Planning Maui, Need experienced help
Sep 15th, 2002, 04:37 PM
#21
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I agree about Hana. It is nice bit not worth a whole day.
I suggest that If you live on the coast and have seen many marine drives you will not like the Road to Hana. Also, if you are under 35-40 years old you will probably not like the road to Hana.
I suggest that If you live on the coast and have seen many marine drives you will not like the Road to Hana. Also, if you are under 35-40 years old you will probably not like the road to Hana.
Sep 15th, 2002, 08:04 PM
#22
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OK, my 2 cents worth. I started going to Maui in 1989 -- before they'd even built those huge hotels in Wailea. Did the road to Hana, on to the 7 pools, Lindberg's grave, and ate at the hotel in Hana and back to watch world class surfers then back to our condo at Malaeea (sp) all in one day. No big deal. The little archaelogocial spot on the ocean cliffs near the 7 pools is one of the most beautiful spots I've ever seen and yes I've been to Br Isles, Mex, AK, OR, CA and Canada. Lahaina is fun -- for a tourist day. My husband would just as soon spend the whole trip under one palm tree with a drink and never go anywhere. He would say DON'T plan. I wasn't crazy about the volcano -- but then, I heard St.Helens blow up! Try the Scotch Mist or America Cup sailboat for an evening sunset whale watching cruise from Lahaina. If you're lucky, you can look eyeball to eyeball at them. If your're staying in Kula, be sure to go to the Tedeschi Winery and the Up..... (can't spell it) country store. If you get a GOOD map, or an informed local, there is a short cut from Kula down to the east/west highway that saves about 1/2 hour. Mostly relax; you'll enjoy it more if you aren't fighting the traffic. Why am I telling you all this? I'm SICK of the Maui traffic and my Feb vacation will be on Oahu and Kauai this year. Have fun.
Sep 16th, 2002, 11:11 AM
#24
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The problem with driving in Maui is that there is often only one road in and out of a particular destination. In the event of an accident, you are literally stuck. This happened to us last year on the way from the airport in Kahului to west Maui. We were stuck in Maalaea for about 4 hours. Luckily we were right next to a shopping plaza and were able to kill our time at a couple of restaurants/bars. When we told our waitress what happened, her reaction was "not again!" You probably won't run into anything that extreme, but it's just an example of what can happen. I did see some road work/expansion going on when we were there this May so hopefully, they are addressing the problems.
Sep 16th, 2002, 11:19 AM
#25
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JJSoon
Take the Road to Hana. If you have a convertible, even better. I can appreciate all those who don't like the drive, but it's one of those things that you just have to relax and enjoy the trip. Don't hurry!!!! We ate at the hotel in Hana and I think I would have enjoyed a picnic somewhere along the way.
There's also a good state beach in West Maui by the Four Seasons, but Kapalua is still my favorite and definately on Kaanapali near black rock if you want to snorkle.
We have gone on a kayak trip a couple of times. They had snorkle gear and you got to see some parts you wouldn't have seen before, so if you're up to it give it a try. Usually about 3 or 4 hour trips so if you go in the early (before the trade winds kick up) it's best. We've gone from both the State beach in West Maui and from Makena. Each was good, but I did like west Maui better because the snorkeling was better.
We have enjoyed eating at HaileMaile General store and it would be convenient for upcountry. If you drink, have a lava flow. There is also a winery that's at the end of a road in upcountry. Very nice tasting room and pretty grounds. It is on the tourist bus routes so can be crowded at times.
At Whaler's village (In Kaanapali), Eat at Hula Grill. Lealani's is right next door, but I haven't been in a while. Good for lunch or dinner.
We have always planned where we were eating for the week on the first day, that way we can make reservations. I have never been in January so don't know how busy it is. We also have always planned out activities so we make reservations early in the week. We do like our whims, but haven't missed out on something to do by a little planning.
Keep an eye on the weather, if it's cloudy, views will not be as good at Haleakalea. It's usually clearer in the morning as the clouds develop in the afternoon. I've been when it's cloudy and I've been when it's clear. Clear is better!!
Have a good time. Maui's a great time.
Take the Road to Hana. If you have a convertible, even better. I can appreciate all those who don't like the drive, but it's one of those things that you just have to relax and enjoy the trip. Don't hurry!!!! We ate at the hotel in Hana and I think I would have enjoyed a picnic somewhere along the way.
There's also a good state beach in West Maui by the Four Seasons, but Kapalua is still my favorite and definately on Kaanapali near black rock if you want to snorkle.
We have gone on a kayak trip a couple of times. They had snorkle gear and you got to see some parts you wouldn't have seen before, so if you're up to it give it a try. Usually about 3 or 4 hour trips so if you go in the early (before the trade winds kick up) it's best. We've gone from both the State beach in West Maui and from Makena. Each was good, but I did like west Maui better because the snorkeling was better.
We have enjoyed eating at HaileMaile General store and it would be convenient for upcountry. If you drink, have a lava flow. There is also a winery that's at the end of a road in upcountry. Very nice tasting room and pretty grounds. It is on the tourist bus routes so can be crowded at times.
At Whaler's village (In Kaanapali), Eat at Hula Grill. Lealani's is right next door, but I haven't been in a while. Good for lunch or dinner.
We have always planned where we were eating for the week on the first day, that way we can make reservations. I have never been in January so don't know how busy it is. We also have always planned out activities so we make reservations early in the week. We do like our whims, but haven't missed out on something to do by a little planning.
Keep an eye on the weather, if it's cloudy, views will not be as good at Haleakalea. It's usually clearer in the morning as the clouds develop in the afternoon. I've been when it's cloudy and I've been when it's clear. Clear is better!!
Have a good time. Maui's a great time.
Sep 18th, 2002, 02:22 AM
#27
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jj--
u have several options for good restaurants upcountry. nothing memorable near the airport in kahului, altho i've heard there is a new latino/fusion place in a garage w/ an acclaimed chef.
if u land at 5:30 in january and head to costco for some shopping before driving up the mountain, u're likely looking at abt a 6:30 start. will be dark by then in midwinter.
upcountry, ur options are
--haliimaile general store off haleakala hwy in haliimaile, abt 10-15 minutes out of kahului. best restaurant upcountry, consistent quality, memorable. no view. dinner entrees run up to abt high-20s (ask abt a special discount on mondays--can't remember details). right on ur way to kula.
--casanova's italian restaurant in makawao, a short (5 min?) detour off haleakala hwy. live music some nights. no view. less pricey than haliimaile.
--makawao steakhouse. ur basic steakhouse, w/ a nice cozy atmosphere w/ fireplace. no view.
--kula lodge. great view in the daytime, w/ beautiful landscaped gardens. food is pretty good. not as pricey as haliimaile.
u have several options for good restaurants upcountry. nothing memorable near the airport in kahului, altho i've heard there is a new latino/fusion place in a garage w/ an acclaimed chef.
if u land at 5:30 in january and head to costco for some shopping before driving up the mountain, u're likely looking at abt a 6:30 start. will be dark by then in midwinter.
upcountry, ur options are
--haliimaile general store off haleakala hwy in haliimaile, abt 10-15 minutes out of kahului. best restaurant upcountry, consistent quality, memorable. no view. dinner entrees run up to abt high-20s (ask abt a special discount on mondays--can't remember details). right on ur way to kula.
--casanova's italian restaurant in makawao, a short (5 min?) detour off haleakala hwy. live music some nights. no view. less pricey than haliimaile.
--makawao steakhouse. ur basic steakhouse, w/ a nice cozy atmosphere w/ fireplace. no view.
--kula lodge. great view in the daytime, w/ beautiful landscaped gardens. food is pretty good. not as pricey as haliimaile.
Sep 18th, 2002, 09:17 AM
#28
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Definitely do a whale watch cruise, we did one mid May and there were still a few around, we went with www.pacificwhale.org out of Maaleeae(sp). Yes, there was a casr in Kauai where a baby whale jumped out of the water for fun but landed on a boat and broke someone's leg. You'd be more likely to win the lottery tho'.
We also liked the show Ulalena in Lahaina.
Have a great trip.
We also liked the show Ulalena in Lahaina.
Have a great trip.
Sep 21st, 2002, 03:20 PM
#29
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We have been to Maui the past two Novembers and are planning another trip. No Walmart or Costco. There is a Kmart near the Kahului airport. Mam's Fish House is a must. Lunch is cheaper than dinner, but still pricey - worth every cent. The road to Hana is only enjoyable if you get out and look at the water falls. Be sure to take a snack and something to drink. As far as the traffic, I have driven all over the island and have never been in a traffic jam. If you are in Lahaina on Friday night the Art Galleries are open and generally have music, beautiful art and great people watching. Enjoy.
Sep 23rd, 2002, 01:16 AM
#34
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JJ: Check out the beach in Napili Bay (near Kapalua, West Maui)--it's supposed to be really nice, better than the beaches in Ka'anapali where we stayed. Near Wailea, check out Makena Beach but pack your own snacks and drinks b/c I don't remember seeing anyplace to buy anything (the beach seems popular with the locals).
Also, the drive from Lahaina to Wailea took us more like 45min to 1 hour and we did it several times in the week we were there. Do the Road to Hana--there is even a waterfall that empties into a pool where a few people were swimming (wish we would have known so we could have packed swimsuits and towels). There is a black ssnd beach with caves at Waianapanapa State Park which is also a nice place to explore and stretch your legs.
If you decide to bike down Haleakala, do it with Maui Downhill Adventures and not one of the guided tours (which were referred to as "misguided adventures.") You must go at their pace, so if you want to stop for a picture or admire the view, you're screwed. It was a little scary at first, but what a rush once your acclimated!
Most importantly, "plan" a day or two to RELAX!! Enjoy Maui!
Also, the drive from Lahaina to Wailea took us more like 45min to 1 hour and we did it several times in the week we were there. Do the Road to Hana--there is even a waterfall that empties into a pool where a few people were swimming (wish we would have known so we could have packed swimsuits and towels). There is a black ssnd beach with caves at Waianapanapa State Park which is also a nice place to explore and stretch your legs.
If you decide to bike down Haleakala, do it with Maui Downhill Adventures and not one of the guided tours (which were referred to as "misguided adventures.") You must go at their pace, so if you want to stop for a picture or admire the view, you're screwed. It was a little scary at first, but what a rush once your acclimated!
Most importantly, "plan" a day or two to RELAX!! Enjoy Maui!
Sep 25th, 2002, 12:14 PM
#37
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Samantha, here are three references. I used leis of Hawaii. They were really great.
www.maui411.com/leigreeting_services.html
www.leisofhawaii.com/greet.html
www.alohafriends.com/lei.htm
www.maui411.com/leigreeting_services.html
www.leisofhawaii.com/greet.html
www.alohafriends.com/lei.htm
Sep 26th, 2002, 07:40 AM
#39
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Road to Hana was my favorite part of the trip! We used Maui Revealed book and it was wonderful. Left our hotel at 7am, got back at 7pm. Long day but well worth it.
We went to see sunrise at Haleakala and have no idea what all the fuss was about. I'd never wake up at 2am to do that again. Maybe we just had a cloudy day. Check the forecast!!
We went to see sunrise at Haleakala and have no idea what all the fuss was about. I'd never wake up at 2am to do that again. Maybe we just had a cloudy day. Check the forecast!!
Sep 26th, 2002, 11:31 AM
#40
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Ah...LIE traffic at 5PM...
that reminds me of my drive from Wailea to Lahaina. Yup, that's about right.
There was an accident on the road - the ONLY road to Lahaina and so we all basically waited while the accident was cleared. All in all, it took us at least 2 hours. I was really disappointed by all the traffic & construction on Maui - it's very commercialized. Not like Kauai.
My hubby and I didn't really like Lahaina - but I guess to go just to get a whale watch cruise is okay. It was packed when we were there one night.
I agree with the Mama's Fish House recommendations. Wonderful food and ambiance. Our dinner was $180 for the 2 of us but we had a bottle of wine, 1 appetizer to split, and entree each, and 1 dessert to split.
Sunrise at the National Park was beautiful. Definitely recommend it. But we didn't do the bike ride - looked more dangerous than fun.
Road to Hana was a beautiful drive, long day, wouldn't do it again but glad we did it the once. There are a few almost deserted places to swim - they're just a little off the main road. Read Maui Revealed. Our day was 7:30AM - 7:30PM. Too tired for a dinner out that night - cancelled our reservations.
that reminds me of my drive from Wailea to Lahaina. Yup, that's about right.
There was an accident on the road - the ONLY road to Lahaina and so we all basically waited while the accident was cleared. All in all, it took us at least 2 hours. I was really disappointed by all the traffic & construction on Maui - it's very commercialized. Not like Kauai.
My hubby and I didn't really like Lahaina - but I guess to go just to get a whale watch cruise is okay. It was packed when we were there one night.
I agree with the Mama's Fish House recommendations. Wonderful food and ambiance. Our dinner was $180 for the 2 of us but we had a bottle of wine, 1 appetizer to split, and entree each, and 1 dessert to split.
Sunrise at the National Park was beautiful. Definitely recommend it. But we didn't do the bike ride - looked more dangerous than fun.
Road to Hana was a beautiful drive, long day, wouldn't do it again but glad we did it the once. There are a few almost deserted places to swim - they're just a little off the main road. Read Maui Revealed. Our day was 7:30AM - 7:30PM. Too tired for a dinner out that night - cancelled our reservations.
