Just returned from a fabulous vacation to Maui (Dec 26 - Jan 5th). Needless to say, I want to return tomorrow! I have been to many Islands, but none compare with the beauty of Maui! Although we arrived in the dark, the sunrise the next morning uncovered a true gem. We contemplated renting a car, but didn't want to drive in the dark in unfamiliar territory (cab was $80 to Lahaina). We rented a private residence on the beach in Lahaina, which is a small town that I immediately fell in love with. No large hotels, just small, intimate inns, that echoed the feeling of the area. We decided on the first day we really didn't need a rental car, since we were in walking distance of everything we needed, shopping, restaurants and the grocery store. I felt safe walking early morning or late evenings. Lots to do, but hey, I was on vacation, so relaxing was one of my top priorities, and I quickly fell into a daily pattern. Early morning walk into town and saying aloha to everyone out walking or opening their shops (very friendly spot). Stopping a local shop to purchase a pineapple/papaya smoothie and a cup of the best Maui coffee while chatting with the owners and trying to get the damn parrot to speak to me (he would only say hello when my back was turned) http://www.takehomemaui.com/index.html . Then back to the house for a quick swim, watch the surfers and longboarders, relax in the sun and then repeat! We did manage to take in a few acitivites including these I would highly recommend. Sunshine Helicopter Tours - excellent way to see the Island. Our tour included Molokai. The first shear cliff we went over was exhilirating to say the least and winding our way back into the old volcanos and seeing the many waterfalls was majestic. We did rent a car this day instead of a taxi (approx $80 one way to the airport) and took advantage of it making our way to Momma's Fish House after the helicopter ride. While not inexpensive, it was a great meal. Make sure you make reservations. The view from the restaurant is incredible and you can watch the windsurfers while you dine. Excellent service, excellent food! The taster of the day was an asparagus soup I will never forget! We did a luau on New Year's Eve (Feast at Lele) which is an upscale luau recommended more for adults. For $110 it included all drinks and dinner, gratuity and after dinner liquors extra. It was an amazing show that allowed you to taste food from various cultures. New Year's Eve in Maui was spectacular. I couldn't get over the people on the beach and the amount of fireworks that were launched. The air was literally blue with smoke by 10pm and at midnight, it was amazing! The conceirge who was looking after our rental suggested we do a whale watching tour with the Pacific Whale Foundation http://www.pacificwhale.org. Probably one of the best deals we found on Maui. We did a two hour tour (cost approx $35/person) and five minutes from the marina started to sight whales. The show continued for a full two hours! The proceeds from the cruises go back to the foundation and volunteers are common both in their shop on Front st and on the boats. We also didn't realize the whales were directly off our beach, and upon our return to the house, quickly were able to identify the whales playing in the distant waters. The highlight was a whale fully breaching the water - incredible sites and we also got to listen to them. There is a good variety of restaurants in Lahaina and a few of our favorites included Cheeseburger in Paradise (no not a Jimmy Buffet restaurant) owned by two local females and located on (or perhaps I should say in) the water. Very busy during lunch, but worth the wait (we had samplers of their coconut shrimp with mango chutney, kobe beef sliders, calamari - all delicious). Of course the Mai Tai's weren't bad either. However, we were told if we wanted a great burger to go to Cool Cats. They weren't lying, the burgers are huge and the onion rings very delicious! Moose McGillicutty's is directly across the street from Cheeseburgers in Paradise and is more of a local hangout. Great food, strong drinks (I think they forgot the juice in the Mai Tai) and evening entertainment. Kobe Steak house was a great spot to relax, enjoy the tapenaki chef and still have an excellent meal at a good price. The Kobe beef was so tender and be prepared for leftovers! Their sushi was excellent as well! At 505 Front St there is a beautiful beachfront restaurant Pacifico http://www.pacificomaui.com. The tempura oysters were to die for. We ate here twice - the first night we arrived (walked the beack to and from the restaurant) and our last lunch. Everything is fresh (they can tell you who caught the fish) and all of their produce is sourced as local as they can. Lahaina is also home to some of the most beautiful art galleries and shops! We had a great time visiting them all and some of us lucky enough to bring home a few pieces! The shopping along the street is great - some local designers - but mostly touristy shops. ABC and Whaler stores have about the best prices for take home gifts (coffees, cookies, chocolate, and the other Maui souvenairs). The Foodland located in the heart of the downtown core is a good spot for a variety of wines and liquors. All stores carry a small line of wines, etc., but the Foodland has a much wider selection. We also purchased steaks and ribs and both were excellent. The only thing that bothered me at first, were the amount of people who actually sleep on the beach every night. I guess since Maui is known for its temperate environment (85F almost every day and little rain), a number of homeless people take advantage of it. Never once was I asked for money. Most of them very kind and always had an aloha. Not sure where they went during the day, since I really didn't see them except early morning on my walks. I know there is so much more to tell, but it was truly an amazing vacation. I will be returning and can't wait until I can say Aloha Maui! By the way, we rented from a Canadian Company called Luxury Retreats - excellent service from the moment we contacted them until our return!

Great trip report. Thank you for posting it!

Tanya,

Terrific trip report! Lahaina sounds like a lovely spot; I like how you describe it with intimate inns and feeling comfortable walking around at night and early morning. Listening to & seeing the whales playing (and the one breaching) must have been just an incredible experience (and for only $35pp that's terrific!).

I'm glad you had as much fun this holiday season as I did!

Happy new year! Daniel

I loved your report, but please please please use paragraphs next time! It will make it so much easier to read.

Sorry, couldn't get the paragraphs to work - I do apologize! One other thing about Maui, don't pack too many clothes. Shorts, t-shirt and sandals will get you pretty much into any place you want to dine. For 12 days I really only needed a couple pair of shorts, couple of t-shirts, a sundress and a bathing suit (washer and dryer as well of course).

Tanya, every time we go, we take clothes we never end up wearing, because the wardrobe you describe is all we end up wearing!

I loved your trip report. It was though I was back there. I can smell the fresh air and imagine the drinks! Thanks for a great report.

Loved the trip report! I am trying to plan a trip there for my H & I in October. Makes me wish I could go tomorrow.

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