Trip Report for Maui
 

Part 1:<BR>I have just returned from a trip to Maui over Christmas and wanted to provide a trip report because I was able to obtain so much helpful information from this site before I left for my trip.<BR>This was my husband's and my third trip to Hawaii, four years ago to Maui, two years ago to the Big Island and this time we returned to Maui with our three adult children.<BR>All of our arrangements were made on the internet - airline tickets with American and car rental with Alamo through Expedia, accommodations I found on the internet, and all of our activities I located on the internet.<BR>All of our arrangements went smoothly. Flight went well with American - just wanted to mention that when we left the airport for our return, security had been stepped up, and there were long lineups, particularly at Alaho Airlines. <BR>Regarding our car rental, we obtained an Alamo Quicksilver card (found on their website, and easy to get) and were able to get our car right at the airport, rather than having to take a shuttle to their regular facility. Saved us some time.<BR>continued...

Part 2:<BR>We rented a lovely cottage in Kaanapali at the International Colony Club. I found it on http://www.idealvacationrentals.com/hawaii/maui/brooks/brooks.htm.<BR>We paid $140. per night for a two bedroom cottage, two bathrooms, full kitchen, pull out queen in the living room, lanai, laundry facilities. It was not on the water, but we did have an ocean view. Loved the place.<BR>I should also say that on both of our other trips, we rented accommodations found on the internet, and loved both spots.<BR>When we got there, we bought our groceries at the Safeway on the main highway in Lahaina - Cannery Mall. Grocery prices were reasonable. I used their frequent shopper card, had absolutely no problems obtaining one, and it saved us about $65.00. I also went to the Star Market in Kaanapali, and found the prices there to be outrageous. <BR>continued...

Part 3: Restaurants<BR>Because we were a family of five, we tried to be reasonable about where we ate, and we also cooked some of our meals. We ate at Cheeseburger in Paradise In Lahanina for breakfast one day (worst breakfast I have ever eaten). We also had breakfast at Moose McGillicuddy's in Lahaina (downloaded 2 for 1 breakfast coupons from the Internet), and had good large breakfasts there. They also have $1.00 beer at Happy Hour. We ate at Leilani's and Hula Grill at Whaler's Village, both their beachfront bar area and their restaurants. Without a reservation, wait for dinner was 1 - 2 hours at all four locations. I found in all cases the meals were overpriced, and mediocre.<BR>We ate at Casanova's in Makawao, good meal, good service. We had dinner at Kimo's one night, and were happy with it. We also had lunch several times at Bubba Gumps - enjoyable and reasonable.<BR>Our favourite restaurant was BJ's Pizzeria across from the sea wall in Lahaina. Great pizza, reasonable prices, long lineups. <BR><BR>I did some gold shopping while in Lahaina, and price checked at every gold shop there. The best prices I found at Maui Jewellers, sort of across the road from Bubba Gumps.<BR>continued...<BR>

Part 4: Despite all the bad reviews on luaus at this site, we decided to try a luau on Christmas Day. I got discounted tickets from MauionaBudget.com, and saved about $25.00 each. I was a little nervous about using them, but it went well. The luau was at the Hyatt Regency in Kaanapali, and we really enjoyed it. <BR><BR>We also went to the top of Haleakala, and hiked down into it for awhile. Found it to be quite an experience. Felt like we were the only people on the planet. <BR><BR>Three of us went whale watching with Pacific Whale Foundation - it was so cool. There were three whales in the area putting on a show, and one of the males came right up beside the boat, and then under it. Had we wanted to, we could have touched it. Great boat, great crew. <BR><BR>My daughter did two surfing lessons with Goofy Foot Surf School and on her first lesson, she was up on the board dozens of time. Great school, very patient, professional.<BR><BR>We rented our snorkeling equipment from Maui Dive Shop in Lahaina on a 2 for 1 deal. No problem with it, but we also got diving equipment from them for my son and husband, and the equipment was faulty - twice. Check your equipment before you leave the shop. <BR>continued...<BR>

Being the acknowledged &quot;expert&quot; on Hawaii on this board I feel compelled to address some of your trip comments.<BR><BR>I have always found the Cheeseburger in Paradise to offer excellent burgers at a reasonable price. Depending on the time you go there may be a wait. You may want to use my name as a reference and see if that helps you get a table sooner but I promise nothing. Why would you go to a burger place for breakfast??<BR><BR>Leilani's and Hula Grill? Why??? I suggest you try Pacific'o and I'o if you want to stay in Lahina area. Next time try Sansei in Kapalua for something different and Mama's Fish House, while expensive, is excellent.<BR><BR>I applaud your decision to stay on the &quot;pretty side of the island&quot; rahter than Wailea.

Part 5:<BR>My husband and son had been certified to dive prior to our trip, but were a little hesitant about doing it on their own, so we purchased a beach dive lesson from Turtlereefdivers.com for $35. each, including equipment. The dive went well and they went out on their own after that. <BR>The only disappointment I had with the entire trip was the weather. The other trips to Hawaii had been in August, and I would not go back in December again. Much better weather in August. <BR>We tried to snorkel 7 times over our 10 days there, and only managed successfully three times. The waves were just too large. However, two of the times were at Honoloa Bay, and it was beautiful there those times. Saw gorgeous fish, a moray eel. Turtles can be found at the Old Airport Beach, and a beach near Wailea - I can't remember the name of it - starts with a P, big long name.<BR><BR>We also had been scheduled to go on a boat trip with http://www.maui.net/~sailmaui/ <BR>We had originally booked a snorkeling trip with Paragon for the five of us, but then I found Cinderella would give us our own private trip for much the same price. However, we had to cancel due to poor weather. Might be worth checking it out.

Final:<BR>We used the Maui Revealed Guidebook exclusively when we were there. Highly recommend that book, or their other Hawaii books if you are travelling to the other islands.<BR>We did the Road to Hana, through Kahului by 8 a.m. Not too busy, made four stops along the way that were recommended by Maui Revealed. We stopped<BR>at a little seaside village (sorry, I can't find my book right now) - beautiful. We also stopped at Blue Pool and Venus Pool - both very short walks to lovely waterfall views. Blue Pool was very easy to access the waterfall for pictures. We had lunch at Black Sand Beach. We went on to the Seven Sacred pools past Hana, but they were closed due to high water. We did the Pipwai Trail mentioned in Maui Revealed - took us about 2 1/2 hours and we were rushed, but absolutely a phenomenal hike. The waterfall at the end of the trail is beyond description. <BR><BR>We then took the South Shore back - I have done the North Shore drive, and found this one to be slightly easier. However, I would not want to take this route in the dark, and it is not for everyone. The only problem we ran into was in using a Frommers map. It showed Hwy. 31 connecting to the Kihei Highway, but unfortunately, it doesn't. That part of the highway is inaccessible, despite it being shown on the map, and we ended up having to go way out of our way back through Kula.<BR><BR>I hope this helps you with your trip planning. If you have any questions, please ask and I will do my best to answer them.

Hey Marilyn!! Respond to Sidney's comments? He makes some good points.

Who has acknowledged Sidney to be an expert on Hawaii ?

Sidney has always been very accurate and thorough in all his Hawaii responses to me. I think he is the best on the board for Hawaii. He does with little attitude which I appreciate.

How is one supposed to respond to Sidney's comments? By justifying her restaurant choices? By going to Cheeseburger in Paradise and trying to use his name and then reporting back? I think his comments might be useful to future travelers, but don't see the point in Marilyn responding.

What's wrong with Hula Grill or Lelainis? I've only been to Maui once (Westin), but we really enjoyed the casual offshoots (bamboo bar?) - moderate, great location, lively crowd, decent food.<BR><BR>I've yet to have a memorable meal in Hawaii - my main priorities are ambiance and price. I'll spend my food dollars back here in LA and Europe.<BR><BR>Coachboy

Marilyn, does the cottage on Maui have air conditioning?

Sue: No, the cottage does not have air conditioning.

Regarding our restaurant choices - We chose those restaurants because we wanted a casual atmosphere and relatively inexpensive. We were travelling from Canada and that makes every dollar that we spend cost another 60% more. However, when you pay $15.00 for a 3&quot; x 3&quot; piece of ahi, with one scoop of extremely salty wild rice (Leilani's beach bar), that is just too much for my pocketbook and my tastes.

Could you tell me more about what you mean when you say that you were able to get your rental car &quot;right at the airport&quot;. We've been there 5x and we have always taken a shuttle that goes across the street to get the car. Was it easier than that with your Quicksilver car?