OT...Hawaii

[scanmom]

I found a great deal to Hawaii for this fall, so we are changing our adults onlt trip to WDW to go to Maui instead!!! I have always wanted to go there, but until now it has been too costly. Anyway, does anyone know of any message boards like this one for Hawaii? And if anyone has bben there, I would love some tips!!!! I bought the book "maui Revealed" and am getting more excited as I read each page!!!! Thanks!!

 

[Philagoofy]

I don't know of a particular message board for Maui and I don't know how much you use the computer, but I just typed in, under Google, "travel message boards" and brought up a lot of different ones. Not sure which are good. You can also type in Maui under Google & get some info that way. There was one message board I used last year for my trip to the Pacific Northwest which was helpful but I have the address at work. I thought it might be "epinions.com" but it looks completely different from when I used it last year. You could ask questions & people who were familiar with the area would be very helpful. So it was a little like this board.

I've been to Hawaii, Kauai & Oahu, but not Maui. I'm glad that you are doing some research so that you make the most of your time there. I think visiting the Iao Needle & driving at least partway, if not all the way, on the road to Hana would be highly recommended. Also, an early morning trip up Haleakala to see the sunrise could be very special.

The other 3 islands were amazing and beautiful, the scenery is awe inspiring. Don't know where you're from but the water is so blue & clear, not what I'm used to around here. I hope you have a wonderful time, the people are so friendly and if I didn't mention it, the scenery is gorgeous.

 

[mmmears]

Maui is our favorite place to take a vacation! We have to choose between Maui and WDW, and usually choose Maui. (But we love WDW, too). It is a really relaxing vacation for us, and we come home rested and rejuvenated (a bit different from WDW even though we take a mid-day break each day).

We stay in Wailea. The Maui Ocean Center is a gorgeous tropical aquarium. There is a beauiful rainforest at the Iao Needle. People say that dawn at Haleakala is fantastic, but we can't pry ourselves away from the beach and the hotel waterslides to find that out for ourselves (plus, we'd get really carsick going up to the crater).

Enjoy! WDW will be there when you get back!

 

[DVC~OKW~96]

Been to Maui and it is a lovely place.

Take some time to explore the winery! I was totally amazed at how nice some of the varieties are; particularly the dry red.

Rent a car and explore. It's a diverse island with more to see and enjoy beyond the stereotypical tourist spots.

 

[danalee]

ahhhhhh Maui!!!

It is an amazing place! Like someone else said, rent a car and just explore!

Also do a search on the boards here, I forget what topic it was under but there was a maui topic with lots of great "insider" info!!

Have a wonderful time, you are gonna love it!

 

[NannyPooh]

Maui is amazing! My family travelled there often, and I am slowly *indoctrinating* my Dh into the Hawaiian lifestyle! Dh's next lesson comes in February for two weeks!
I have to agree with mmmears - the Maui Aquarium and the Iao Needle are not to be missed. If you do rent a car, the Road to Hana is unbelievable!
I'm a *Lahaina girl* myself - rather than Wailea or Kihei - and I love to take a day or two and spend time in town, shopping and eating! On Sundays, there is a great market up by the Lahaina Post Office, and some really great beaches north of Kapalua.
Whaler's Village, in Kaanapali, has a interesting (and free!) Whaler's Museum, along with one of our favorite restaurants, The Hula Grill.
We always enjoy a day driving into the Upcountry, going through Paia, and over to Makawao - wonderful art galleries and unique shops.
Are you interested in an evening Luau? If you are staying in the Lahaina or Kaanapali area, I have heard that the Old Lahaina Luau is supposed to be really good (expensive, but good!).
I also take the Maui Revealed book with me - best one that I have found so far!
One piece of advice: when you fly into Kahalui Airport, after you get your luggage, before exciting, pick up some of the brochures at the information desk - there are tons of discounts for restaurants, shops, sightseeing,etc. Good driving maps also!
Enjoy your trip and have a great time!

 

[shelleyr25]

We have been there twice, once for our honeymoon 9 years ago and then just last year on dh's company trip. We just love it!! Enjoy your trip!!

 

[Judge Fudge]

I went to Maui last year, it was a very nice place. I was there and Oahu (North Shore) for my honeymooon. We took a great hike in Maui with "Hike Maui" it was a really neat in the mountains and stuff. Steep muddy hills, waterfalls, cliffs, water crossings, and we climed down a 15' high banyon tree.

We almost nixed Disney for Oahu again, but it came down to the money aspect. It would have been a dream come true to go back.

 

[mjhd]

We were just there last year - a few tips - read Maui revealed and take the road to Hana. Be sure, however, to start at the second set of mile markers. All of the waterfalls should be easy to find. We made the mistake of using the first set and spent a good hour at the back of this field looking for a waterfall lol! I ruined a pair of shoes and didn't even get to see the water fall there! Also, I think a little farther than halfway there (just past Halfway to Hana road side food stop) there is a great overlook! We ended up parking and walking back to get pics - but do NOT step in the pretty grass - it's actually SUPER wet and this is how I ruined my second pair of shoes It was like quicksand! Last tip, make sure to turn around when you get to Hana - the scenic route around the south part of Maui is not fun and there is no where to stop. Also, we were really psyched about this trip and expected Maui to be beautiful. What we weren't expecting was all of the trash and abandoned cars once you get outside of the touristy spots. It was definitely an eyesore. We stayed at the Hyatt and LOVED it! They have great pools! Make sure you go snorkeling and have a Maui taco for me Sorry this is so long - PM me if you want more info. We had a great time, but I think I want to try the Carribean and see if that is just as nice as it would definitely be more cost effective

 

[Bob P]

We just got back from Maui last Friday (Aug 25). Feel free to PM me with any specific questions and I'll be happy to help you!

 

[kenny]

Maui is awesome! My wife and I always say the only place better than Disney is Hawaii.

Some quick tips are do the road to Hana, and although you will hear you can not go all the way around, you can. Makes the trip a lot easier. Take your time while on the road, there are plenty of waterfalls to explore and swim in. If you are adventurous, go to Blue Pool. You can find it in the Maui Revealed book you have. Amazing place. 200 ft waterfall on one side, ocean on the other. Simply magical.

We stayed at the Hyatt and loved it. Beautiful beach and close to lots. If you want to go to a Luau, try the Feast at Lele (sp). It is more expensive then the other luaus, but was great. First of all you have your own table, and do not have to sit with others. Some people like to sit in big groups, we prefer sitting with our own party. It is right on the beach and they do a show with dances and such from many islands (hawaii, tahaiti, etc). With each island, they bring you a dish from that island. It was nice to get to try different foods. The food, show and setting were amazing.

I can go on and on. If you have questions feel free to PM me. Enjoy your trip. I'm jealous!