Which Maui day trip?
 

I've found two Maui day-trips (Roberts Tours) from Oahu. Which one is the best for getting the feel of Maui? One takes in Lahaina, Haleakala and Kula district and Iao Needle. The other one is a coastal drive from Kahului airport to Koali and Hana. I'd like to see some of the 5 star hotels as well as do a little shopping. What's the Fodorite opinion on these two options? And is there a day of the week that's best? I'm leaving next week for Oahu for 7 days. Thanks.

The first choice covers a greater diversity of the many different terrains and ecosystems in Maui. And Lahaina has many, many tourist shops if that's the kind of shopping you are looking for. I have not been on the road to Hana so I can't comment on shopping along that route.

I'd prefer the one that includes Lahaina. I thought Hana was a waste, nothing but traffic there and back. I've been to Lahaina many times and love to just stroll around town.

By the way, when I lived in Hawaii I frequently used Roberts Hawaii for inter-island trips and was never disappointed.

Just like to point out in light of the above comments, that some people feel you have not really been to Maui unless you have explored the road to Hana. However a tour bus is not the way I would do it in my opinion, much better on done on your own in a convertible. :S-

I hate to say this, but neither sound good to me. Maybe repost and see if there are other options for a private tour guide. You really want to get the most if your making the expense to fly for one day. It is such a magical island. It took me my third trip to make it to the Iao, and that was a fleeting moment, other than its spiritual significance, it is a tiny piece of what maui is about.

Again, I just don't think either of these tours sound like they'll do the island justice, just tire you out.

We were in Maui for a week last September and we did manage to fit in what you are going to see. I am with the other poster on this one. I personally with seven days would tend to explore Oahu more in depth and save Maui for another trip when you can do it at a moderate pace.I am certain Seven days on Oahu would be easy to fill. That said if you are still interested I would choose Lahaina,Haleakala etc. It would have the things you are interested in more than the Hana drive(which was my favorite part of Maui)

I really appreciate all of the responses to my question. Thank you all. I think I will do the Lahaina route. Before I read all the posts here, I thought the Hana route might be nicer. Now I've changed my mind.

I've been to Oahu three times, for one week each. I still enjoy being there for my R & R. I just want the flavor of at least one other island (Maui for sure) by way of the one-day bus tour. I just might also visit Kauai for a day as well during this trip next week.

Once I have "seen" a bit of outer island life, I might spend a few days on another island, in combination w/Oahu the next time!

Again, thanks everyone. I'll report in when I return after Aug 17.

PS...JohnD, wish I COULD bring my little SLK to Hawaii with me for just that sort of drive

Have a great time!

Tours would be my last choice if you could rent a car.

Islandmom, I'd love to do just that (rent a car and drive) if I were going with my husband. We'd love to do it that way. But... since I'll be on my own this trip, and have never been to Maui, I'd prefer not to drive and miss seeing scenery because of traffic, etc. and not knowing for sure which route to take... well... it's just easier and less stressful to go with a tour THIS time. But, thanks anyway. Next time, I'll feel a little more like exploring on my own.