Kristin

I'm reposting as the last time I posted this, Fodor's had changed it's boards and my post got buried.

My fiance and I are heading Kauai (6 nights) and Maui (7 nights) for our honeymoon in July. Should we plan our day trips (helicopter ride, snorkeling, spa treatments!) in advance or will we have time when we get there?

Thanks!

sammie

You can plan and book activities once you arrive except for the Old Lahaina Luau on Maui that supposedly sells out in advance. Enjoy your honeymoon.

Frank

Make arrangements after you arrive. This way, you will not be locked into a schedule of activites that turns out to be inconvenient for you and you will be able to comparison shop for activities and take advantage of your hotel's activities desk for ideas and suggestions.

Dick

Snorkelling and Helicopter ride can easily be made when you get there.

Have two suggestions:

1. If you are doing the downhill bike coast on Maui( and IF that is where you will first arrive from the mainland)plan on doing the sunrise bike ride on your first full day in Maui....your body clock will have you up early anyhow.

2. I would book spa services before you leave. The hotel advises guests that they should do the same when they make their reservations. We got spa services at the Grand Wailea(highly reccomended)and were glad we reserved them early.

If all you are looking for, though, is a massage, then it probably won't be a problem to wait until you get there.

Rebecca

I would make reservations before you arrive. Its better than arriving and not being able to do things because they are already filled! You can always cancel or change it (find out the policies first though)! Sometimes you can get discounts. Do your researching though! I guess it really depends on what you are doing though. I would wait until you get there for the snorkeling.

Cheryl

I booked my helicopter with Jack Harter on Kauai before we left over the internet. We received a free t-shirt for booking over the internet. They take a credit card, but don't charge it until you arrive and fly with them. They do required a 24hour cancellation however. Also it was suggested to us to book you helicopter at the beginning of your stay this way if the weather is not good you can move it and still have days left. Also best visability is in the am. We were there 5 days and did it on day #2. Worked out great. don't miss it.
Cheryl

Lisa

Kristin,
BOOK IN ADVANCE! especially in July when the islands are crowded. I was a concierge in Hawaii and often found that people could not get into the activity they wanted once they arrived because the good ones were sold out. e-mail me and I can tell you which you should not miss and help you book them in advance.

Marie

On Maui, the Old Lahaina Luau definately book in advance, and book mat seating, you are right next to the stage. It is the best on the island, we booked a month in advance, and when we were there the end of March, we were told, we would have never gotten in if we hadn't.

Another suggestion if you like boats, look into Paragon Sailing Charters to Lanai. It was the highlight of our trip. They really sail when the other companies don't and they limit the number of passengers where Trilogy crammed them in.

Definately see Haleakela even if you don't go for the sunrise, it is a great drive, and very unique. I can't believe how many people I have talked to that have been to Maui and not gone to Haleakela.

For that special dinner with the best view on Maui go to The Plantation House Restaurant, on the Plantation golf course in Kapalua. Book in advance for a great table with a view to die for.

Congratulations and have a wonderful trip.

Marie

I forgot one thing, avoid Molokini, very crowded, Snorkel Bob's told us about a snorkel spot called Ahihi Bay, south of Makena, but before LaPerouse bay on Maui. It was the best place we snorkeled. It beat all the other popular spots, like Black Rock, Honolua Bay, etc. Get directions when you get there, it was shallow, calm with an incredible variety and abundance of fish.