So what do you guys suggest, kyacking to see whales or taking a the cruise ships?

I don't know how far you have go out to see the whales but there are some places that are advertising it. So, just wanted to know what the chances would be. I've heard dolphins are friendly does that mean they come to the boat?

Thanks,
JJSoon

I would say go with the whale-watching cruise. The Kyacking is blah. You prolly wont see anything at all.

Jeremy Styles

Hey JJ,

Sounds like you've done a lot of excellent planning so far, and I'm sure it will all go a long ways for you to make the most out of your trip. BTW, sorry for ripping so hard into you about your comments on the pony ride into Haleakala.

Anyways, since you're debating between kayaking or taking the cruise ships for whale watching, I don't think you could get as close to the whales or see as many in a kayak as you will via a boat. Keep in mind that you don't want to venture too far from the shore in a kayak when the tradewinds kick in (~11am) or it'll be a very tiring and stressful experience.

My best possible advice would be to simply splurge for a Molokini snorkel trip, and you'll probably see enough whales both on the way there and back. Like killing two birds with one stone.

Tip: although MR is the best guidebook out there, don't treat it as the Bible. There were a few things in there I thought they were a little too high on, and the book doesn't provide enough details for certain hikes or ventures. Not everything is as easy as they make it sound.

Lastly, although it may seem unnecessary, the road around West Maui to Kahului I felt was worthwhile...and not as treacherous as you might have heard about. Start off by snorkeling in Honolua Bay. There's not nearly as much greenery as the Road to Hana, but I felt the coastline views along this road were astounding, especially if the weather complies.

I know you're planning a sunrise bike ride down Haleakala on Day 6. Two thoughts: try to do it earlier in the week and consider hiking down into the crater for a bit rather than biking down the outer face. Better yet, hike down and back up and see if you can arrange to have a bike available when you make it back up.

Have a great trip and provide a detailed report when you get back. Enjoy!!!

Yea.... this bike thing isn't jiving with me anymore. I want to do some hiking into the crater but it seems like with the bike tours I only go up and then ride down Atleast that's what most of the description say.

Bluefan, since we are in groups -- do you think it's even possible to arrange something like that?

I would much rather RENT a bike and be as independent as possible. But I haven't seen that option.

Thanks for advice bluefan.

JJSoon

Hey JJ,

Try this outfit--Haleakala Biking Co (I think). I came across them when I was doing some prelim planning as well, and it seemed to be the only biking company that allows you to go at your own pace according to the following website:

http://www.maui.net/~habico/gentur.html

Hope this helps!

Maui Is great the best beach is Makena.
You need to check the weather the night before you go it rains a lot in hana.
3hours from Kaanapali and 3 hours back.
Pick up the free books at the airport when you get to Maui This week and Menu it tells you all about the resturants.
Have a great time! Aloha Ann

Buy your flower lei at the food stores, food land has beautiful one's at a good price. The K Mart is just about a mile from the airport.Mekena beach is the best.
Just hang loose have a great time.

Is it safe assume the average speed for Road to Hana is 10 mph? if So.. I can walk faster!

Speedster

Dear jj, we just returned from Maui and stayed in Hana two nights. I would advise you to do the same. It is so stress-free to stay there and explore the sights without having to worry about getting back before dark. Hana was my favorite part of Maui. A nice rental I made note of was: http://www.hanaoceanfrontcottages.com/cottage.htm It's right next to Hamoa Beach. I planned our trip for six months and had tons of things on my list. Once we got there all we wanted to do was relax and let things happen. Most of my "must-dos" fell by the wayside. Have your list, but be flexible and you will have a wonderful time.

While Hana is very nice, it is also a sleepy litttle place and most people would not enjoy staying there for two nights. The fact that there are few accomodations there indicates that few people stay there.

JJ - You're already a step ahead of a lot of people since you have the book "Maui Revealed"! Definitely use it on the road to Hana, otherwise you'll miss the best sights! If you're adventuresome, use Captain Steve for whale watching - check out his website. If you don't want to go out on a raft, Pacific Whale Foundation has some good whale watching & snorkeling tours. Haleakala sunrise is awesome!! You'll be glad you experienced it - it's really cold up there, tho.

As I mentioned before... I'm not very comfortable with my swimming skills. I would so jump in .. but would I come out that's another story.

But I so want to see fishes and mamals up close! I know there's the aquarium but it's not the same.

Do you have to go in water for these whale watches? Because It seem most of them include snorkeling. If I dont plan to snorkel, do I still have to pay for equipment price?

Captain Steve looks real cool. Can you tell what you experienced?

...you guys are probably thinking -- why is this dude going to maui if he can't swim? I can swim... but I kick too much so I get out breathe.

JJSoon

Thanks to whoever started and contributed to this thread. I'm gonna print this baby out and use it to plan my Maui vacation. Great tips! Keep em up coming guys.

Sharon Woods

Planning my winter visit to Maui in January also. We'll be staying at Makena this time for pure R&R. There are mixed reviews on doing the road to Hana. I did it last time and found it a bit boring, but I think I treated it like getting to a destination rather than a sightseeing journey along the way, and I got anxious. I really enjoyed the whale watching tour out of Lahaina. Also did a snorkeling excursion which was amazing with all the Spinner Dolphins we saw. It sounds like you have a good mix of activity and sheer relaxtion. You don't need much of a plan when you're in Paradise!