for months i've struggled with what activities i'd like to do on an upcoming trip to maui.
with limited cash we have determined we could afford two major activities. with wonderful beach snorkling we will probably scrap the molikini thing unless we are talked out of it.
with that in mind we are leaning toward the haleakala bike ride and in the air on the second one.

sunset cruise
helicotper ride
horse ride into haleakala
power glider
Luau

What would you choose and why?

We are leaving for Maui in about two weeks. Have gone through the same debate. We have chosen the Haleakala bike trip....I booked on-line to save a few bucks. And we are doing a luau, because it just seemed like one of the things to do in Hawaii that you won't really be able to do anywhere else.

I ruled out the horse ride into Haleakala because we are already doing the bike trip. Although the horseride trip seems wonderful, my boyfriend had his heart set on the bike trip.

We also have so far opted not to do the snorkle trip, since we can do that from the shore in Maui.

If I can scrape up the extra funds, and if the timing is right, I might add a parasailing adventure to our trip.

I would probably recommend the helicopter ride because it's the best way to truly see all of the island. However, my answer would be different if you are going to any other islands during your stay, especially Kauai. If you are going to Kauai or even the Big Island, I would save the helicoper ride for there.

I agree. We took a Helicopter ride in Kauai and it was fabulous. Truly the only way to see all of the uninhabited parts of the island and spectacular views of the coast. I assume the views from a helicopter in Maui would be just as gorgeous. But, if you are going to Kauai save it for there!

We did great snorkeling off the shore in Maui, but the best snorkeling was the Molokini trip. Even though the crowded boat ride and ambience were not that nice the snorkeling was amazing.

ou can do some great snorkling for free at the Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve located south on Makena.Also LaPerouse Bay has great snorkle areas. Much better than the crowded boats.

As a frequent visitor to Maui, I don't understand the allure of the bike ride down Haleakala. You're simply coasting downhill on a bike down a steep, sometimes damp, winding (countless hairpin turns) and slippery road. This is no off-road adventure - you will be SHARING the road with the many cars and buses that go to & from the summit, or live in the upper Kula area doing their morning commute. A rather narrow road, given the amount of traffic in my opinion.
Of the activities you've suggested, it's a toss-up between the helicopter ride, sunset cruise or luau.
Reasons - helicopter ride gives you a feel for the area, although I don't know how much in depth the tour narrator's go with regard to the historical siginificance of the places you'll see.
Sunset cruise - if you don't get seasick, great. Hawaii's got the best sunsets. Altho, you could get just as good a sunset on the beach in Wailea or Kaanapali.
Luau - as long it's not one of those really cheesy ones(sorry, I'm not up to speed on the good ones on Maui) - Generally luaus provide a tiny peek into the Hawaiian culture.
Guess it all depends on what you're looking to get out of your vacation - cultural experience, adventure or rest&relaxation...hope this helps!

Also, fyi, the horse ride into haleakala looks is more like riding a burro into the Grand Canyon - this takes you into the crater(i.e., no mountaintop views once you begin your ascent)at a leisurely pace - no full gallops as far as I could tell.

I appreciate the replies.
For the price the Haleakala does seem a questionable activity since you can drive up and see the sunrise, however, we do want to do some activities and this seemed like it would be nice - cool morning breeze as you glide down a volcanic crater and leisurely stop for lunch.
The Molokini thing i've heard can be a drag b/c you could get real seasick.
I am prone to seasickness but felt the sunset cruise would be ok since you are moving and not just bobbing in the water.
The luau really does seem like something that should be done once but I have never, and I mean never, heard anyone say they would do it again.
Anyone heard of Warren and Annabelles magic show??

Big Daddy - based on recommendations here I picked up book "Maui Revealed" which has lots of information and may help answer some of your questions. They are very against bike ride down the crater and in favor of horseback ride down into it. They talk about dive operators to Molokini and also give lots of info on snorkeling from shore. They love Warren and Annabelle's show. I have never been to Maui (going next March) so I am only giving you information from one book. Have you checked out Frommers.com? They also have a lot of information on their site as well as good guide books. If you don't want to buy the books, check your library.

Big Daddy - me again! Some other thoughts. Maui Revealed recommends Old Lahaina Luau which you can get discounts to - either on line or with a AAA membership. They also recommend Feast of Pele which I understand to be similar to a Luau but your food is served to you sitting down and is perhaps less traditional food (which would be okay with me since I am not a fan of pig roasts!) They have the show with dancing etc. Again I have not been to this show only reiterating information I have read elsewhere. I think I read though that the Feast doesn't offer the same discounts you might find for OLL.

Good luck!

I would lean toward the helicopter ride. I understand you see parts of the island unavailable by car, etc. When we were in Maui we ended up just taking some short excursions with our snorkeling equiptment and picnic lunches and made it a real relaxing vacation. It is great to explore with out spending a lot of money. Our kids were into doing a luau and I agree it is something you probably would only do once. We were warned away from the bike trip. One friend describes it as being the closest she has ever been to God because she prayed the whole way down. I understand there are a lot of injuries on that trip. Whatever you chose you can probably get a discount on once you arrive there. We were there in March and many operators were offering discounts.

haven't been yet (lv in 13 days....) but after lots of research here and elsewhere (including Maui Revealed) I would personally drive up to Mt. Haleakala, still catching the sunrise and magnificant views without all the $$ spent or risk of injury. We plan to just snorkel at our hotel, Kapalua Bay and perhaps Honolua Bay (sp?)....again saving money. We are also doing the road to hana (gas money only needed) and our big splurge I guess is The Feast at Lele...operated by the same folks who do the Old Lahaina Luau...but more intimate and you are seated at your own table.

If it were me, I would probably splurge on the heli tour. We are doing one on Kauai and cannot wait for that adventure!

Although I've never done a helicopter ride on Maui, I'd expect that your view would be somewhat similiar to the one you'll get at the top of Haleakala. Granted you won't get to see the great shoreline, but you're still getting a birdseye look at the island two different ways. Since you're on a budget, I'd suggest going with any of your other options listed for your second choice. Incidently, I took the bike trip down Haleakala in February of this year. The view from the top before sunrise is incredible! If you decide to eliminate the bike ride, plan on driving up yourself and allow a minimum of an hour at the top prior to sunrise to see the stars in total darkness.

I find it quite interesting to hear the different perspectives on places to visit and things to do - thanks for all the comments.

Retired_Teacher you are somebody I would really love to hear more from since you have gone on the primary excursion I am thinking of (Halaekala bike ride).
Could you please tell me more about the experience?
Is it worth the $$$? Would it be better to just drive up on your own? Were you terrified?

We loved Warren & Annabelle's, but my husband is really into close-up magic. However, at $40 per person just for the show, it's not a cheap outing.

Also, we went on a Maui Dive Shop trip to Molokini and it was great. They use smaller, faster boats than some of the other companies (they are not a party boat) which should help the seasickness problem. (Try using Bonine for seasickness.)