Paradise in Maui
 

Since I received so much helpful information from this message board I would like to offer my insights from my trip last week.

Maui was absolutely wonderful. It was everything I ever imagined and more. We stayed at the Kaanapali Beach Hotel and could not have received better service. They were so friendly and helpful. I rented a junior suite for two adults and two teenagers and it was perfect.

We were lucky enough to see whales on a whale watch trip on Easter morning. We also took a snorkel trip with Pride of Maui to Molikini and Turtle town. It was wonderful. Even though Maui Revealed gave them a very low rating it was just fine with us. It was no cruise ship, but we didn't expect one either.

We did the Old Lahaina Luau, which was first class. I do agree with others that one luau is probably enough, no matter how nice it is. They treat you like royalty at this one.

The only other island we visited was Oahu to visit Pearl Harbor. A most memorable event. While on the island we drove around just to see some scenery. I must admit Maui was much more to my liking.

Now the infamous DRIVE TO HANA - I should have listened to those who said it isn't worth the time. It was ok, but I very much regretted using an entire day for it. The day would have been better spent on the beach. I have seen better waterfalls in Pennsylvania! However, it was a pretty ride, just not too enjoyable for two teenagers.

I can't wait to return to Maui. It was definitely a dream come true. Feel free to ask questions. I will continue to read this message board because I will be planning another trip.

Aloha

This sounds like a wonderful trip, mauibound! Thank you for being open to questions -- we've never been to Hawaii before, but are thinking of going and would love to know more.

A few questions: Can you describe why you found Maui more to your liking than Oahu? What was the snorkel trip like? Did you need/use a car the whole time you were there?

Thanks!

I've never understood the ravings about the trip to Hana.
Not my cup of tea either.
One of those personal style things, I guess.

mauibound - It sounds like you and your family had a great time. As much as it sounds like you liked Maui, I can't believe you didn't enjoy the Road to Hana. That was an incredible experience. My wife and I absolutely loved the scenery, hikes in the rain forests, swimming in natural pools, black sand beaches, and waterfalls. It really shows you what Maui is all about. Most people don't like the long ride, but in my opinion, it's as long as you make it. But, I understand that everyone has different likes. Glad you had a great time in Hawaii. Take care.

Interesting observation about the road to Hana. When we were in Maui we choose to skip it and spend our days on the beach. We too had teenagers with us. Ever since our trip I wondered if we made the right decision. Thanks for confirming that we probably did given the drive and the teens.
It is Wonderful there regardless of what you do.

Thanks for your insite ;)
I'm leaving for Maui in 19 days & I'm so excited!!!we are staying at the Aston Papakea Resort,right next to the Aston Kaanapli. Did you see it?
We are driving the road to Hana on the 21st but I got a room at the Hana Hotel.Is there anything you wished you had more time for in Hana,that you did'nt get to do? Did It rain while you where there? Did you happen to go to the Ocean center? We want to take the Helicopter ride around the Island,did you try that? so many questions so little time :):)I'm glad you enjoyed your trip:)wish me luck ;)
TTYL GinnyG

To Arriety:

To answer your questions:

We like Maui because it had more of a Hawaiian "feel" to it. Where we were at to visit Pearl Harbor in Oahu it was very busy and metropolitan-like. Just felt like another big city. Maui never seemed that way.

The snorkel trip was great. I don't snorkel but my husband and kids had a great time. Don't forget the underwater camera. We visited Molokini and Turtle town. They also tried SNUBA which is a cross between snorkeling and scuba diving. They had a wonderful experience. Me, I just soaked up the sun on the boat!

I think a rental car is a must. We picked ours up at the airport and kept it the entire time. We like to have wheels when we feel like going somewhere.

Hope this helps.

Reply to GinnyG:

It didn't rain at all except for maybe a five second sprinkle. The weather was absolutely perfect. It was a little windy while there, but that was ok.

We were going to take a helicopter ride but decided to spend the money on the snorkel trip. We are glad we did that. After all, a 30 minute helicopter ride as compared to a 5-hour boat ride just didn't win us over. I suppose if there were just two of us we would have done both.

It's interesting that you commented that you liked Maui because it had a "Hawaiian feel to it".
Compared to Honoululu, it certainly does.
But for people who don't like Maui, that's always their first complaint--too commercialized and doesn't feel like Hawaii. Feels like a slice of southern California, compared to Kauai, Big Island, Molokai, Lanai.
Personally I like Maui. I like having some civilization around the beaches and scenery. But "purists" feel the opposite.

If you think Honolulu had no "Hawaiian" feel, you should drive to the North Shore of Oahu to truly feel what it's like to be in pure Hawaii. We stay among the locals and had the time of our lives. We spent about 3 hours in Waikiki and couldn't wait to get back to the north - and I'm a city girl! I love New York more than any city on earth, but when you go to Hawaii, you expect less hustle and bustle. At least I did. The north shore was perfec tin every way. I liked Maui too, but not as much.

Thanks for the trip report. We will be going to Maui in about 3 weeks! I wanted to ask about the luau. I have booked reservations at Old Lahaina, but I did not request traditional seating. My boyfriend is 6'4 so I thought that he might be more comfortable at a table. Any recommendations about the seating?

Also, did you happen to do any of the bike trips? I am trying to decide which company to use.

Thanks in advance.

To howerks:

I would not recommend sitting on the floor at the luau. It looked very uncomfortable, especially for 2+ hours. We stuck with the good old table and chairs. The way it is arranged I don't think anyone could have bad seats as far as seeing the show.

We did not do the bike trip. We drove to Haleakala and I can't imagine paying someone to ride a bike down this mountain. The road doesn't leave much room for bikes. But if that is your thing...

My husband is 6'3'' and we had traditional seating and loved it. We wre right up against the stage and were very comfortable. I highly recommend it unless you would be uncomfy sitting that long on a pillow.

mauibound - We are making a return trip to the Kaanapali Beach Hotel in Dec. We were there for a few nights 15 years ago. We didn't spend any time at the hotel so I really don't remember what it was like.

Questions: What did you think of the condition of the hotel? What kind of a view did you have from your suite? I have a oceanfront room booked but am wondering if I should change to a jr suite or the family suite. Did you eat in any of the resturants there? Are the waves at the beach big enough to boogie board? Also going with young teenagers. Thanks for any comments.

Reply to Anita:

The KBH is in great shape. I thought everything was absolutely beautiful, well-kept and clean. We had a jr. suite with a garden view and it was perfect. It came with a king size bed and a sleeper sofa. We still rented a cot but there was plenty of room for it in the room. The room had a very large bathroom, too. I was very pleased with it. I just wish they had more dresser space for clothes, but no big deal.

The boogie boarding was excellent the days we were there. We went to Wal Mart and bought some boards instead of renting them (Wal-Mart near the airport). When it was time to go we just taped them all together and checked them as a piece of luggage. The waves were too rough to do snorkeling at Black Rock, I wished we could have done that.

We ate at the Plate Lunch restaurant near the front entrance every day for breakfast. We had vouchers for a free breakfast and it was great. We ate a large breakfast and really didn't need to eat much until evening dinner.

We also had good food out by the pool, their hamburgers and hot dogs were excellent. Of course, the TIKI bar was very good. Expensive, but good.

Have a great time. I am glad I did so much research and found a good place to stay. BTW: I thought it was such a nice touch when they bought chocolates and flowers each night to turn down the beds.

Will be in Maui for a week in early July and wanting to do a day trip to Oahu for Pearl Harbor and Diamond Head. Which airline did you use for the flights? Did you book them on the island or in advance? What times were your flights, and were these good times? Cost? Thanks for all the info you are supplying on this board!

Reply to cmaples:

We flew to Oahu on Aloha airlines. I booked the flight over the internet several weeks before our trip. Just wanted to be sure we got a very early flight so we would get into Pearl Harbor. We only had to wait in line at Pearl Harbor about 1/2 hour. Had plenty of time. We rented a car to drive around and see the island before heading back to Maui. The cost of the flight was $125 per person. It was worth every penny of it! Our return flight was for 6:30 but we decided to return earlier and had no trouble changing our flight time.

Have a great time. You will love it.