So if we don't plan on hiking or biking at Haleakala, it would still be worth it? What would you recommend we "do" there, just drive up for the sunrise?

YES!!! We didn't want to get up and drive in the dark for sunrise.

Our family just went after an early breakfast, around 10am or so. It's wonderful to see. You don't need to hike or bike either one. Just drive to the top outlook viewpoint (actually there's a few other stops on the way up worth it as well), get out of the car, and see the view. Words can't describe how spectacular it is!! Dress warm, even mid-day it's COLD up there.

You asked for a critique so I will give you one. But please dismiss most of it. In my countless trips to the islands there has never been a wrong decision. So many things that people post as MUST DO'S are my did it once was enough.

Old Lahaina Luau is the go to luau in my opinion of all the islands, unless you can go to a local fundraising luau.

We went to sunrise at Haleakala on our first trip and never felt called back.

Often times people say you must visit I'ao Needle. Did it once and found the busloads of tourists to detract from the reality of the history of the land. Never returned.

Gone to Hana a handful of times and can't wait to go back. However doing a day trip on the first day doesn't seem wise. You will wake up early, but you will also get tired early.

My Lahaina limit is a few hours, while others suggest it being a home base. I would hate being there for days.

We did Molokini on a sailboat with another couple. It was overcrowded with humans outnumbering fish. And that area/harbour is the second windiest in the world, or so I have been told. As far as needing instruction, put your face in the water and look. Lots of great better snorkling from shore. Don't go in if it's choppy and don't go alone. Stay close to shore.

I adore Lanai and think you are selling yourself short. You're already investing the time and money to visit. Enjoy the island. Take time to check out the local artists, explore the Lodge and Manele Bay and take the last ferry out. You're there. Why would you rush to leave? It is a very friendly island. Not sure if there is still a axle deer sanctuary in Lanai City. They nursed deer back to health a couple of blocks from town in their gated yard. I'd really take the first ferry in and the last ferry out. And if the ocean conditions are right, the snorkling at Manele bay from shore can be pretty good.


Everybody on these forums have conflicting opinions. Take mine and others with a grain of salt - hawaiian sea salt!

I've flown from Milwaukee, WI to Maui twice and never done a stop over and never been hugely affected by jet lag. I think the return trip is where I felt the effects but who cares at that point? To me, you're giving up two days in paradise unnecessarily, especially with the 2nd night in Seattle.

I snorkeled Molikini with Trilogy and had a blast swimming with the turtles. I would highly recommend the Old Lahaina Luau. The sunsets are absolutely spectacular and the luau was great.

Seeing the sun rise on Haleakala was awesome! We followed that with the bike ride down the mountain which was a blast. We had a group of 6 and it was quite memorable.

As for dinner on Maui, the Plantation House at Kapalua has stunning views and excellent food and wine list. Pricey, but so worth it, especially on special occasions.

http://www.theplantationhouse.com/

I've done the road to Hana twice, once guided and once on own. Make it a nice, slow-paced day with a picnic, swimming, etc.

Have fun!

More great responses... my husband and I are going to sit down and do a serious re-working of the plans tonight.

I'd *love* to spend more time on Lanai that Thursday we're there. In fact, I think it would be quite romantic to have a late lunch or dinner at one of the Four Seasons for V Day, but my concern is that after being at the cat shelter for a few hours, we'll be covered in cat hair and will be unfit for Four Seasons dining! LMAO!

You are going to be in Maui during the peak of the humpback whale season and you have not planned to go whale watching. Schedule at least one trip with one of the smaller companies: Maui Ocean Adventures, Hawaii Ocean Rafting, or Ultimate Whale Watch.

I would second spending a night on Lanai. Still has the old time Hawaii vibe.

There is good snorkeling around Lanai too - and some tour operators if you feel the need. :) Since you would be on the south side of Lanai - it's more protected and might have the best conditions/visibility. http://www.gohawaii.com/lanai/guideb...ling-and-scuba

As for getting used to snorkeling - rent some equipment for the week (check the Snorkel Bob's type places) and get well fitted for your mask and fins. I believe you can also take the equipment to other islands and turn it in later - at least with Snorkel Bob's. http://www.snorkelbob.com/

Make sure you don't have any loose hair hanging down into the mask - as it will let water drip in.

Most of all - first practice in the pool at the hotel. If you can't get comfortable there - you might have a problem.

You will be there in late "winter" - so every day might have different conditions on the ocean. I would not go on any snorkeling tour if the wind/waves are up, no matter how optimistic they might be.

And I would also go for it - driving to Hana the first day you arrive - or at least starting the journey and see how it goes.

Would also recommend getting up to see the sunrise at Haleakula - and maybe stopping at a winery (Tedschi) in Up Country - or a cheese farm - surfing goat - or a lavender field :) http://gohawaii.about.com/od/mauiact...activities.htm

Moi - I would bag the Seattle stopover - unless you have other reasons - and spend the time in Paradise.

Best restaurant Makawao Steak House
3612 Baldwin Avenue Makawao, HI 96768‎..best meal ever....

Aloha, I just returned from my snorkel day with the Pacific Whale Foundation. I was very pleasantly surprised by Molokini. It was easy snorkeling and the fish were plentiful. They do offer snorkeling 101 for those who need it. This crew were great, I really enjoyed them. It was not as crowded with boats as I had imagined it was going to be. Then on to Lanai, about 2 hours. The snorkeling there was not as enjoyable this time (as I have been to Lanai several other times). This was a much deeper area so harder to get up close. We had some extras today, there was a pod of resident spinner dolphins that put on a show (crew said it was the best they had seen). I missed it all as I was sitting on the other side of the boat. There are most definitely whales! We had lots of sightings, no major breaching. At one point one popped up too close to the boat and he had to cut the engine, by law. I was on a motorized vessel this time and not a catamaran. All in all a really nice outing for the day.

<we are spending 5 days in Kauai where we don't plan on doing much of anything, so that will be the main relaxation portion of the trip.>

IMHO, there are at least two "must-do's" in Kauai:

Waimea Canyon & Koke'e Park for views of the Kalalau Lookout (and if you're hikers, I love the Canyon Trail)

and a drive to Ke'e Beach with stops at Hanalei Bay and the Hanalei Lookout (across from the Princeville Foodland)

Each of these are full-day excursions. There's much to see and do on Kauai ... so don't sell it short :-).

PS. Walmart & Costco have the best priced souvenirs. I've only seen the Hershey's Kisses w/macadamia nuts (& a paper pull that says "aloha") at Costco. My friends would never forgive me if I didn't bring that back!

Actually - if you have never snorkeled - suggest you find a mask/snorkel and fins (borrow a set or purchase an inexpensive one from Costco or Walmart - wherever) - and practice in a pool where you live - before you leave.

Start in the shallow end (with somebody helping/watching you) - and just bend over and put your face and mask in the water and learn how to breath through the snorkel.

Once you get the hang of it - put on the fins and then try a few strokes/kicks in the shallow end - again - where you can stand up if you get nervous - and once you have mastered that - then gradually start to swim around in the deeper end.

Always remember that if you ever get an unexpected gulp of water - you can just lift your face/head out of the water and spit out the snorkel and breath naturally.

As you become more comfortable - you will probably learn how to clear any water that might have gotten into the snorkel (just breath out hard) - but uno mas - always remember - all you have to do is raise your head to find air. :)

And when you get to Hawaii - be sure to ask/check on local conditions before you go out anywhere.

Other than that - have a blast.

aloha from Kauai... Mark Ellman's "Mala Ocean Tavern" restaurant right outside Lahaina is epic too!

My interjection is the drive to Hana...when guests ask me directly, i suggest taking a cooler of drinks/water/ snacks fruit, safely pull over often to see the choice waterfalls and ponds and to unravel, and make zero plans that evening! From experience, its really taxing to drive all the way out and have a time frame to rush back, even if continuing on the backside of the drive back. Ya gotta go slow and will anyways with the line of cars ...flow with the day no agenda. little stops and fruit stands along the way too.

Merrimans is fine straight forward food, daily fresh fish... and Mama's a little more refined. great views and cuisine on both sides of the island. "Flatbreads" in Paia has awesome oven baked pizzas and salad...my families first stop when visiting Maui friends and family, and then another night at "Hali'imaile Geneal store" on way up to Makawao. AND for sure Makawao steak house as another post said...local paniolo style with history /style galore

The ferry to Lanai is great! I took that every third day for years as a fire fighter stationed there...you never know what to expect...whales(winter), dolphins for sure, manta rays,sharks...a huge whale shark paralleled the double decker boat one evening! Lanai is cool and a whole different pace all its own...both hotels are pretty amazing yet grab a jeep and go on an island off road safari, to shipwreck beach, up Lanai Hale, etc..

Molokini is fun yet unpredictable as stated above...February can be dicey weather/swell/condition wise even if inside the crater isle. Research the companies. Does get crowded yet you are out in the middle of the channel between Kahoolawe and Maui= epic alive ocean.

I know the luau's on Kauai. Haven't been to any on other islands in decades. Three are authentic guests favorites, one is average. Tahiti Nui's in Hanalei, tuesday luau at Mediterranean Gourmet in Hanalei colony (Haena) and Smiths at the Wailua river marina. Smiths is large scale, the other two more intimate.

Someone above stated about opinion posting....so true! Individual experiences and perceptions guide the outcomes. I,for one, don't suggest places that are overrun by tour buses ex; Koke'e/Waimea canyon is beautiful area to see IF get up there before 9am..if not, giant herd of people. Kauai north shore one lane bridges prevent these large buses.
A hui ho...have fun with it all...plenty to explore spontaneously

Haliimaile General Store for lunch or dinner is wonderful. Last year, dinner was so good that we went again for lunch the next day. Can't get enough! It's in the middle of nowhere, but worth the drive. bevgannonrestaurants.com/haliimaile

You already mentioned Merriman's. That's my choice for my birthday dinner. Ask to sit near a window if you dine before sunset (around 6:30pm in Feb). The view is spectacular!

Mama's is great, worth the trip, but very overpriced.
Sansei for sushi/seafood http://www.sanseihawaii.com. They have a sushi happy hour at different times.

Trilogy has the best snorkel trips, plus a nice morning sail (where you might also see whales). Snorkeling at Black Rock is also great if it's not windy. When it's windy, there are too many waves and swimming is difficult.

Also, Pacific Whale foundation has a whale watch in a large power raft. Very cool!! I thought we'd get drenched, but not at all.

Hi jenblase...DH and I arrive on Maui at 1:45P on Feb. 10. May see you at the airport! We have rented a condo for 5 nights. We will be there to celebrate our anniversary (we were married on Valentine's Day) then fly to the Big Island for a week with friends at a rental house.

I've been to Maui before and love the drive to upcountry Maui. We will spend one day visiting Surfing Goat Dairy, flower farms and Tedeschi Winery. We have already done the road to Hana. I'm prone to motion sickness...no need to say more.

Best snorkeling is in the early morning before the winds come up. Per my brother who lived in Maui, best snorkeling is actually in the South Maui area.

Remember Hawaii is for savoring. Slow down, hang loose. Enjoy Hawaii.

Well, only four days left and SO much to do still! I was going to post a revised itinerary but think I will just post my reviews when I get back. Thanks again to everyone for your help and suggestions!

BarbAnn, when you do the drive to upcountry Maui, is there a particular route you take? I'm not sure where your condo is located, but if you were driving from Lahaina/Kaanapali, in which order would you do the things you mentioned? I'm really interested in visiting the lavender farm and the goat dairy, so would like to figure out the best way to drive to hit all of the spots. I'm thinking we may have a free day where we can fit that upcountry trip in. Thanks!

Bookmarking for some great ideas I see here. We'll be on Maui in May.

We were scheduled to snorkle Molokini but due to wind the site was changed to Shark Fin cove off the coast of Lanai- we were the only boat there, snorkeling was great. We were with the Pacific Whale Foundation. Also went whale watching with them- whales were very active that day- a "competition pod" of 8 males was after a female. They would leap in the air and make a sound almost like they were screaming- then flop down and take after her again. It was quite a day!!

I think Merrimans is a beautiful place for dinner - or even just a happy hour ( which is what we did)