please critique my itinerary... Thanks :)
Jul 19th, 2006, 11:33 AM
#1
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please critique my itinerary... Thanks :)
(Monday) October 9th: arrive in Maui at 9pm.
(tuesday): Drive up Mt. Halekela (sunrise at 6am), Old Lahaina Luau 5:15pm
(Wednesday): Captain Steve’s Rafting 7:15-2:00, Dinner @ Ferraro’s at 6pm
(Thursday): Dinner @ Spago at 7pm
(Friday): Aloha morning ride at Mendes Ranch 8:15-10:15am, Lunch @ Bubba Gumps in Lahaina, then Dinner @ Mamma’s Fishouse
(Saturday): Dinner @ Nick’s Fishmarket at 7pm
(Sunday): Breakfast at The Gazebo @ 7am.
Leave Maui at 5pm
Am i missing anything? Any suggestions?
(tuesday): Drive up Mt. Halekela (sunrise at 6am), Old Lahaina Luau 5:15pm
(Wednesday): Captain Steve’s Rafting 7:15-2:00, Dinner @ Ferraro’s at 6pm
(Thursday): Dinner @ Spago at 7pm
(Friday): Aloha morning ride at Mendes Ranch 8:15-10:15am, Lunch @ Bubba Gumps in Lahaina, then Dinner @ Mamma’s Fishouse
(Saturday): Dinner @ Nick’s Fishmarket at 7pm
(Sunday): Breakfast at The Gazebo @ 7am.
Leave Maui at 5pm
Am i missing anything? Any suggestions?
Jul 19th, 2006, 12:02 PM
#2
I would not want to do the drive in the dark to see sunrise at Haleakala the morning after arrival (assuming Maui is your first island stop and you've arrived after a long plane ride?).
Plus I would not put that trip and the OLL on the same day. Those are two major activities that I'd spread out of two different days.
Plus I would not put that trip and the OLL on the same day. Those are two major activities that I'd spread out of two different days.
Jul 19th, 2006, 12:04 PM
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One that strikes me right off the bat is Monday - we had to get up at 2:30AM to arrive in time for sunrise on Haleakala ,driving from Honokawai.
We were totally exhausted by lunch time that day (really before that even, since we had been traveling about 19 hours the day prior).
I really think you should move the OLL to a different day...you'll be totally wiped and unable to enjoy it due to fatique, unless you've planned to return for a nap prior to OLL.
Nick's is my favorite memory of all the restaurants! Make sure you try the Maui Wowie salad!
If you can fit in a trip to one of the Farmer's Markets one morning, you can literally make a breakfast off the free samples!
We were totally exhausted by lunch time that day (really before that even, since we had been traveling about 19 hours the day prior).
I really think you should move the OLL to a different day...you'll be totally wiped and unable to enjoy it due to fatique, unless you've planned to return for a nap prior to OLL.
Nick's is my favorite memory of all the restaurants! Make sure you try the Maui Wowie salad!
If you can fit in a trip to one of the Farmer's Markets one morning, you can literally make a breakfast off the free samples!
Jul 19th, 2006, 05:13 PM
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I have to disagree with the others and tell you that I think you are wise to do the Haleakala drive the morning after you arrive. You didn't say where you are coming from but if you are coming from the east coast you may find that you wake up early that first morning because you haven't quite adjusted to the time yet. I remember waking up at 4am the first 2 days since I wasn't fully adjusted to the time yet.
As far as other things to do... there's always the "road to Hana". I personally found it a little overrated but it is a popular thing to do and most everyone I know who's done it really enjoyed it. Also you could go snorkeling at Molokini Crater. You could take a day trip to Lanai for snorkeling and/or rent a jeep for the day when you are there to explore the island. The possibilities are endless...
As far as other things to do... there's always the "road to Hana". I personally found it a little overrated but it is a popular thing to do and most everyone I know who's done it really enjoyed it. Also you could go snorkeling at Molokini Crater. You could take a day trip to Lanai for snorkeling and/or rent a jeep for the day when you are there to explore the island. The possibilities are endless...
Jul 19th, 2006, 06:54 PM
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Many have said they are practically awake at 2:30 AM the night of arrival anyway so go ahead with Haleakala. Wish we had done so because we waited and were too tired to rise that early after long hard days the following days. I hated to have missed it because it was one of the main things I wanted to do, but did so many other good things it was ok I guess to have missed a good thing.
I would say don't miss hiking down to the blowhole - past Napili Bay. It was really cool. It's a great drive even beyond there, but don't even think of driving ALL the way around from there. MR book cautions about this but is understated I believe. I was told by 2 different locals that there are no guard rails in places and a car recently went over. Said it was not the first and won't be the last. Don't for any reason be caught dead on those roads after dark.
Likewise for Hana especially if you go all the way around as we did. The road past Hana before it gets deserty was our favorite part but even more unnerving. Before Hana, don't miss Nahiku Road - the end of the 2/1 mile road lives up to MR description. The road was not marked in late April so we missed it and had to go back. It forks to the left off Hana Rd and slants downhill slightly.
A girl selling banana bread at the Ke'anae Peninsula told me that the stone church there was the only thing left standing after the 1946 Tsunami and that it turned it around. The door used to face the ocean unlike now.
Loved the atmosphere and setting at Mama's Fish House - better than even expected. The Warren and Annabelle show was also better than expected.
Have a great time!
I would say don't miss hiking down to the blowhole - past Napili Bay. It was really cool. It's a great drive even beyond there, but don't even think of driving ALL the way around from there. MR book cautions about this but is understated I believe. I was told by 2 different locals that there are no guard rails in places and a car recently went over. Said it was not the first and won't be the last. Don't for any reason be caught dead on those roads after dark.
Likewise for Hana especially if you go all the way around as we did. The road past Hana before it gets deserty was our favorite part but even more unnerving. Before Hana, don't miss Nahiku Road - the end of the 2/1 mile road lives up to MR description. The road was not marked in late April so we missed it and had to go back. It forks to the left off Hana Rd and slants downhill slightly.
A girl selling banana bread at the Ke'anae Peninsula told me that the stone church there was the only thing left standing after the 1946 Tsunami and that it turned it around. The door used to face the ocean unlike now.
Loved the atmosphere and setting at Mama's Fish House - better than even expected. The Warren and Annabelle show was also better than expected.
Have a great time!
Jul 19th, 2006, 07:39 PM
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cottonqueen, we drove all the way around bot the north end and Hana and I wouldn't take anything for that experience! It was absolutely great! Just take your time, honk before rounding a blind curve and by all means, rent a convertible!
Jul 20th, 2006, 04:48 AM
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Thanks everyone! I just wanted to add that we will be coming from the east coast (new york) and i've heard from various people who early you're up the next day.
And don't worry... we will definitely be visiting the beaches. If you look, there is open time on thursday, friday, saturday and sunday until 5pm. I just wanted to have some things planned since my husband to be can't sit on the beach EVERY day.
After we leave Maui, we're spending 7 nights in Oahu (which i have nothing planned). So there will definitely be some down time.
Any other ideas?
And don't worry... we will definitely be visiting the beaches. If you look, there is open time on thursday, friday, saturday and sunday until 5pm. I just wanted to have some things planned since my husband to be can't sit on the beach EVERY day.
After we leave Maui, we're spending 7 nights in Oahu (which i have nothing planned). So there will definitely be some down time.
Any other ideas?
Jul 20th, 2006, 05:43 AM
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The Gazebo is great for breakfast. We visited twice last month. They actually open at 7:30, but we were there each time by 7:00 before the line starts to form. They don't take ressies, it's first come, first served. If you are there before 7:15, your wait shouldn't be too long. I didn't notice where you are staying. Are you staying in Wailea? If not, I'd find places closer to eat. I really didn't enjoy being in the car too much while on vacation. I'd suggest trying to fit in the Warren and Annabelle show. JMHO. Have a great trip.
Jul 20th, 2006, 08:25 AM
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OldSouthernBelle is right on - how could I forget? A convertible is a must.We were very happy w/ a Mustang and my DH is a little picky about cars. We had spotty showers so open/closed the top several times but it was no big deal. You don't even have to stop.
Warnings about the ocean are not to be taken lightly. I was told by both friends who live there and a guy working at the surf lesson counter that there are about 1 person per week killed or seriously injured just boogie boarding. Lots of broken noses too at the least. (Mostly naive tourist.) One mentioned Big Beach as one place you should know what you are doing due to a sand shelf that can drill you head first into the sand if you don't. Lots of tourist have no idea. And then undertow, etc. Those who know the ocean already know all that, but many tourist who don't tend to gloss over the cautions. Don't do it here!
My DH is a private pilot so wanted to fly the ultra-light plane. (They make it a lesson.) It is at the airport on the road before Hana. He had great fun and really liked the instructor. He did 30 minutes and said he was enough for him. You don't have to be a pilot to do it. Anyone can. He higly recommends it.
Warnings about the ocean are not to be taken lightly. I was told by both friends who live there and a guy working at the surf lesson counter that there are about 1 person per week killed or seriously injured just boogie boarding. Lots of broken noses too at the least. (Mostly naive tourist.) One mentioned Big Beach as one place you should know what you are doing due to a sand shelf that can drill you head first into the sand if you don't. Lots of tourist have no idea. And then undertow, etc. Those who know the ocean already know all that, but many tourist who don't tend to gloss over the cautions. Don't do it here!
My DH is a private pilot so wanted to fly the ultra-light plane. (They make it a lesson.) It is at the airport on the road before Hana. He had great fun and really liked the instructor. He did 30 minutes and said he was enough for him. You don't have to be a pilot to do it. Anyone can. He higly recommends it.
Jul 21st, 2006, 12:15 PM
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Agree with others that Haleakala sunrise should be done on the first morning. Your biological clock will still be on eastern time. It took us about 1.5 hrs. from Kaanaplai to the top. Be sure to bring a sweater/coat, gloves and hat. Last August, the temp was in the 30s with a strong breeze.
As for the Luau, my preference is Feast of Lele. The show is smaller but the food, delicious.
As for the Luau, my preference is Feast of Lele. The show is smaller but the food, delicious.
Jul 25th, 2006, 07:06 PM
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i went to haleakala this month, i had on a sportsbra, tanktop, t-shirt, long sleeve shirt, sweatshirt jacket WITH HOOD, shorts, sweatpants, and windbreaker. and i was perfectly confortable. well... i forgot gloves, but i was ok. as maybe an hour or two after sunrise it got somewhat warm. plus the clothes kept coming off because we hiked the trail down the crater. i wish i would have brought a handkerchief. i would've covered my nose and mouth. it's very dusty if you're hiking along with someone.
anyway, we almost missed the sunrise because i was feeling sick. so i made my friend stop at leleiwi lookout. you have to take a small trail to get to the 'lookout point', but it was soooo worth it. we were by ourselves, there's a wind barrier and the view was spectacular. a few moments later we went all the way up. we believe leleiwi was a better view than the visitor's center OR the summit itself. but if it's still dark when you get there, borrow a flashlight to help you with the trail.
anyway, we almost missed the sunrise because i was feeling sick. so i made my friend stop at leleiwi lookout. you have to take a small trail to get to the 'lookout point', but it was soooo worth it. we were by ourselves, there's a wind barrier and the view was spectacular. a few moments later we went all the way up. we believe leleiwi was a better view than the visitor's center OR the summit itself. but if it's still dark when you get there, borrow a flashlight to help you with the trail.
