not fun or even
an adventure, as they'd hoped.

However, I heard great things about Haleak--- ah, the volcano, with kids. I can't remember the name.

We have a post about Maui on my blog. http://happyjetbaby.blogspot.com/sea...%20with%20Kids

I would highly recommend the Maui Ocean Center. Super cool.

bawc

Thanks for that link, very helpful, I had found some of those guidebooks already as well. Yes, quite a few typos, notice I was trying to post this during the "witching hour" before dinner and bath, when I was ready to melt down myself...
I noticed that you stayed in a hotel for a few days before going to the condo, did you find that helpful? I would have thought it was best to settle in and not have to move again.

Unfortunately, the Marriott is under renovation, and it doesn't appeal to me to stay there under those conditions, even overnight...

I have stayed in a few areas in Maui in the past, but we have decided to base ourselves in the Wailea area because it is one part where I have NOT stayed, but my parents did, and loved it...