View Full Version : Visiting Maui Discussion Thread
wrp96
12-28-2007, 10:46 PM
We're going to be on Maui, staying at Kapalua Villas.
I have a snorkel trip booked to Molokini through Maui Dive Shop (at my travel agent's recommendation, she goes to Maui yearly) and a whale watching tour booked through Pacific Whale Foundation. There also seem to be some good snorkel trips to Lanai as well. I've also been told that there is great snorkling from the beaches around Kapalua so I can't wait to try that.
Ned, you'll be there during whale watching season as well, so if you are at all interested in that it's highly recommended from what I've read. When I did my research, Pacific Whale Foundation overall seems to get the best reviews so that's why we chose them (we'd decided on them even before my TA suggested them).
We decided against doing the Road to Hana as none of us wanted to be cooped up in a vehicle for several hours. Some people really love it and have it on their must see lists, others say the opposite. It really depends on attitude I think, as it is beautiful scenery but it is a long drive on a two lane road.
We may do the Iao Needle or Haleakala Crater but it just depends on how we feel.
We aren't doing a luau so I haven't done any research on that.
A friend recommended www.greetersofhawaii.com (http://www.greetersofhawaii.com) if you are interested in arranging a Lei Greeting.
One issue with any sightseeing, especially snorkel trips, is you want to try and do it on the day the least number of cruiseship passengers are in town. Since you'll be there in February, you'll be there after the Pride of Hawaii departs for the mainland, so you'll at least have one less ship that visits weekly. To see the cruiseship schedule look at www.cruisecal.com (http://www.cruisecal.com) Remember to check both Lahaina and Kahului as some ships tender into Lahaina and some port at Kahului.
wrp96
12-28-2007, 10:48 PM
Friends have given me some recommendations for restaurants so let me look those up as well.
wrp96
12-28-2007, 10:52 PM
A friend that visits Maui yearly sent me these suggestions:
No problem. I love Maui, so I love giving suggestions. I have stayed in Kapalua a few times, and it is beautiful. You will be up the road from Kaanapali Beach, and that is a great starting point. Right there at the Sheraton is one of the best beaches. And that is also Black Rock which has some great snorkeling right off the beach. Also, on Kaanapali beach, is Whalers Village. Try the Hula Grill Barefoot Bar for a casual lunch. Great lite casual menu, and a wonderful view of the ocean. Leilanis is right next door and both are great places for dinner as well. Hula Grill is my favorite of the two. There is some shopping in Whalers Village too.
You could pick up a snorkel Catamaran on Kaanapali Beach as well. Those can be pricey, but you may be able to find deals with your concierge at your hotel. Just don't get roped into a time share presentation for snorkel/activity discounts. The discounts are great, but the presentations stink.
For the Birthday dinner, I would suggest Kimo's in Lahaina. Lahaina is about a 10 minute drive from Kaanapali, and is a great town for shopping. Kimo's is a must do in my opinion. But make reservations early. You might even make them before you get to Hawaii. About a week in advance is good. And ask to be seated upstairs on the rail for the best views. Great views of the sunset from there. And if anyone in your party likes Prime Rib, they have the absolute best I have ever had. The Kimo's cut will feed me for days. lol.
You can also get snorkel trips out of Lahaina Harbor, but I would recommend, if you have a day, to do the Molokini snorkel out of Maalaea Harbor for the best trips. It will be about an hours drive from Kapalua, but well worth it. They have a shorter afternoon snorkel to Molokini as well if you don't want to get up so early. We have done Pride of Maui several times and love them. http://www.prideofmaui.com (http://www.prideofmaui.com/) If you do that, they make sure to get some whale watching in as well.
If you have seafood lovers, make time for Mama's Fish House. It is wonderful. All the fish caught daily right there off the coast of Maui.
Can I also recommend a Sunset Sail from Kaanapali. Try Kapalua Kai. We love that one and a great way to end a day. http://www.sailingmaui.com/kap.sunset.sail.html (http://www.sailingmaui.com/kap.sunset.sail.html)
jfrenaye
12-28-2007, 10:56 PM
Snorkeling--Makena (?) Beach a little further south(?) of Wailea. Great spot for spotting turtles and not that crowded.
Lei Greeting--eh
Hana--I disagree with you to a degree. If you can swing it, take a tour (Blue Sky) and heli out and drive back. You have a driver and you can really see the scenery--it is fantastic.
Restaurants--the Chart House (although a chain) is exceptional there. Also David Paul's in Lahaina is fantastic-0-just off Front Street. For a fun place to watch the sea Cheesburger in Paradise in Lahaina is also good. If you do Haleakala, there is a place on the way down called the Kula Inn--ok food but fantasztic view--see to Kihei and Wailea as well as Kahului and in the distance the Io Valley.
Io is very interesting as well.
Just my 2 cents
wrp96
12-28-2007, 11:03 PM
Hana--I disagree with you to a degree. If you can swing it, take a tour (Blue Sky) and heli out and drive back. You have a driver and you can really see the scenery--it is fantastic.
We looked into organized tours to Hana, but I was the only one that was even somewhat interest in the Road to Hana tour or no. We didn't want to overschedule the vacation and knowing the members of our family, even the drive back would be too long for at least one of them. We may change our minds once we get there but as of now it's a reason to go back to Maui for a 2nd trip.
I'm taking this all in and beginning to do research so I can make some reservations in the next 10 days to 2 weeks for activities, if necessary. With regard to snorkeling, we'll be bringing our own wet suits, booties, fins, masks and snorkels, so rental doesn't affect us. We just want good places to go, for beach or boat.
We'll be on Maui for 5 days, which follows Hawaii for 6 days. I have a conference in Hawaii for 3 days, but it will only take half days during that time. We're going to Oahu for 2 nights to see Pearl Harbor.
wrp96
12-28-2007, 11:07 PM
Lei Greeting--eh
Some people like them and since a friend sent me the link as part of my research I thought I'd include it. We actually are planning on sending leis to a few family members stuck at home - sort of like a "you could've come with us but instead are stuck at work in the cold" reminder.:p
Oh, I wish I was going too! Our time on Maui was one of my favorite vacations. Have fun.
We did pretty much all the things you're not too interested in, but just about every vacation for us includes long drives to see the sights.
The Luau at the Marriott was a great show.
The road to Hana was an all day adventure and we still didn't stop at all the wonderful places. There's no question that you have to enjoy being in the car with your companions for a long stretch to appreciate the trip.
Haleakala is a shorter drive and is wonderful too. In places it looks like you could drive right off the edge of the earth! If you go, be prepared, as it is much colder at the top than you expect.
We did take a snorkel boat trip - it was great, but listen to those who have more experience.
deangreenhoe
12-29-2007, 09:18 AM
I'm taking this all in and beginning to do research so I can make some reservations in the next 10 days to 2 weeks for activities, if necessary. With regard to snorkeling, we'll be bringing our own wet suits, booties, fins, masks and snorkels, so rental doesn't affect us. We just want good places to go, for beach or boat.
We'll be on Maui for 5 days, which follows Hawaii for 6 days. I have a conference in Hawaii for 3 days, but it will only take half days during that time. We're going to Oahu for 2 nights to see Pearl Harbor.
Since you are doing research, Ned, I thought I would throw this link in for the Big Island.
Merriman's (http://www.merrimanshawaii.com/farmtours.html)
Of special interest is the Culinary & Farm tour that the restaurant operates on select days. Guests are escorted on visits to area family run organic farms then served a price fixe four course dinner at the restaurant that features that produce and locally produced meat and fishes. I did this some time ago and found it quite interesting and it was a good opportunity to meet some local foodies from the source to the kitchen. Evidently they are still doing a nice job with the program since I had clients booked on it a few months ago and they considered it one of the highlights of their visit to the Big Island.
The owner and executive chef, Peter Merriman, is considered to be one of the original pioneers of Pacific Rim cuisine (he specializes in bringing a Mediterranean flair to the mix) and helped move Hawaii to the forefront of that movement. It's a good opportunity to experience a regional "top chef." :)
And now he's brought Neil Murphy on board, originally from Aureole and Le Cote Basque. Pretty good team for a "simple," upcountry dining room. The drive up there from the Hilton is quite comfortable and rather scenic. For my money it's a very worthwhile late afternoon/early evening activity.
Dean, that sounds very interesting. Do you get to go into the kitchen too?
Since you are doing research, Ned, I thought I would throw this link in for the Big Island.
Merriman's (http://www.merrimanshawaii.com/farmtours.html)
Of special interest is the Culinary & Farm tour that the restaurant operates on select days. Guests are escorted on visits to area family run organic farms then served a price fixe four course dinner at the restaurant that features that produce and locally produced meat and fishes. I did this some time ago and found it quite interesting and it was a good opportunity to meet some local foodies from the source to the kitchen. Evidently they are still doing a nice job with the program since I had clients booked on it a few months ago and they considered it one of the highlights of their visit to the Big Island.
The owner and executive chef, Peter Merriman, is considered to be one of the original pioneers of Pacific Rim cuisine (he specializes in bringing a Mediterranean flair to the mix) and helped move Hawaii to the forefront of that movement. It's a good opportunity to experience a regional "top chef." :)
And now he's brought Neil Murphy on board, originally from Aureole and Le Cote Basque. Pretty good team for a "simple," upcountry dining room. The drive up there from the Hilton is quite comfortable and rather scenic. For my money it's a very worthwhile late afternoon/early evening activity.
If you're feeling reallly adventurous, the sunrise bike ride down Haleakala is A.W.E.S.O.M.E!!
NW CTC
12-29-2007, 05:10 PM
If you're feeling reallly adventurous, the sunrise bike ride down Haleakala is A.W.E.S.O.M.E!!
There've been a number of problems with the rides, however, and there was a moratorium on some of the tour companies using the park. This means that the remaining outfitters find their outings booking up very quickly, so pre-booking is strongly recommended.
As for lei greetings, most travel agents will arrange these for their clients. Leis may be purchased on island for shipment back to the continental US. On the Big Island there are wonderful flower farms that will ship orchids, protea, etc. I've been really impressed by their packing methods and the beauty of the flowers I've received.
bodega
12-31-2007, 12:05 AM
I am a big fan of the Hula Grill for breakfast. We go to the one on Oahu all the time. The location in Maui can't be beat for ocean front dining! We also enjoy Kimo's in Lahaina. We have never made reservations for breakfast or bunch, but it seems that at any time of the year for dinner, reservations are highly recommended if you do not want a long wait. Good food, great ocean front location with those cute little black crabs crawling along the seawall. Love it!
For snorkling up at Kapalua, Kapalua Bay is very good and so it Napili Beach, which is right next door. Napili Bay will never be on any list of great places to snorkel because there is an agreement to not advertise it due to how highly sensitive it is to over use. The beach at the Sheraton is great as is the beach just north of it on the other side of the black rock. You turn in at the driveway for the Maui Kaanapali Villas and there is a public park for parking right at the beach. Keep in mind that if the water is murky due to heavy wave action and wind, there is no reef along that part of the island and therefore you can be shark bait. However, it the water is clear, the snorkling can be very good.
Snorkeling in Kihei and Makena is recommended where there are lifeguards. There have been several shark attacks in these areas in 2007.
I am not a fan of the Molokini snorkeling trips just because the are just so many boats out there at any given time. However, for those who have taken one of the trips, they give good reports.
And as to visiting Pearl Harbor Ned. You are really going to the USS Arizona, not to Pearl Harbor. Pearl Harbor is the base and there is turn off for that, that many tourists take by mistake.....count me as one of those on our first visit! Right pass that turnoff you will see a freeway sign for the Arizona and that is the one you want. I mention this in case you are driving. You can also the The Bus from Waikiki for about $2.00 each way per person and the tour is free. Get there early as tickets are given out on a first come, first served basis. A highly recommended place to visit. Extremely moving!!
deangreenhoe
12-31-2007, 02:16 AM
I agree, it's a must-do experience. And yes, getting there early is paramount for independents. Plan B is to take a tour to the monument and let them worry about the tickets for you.
I think a great companion visit is to Punchbowl Crater, called "the graveyard of the Pacific." That actually gets me more than the AZ Memorial and I never fail to choke up. It's hard to explain since places like Arlington and The Normandy American Cemetery are certainly more vast. The combination of location (in an extinct volcanic crater) and juxtaposition to Pearl Harbor which is quite visible in the distance seems to bring it all home for me.
wrp96
12-31-2007, 10:03 AM
I am a big fan of the Hula Grill for breakfast. We go to the one on Oahu all the time. The location in Maui can't be beat for ocean front dining! We also enjoy Kimo's in Lahaina. We have never made reservations for breakfast or bunch, but it seems that at any time of the year for dinner, reservations are highly recommended if you do not want a long wait. Good food, great ocean front location with those cute little black crabs crawling along the seawall. Love it! Kimo's is sounding great but do you have any other suggestions for a nice dinner? The reason for this trip is to celebrate my 30th birthday and my mother's 60th.
For snorkling up at Kapalua, Kapalua Bay is very good and so it Napili Beach, which is right next door. Napili Bay will never be on any list of great places to snorkel because there is an agreement to not advertise it due to how highly sensitive it is to over use. The beach at the Sheraton is great as is the beach just north of it on the other side of the black rock. You turn in at the driveway for the Maui Kaanapali Villas and there is a public park for parking right at the beach. Keep in mind that if the water is murky due to heavy wave action and wind, there is no reef along that part of the island and therefore you can be shark bait. However, it the water is clear, the snorkling can be very good.
Snorkeling in Kihei and Makena is recommended where there are lifeguards. There have been several shark attacks in these areas in 2007.
My one question is do any of these places offer rental of snorkel equipment? I don't have my own equipment yet as I usually only get to snorkel maybe once or twice a year (although my own equipment is on my wish list for this year).
As to the sharks, is it along the entire west coast or just certain parts like Kaanapali?
bodega
12-31-2007, 01:14 PM
I think Kimo's is great for your age and your mother's. However, since I am not one for big, fancy, expensive places, I am not good on other places to suggest. There is/was one across the street and on the corner, but for now, I can't think of the name. It is/was very nice from what I have been told. If I can find the name I will pass it on.
As to renting snorkeling equipment, I don't. In Hawaii, there are ABC stores EVERYWHERE. Two years ago we purchased our equipment, mask and snorkel, there for both of us for less than $10.00. They are so much better than our older set that we use to take with us. Now I do not use fins. I lay over an 99 cent air mattress that I bought in 1989. We have fins here at home, but they are just too heavy to pack and I do not like using them anyway. I have beach shoes that I wear so protect my feet from rocks and coral. I have watched rental places 'wash' their equipment. I prefer having my own!!
BTW, regarding Hana. I have been to Maui many times and only recently did the drive. It is an all day experience and I have never wanted to give up my beach time in the past. However, as I get older, I don't enjoy the sun as I use to, so we have done more sightseeing in the past 2 trips. We also finally went to the top of the mountain, back to the Iao Needle, which has been 20 years since we were last there, up to the winery in the upcountry and other upcountry areas. I can see why Oprah build her home up there. The views were spectacular and it was cooler, too.
The southern part of Maui around Kiehi, Makena, seems to have more shark issues than the Kaanapali area. There are some beautiful beaches along the road as you are driving towards Laihaina that locals use. There have been surfers attacked at these beaches. I know that at some of the coves up around Kapalua where the snorkeling trips go, they have spotters on board with guns while you are in the water. I believe the Molokini Crater trips do, too. I always snorkel where others are snorkeling and I keep myself between them and the beach.....making them closer bait! We went snorkeling at Napili Bay this year and there is a long stretch of reef there that was good for seeing lots of sealife. I have snorkeled off Kaanapali Beach by the Maui Kaanapali Villas, where there is no reef and still saw lots of fish. One man was further out and saw an octopus. He was my shark bait protection!! We didn't go in at Kapalua Bay, but we saw lots peopel snorkeling there. There are no lifeguards on Napili or Kapalua Bay. There are lifeguards on the large stretch of beach from the Hyatt to the Sheraton on Kaanapali.
One thing to consider when going into the water is jellyfish. They are in abunance in the water 8-12 days after a full moon. Many beaches will put out warning signs. Years ago a little girl, who was standing right next to me in ankle deep water, got stung by one. I never saw it, but learned to pay better attention to the moon and signs!
wrp96
12-31-2007, 01:46 PM
As to renting snorkeling equipment, I don't. In Hawaii, there are ABC stores EVERYWHERE. Two years ago we purchased our equipment, mask and snorkel, there for both of us for less than $10.00.
Thanks, I'll look at the ABC store for my own equipment.
The comments above reminded me of some of the warnings at one beach on Maui.
http://tdew.smugmug.com/share/FVIah87Zf7e3Q