First off let me say that this forum has been a great help in our planning our first trip to Maui.

Okay – here is our itinerary but let me say a few things about us first. We are visiting Maui for the first time for a week. We are staying Kaanapali at the Whaler. We are both very active people and not big on laying at a beach for hours. I know some may think we are doing too much – but we like to keep busy – so here it goes.

Saturday – Arrive late – check in condo and probably crash since it will have been a long day from the east coast.

Sunday – Get groceries and snorkel equipment for the week. Check out Kaanapali Beach and surrounding area. Feast at Lele show in the evening.

Monday – Bike down Haleakala – unguided tour - maybe?? I have read about the tours not being held from the top so we will see if we decide to do this or not.

Tuesday – Road to Hana day – including the Pipiwai trail so not too many stops will be made.

Wednesday – North Coast Scenic Drive – including blowhole, olivine pools, Ioa needle. Possible hike the Waihee Ridge Trail and have dinner at Paia Fish Market.

Thursday – Haleakala Day but not for sunrise – don’t want to get up that early on our vacation. Do some hiking/sightseeing. Kula Lodge for late lunch or early dinner.

Friday – South Maui Day – Fishbowl/
Acquarium, LaPerousse Bay, Secret Beach.

Saturday – Leave for Kauai for a week!!

Any input would be appreciated!!

Suggest finding time for a Trilogy Catamaran Cruise..expensive but great day on the water. Good to see nearby islands, great activities.

I would recommend one day to do Haleakala, not two. That's a lot of driving. Also, you might want to read up on biking the crater. I've never done it, but read from someone in the spring whose husband spent a few nights in the hospital after doing it. You might be more daring than me though.

A friend of mine just got back from Maui and recommended a place called Colleens at the Cannery in Haiku. I checked out their menu online and it look great. I'm going to try it when I go in Nov.

When you're in South Maui, stop at the Seawatch Restaurant for lunch. It's at the Wailea Golf Course. Great views and food (lunch menu is much more affordable than dinner). Try the mac nut crusted brie appetizer.

Have fun!

We did a Trilogy snorkel cruise to Molokini, and it was quite fun; they even BBQed on board. If you have any interest in doing a luau, we enjoyed the Old Lahaina Luau.

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. I guess we will reconsider our bike ride down Haleakala and maybe just go their one day and do some hiking.

The best snorkeling we had on our recent trip was off the beach at the Maui Prince Hotel in Makena. Lots of turtles. Suggest you stop by there. There is a beach access just past the hotel.

If your trip is in the summer, a snorkel at Honoloa Bay would be nice.

Skip the bike ride.

While upcountry don't miss wandering around Makawao town. It is a cute place with some nice shops and an awesome bakery.

If you like tamales, Maui's Best Tamales up in Pukalani are a must.