Hi everyone,

We are going to Maui next month - me, wife, two (younger) teenagers. 7 days, and we have our apartment already arranged. We've read all the guidebooks and the one thing I'm just not getting a sense of is: of all the things you can do - ziplining, luaus, surfing lessons, scuba, snorkeling, hiking (the volcano and everywhere else), whale watching, etc - which things stand out for you? Are luaus worth it? How much down time (pool, beach) worked for you? We are pretty typical - we like to go do fun active things, but like a little relaxation too. And where did you eat that didn't break the bank?

Thanks for any tips, ideas and thoughts.

Where are you staying (what part of Maui)?

I haven't done it myself, but everyone who does seems to love this trip:

http://www.sailtrilogy.com/lanai/discover/

I'm perfectly happy with a chaise lounge and a book! If you're staying near Kaanapali, there are places to eat in Lahaina that aren't that expensive, and in Whaler's Village, you can eat at the bar part of Hula Grill (sand on the floor, live music) not too expensively.

http://www.hulagrillkaanapali.com/st...m?contentID=60

We are in Wailea. Thanks for the recommendations - the Trilogy tours seem to get consistent raves.

I would second the Hula Grill - they have the best burgers. Leilani's, just across from Hula Grill is good too - very casual, live music. Most of the restaurants in Wailea are more upscale, but there's a Cheesburgers in the Wailea shops mall that's not too expensive and fairly good food. A lot of people (including hubby and me) also do a lot of takeout from Whaler's Village (but we stay on Kaanapali Beach so it's just a short walk). There's a pizza/Italian place there that does really good pizzas and pastas, large salads, and sandwiches. (Can't remember the name.)

Lots of places in Lahaina are not too expensive and have really good food as well.

One other idea - if your apartment has a grill, head to the Safeway at Cannery Mall and pick up some ground chuck or steaks to grill your own dinner. The Marriott, where we have a timeshare, has grills available for guests' use and we take advantage at least once every trip.

I'd also put in a vote for the Pacific Whale Foundation tours. While some of them can be a bit crowded (they tend to take larger boats that hold more bodies), part of your ticket price goes to the foundation's work on studying/protecting the whales and other sea life.

Luaus are one of those things that most either love or hate - go once, see what it's like and you'll either look forward to another one or wonder what all the fuss was about. And they do tend to be expensive.

I have to say I'm with sf on what really stands out for us - relaxing on a chaise lounge with a pile of books and a steady order of strawberry smoothies! But then, we don't have kids to entertain either. ;-)

We'll be going next month as well - can't wait!

Spend as much time as you can at the beach! Bring binoculars so you can see the lovely humpbacks offshore.

I took a Pacific Whale Foundation trip years ago and we never saw a thing. Two years ago while visitng my cousin at the Westin (they were on the 12 floor or someting) we saw a gazillion just off shore from their balcony. It was amazing. They turn up when you least expect them.

I suggest driving to the top of the volcano,it is a unique experience and if it is clear the views are spectacular.
We spend most of our active time snorkeling at various places in the Wailea area. You should be able to hear the whales when you get your ears underwater.
As for food we love Da Kitchen in Kihei next to the Denny's.

Take a day trip to Paia on the north shore for lunch (lots of cute restaurants including the delicious fire-baked pizza at Maui Flatbread). Some fun shops, and take a drive to see the surfers in the big surf partway to Hana.

Drive to the top of Haleakala and hike partway into the crater (wear layers!). Odd and majestic scenery you can't see anywhere else.

Plan your snorkling and kayaking in the morning before the noontime tradewinds kick up.
Watch the sunset with a small picnic at Makena
Check the schedule for lounge entertainment at the hotels nearby, where you may see some great hula for the price of a beverage.
Never turn your back on the ocean.

I like hiking the Haleakala crater. Snorkeling at the aquarium and fishbowl was great but I heard they closed the trail. To bad the area was the best of Maui. Roy's in Kahana was very good. Sensei Sushi was also tasty. Check and see if anybody interesting is playing a the Maui Cultural Center. It draws great shows. We saw the Cazimero Brothers on Lei Day and it was a super event. The Maui has great beaches.

Enjoy.

Paia was our favorite town and had great dining options. Flatbread Pizza and Paia Fish House were our favorites. Also, great place to grab bagels across from Paia Inn (sorry, can't remember the name). Mana Foods is a great little grocery store. Since you have a condo, you can do lots of meals yourself. We didn't find groceries to be as outrageously priced as everyone said, but then we don't do milk and other staples that seem to be so high.

We also stopped at Costco after we landed. Great place to stock up on beer/wine, fruit, rotisserie chicken (yumm!). They even have snorkle equipment, but honestly, you can rent that easily (Snorkle Bob's is everywhere).

We did the Road to Hana with a tour and while it was interesting, I didn't find it to be as spectacular as others do. But, it was pretty dry so that may have something to do with it. We did a helicopter tour and that was incredible, but may get pretty expensive for a family of four.

We checked out the South end of the island where you'll be staying. We did enjoy the drive through the lava fields south of Wailea.

We did the drive through the Upcountry and to the top of Haleakala. Would definitely do this if you're having a clear day. We definitely did not pack a bunch of warm clothes and do the sunrise thing. We were at the summit around noon and the temps were in the low 60's (September). Shorts and a long-sleeved t-shirt were just fine.

Although I found Lahaina rather irritating after a few hours, I would recommend seeing the huge Banyan tree. It's incredible and really cannot be appreciated with just pictures. We liked the surf shops too; plenty to choose from.

We stayed on the West side (Kapalua) after staying in Paia for a few days. We loved the drive north of Kapalua. Check out Honolua Bay (you can do this by taking a snorkling tour also) and the Nakalele Blowhole. I would recommend stopping once the State Highway ends since it's a very narrow one-way road after that.

Our two favorite beaches were on the West coast: Napili Bay and Kapalua Bay. I would definitely stay at Napili Bay if I ever go back to Maui, which I doubt I will do. Just wasn't really for us, but different strokes and all that.

Have a great time!

I can't tell you how much I/we appreciate these comments and ideas! All excellent, but I love the "never turn your back on the ocean" comment. Thanks again, and happy to hear more.

You are going at a perfect time for whale watching.
Be sure to take binoculars.
We've taken the Trilogy day trip to Lanai and would recommend it. You get a whale watch, snorkeling when you get there, breakfast snacks, a really nice barbequed dinner and a van trip around the island. It was a bit expensive, but well worth it. We are going to do it again next year when we go back.
You can also snorkel off the beach. Boat trips are nice, but I would save my money for other trips (like a Pacific Whale Foundation whale trip). You might also want to take a trip to see the spinner dolphins (they're just off the coast).
For food, try Moose McGuillicuddy's. They're "inexpensive" and have a restaurant in Kihei and Lahaina.
Depending on your kids, they might want to learn to surf or at least the one that you stand up on.

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Paddle-boarding

I would also like to second Paia Fish Market for lunch.Been there many time,freshest fish,large portions at good prices.
Be prepared to eat at long tables with other happy seafood lovers.
Downtown Paia has some cute shopping in a small area.

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Ditto!

I will 3rd the Paia Fish Market. Closer to Wailea in Kihei is Wok Star. Right across from the beach, great, fresh food. The kids may get a kick out of the outdoor skating rink in Kihei as well - right on the beach. There is a great snorkeling spot in Wailea, past the resorts, cant recall the name, but if you ask at the hotel they can tell you.

Spend a day exploring the northern half of Maui, and be sure to bring your beach and snorkeling gear. Go snorkeling with the sea turtles at Black Rock Beach (Kaanapali). Your teenagers will have a blast boogie boarding at Slaughterhouse Beach (don't worry; your can rent scuba gear and boogie boards at many shops on Maui). Drive north on Hwy 30 to Nakelele Point and the spectacular blow hole, where the crashing waves send water shooting up through a hole in the rocks.

As other have suggested, go to Haleakala, but for a once in a lifetime experience, cruise down the mountain on bikes. Several local companies offer this adventure, which you will never forget.

I think the road to Hana is definitely worthwhile. Get an early start and make plenty of stops along the way. You must take the side road down to the Keanae area and linger for awhile. Also be sure to stop at Waianapanapa State Park and relax on the black sand beach, or hike along the coast on a lava bed under coconut trees. Continue past Hana to Haleakala National Park and visit the Seven Sacred Pools and hike the Pipiwai Trail to Waimoku Falls.