Maui - Tell me about it

[Aggie_Ama]

DH and I are just looking at a brochure we got on Maui. We didn't get to take an elaborate honeymoon and love to travel but have never gone big. It would definitely be a treat to do something like this if not this year then soon. Several co-workers love Maui. What is so amazing about it? Is there hiking, cycling? I don't just do the sprawl on a beach thing when vacationing, I like to go, go, go!

[alice]

There is (great) hiking, cycling, running, scenery, snorkeling, photography... and pineapples. That's why I went. That being said, for someone who thought I would hate the whole "lie on the beach" thing, that was pretty fun too. It was a first for me.

Of the things I listed above, I think my favorite part of being there was the running. I'm one of those weird people who runs better when it's 90 degrees out than when it's sixty, so the balmy weather, scenic views, and quiet roads made running so much fun. It was very invigorating.

But I would go back just for the pineapples.

[Grog]

I am not a hot-weather tanning-on-the-beach person at all, in fact the first three hours of the day after sunrise are best for me. My husband took me to Maui - the dream vacation place of his youth - and I thoroughly enjoyed myself.

We rented a condo in South Kihei and alternated days of "activities" with rest days. We snorkeled (including a day-long boat trip to Molokini), rode bikes (on the road), drove to Hana and all the way around the Island, with lots of stops, went up to Haleakala, and spent also a bit of time in Paia (watching the amazing surfers and windsurfers at Hookipa beach). I did yoga on the beach most mornings, and enjoyed some quiet time with books while my husband was cycling some more. Oh, and I ran most days too (but in the early morning, because of the temperature).

Of all the warm and "resorty" places I have been to, this is by far my favourite. I spent a week in Kona last year and frankly didn't enjoy it thoroughly. Maui is at once developed and yet still somewhat natural. And quite beautiful and varied. And easy to travel to for North Americans.

And I think someone could rough it a bit, and move around from place to place, creating a bit more of an adventuresome trip, if you're so inclined. For this trip it was mostly about resting for us, but I can see how one could do it differently...

[Grog]

Oh, and did I mention swimming with turtles? Swimming with wild turtles is pretty cool.

[itself]

We have been to Hawaii three times this year, first to Kaui, then twice to Maui. Yes, Maui is that amazing.

The beaches are outstanding, and make sure you track down Secret Beach. Quiet, and very few people. We went in September and December, and preferred September as there were far fewer crowds.

Taking the Road to Hana counterclockwise was AMAZING. Get a jeep, we did it in a mustang and well, we made it. Oprah Winfrey owns much of the land on this side of the island, and it was spectacular. Mtn goats everywhere, a winery.

It is such an easy island to drive around. Paia was our favorite town, very crunchy. The Paia Fish House was excellent, picnic tables inside, and the portions are huge. Mama's Fish House is very expensive, but well worth it. Makawao has the Rodeo General Store with, yes, Vegan Food! This was a frequent stop.

South Kihei is the best place to stay as it is very central, but beware, some of the places to stay are quite old and run down. Wailea has indeed the best beaches. K'anapalli (spelling?) is very touristy, the beaches are really nice but too wide open.

Once you go, you will want to return. Great people and a lot of fun.

[snapdragen]

I love Maui, I like staying in Lahaina at the Pioneer Inn. Not the ritziest place, but it appeals to me. Not the place to stay if you want to walk out your door to the beach.

Drive to Hana

Day trip to Molokai <----I loved this!

There is a show in Lahaina - Warren and Annabelle (http://www.warrenandannabelles.com/). It sounds corny as heck, and it is. But it's also one of the best magic shows I have ever seen.

If you're feeling hardcore, ride a bike up Haleakala :eek:

Drink a Blue Hawaii at Kimo's

[itself]

Warren and Annabelle was hilarious! We loved it. We have not done Molokai yet, it just seemed so darn crowded!

[shootingstar]

We went to Maui during first 2 wks. in January which coincided with the return of the whales with their babies. They hang outside of Lahaini beachfront area.

We went on a 2.5 hr. whalewatching trip. Tons of whales...

Best time. It was a great deal. Weather is fine and hot.....but not as hot as later on in the months onward where it can get much drier inland.

I think in early FEb. or end of Jan. there is also some sort of festival..I can't remember if it's whale or outrigger races which draws teams from the south Pacific.

[hulagirl]

I live on Oahu and Maui is my least favorite of the isles. It's just a spread out Waikiki with some hidden gems. Of course YMMV.

Husband (born and raised on Oahu) and I (Chicago girl) prefer/love/adore Volcano on the Big Island, Kokee on Kauai and Lanai City on Lanai. The only reason we go to Maui is for hiking/camping inside Haleakala or the bike/run to Hana from Kahaluhi airport.

It's all a matter of what you want to do though. Since we live on Oahu, we seek out the cool, quiet and removed parts of the Hawaiian Islands. Others want more "touristy" stuff to do and that't totally fine. But if you want something more removed and not trying to sell you something every 3 seconds, check out the 3 things I mentioned above.

Aloha!

denise