Trip Report Maui, Big Island & Oahu
Jun 20th, 2007 | 08:41 AM
#1
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Joined: Dec 2005
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Trip Report Maui, Big Island & Oahu
I first want to thank everyone here, for posting their reports and all the great ideas/suggestions I received while reading your reports and additional tips. It was a total of 4 friends on this trip all women. We left on Thursday May 31 from Ft. Lauderdale to Maui on Us Airways flight was great. Got in around 2:15 p.m. Picked up our car and went to do our check in. The Westin Maui is beautiful, I had read some mixed reviews and honestly we did not have any complaints at all. We had a mountain-view room which I did not mind. Had an early dinner at Ono Bar & Grill in our hotel, and walked to Whaler’s Village, I don’t have to tell you this day is usually an early one for most people, and we were in bed probably by 6:00 p.m. Before I go any further I do want to let you know that I had a notebook which I had spend countless hours with things I did not want to miss plus dinning ideas I had read here and really wanted to do and somewhere between Florida and arrival in Maui I managed to loss it! I can really kick myself for it but I did remember a few of the restaurants I wanted to visit.
06/01/07
Got up at around 4:00 a.m. and decided to get ready and take a walk on the beach, one of the girls joined me, we were out by 5:00 a.m. and waited for the sunrise, we were able to see a school of dolphins as we were walking. Picked up the other girls and went to breakfast, from their we did some groceries (the basics, water, bread and a $10.00 organic pineapple on the side of the road) we then drove to Ioa Valley and Haleakala crater. It was a little cloudy but, did not want to leave this for another day that evening we had reservations for the stargazing tour at the Hyatt for 9:00 p.m. The show was really great, the guide was very knowledgeable and very helpful in answering questions the cost was $26.00 something with taxes.
06/02/07
The girls wanted beach today so we decided to drive to Big Beach (at the suggestion of the concierge) right behind Big Beach you go over a rock and they have Little Beach, which she told me was a clothing optional beach (did not go there so can’t comment) the beach was really nice, on our way their we had lunch at a little truck selling tacos and some other really good food. After the beach we stopped I think it was Kihei some markets they had their really good and cheap souvenirs (I know it’s kind of early to start buying them but, honestly could not resist the prices)
06/03/07
Today we had reservations for the Old Lahaina Luau, so we did not want to go too far decided to make it a ½ beach day, went to Honolua Bay after hung out by the hotel beach and pool and left to our Luau at around 4:30 no traffic and so close by we got in too early and I can’t say I regret it, we were able to park right away, unable to do our check in until after 5:30 (we were told) so we crossed the street and went to cannery mall (I think that’s the name) by 5:20 p.m. we came back and they had started giving people the brochures and accepting payments, by then their was no parking left (I doubt the parking their can hold more than 50 cars) so I suggest for those going it’s best to get their early even if you have to wait. I had reserved way in advance (at least 2 ½ months) and was able to request the traditional mat sitting, I am going to give you the pros and cons (in my opinion) pros you are sitting right in front on the stage and get to see it all (I know this is also the case in the regular chairs, I liked it better), I find it cozier, the cons if you are hungry, you will probably starve, we were the last to be served other than that I thought it was great, could get a little uncomfortable but it’s not that long either.
06/04/07
Today was Hana Hwy day, we went back and forth about it, I’ve been to Maui 2 times before one of the other girls also but she had never done Hana the other two have never been to Hawaii, I gave them the good the bad and the ugly about Hana and they had somewhat decided to skip it. But, then while having lunch at the previously mentioned truck yesterday the nice gentleman serving us, was having small talk with us about where were from, have you been here gone there done Hana? We said no, (I explained to him how they were not looking forward to the turns) he straight forward told them “you don’t do Hana, don’t say you’ve been to Maui” I just looked at them and said I told you, so there we were 7:00 a.m. on our way to Hana. Stopped at the Juice Co. to pick up our lunch, did not buy the CD because I did agree to turn back in case they did not want to go all the way I was secretly praying that they could hang on because I really wanted to see the Red Sand Beach. By 11:00 a.m. we were in front of the Private Property sign to get to red sand beach and it was well worth the walk there, I thought it would be worse, it was not easy but well worth the effort. I do suggest you wear hiking shoes not necessary but will definitely make you feel more secure, after we went to Oheo Gulch the girls got in the water stayed here for a little while check with the ranger to see if the road had been opened and no, had to come back the same way. For dinner went to Aloha Mixed Plate (great food, nice atmosphere) can’t understand why you can drink in one section and not on the tables closest to the water?
06/05/07
Today we are headed to the Big Island. We will be in Kona the first 3 nights and 2 nights in Hilo to visit the Volcano. Arrived in Kona at around 12:30 p.m. We went straight to our hotel the Sheraton Keauhou Bay and were able to check in, left our luggage and went to have a late lunch at Huggo’s. After walked around the shops. Went back to our hotel for a beautiful sunset there.
06/06/07
The girls were ready for another beach day today, we first headed to a flea market (can’t remember the name) purchased some fruits 7 papayas for $1.00 (we all voted this as the best purchase of our trip) headed to Kailua beach stayed there for a while had lunch a tres hermanos (I think that was the name) a Mexican restaurant food was very good and drove toward Pololu Valley Lookout, took the hike down to the beach on our way there we stopped at Hawi.
06/07/07
Today was a relaxing day two of the girls wanted a tattoo, one wanted it in celebration of her 40th birthday (she got a seahorse behind her neck) the other her dream had always been to visit Hawaii, and wanted a symbol to remind her of her having her dream so she got a small turtle in her lower back. Drove to a coffee plantation to see if the prices would be better here, NOT!, I had see at the flea market a pound of 100% Kona Coffee beans for $22.50 at the plantation they wanted anywhere between $35.00 to over $46.00. After went back to the strip for some drinks.
06/08/07
We are driving toward Hilo today for our last 2 nights on the Big Island we left early since we wanted to cover a couple of places. Went to Waipio Valley, Akkaka falls and Rainbow falls. Rainbow falls actually looked like a small creek, checked into Volcano Inn which was really nice the owner was very pleasant. Had dinner at Thai Thai Restaurant (this is one of the few places I did remember I wanted to eat) I can sincerely say this was one if not the best meal I had and service was very quick and prices were great too.
06/09/10
Today is our volcano day. Went back to the Village to buy sandwiches to take with us, we had all the water we would need for the hike we thought we were going to do, did all the little stops along the way including an 8 mile loop I read here (can’t remember the name of the place to turn into it, anyone interested I can look it up) It was really nice and am very glad we did it. From here you could actually see (in the distance of course) what I think was the steam of the volcano. I had checked with the ranger at the Visitor’s Center and he did mention to try to head out by 5:30 p.m. We were actually done about an hour before so we decided to start the drive there then. When we got to the Ranger right before the 1 mile hike to start the lava I checked with the ranger to see how was the visibility and his words “6 miles all or nothing” Don’t have to tell you how disappointed my friends were, I have actually had the privilege of seen it on one of my past visits and was really sadden by the news, needless to say we had our little mandatory meeting to see if we should take the additional 5 mile hike and honestly I did not think it was wise, I was willing to do it 2 of them were against it and the 3rd wanted to go, were here we walked for a little while longer and knew it was taking this long with the sun out, how will it be in the pitch black, we started walking back waited for the sunset and started going back to our Inn, needed to pack since we were leaving for Honolulu the next day.
06/10/07
Arrived in Honolulu by noon checked into the Royal Hawaiian and my 3 friends fell in love with Waikiki, the streets were packed with people everywhere, went to the International Market Place and found a few gifts prices were ok.
06/11/07
We did not get up that early so when we arrived in Hanauma Bay their was no parking so we kept driving down to see if we can get to another beach, we kept going on that road and found a really nice one (am sorry can’t remember the name) stayed their most of the day.
06/12/07
Pearl Harbor got their at 9:00 a.m. were done by 12:30 p.m. from their we had lunch and headed to Diamond Head. It was really hot, decided to do it since 2 of the girls just wanted to vegetate at the beach last two days. Had dinner at Surf Room in our hotel and I did not enjoy it that much.
06/13/07
Today we got up early and headed out to the Aloha Stadium SWAP, thanks to all those that suggested it and tipped on willing and dealing the prices were out of this world not all but, A LOT of the souvenirs you find in all the local places you will find them here for a fraction of the price, just to give you an idea I had seen the chimes shaped like a boat in a mahogany color with Aloha and Hawaii on each side, the average price I found for these (in different stores and islands) was $35.00 to as low as $20.00 here they had the same once 3 for $20.00. Same with glass blocks that say Hawaii with turtles and different things inside here I bought 4 of the big once for $20.00 average outside was $9.99 to over $15.00. The place is BIG and has great, great deals. After we finished we went back to our hotel and 1 of the girls and I went out to explore the other side of the island, did not venture out of the car but just basically driving and stopping at different scenic points. Back to the hotel to start packing.
06/14/07
Today is our day to say “see you later” to this beautiful island. We picked up our luggage and left it downstairs since our flight does not leave until 11:00 p.m. Picked up a card to get back to their courtesy room to shower in the afternoon. Since it is our last day here we stuck together and went to the beach at the end of the strip. Spend 3 hours here and went to lunch at Lu Lu’s great ambiance and the staff was wonderful the food was really good too. After decided we wanted to see one last thing before we left so went to Aloha Tower for about 2 hours before we had to go to the airport.
We had a really good time, am sorry I can’t really remember too many of the restaurants we ate at, since they were most pick by chance and did not really leave a lasting impression. If I can help anyone with questions I’ll be more than glad to do so.
Again thank you all, and for the record am jealous for those of you who are in the final stages of planning your trip, have a great time.
Gina
06/01/07
Got up at around 4:00 a.m. and decided to get ready and take a walk on the beach, one of the girls joined me, we were out by 5:00 a.m. and waited for the sunrise, we were able to see a school of dolphins as we were walking. Picked up the other girls and went to breakfast, from their we did some groceries (the basics, water, bread and a $10.00 organic pineapple on the side of the road) we then drove to Ioa Valley and Haleakala crater. It was a little cloudy but, did not want to leave this for another day that evening we had reservations for the stargazing tour at the Hyatt for 9:00 p.m. The show was really great, the guide was very knowledgeable and very helpful in answering questions the cost was $26.00 something with taxes.
06/02/07
The girls wanted beach today so we decided to drive to Big Beach (at the suggestion of the concierge) right behind Big Beach you go over a rock and they have Little Beach, which she told me was a clothing optional beach (did not go there so can’t comment) the beach was really nice, on our way their we had lunch at a little truck selling tacos and some other really good food. After the beach we stopped I think it was Kihei some markets they had their really good and cheap souvenirs (I know it’s kind of early to start buying them but, honestly could not resist the prices)
06/03/07
Today we had reservations for the Old Lahaina Luau, so we did not want to go too far decided to make it a ½ beach day, went to Honolua Bay after hung out by the hotel beach and pool and left to our Luau at around 4:30 no traffic and so close by we got in too early and I can’t say I regret it, we were able to park right away, unable to do our check in until after 5:30 (we were told) so we crossed the street and went to cannery mall (I think that’s the name) by 5:20 p.m. we came back and they had started giving people the brochures and accepting payments, by then their was no parking left (I doubt the parking their can hold more than 50 cars) so I suggest for those going it’s best to get their early even if you have to wait. I had reserved way in advance (at least 2 ½ months) and was able to request the traditional mat sitting, I am going to give you the pros and cons (in my opinion) pros you are sitting right in front on the stage and get to see it all (I know this is also the case in the regular chairs, I liked it better), I find it cozier, the cons if you are hungry, you will probably starve, we were the last to be served other than that I thought it was great, could get a little uncomfortable but it’s not that long either.
06/04/07
Today was Hana Hwy day, we went back and forth about it, I’ve been to Maui 2 times before one of the other girls also but she had never done Hana the other two have never been to Hawaii, I gave them the good the bad and the ugly about Hana and they had somewhat decided to skip it. But, then while having lunch at the previously mentioned truck yesterday the nice gentleman serving us, was having small talk with us about where were from, have you been here gone there done Hana? We said no, (I explained to him how they were not looking forward to the turns) he straight forward told them “you don’t do Hana, don’t say you’ve been to Maui” I just looked at them and said I told you, so there we were 7:00 a.m. on our way to Hana. Stopped at the Juice Co. to pick up our lunch, did not buy the CD because I did agree to turn back in case they did not want to go all the way I was secretly praying that they could hang on because I really wanted to see the Red Sand Beach. By 11:00 a.m. we were in front of the Private Property sign to get to red sand beach and it was well worth the walk there, I thought it would be worse, it was not easy but well worth the effort. I do suggest you wear hiking shoes not necessary but will definitely make you feel more secure, after we went to Oheo Gulch the girls got in the water stayed here for a little while check with the ranger to see if the road had been opened and no, had to come back the same way. For dinner went to Aloha Mixed Plate (great food, nice atmosphere) can’t understand why you can drink in one section and not on the tables closest to the water?
06/05/07
Today we are headed to the Big Island. We will be in Kona the first 3 nights and 2 nights in Hilo to visit the Volcano. Arrived in Kona at around 12:30 p.m. We went straight to our hotel the Sheraton Keauhou Bay and were able to check in, left our luggage and went to have a late lunch at Huggo’s. After walked around the shops. Went back to our hotel for a beautiful sunset there.
06/06/07
The girls were ready for another beach day today, we first headed to a flea market (can’t remember the name) purchased some fruits 7 papayas for $1.00 (we all voted this as the best purchase of our trip) headed to Kailua beach stayed there for a while had lunch a tres hermanos (I think that was the name) a Mexican restaurant food was very good and drove toward Pololu Valley Lookout, took the hike down to the beach on our way there we stopped at Hawi.
06/07/07
Today was a relaxing day two of the girls wanted a tattoo, one wanted it in celebration of her 40th birthday (she got a seahorse behind her neck) the other her dream had always been to visit Hawaii, and wanted a symbol to remind her of her having her dream so she got a small turtle in her lower back. Drove to a coffee plantation to see if the prices would be better here, NOT!, I had see at the flea market a pound of 100% Kona Coffee beans for $22.50 at the plantation they wanted anywhere between $35.00 to over $46.00. After went back to the strip for some drinks.
06/08/07
We are driving toward Hilo today for our last 2 nights on the Big Island we left early since we wanted to cover a couple of places. Went to Waipio Valley, Akkaka falls and Rainbow falls. Rainbow falls actually looked like a small creek, checked into Volcano Inn which was really nice the owner was very pleasant. Had dinner at Thai Thai Restaurant (this is one of the few places I did remember I wanted to eat) I can sincerely say this was one if not the best meal I had and service was very quick and prices were great too.
06/09/10
Today is our volcano day. Went back to the Village to buy sandwiches to take with us, we had all the water we would need for the hike we thought we were going to do, did all the little stops along the way including an 8 mile loop I read here (can’t remember the name of the place to turn into it, anyone interested I can look it up) It was really nice and am very glad we did it. From here you could actually see (in the distance of course) what I think was the steam of the volcano. I had checked with the ranger at the Visitor’s Center and he did mention to try to head out by 5:30 p.m. We were actually done about an hour before so we decided to start the drive there then. When we got to the Ranger right before the 1 mile hike to start the lava I checked with the ranger to see how was the visibility and his words “6 miles all or nothing” Don’t have to tell you how disappointed my friends were, I have actually had the privilege of seen it on one of my past visits and was really sadden by the news, needless to say we had our little mandatory meeting to see if we should take the additional 5 mile hike and honestly I did not think it was wise, I was willing to do it 2 of them were against it and the 3rd wanted to go, were here we walked for a little while longer and knew it was taking this long with the sun out, how will it be in the pitch black, we started walking back waited for the sunset and started going back to our Inn, needed to pack since we were leaving for Honolulu the next day.
06/10/07
Arrived in Honolulu by noon checked into the Royal Hawaiian and my 3 friends fell in love with Waikiki, the streets were packed with people everywhere, went to the International Market Place and found a few gifts prices were ok.
06/11/07
We did not get up that early so when we arrived in Hanauma Bay their was no parking so we kept driving down to see if we can get to another beach, we kept going on that road and found a really nice one (am sorry can’t remember the name) stayed their most of the day.
06/12/07
Pearl Harbor got their at 9:00 a.m. were done by 12:30 p.m. from their we had lunch and headed to Diamond Head. It was really hot, decided to do it since 2 of the girls just wanted to vegetate at the beach last two days. Had dinner at Surf Room in our hotel and I did not enjoy it that much.
06/13/07
Today we got up early and headed out to the Aloha Stadium SWAP, thanks to all those that suggested it and tipped on willing and dealing the prices were out of this world not all but, A LOT of the souvenirs you find in all the local places you will find them here for a fraction of the price, just to give you an idea I had seen the chimes shaped like a boat in a mahogany color with Aloha and Hawaii on each side, the average price I found for these (in different stores and islands) was $35.00 to as low as $20.00 here they had the same once 3 for $20.00. Same with glass blocks that say Hawaii with turtles and different things inside here I bought 4 of the big once for $20.00 average outside was $9.99 to over $15.00. The place is BIG and has great, great deals. After we finished we went back to our hotel and 1 of the girls and I went out to explore the other side of the island, did not venture out of the car but just basically driving and stopping at different scenic points. Back to the hotel to start packing.
06/14/07
Today is our day to say “see you later” to this beautiful island. We picked up our luggage and left it downstairs since our flight does not leave until 11:00 p.m. Picked up a card to get back to their courtesy room to shower in the afternoon. Since it is our last day here we stuck together and went to the beach at the end of the strip. Spend 3 hours here and went to lunch at Lu Lu’s great ambiance and the staff was wonderful the food was really good too. After decided we wanted to see one last thing before we left so went to Aloha Tower for about 2 hours before we had to go to the airport.
We had a really good time, am sorry I can’t really remember too many of the restaurants we ate at, since they were most pick by chance and did not really leave a lasting impression. If I can help anyone with questions I’ll be more than glad to do so.
Again thank you all, and for the record am jealous for those of you who are in the final stages of planning your trip, have a great time.
Gina
Jun 20th, 2007 | 09:16 AM
#3
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 239
Likes: 0
"Today was a relaxing day two of the girls wanted a tattoo, one wanted it in celebration of her 40th birthday (she got a seahorse behind her neck) the other her dream had always been to visit Hawaii, and wanted a symbol to remind her of her having her dream so she got a small turtle in her lower back. "
They can't see the tattoos,how can they be reminded of the trip if its on their back?
They can't see the tattoos,how can they be reminded of the trip if its on their back?
Jun 20th, 2007 | 10:52 AM
#6
Original Poster
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 492
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olesouthernbell:
I purchased a decal with a turtle and placed it in on my side window. I guess they wanted one but, to be seen by those they want
.
poolboy:
Garden view. Not sure if it matters but, they had a lot of conventions while we were there, and of course this somewhat limited some of the access to the property. Hope this helps.
I purchased a decal with a turtle and placed it in on my side window. I guess they wanted one but, to be seen by those they want
.poolboy:
Garden view. Not sure if it matters but, they had a lot of conventions while we were there, and of course this somewhat limited some of the access to the property. Hope this helps.
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pb_and_j
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Mar 16th, 2004 08:13 AM
