Those who have been to Maui Hawaii...

[purbeast0]

I will be going there at the end of September for my honeymoon for 10 days. I am just interested in things to do that people who have been there have done, and they really enjoyed.

We're staying at the Westin Spa and Resort in Kan'apali (spelling?) and are renting a car, so we will be able to drive everywhere.

A few things that I definitely want to do are the following.

- Take a snorkel trip to the site that looks like a crater int he middle of the ocean that is great for diving/snorkelling. the name of the site is escaping me at the moment but it's a hot spot for this. EDIT: name is Molokini

- See the 7 sacred pools in the south eastern part of the island, which also seems to have some good hiking sites.

- Take surfing lessons and try to learn it

So are there any other things that people who have been there would recommend?

EDIT: IM HERE NOW!

 

[krotchy]

Molakini Crater is awesome, I recommend it highly, although there is quite alot of traffic in there nowadays, so that is a 100% definite in my opinion since you already want to do it.

There is alot of fantastic golfing on Maui if you are into that.

Its always good to take 1-2 days (especially on a trip that long) and just goto the beach and enjoy the day snorkeling, body-surfing and just doing whatever. Its Hawaii relax a bit, no sense in forcing a tour every day

 

[OdiN]

Do not leave anything at all in your car, EVER.

Get insurance on the car for sure.

Anything you leave in the car will be stolen.

 

[Night201]

Be sure to go on a whale watch - I recommend a boat by Lahaina Cruise Company. Dependson when you go - in January, like 80% of the humpback whales go to Hawaiian Islands - yes, they are that smart!

When are you going?

 

[purbeast0]

Originally posted by: Night201
Be sure to go on a whale watch - I recommend a boat by Lahaina Cruise Company. Dependson when you go - in January, like 80% of the humpback whales go to Hawaiian Islands - yes, they are that smart!

When are you going?

I will be going there at the end of September for my honeymoon for 10 days. I am just interested in things to do that people who have been there have done, and they really enjoyed.

and yea i like to golf, however i don't know how much i'd like to go golfing by myself w/some random guys on my honeymoon.

 

[Night201]

Yeah, you'll want to do some golf if you can while there - and if you play golf.

You'll have Kaanapali Golf Resort right there which has 2 courses - Royal North Course and Southern Kai Course.

If you are a big golfer, definitely try to get on the Bay Course in Kapalua (about 10-15 minute ride North on Route 30). Easy to get to.

 

[kevman]

Go to B&N Buy as book called Maui Revealed, here a a link to it, http://www.amazon.com/Maui-Rev...k-Second/dp/0971727902


One of the best books about Maui, even tells you what tourist traps things to avoid.

 

[purbeast0]

Originally posted by: kevman
Go to B&N Buy as book called Maui Revealed, here a a link to it, http://www.amazon.com/Maui-Rev...k-Second/dp/0971727902


One of the best books about Maui, even tells you what tourist traps things to avoid.

yea i actually heard about that and am going to pick it up beforehand.

one thing i heard about this book though, is that it's become very popular and a lot of people buy it so a lot of the "secrets" in the book are no longer secrets.

regardless i'm gonna grab it.

 

[ivol07]

Do the ATV and Zipline package. It was one of the best things we did the last time we went. The last Zipline is a doozy.

http://www.hawaiiactive.com/ac.../maui-atv-zipline.html

**And also don't waste too much money on Snorkeling trips. You can see almost all of the same stuff right off the shore at the beaches. Get the snorkeling guide from the shops that you rent the equipment from. They have maps of where to snorkel for free and the level of difficulty. I had a WAY better time snorkeling on the beaches than I did on the expensive snorkeling trip. Big ass sea turtles and everything.

 

[buck]

I didnt look through all the other peoples words so forgive me for repeating. What i had the most fun doing:
1. surfing, I have been surfing since I was kid, so my fav spots wouldnt be good for a beginner. Take a lesson and enjoy, its a decent time of year for south swells though.
2. snorkeling, molakini is awesome! We have seen whales going out there, but I am not sure if whales will be around that time of year, there is a member who lives there who knows more than I, i forget his name (has a cool dog), but he will post in this thread for sure. Snorkeling at honolua bay when there are no waves is awesome, world class surf break in the winter btw.
3. paiea, awesome place, lots of cool shops, go to the flat bread pizza place, its sick.
4. gardens on the north side of kahalui, i forget the name, they are japanese gardens, pretty damn cool
5. bike down the volcano if you are in to that, you will have to get up really early though
6. Hana is a must one time, after that its just a pain in the ass.
7. fishing, we have friends so we go on his boat, but charter if you can, another great way to see whales when in season.

*edit*
I think Whoozyerdaddy is the guy i was thinking of.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: purbeast0
I will be going there at the end of September for my honeymoon for 10 days. I am just interested in things to do that people who have been there have done, and they really enjoyed.

We're staying at the Westin Spa and Resort in Kan'apali (spelling?) and are renting a car, so we will be able to drive everywhere.

A few things that I definitely want to do are the following.

- Take a snorkel trip to the site that looks like a crater int he middle of the ocean that is great for diving/snorkelling. the name of the site is escaping me at the moment but it's a hot spot for this. EDIT: name is Molokini

- See the 7 sacred pools in the south eastern part of the island, which also seems to have some good hiking sites.

- Take surfing lessons and try to learn it

So are there any other things that people who have been there would recommend?

I stayed at the Hyatt Regency there a few years ago. Beautiful place, I highly recommend it.

I didn't get a chance to do Molokini but would recommend it nonetheless. I wish I could have done it, I researched it and it looked really cool.

I don't know that I'd bother trying to learn to surf. If you can't surf now then you aren't going to learn it in a few lessons and there is a lot of coral reef to bust you up when you make a mistake (although, I can't imagine anyone holding a surf lesson for n00bs anywhere other than a beach break over a sandy bottom). I surf and I didn't bother renting a board when I was there primarily because the waves sucked.

Another thing to consider, it takes better part of an entire day to drive to the south east side of the island and back. We didn't do it because we had our young son with us but I hear it is beautiful.

Gas is expensive, food is expensive, booze is expensive, basically everything is expensive...

Oh, and traffic sucks. Nobody has any sense of urgency whatsoever so just be patient.

If you go to Lahaina watch out for locals and shady characters...especially at night.

 

[Binky]

Bring a portable GPS! I brought one on my last trip to maui and it was a lifesaver. You'll be driving a LOT since Kan'apali is on the west side, and much of the attractions are in the middle or east side of the island. Once you hit the other sides, you'll understand why Kan'apali has so many resorts (better weather!).

Take a helicopter tour of the whole island. This was really great. Hell, do this twice.

Drive to hana. This is about the drive, not about Hana (which is pretty small and boring really). The drive itself is great. This is a very long, narrow, and curvy road. It's actually a two way road that is barely one car width at some points. If you get carsick, don't do this.

Drive up to the top of the volcano. Incredible views. If you're crazy enough to get up reeeeally early while on vacation, they say the sunrise is spectacular.

Spend the morning in Paiea on your way to the volcano. It's a neat little town with shops and some good restaurants.

You can do a daytrip to the next island over. I forget the name of it, but Bill Gates apparenly rented the whole island to get married. It's mostly uninhabited. I havent been there but I heard it was an interesting day trip.

Snorkel!!! Enough said.

 

[buck]

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus

Originally posted by: purbeast0
I will be going there at the end of September for my honeymoon for 10 days. I am just interested in things to do that people who have been there have done, and they really enjoyed.

We're staying at the Westin Spa and Resort in Kan'apali (spelling?) and are renting a car, so we will be able to drive everywhere.

A few things that I definitely want to do are the following.

- Take a snorkel trip to the site that looks like a crater int he middle of the ocean that is great for diving/snorkelling. the name of the site is escaping me at the moment but it's a hot spot for this. EDIT: name is Molokini

- See the 7 sacred pools in the south eastern part of the island, which also seems to have some good hiking sites.

- Take surfing lessons and try to learn it

So are there any other things that people who have been there would recommend?

I stayed at the Hyatt Regency there a few years ago. Beautiful place, I highly recommend it.

I didn't get a chance to do Molokini but would recommend it nonetheless. I wish I could have done it, I researched it and it looked really cool.

I don't know that I'd bother trying to learn to surf. If you can't surf now then you aren't going to learn it in a few lessons and there is a lot of coral reef to bust you up when you make a mistake (although, I can't imagine anyone holding a surf lesson for n00bs anywhere other than a beach break over a sandy bottom). I surf and I didn't bother renting a board when I was there primarily because the waves sucked.

Another thing to consider, it takes better part of an entire day to drive to the south east side of the island and back. We didn't do it because we had our young son with us but I hear it is beautiful.

Gas is expensive, food is expensive, booze is expensive, basically everything is expensive...

Oh, and traffic sucks. Nobody has any sense of urgency whatsoever so just be patient.

If you go to Lahaina watch out for locals and shady characters...especially at night.

They dont take newbies to reef breaks, they take them to places so they can jump off the boards and not land on a cheesegrater. There are MANY places that do classes and its a great time of year for south swells.
Tis a shame the waves were flat when you were there, that island has so many sick breaks its not even funny. I take my boards everytime, then again I go in the winter when north swells come almost once a week.

 

[Caecus Veritas]

hey! i'm actually leaving for maui with gf today. and we are staying at the same hotel, westin.

some of the things we're doing:
1. scuba diving at molokini (maui classic charters - Four Winds II). i also signed up for "snuba"... figure it'll be fun.
2. dinner luau at hyatt
3. i hear mama's fish house is pretty good, so we're gonna check it out.
4. definitely gonna try and see the sunrise at the national park's peak. i think we have to leave around 2:30 or so to get a good spot.
5. drive along hana highway and check out the 7 pools.
6. trying to squeeze in time to do a tour through ono farms for their exotic fruits.

i was hoping to stop by "little beach", which i hear is nude... but too far... instead, we'll probably hang out by Kaanalapi beach and kalupua bay.

well... leaving for maui now~

 

[buck]

Originally posted by: Caecus Veritas
hey! i'm actually leaving for maui with gf today. and we are staying at the same hotel, westin.

some of the things we're doing:
1. scuba diving at molokini (maui classic charters - Four Winds II). i also signed up for "snuba"... figure it'll be fun.
2. dinner luau at hyatt
3. i hear mama's fish house is pretty good, so we're gonna check it out.
4. definitely gonna try and see the sunrise at the national park's peak. i think we have to leave around 2:30 or so to get a good spot.
5. drive along hana highway and check out the 7 pools.
6. trying to squeeze in time to do a tour through ono farms for their exotic fruits.

i was hoping to stop by "little beach", which i hear is nude... but too far... instead, we'll probably hang out by Kaanalapi beach and kalupua bay.

well... leaving for maui now~

A lot of old people, but we saw some hot chicks. My chick went full on, I didnt drop my baggies because it was weird. There were a lot of teenages hiding in the bushes at the top of the hill.

*edit*
If you do go to Big Beach (you have to go there to get to little beach) hit up the fish taco truck, its the shit.

 

[LemonHead]

Originally posted by: purbeast0
I will be going there at the end of September for my honeymoon for 10 days. I am just interested in things to do that people who have been there have done, and they really enjoyed.

We're staying at the Westin Spa and Resort in Kan'apali (spelling?) and are renting a car, so we will be able to drive everywhere.

A few things that I definitely want to do are the following.

- Take a snorkel trip to the site that looks like a crater int he middle of the ocean that is great for diving/snorkelling. the name of the site is escaping me at the moment but it's a hot spot for this. EDIT: name is Molokini

- See the 7 sacred pools in the south eastern part of the island, which also seems to have some good hiking sites.

- Take surfing lessons and try to learn it

So are there any other things that people who have been there would recommend?

My wife and I stayed at that exact resort. Loved It! We did the snorkel trip to the Molokini crater and to be honest it was just ok. Believe it or not, we found the snorkeling much more interesting right off the beach at the Westin! Seriously, it had more coral and we saw more sea turtles, eels, etc. there then at Molokini. The problem we had with Molokini was that it felt like we were in a big swimming pool with fish. There was not much coral, just beach sand. Sure we saw plenty of colorful fish, but again, for the cost we had a better snorkelling experience at our hotel beach.

We loved Kan'apali! Great choice!

Enjoy!

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: buck

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus

Originally posted by: purbeast0
I will be going there at the end of September for my honeymoon for 10 days. I am just interested in things to do that people who have been there have done, and they really enjoyed.

We're staying at the Westin Spa and Resort in Kan'apali (spelling?) and are renting a car, so we will be able to drive everywhere.

A few things that I definitely want to do are the following.

- Take a snorkel trip to the site that looks like a crater int he middle of the ocean that is great for diving/snorkelling. the name of the site is escaping me at the moment but it's a hot spot for this. EDIT: name is Molokini

- See the 7 sacred pools in the south eastern part of the island, which also seems to have some good hiking sites.

- Take surfing lessons and try to learn it

So are there any other things that people who have been there would recommend?

I stayed at the Hyatt Regency there a few years ago. Beautiful place, I highly recommend it.

I didn't get a chance to do Molokini but would recommend it nonetheless. I wish I could have done it, I researched it and it looked really cool.

I don't know that I'd bother trying to learn to surf. If you can't surf now then you aren't going to learn it in a few lessons and there is a lot of coral reef to bust you up when you make a mistake (although, I can't imagine anyone holding a surf lesson for n00bs anywhere other than a beach break over a sandy bottom). I surf and I didn't bother renting a board when I was there primarily because the waves sucked.

Another thing to consider, it takes better part of an entire day to drive to the south east side of the island and back. We didn't do it because we had our young son with us but I hear it is beautiful.

Gas is expensive, food is expensive, booze is expensive, basically everything is expensive...

Oh, and traffic sucks. Nobody has any sense of urgency whatsoever so just be patient.

If you go to Lahaina watch out for locals and shady characters...especially at night.

They dont take newbies to reef breaks, they take them to places so they can jump off the boards and not land on a cheesegrater. There are MANY places that do classes and its a great time of year for south swells.
Tis a shame the waves were flat when you were there, that island has so many sick breaks its not even funny. I take my boards everytime, then again I go in the winter when north swells come almost once a week.

Yeah, I believe I said that.

I'm from SoCal so I have many good breaks to choose from. Not worth hauling the board on vacation with the wife and kid IMO. I would have rented one if there were any decent waves. Wasn't interested in driving all around the island looking for them though.

 

[buck]

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus

Originally posted by: buck

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus

Originally posted by: purbeast0
I will be going there at the end of September for my honeymoon for 10 days. I am just interested in things to do that people who have been there have done, and they really enjoyed.

We're staying at the Westin Spa and Resort in Kan'apali (spelling?) and are renting a car, so we will be able to drive everywhere.

A few things that I definitely want to do are the following.

- Take a snorkel trip to the site that looks like a crater int he middle of the ocean that is great for diving/snorkelling. the name of the site is escaping me at the moment but it's a hot spot for this. EDIT: name is Molokini

- See the 7 sacred pools in the south eastern part of the island, which also seems to have some good hiking sites.

- Take surfing lessons and try to learn it

So are there any other things that people who have been there would recommend?

I stayed at the Hyatt Regency there a few years ago. Beautiful place, I highly recommend it.

I didn't get a chance to do Molokini but would recommend it nonetheless. I wish I could have done it, I researched it and it looked really cool.

I don't know that I'd bother trying to learn to surf. If you can't surf now then you aren't going to learn it in a few lessons and there is a lot of coral reef to bust you up when you make a mistake (although, I can't imagine anyone holding a surf lesson for n00bs anywhere other than a beach break over a sandy bottom). I surf and I didn't bother renting a board when I was there primarily because the waves sucked.

Another thing to consider, it takes better part of an entire day to drive to the south east side of the island and back. We didn't do it because we had our young son with us but I hear it is beautiful.

Gas is expensive, food is expensive, booze is expensive, basically everything is expensive...

Oh, and traffic sucks. Nobody has any sense of urgency whatsoever so just be patient.

If you go to Lahaina watch out for locals and shady characters...especially at night.

They dont take newbies to reef breaks, they take them to places so they can jump off the boards and not land on a cheesegrater. There are MANY places that do classes and its a great time of year for south swells.
Tis a shame the waves were flat when you were there, that island has so many sick breaks its not even funny. I take my boards everytime, then again I go in the winter when north swells come almost once a week.

Yeah, I believe I said that.

I'm from SoCal so I have many good breaks to choose from. Not worth hauling the board on vacation with the wife and kid IMO. I would have rented one if there were any decent waves. Wasn't interested in driving all around the island looking for them though.

:thumbsup:

Well if you ever go in the winter, take a 6'8" pintail and try out honolua. Was out there this past Jan for a couple of weeks and got huge insane pits, even got to bullshit with Pancho Sullivan in the lineup.

 

[BoomerD]

Originally posted by: purbeast0
I will be going there at the end of September for my honeymoon for 10 days. I am just interested in things to do that people who have been there have done, and they really enjoyed.

We're staying at the Westin Spa and Resort in Kan'apali (spelling?) and are renting a car, so we will be able to drive everywhere.

A few things that I definitely want to do are the following.

- Take a snorkel trip to the site that looks like a crater int he middle of the ocean that is great for diving/snorkelling. the name of the site is escaping me at the moment but it's a hot spot for this. EDIT: name is Molokini

- See the 7 sacred pools in the south eastern part of the island, which also seems to have some good hiking sites.

- Take surfing lessons and try to learn it

So are there any other things that people who have been there would recommend?

The Westin is nice. A bit dated, (IIRC, last refurbished in the 80's) but still nice. Their Tropica Restaurant is VERY GOOD, and the breakfast buffet is also good.
Molokini is a fun excursion. Make it an all-day trip; visit Molokini in the morning, and "TurtleTown" in the afternoon. We've gone on the "Pride of Maui" and had a BLAST!
(remember, Maalea harbor can be as much as an hour drive from Ka'anapali during the morning "rush hour."

The Hana area is nice. Much more "rain-foresty" than the western side of Maui, but the Road to Hana sux when you have to drive. Too many things to see, but 350+ turns and over 100 narrow (often 1-lane) bridges don't make for good sightseeing/driving. We took a tour in which we flew to Hana in a helicopter, went over Haleakala, down the west side, poked into some canyons for waterfall shots, then landed in Hana. Caught a chauffered van there that took us for a catered lunch, then he had to deal with the traffic and unpleasant drive. The drivers all know the local history, the sights, have designated stops along the way, whether for sightseeing or tourist shopping, and are usually VERY personable. This isn't cheap, but IMO, it was well worth the cost.
Unless you want to waste 1/2 a day of your vacation, stay away from the ticket discounters that require a timeshare presentation. VERY hard sell, and they almost refuse to give you your tickets if you try to leave at the agreed-upon time.
There are some GREAT restaurants on Maui. Our favorite is Mama's Fish House, just south of Kahalui (where the airport is) Voted the best food on Maui several years in a row, the quisine and atmosphere are nearly impossible to beat, but you pay for it...
There's a nice cafe in Lahaina called Mala. Good food, but a rather...eclectic quisine.
If you want to do a luau, (and IMO, no trip to Hawaii...especially your first is complete without one) The Old Lahaina Luau in Lahaina is the best one we've been to, and we've been to several on 3 islands. Again, it's not cheap, but the food is great, the show is fantastic, and their open bar is...liberal. (make friends with the drink-boys...you won't regret it...until the next morning!)

We LOVE Maui. Our favorite of all the islands. I keep trying to scheme a way to pull a Whoozyerdaddy and move there permanently.
Speaking of him...make the bald-headed bum buy you a beer or two. (The SOB was in Alaska the last time we were there)
Don't forget...we DEMAND pics!

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: buck

:thumbsup:

Well if you ever go in the winter, take a 6'8" pintail and try out honolua. Was out there this past Jan for a couple of weeks and got huge insane pits, even got to bullshit with Pancho Sullivan in the lineup.

How are the locals toward mainlanders? I've run into some real jerks at some spots around here...I imagine some of the locals there are even worse.

 

[jbkane26]

I went on a cruise w/ the family just a few weeks ago... it was incredible...

 

[AAjax]

Originally posted by: OdiN
Do not leave anything at all in your car, EVER.

Get insurance on the car for sure.

Anything you leave in the car will be stolen.

This is the truth, I used to drive around with my cousin who lives there to the local hang outs and there was always a trail of destruction in regards to rental cars anywhere you went.

 

[alkemyst]

Originally posted by: buck
1. surfing, I have been surfing since I was kid, so my fav spots wouldnt be good for a beginner. Take a lesson and enjoy, its a decent time of year for south swells though.

dude spying one other dudes having sex underwater is not the surfing most think of.

 

[purbeast0]

going tomorrow!

getting kinda nervous about the flight, dont know why but i'm getting kind of anxious

i'm about to go buy that book right now heh.

 

[LegendKiller]

Originally posted by: BoomerD

Originally posted by: purbeast0
I will be going there at the end of September for my honeymoon for 10 days. I am just interested in things to do that people who have been there have done, and they really enjoyed.

We're staying at the Westin Spa and Resort in Kan'apali (spelling?) and are renting a car, so we will be able to drive everywhere.

A few things that I definitely want to do are the following.

- Take a snorkel trip to the site that looks like a crater int he middle of the ocean that is great for diving/snorkelling. the name of the site is escaping me at the moment but it's a hot spot for this. EDIT: name is Molokini

- See the 7 sacred pools in the south eastern part of the island, which also seems to have some good hiking sites.

- Take surfing lessons and try to learn it

So are there any other things that people who have been there would recommend?

The Westin is nice. A bit dated, (IIRC, last refurbished in the 80's) but still nice. Their Tropica Restaurant is VERY GOOD, and the breakfast buffet is also good.
Molokini is a fun excursion. Make it an all-day trip; visit Molokini in the morning, and "TurtleTown" in the afternoon. We've gone on the "Pride of Maui" and had a BLAST!
(remember, Maalea harbor can be as much as an hour drive from Ka'anapali during the morning "rush hour."

The Hana area is nice. Much more "rain-foresty" than the western side of Maui, but the Road to Hana sux when you have to drive. Too many things to see, but 350+ turns and over 100 narrow (often 1-lane) bridges don't make for good sightseeing/driving. We took a tour in which we flew to Hana in a helicopter, went over Haleakala, down the west side, poked into some canyons for waterfall shots, then landed in Hana. Caught a chauffered van there that took us for a catered lunch, then he had to deal with the traffic and unpleasant drive. The drivers all know the local history, the sights, have designated stops along the way, whether for sightseeing or tourist shopping, and are usually VERY personable. This isn't cheap, but IMO, it was well worth the cost.
Unless you want to waste 1/2 a day of your vacation, stay away from the ticket discounters that require a timeshare presentation. VERY hard sell, and they almost refuse to give you your tickets if you try to leave at the agreed-upon time.
There are some GREAT restaurants on Maui. Our favorite is Mama's Fish House, just south of Kahalui (where the airport is) Voted the best food on Maui several years in a row, the quisine and atmosphere are nearly impossible to beat, but you pay for it...
There's a nice cafe in Lahaina called Mala. Good food, but a rather...eclectic quisine.
If you want to do a luau, (and IMO, no trip to Hawaii...especially your first is complete without one) The Old Lahaina Luau in Lahaina is the best one we've been to, and we've been to several on 3 islands. Again, it's not cheap, but the food is great, the show is fantastic, and their open bar is...liberal. (make friends with the drink-boys...you won't regret it...until the next morning!)

We LOVE Maui. Our favorite of all the islands. I keep trying to scheme a way to pull a Whoozyerdaddy and move there permanently.
Speaking of him...make the bald-headed bum buy you a beer or two. (The SOB was in Alaska the last time we were there)
Don't forget...we DEMAND pics!

We stayed in the Westin last December and had a very nice room. LCD tv, granite bathroom, fully remodeled. Not sure when you were there.

That's a nice area also, lots of good places to eat. Check out the Rusty Harpoon for dinner/drinks and breakfast.