Things to do in Maui

[Komskies]

My parents are leaving for Maui on Thursday and I told them I would consult the CP knowledge base for activities they could do while there.

They're staying in the Kapalua villas on the NW coast of the island. They like to keep busy, but without doing anything too crazy - things like going on hikes/walks and snorkeling. I'm not sure if they're renting a car while there, but that is definitely a possibility. As far as traveling between islands, I believe there is a boat they can take to either Lanai or Molokai, but they don't plan to go any further than that.

Thanks in advance.

[Cowperson]

Something obscure but they'd probably like is hiking Waihee Ridge Trail. About 8 km round trip with an altitude gain of about 1500 feet. Go earlier in the morning before the clouds hit that side of the island. From this trail head they can continue driving to circle the volcano until they come back out at Kapalua, although it's a one lane track in a lot of places. Again, get the driving and hiking done in the morning, before the clouds and crowds.

http://www.reith.ca/gps/waihee.html

A picture below from my trek in January:



Also, at Kapalua, there is a fairly lengthy trail from Napili, through Kapalua and out into the hinterland.

Go past Hana and find the grave of Charles Lindbergh in a very obscure, hard to find but very pretty churchyard. Treasure hunt.

Tedeschi Winery . . . . Interesting drive.

If they can find someone else with a car who wants to team up, they can actually start hiking from the top of Haleakala at roughly 10,000 feet, go down into the crater and exit about 3,000 feet lower. Park cars at both ends.

Pull off the road near Chez Paul, about five miles from Lahaina, park under the trees and do some snorkelling. They'll figure out the place from the other people already there.

Watching a sunset in Lahaina, watching the ferry to Kauai leaving the port.

Cowperson

[underGRADFlame]

I was there in October... We stayed just south of Kapulua in Kahana.

Head to Flemming Beach and play in the waves or body board, that was a blast.
Go snorkeling in Napili Bay, there's always turtles there.
Try the Sea House restaurant, its excellent food, great atmosphere.
And if they like snorkeling, take a tour out to Molokini Crater
If they golf they will love every course there, my fav (because i didn't play the plantation course) was the public course Waiehu, it was awesome.

[Komskies]

They are really into golf. I'm sure there's quite a range of prices for golf there, but is it affordable enough to play 3 or 4 rounds without breaking the bank? I mean price isn't really an issue, but if it's like $250 per person per round, I don't see them going more than once. They're going to be there for 12 days.

[bossy22]

Probably the best book on Maui imo. http://www.amazon.ca/Maui-Revealed-G.../dp/0971727937

[underGRADFlame]

Originally Posted by Komskies

They are really into golf. I'm sure there's quite a range of prices for golf there, but is it affordable enough to play 3 or 4 rounds without breaking the bank? I mean price isn't really an issue, but if it's like $250 per person per round, I don't see them going more than once. They're going to be there for 12 days.

The Waiehu course as under $50 bucks with a cart per person, then there are some other courses around the island that were well under $80 per round. They just will have to drive 45 mins to get to them. The Elleair Maui was another we played for under $100 per person, but it depends on the season too.

[The Goon]

There are some package golf deals at Ka'anapali, which is just a few minutes south of Kapalua. The golf at Kapalua looked to be the priciest when I was there last month.

The other thing I would suggest is to get up real early and catch sunrise above the clouds at Haleakalā. It's chilly in the morning, but beautiful.

[Peanut]

Gotta do either the sunrise or sunset at the top of Haleakala Volcano. We just drove up to the top by ourselves for the sunset and it was breathtaking. I think you can also book more of a "tour" type thing - take a bus up to the top, watch the sunrise, and then bike back down the volcano, if that suits your parents.

I second the "blue book" mention. Really helped us get the most out of Maui when we were there. http://www.amazon.ca/Maui-Revealed-G.../dp/0971727937

[Komskies]

Thanks for all the great input so far.

Another topic I wanted to ask about is food. As far as I know they have a kitchen where they're staying, and I hear Costco is the ultimate one-stop shop for food. That being said, I'm sure they'll want to eat at some restaurants and taste the local fare (amazing seafood and fresh fruits I'm sure)

underGRADFlame mentioned the Sea house restaurant, do you guys/gals have some other recommendations for places to eat? They also mentioned that they would like to attend a Luau if possible.

Thanks again. Keep the info coming, it all seems top-notch.

[underGRADFlame]

Just remembered about "Da Kitchen Cafe" its right by the airport. It's the best greasy spoon ever, just make sure they go hungry!!!! Link to urbanspoon.

[bossy22]

We had a kitchen so we ended up doing Costco, and getting some food from safeway. We also went to the fish market that was near us in Napili, and got some fresh fish. Those ended up being the best meals. When we were in Lahaina for surfing lessons, we stopped at cheeseburger in paradise. Decent burgers, great atmosphere. http://www.cheeseburgerland.com/Chee...d/Lahaina.html

[flamesgirl18]

The Gazebo restaurant at the Napili Shores Hotel is amazing for breakfast, it's close to Kapalua as well. They have the best macadamia nut pancakes EVER. There's always a long lineup to get in as there aren't many tables, but it's well worth the wait.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restauran...ui_Hawaii.html

[Jordan!]

Bumping this.. I'm booked to go October 2nd through 9th. I'm on a major Hawaiian kick after getting back from Kauai end of May.

I'm going to read through this thread but if anyone else has any info, thoughts, i'd like to hear it.

What are the best Snorkel spots?

[Jbo]

Molokini Crater

I was there for 15 days last year. There is so many options for Snorkeling, but the big one is the above image. I really recommend renting a car if you are there for awhile.

Lahina (spelling?) is great and is home to cheesburgers in paradise, which is a great burger place. Oh and you can golf at the city courses for 40 bucks a round during the week.

Also the pool bar at the Hyatt, has a bar in the cave (in the pool) while you watch sports and drink alcohol with fruit on it. Unreal!

[arloiginla]

For food, check out Pizza Paradiso near Kahana and Ka'anapali. It's amazing and of course they have way more than just pizza. Only a 10 minute drive or so IIRC from the Kapalua area.

Also check out Bubba Gump's in Lahaina and make sure to have dessert down the street at Kimo's. Ask for hula pie. You won't regret it.

And second the Gazebo. Amazing for breakfast.

Canoes restaurant wasn't very good and for snorkeling my favourite spot was the point that juts out between Mokapu and Ulua Beachs in Wailea.

For a nice walk on the way to Hana stop at the arboretum trail... just watch yourself if you want to walk through the long grass to the creek... there's some hidden rocks that you might trip on

[Jordan!]

Anyone know a good place to rent a condo on the cheap?

Originally Posted by Bouw N Arrow

Anyone know a good place to rent a condo on the cheap?

VRBO has the most complete listings... If you're lucky, a particular unit may have a special. But there's no such thing as "cheap" on Maui.

[OldDutch]

Originally Posted by Bouw N Arrow

Anyone know a good place to rent a condo on the cheap?

Oh man I can write you a travel guide. Here is a cliff notes version though.

Rent at the Honua Kai. I stayed there in April and it is the nicest, newest condo in Maui, and is dirt cheap for what you get. We go to Maui every few years.

This is where I stayed:

http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p276067

You can find more units here or on VRBO:

http://www.homeaway.com/search/usa/r...ords:Honua+Kai

Best Sushi place: http://www.yelp.com/biz/koiso-sushi-bar-kihei

Excellent Seafood: http://www.yelp.com/biz/lahaina-grill-lahaina

Another good restaurant with a great patio:
http://www.yelp.com/biz/pacific-o-restaurant-lahaina

Best Supermarket (Safeway is garbage): http://www.yelp.com/biz/lahaina-farms-lahaina

Make sure you get the fresh local fish, like Mahi Mahi, especially Opakapaka, grill on BBQ with Lime and Cilantro, Fabulous!

You have to try this place for Shaved Ice: http://www.yelp.com/biz/ululanis-haw...ve-ice-lahaina

As for snorkeling, you can pay to go to the crater, but there are great free spots that are just as nice.

Drive North to Honolua Bay, it is a rocky beach, but no waves. Great free spot.

Also, if you stay at the Honua Kai, or Kaanapalli in general, the beach in front of Honua Kai is great. Also, Black Rock is excellent to see turtles and you will see humpback whales in the distance.

Also, do the drive to Hana, but you do not have to go all the way. There are several awesome waterfalls you can swim in that are halfway or less the way there.

PM me if you want more info. I will have to hit you up for Kauai advice next year when we go.

[Cheerio]

Originally Posted by Bouw N Arrow

Bumping this.. I'm booked to go October 2nd through 9th. I'm on a major Hawaiian kick after getting back from Kauai end of May.

I'm going to read through this thread but if anyone else has any info, thoughts, i'd like to hear it.

What are the best Snorkel spots?

I've been to Maui every year since I was 2 so I know quite a bit about the island. If you end up staying in Kihei then send me a PM and I'll let you know everything I know about that area. As for snorkeling you could go to the Molokini crater if you want, but some advice you want to go first thing in the morning, like around 6am because later on in the day it gets crazy busy. Or if you just want to snorkel of the coast of the Island I recommend a snorkel spot called Ahihi.