Maui advice

[pylon]

I second the whale watching advice. We were just there, I brought my 20x80 Astro binoculars, and a tripod, and there was activity all day to watch. We were on the 4th floor.

Also in Kihei, Cafe O'Lei for an incredible restaurant experience. Amazing seafood there.

Most people turn arouns at Hana and double back, but if you plan to do the road to, all the way around, make sure you rent a Jeep or a X-Terra, you will need it. The roads are brutal past Hana, and some of the passes literally have several hundred foot drops into the ocean, and only a few feet of shoulder to spare. If you go past Hana, all the way around the island, you will see some of the most amazing scenery, and untouched beaches. That side of the island is damn near deserted. Definitely an amazing driving experience for the adventurous, but not for everyone.

Buy your booze before 11pm, as stores can't sell it past then. But everyone seems to be in bed by 9:00 there anyway...lol.

Lastly, don't forget your Costco card, and Safeway club card if you are renting a condo.

[fundmark19]

I also forgot for some reason rolling rock beer is incredibly cheap compared to every other domestic. I don't know why and I wasn't complaining since I enjoy it more than bud and company

[burn_this_city]

My wife got car sick on the road to Hana, it's a cool experience but about 3/4 the way through I just wanted it over.

[Red John]

Road past Hana isn't even that bad.

Try driving around north tip of the island. Past Kapalua over to Kahului. It's insane.

[opendoor]

I've driven around all of Maui at various points and didn't find it to be bad at all. Yeah the Kapalua -> Kahului and Hana -> Kula routes aren't the greatest, but I never felt like I was ever in any danger of crashing or getting stuck. They're windy and slow going, but nothing the crappy economy car I usually rent can't handle. Though maybe that's the trick; I never found traction to be an issue so having a larger SUV might actually be counterproductive on the really narrow roads.

Granted they're not the kinds of roads you'd want to take potentially car sick kids on or anything, but I was actually pleasantly surprised after reading how people described them. And the scenery, especially between Hana and Kula, is amazing.

[Calgary14]

We stayed in Kihei and loved it. Lots of things to do and walking distance to everything. We did the road to Hana as well and I got car sick. If you get even remotely car sick avoid it. Aside from that had an awesome time and will be back soon

[Knut]

Stay out of the water 8-10 days after the full moon.

My brother got stung by the Box Jellyfish a few days ago. Luckily the ones in Hawaii are not as often fatal as the ones in the South Pacific

He said it was 9/10 pain and had full body muscle spasms.

[return to the red]

should mention about rental cars. Booked our rental cars on the RBC rewards page and got vehicle at half the cost of any other sites

[taffeyb]

The Nakalele Blowhole is a must see. Reminded me of Mordor in Lord of the Rings...The colors of the rock formations are incredible. Just remember to bring a pair of shoes. Sandals may be do-able, but I wouldn't recommend it.

The Shaved Ice is fantastic! Huge and so smooth! Not like the bowl of ice chips that they sell at the Dome.

[jjbouma]

If anyone is looking at driving the north side between Kapalua and Kahului, the road is closed east of the Kaukini Gallery right now until about April, except for on the weekends. Tried the drive today but had to turn around and drive back... beautiful drive until then with only a couple miles of narrow road driving.

[Red John]

If only Oprahs road was open for all to use ( Kealakapi rd?)

Kihei straight to Keokoa. That would save a lot of time.


Or just open the old Makena-to-Piilani connector again.

[fundmark19]

Originally Posted by return to the red

should mention about rental cars. Booked our rental cars on the RBC rewards page and got vehicle at half the cost of any other sites

We booked through costco travel. It was 500 USD for a mid size suv for 10 days taxes in. Not sure what it compares to RBC but it was significantly cheaper then just the regular websites. It was booked through Alamo and we had great service from them and unlimited miles

[woob]

Originally Posted by taffeyb

The Nakalele Blowhole is a must see. Reminded me of Mordor in Lord of the Rings...The colors of the rock formations are incredible. Just remember to bring a pair of shoes. Sandals may be do-able, but I wouldn't recommend it.

The Shaved Ice is fantastic! Huge and so smooth! Not like the bowl of ice chips that they sell at the Dome.

Seconded for the Blowhole. Also a great spot to watch whales too!

Yeah, if you're there during whale season, binoculars are a MUST HAVE.

Don't worry too much about finding the best spot for turtles when it comes to snorkelling. We saw them at literally every beach we snorkelled at. Kapalua, Black Rock, Napili, Maluaka.

And do yourself a favour and go up Haleakala. One of my favourite parts of the trip. Got up at 3 to go see the sunrise and then hiked after. We were up there for 6 hours and it was pure bliss. When we go back, we're going to hike in, stay over night, and hike out. I can't imagine what the star gazing is like up there.

Originally Posted by Red John

Road past Hana isn't even that bad.

Try driving around north tip of the island. Past Kapalua over to Kahului. It's insane.

This is true. We went counter-clockwise and being the passenger the cliffs were on my side. We ran into a truck coming the other way and had to reverse for about 100 yards. I was in tears and full meltdown. The only time I have ever pleaded with God.

[Calgary14]

Re: rental cars, there's a good smaller/local rental car that is close to the OGG airport but not right there. Can't remember the name but google would help. They're used cars which is why they're cheaper. About half price compared to all others. Definitely worth the $15 cab ride to get there and likely faster because most rentals at the airport require a shuttle

[cral12]

Headed to Maui and Hawaii for first time in a month or so. Just wondering if any updated tips and suggestions.

Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

[cral12]

Bumping the thread for any updated gastronomy and general travel tips for Maui.

Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

[underGRADFlame]

Da Kitchen Cafe… it's by the Airport. Go Hungry.

[SeeBass]

Originally Posted by woob

Seconded for the Blowhole. Also a great spot to watch whales too!

Yeah, if you're there during whale season, binoculars are a MUST HAVE.

Don't worry too much about finding the best spot for turtles when it comes to snorkelling. We saw them at literally every beach we snorkelled at. Kapalua, Black Rock, Napili, Maluaka.

And do yourself a favour and go up Haleakala. One of my favourite parts of the trip. Got up at 3 to go see the sunrise and then hiked after. We were up there for 6 hours and it was pure bliss. When we go back, we're going to hike in, stay over night, and hike out. I can't imagine what the star gazing is like up there.

If you want to stargaze do not go during a full moon. Way too much light pollution. I could see more stars just driving up the QE2.

[fundmark19]

Originally Posted by underGRADFlame

Da Kitchen Cafe… it's by the Airport. Go Hungry.

Have the notorious big moki ask for extra water so good but so salty