Imdanny, or anyone else - got a question about Maui!

[ForteKitty]

Danny, you live (or lived) there, right? (hope i got the right person) HA had a sale so we booked flights to Oahu and Maui for May next year. We're gonna spend 4 days in Oahu w/ friends on a whirlwind food tour, eating everything in sight, then spend 4.5 days alone in Maui. Now i'm researching places to stay, and we can't decide between Wailea and Lahaina/Kaanapali.

I plan on bidding thru priceline, which for 4 nights, seem to be the better deal. According to past bids recorded on Betterbidding, the Marriott Wailea has been coming up at $120/nt, so it's cheaper than renting a condo that costs $90/nt (cheapest decent place i can find on vrbo) plus $100 in cleaning fees! Not to mention the better places all require 5 night minimum stay, so our condo options are limited. The past bids in Lahaina/Kaanapali area is averaging about $160/nt for the hyatt, sheraton, and two others in that small area.

We are 31, LOVE food, moderately active, love to snorkel (prefer calmer water since i'm not a strong swimmer), looking to lounge around, see some beautiful scenery, and just relax. We dont spend a lot of time at the hotels. We will have a car, and plan on driving up Haleakala for the sunrise, then doing the ponyexpress ride down to the crater... otherwise, the rest of the trip is wide open. We live in LA so not really looking for too much nightlife, but some is nice in case we get bored.

Based on the above info, which area is better? And can you recommend some good, non-chain places to eat? I visited frinds in oahu this march, and i'm still craving the garlic shrimps from Mackey's, as well as the poke from a local grocery store.. and leonard's bakery! (can you tell i love food?)

Oh, i would love to see sea turtles if you know of a good place, didn't get to see any last time.

Any help would be awesome... thanks!!

ETA, this topic has been discussed to death on TA, but there are so many conflicting opinions and possibly some shilling from people who own rentals in certain areas, I thought it might be nice to here what a local might say. Thanks!

 

[Imdanny]

Hi, ForteKittyye, yes I lived there for four years but that was six years ago now, so things might have changed and I can't give you any information about the restaurants there now (and sea turtles, like dolphins, are kind of random, there's no where I can think of as far as a beach where you should automatically go, but I think, I could be wrong, that there is a tour boat tour with a glass bottom). I also don't know much about nightlife (when I lived there there wasn't a lot if it- it doesn't have clubs like LA or other big cities). What I can tell you is that Wailea is a beautiful area (as is Lahaina). I've only been snorkeling once (it was great) and that was at a beach in Kaanapali. I think Wailea is just as nice and it seems more peaceful to me because it's quieter. It's also close to lots of beaches. It's close to McKenna beach which is a world class beach- very beautiful. However, if you have a car, you can stay wherever you want because the island is small and the roads are great. It's very easy to get almost anywhere in a short amount of time (the only exceptions would be the remote areas but Wailea is next to Kihei and Kaanapali is next to Lahaina as you note- so neither of those is remote). The other thing I'd recommend you consider is going to Hana. Hana has a red sand beach, two parks, a state park and a national park, and Hamoa beach (imo, definitely the most beautiful beach on Maui and certainly one of the most beautiful in the world).

I'm sorry I couldn't be more help. It's just been so long since I lived there. Good luck and have a great time!

 

[soocool]

ForteKittyye, It has been awhile since I've been to Maui (12 years) been there 3 times + other islands). Twice we stayed at Lahaina Roads condo. http://www.alohacondos.com/maui/lahaina-roads-condos/photos-and-videos The condo is oceanfront, with covered parking with elevator, a pool and access to a corral beach where you can snorkel. You can walk into downtown Lahaina where there are a lot of great restaurants and has one of the best luaus. The condos though are much older and not sure if or when they were renovated. The condo we stayed in had a Murphy bed in the living room so we slept there with the lanai doors open instead of the bedroom. We preferred hearing the ocean rather than the street sounds. It was nice to have a kitchen as we were getting up quite early (3am) because there is a 6 hour time difference for us. It never rained while we were in Lahaina. It seemed to rain more in Kaanapali.

There are also condos in Napili (just up from Kaanapali- upper west) http://www.alohacondos.com/maui/napili-bay-resort and the bay is absolutely beautiful, but has a steep incline heading into the water. I loved the beach in Kapalua (just up from Napili). I think Kapalua has the best beach in Maui. In south Maui I know there is a nudist beach, I just cannot remember which one though I am thinking Little Beach. I think the southside is somewhat pricey, many surfers, very touristy.

Well, wherever you stay in Maui I don't think you will be dissapointed. Mostly everything is easily accessible by car.

 

[Yimmers]

I did a high school marine biology trip in Maui, but unfortunately, I can't remember the names of half the beaches we snorkeled at.

However, I do remember one, because the whole group voted to go back - Slaughterhouse Cove/Beach. Primitive beach, so get there early. I think you stick to the right for good snorkeling.

I think we also went to a beach by a hotel in Ka a'napali - the Hyatt comes to mind. What I remember is that you swim around the big rock, but if you start on the right side of the rock and go around to the left, you go with the currents, making it easier. (or was it vice versa?) Apparently, most people do it the other way I think because they start from the hotel's beach.

I believed we also visited Koki Beach on the road to Hana, and just played in the high surf. Be careful, as there have been reports of jellyfish or man o' wars. Our friend said she felt tingly after playing in the water.

I know we visited a lot more beaches, but I just can't recall their names. I also recall that at some of the beaches, there are trees that drop huge pointed thorns, strong enough to piece the bottom of rubber flip flops. The locals referred to them as "ki-owwiees," because you're going to say owwiee when you step on one!

I really enjoyed Maui, so have fun!

 

[whatmeworry]

If you're not a strong swimmer, then you should snorkel in the morning when the waves are calmer.

 

[jmtomaui]

We go to Maui every year so maybe I can help a bit. We stayed at the Hyatt for the first year but like you are NEVER at the hotel so paying the parking fees, etc were just not worth it. Since then we have rented a condo in Kehei and base out of that. You don't want a condo, which I can understand, so would recommend the hotel in Wailea. Wailea, like Lahaina and Kaanapali has a lot of retail opportunites but you need to be sure to "do" Front Street for kicks.

If you want to snorkel, you need to check out the Scuba Shack in Kehei. It is owned by some friends of ours (we rent their cottage or condo when we go) and they will set you up with everything you need. They sent us down to fishbowl the first time we snorkled (it is down the road from Wailea) and in a secluded cove so the bay is fairly calm. There are often honu (turtles) in the bay. Otherwise, Charlie (Shack owner) will take you out to Molokini crater if there is room on the scuba boat. That is an amazing dive! I'm not trying to shill for Charlie but we went there to begin with as it is locally owned and we like to give small business owners our dollars but keep going back as he, and his team, will really take care of you.

If you stay in Wailea, you need to eat at Sarento's on the Beach. Absolutely beautiful views and you sit right on the beach. Other places we like are Moose MacGillacudhy for a fun bar but good food. Cheeseburgers in Paradise has gorgeous views and fun people watching but too commercial. Mama's Fishhouse near Hookepa. (Stop and watch the surfers there - best waves on the island). As IMDanny said, you need to go to Hana - the road to get there is a trip in and of itself. The Hana Hotel has decent food.

The Lahaina luau is supposed to be one of the best in all of Hawaii but we've never done it.

I'm sure you will have a great time! We hope to live on Maui at some point... Oh - if you can find the book "Maui Revealed" you will find one of the best travel books out there that is NOT written by Frommes or someone else simply writing a commercial review.

If we can help more, please reach out...


ETA - For a while, Maui has prohibited the bike rides down the volcano due to all of the accidents and traffic complaints so while it may be fun, don't count on it. Front Street - and the Friday night art crawl - are some of the best "night life" options on the island.

 

[geckodani]

Got married 4 years ago in Maui and also honeymooned there. We stayed at the Whaler (condos) before the wedding and at the Hyatt for our honeymoon (Kaanapaali/Lahaina area).

If we ever go back, we'll stay at the Whaler. If you're not a pool person, there's no reason to stay in the big hotels. Plus, the beach in front of the Whaler was nicer, and having the fridge was awesome.

I highly recommend going to Haleakala for sunset instead of sunrise. Fewer people, same experience.

The Feast at Lele was our favorite dining experience. It's an intimate Luaua, with a 7 course meal. SO GOOD.

 

[soocool]

We go to Maui every year so maybe I can help a bit. We stayed at the Hyatt for the first year but like you are NEVER at the hotel so paying the parking fees, etc were just not worth it. Since then we have rented a condo in Kehei and base out of that. You don't want a condo, which I can understand, so would recommend the hotel in Wailea. Wailea, like Lahaina and Kaanapali has a lot of retail opportunites but you need to be sure to "do" Front Street for kicks.

If you want to snorkel, you need to check out the Scuba Shack in Kehei. It is owned by some friends of ours (we rent their cottage or condo when we go) and they will set you up with everything you need. They sent us down to fishbowl the first time we snorkled (it is down the road from Wailea) and in a secluded cove so the bay is fairly calm. There are often honu (turtles) in the bay. Otherwise, Charlie (Shack owner) will take you out to Molokini crater if there is room on the scuba boat. That is an amazing dive! I'm not trying to shill for Charlie but we went there to begin with as it is locally owned and we like to give small business owners our dollars but keep going back as he, and his team, will really take care of you.

If you stay in Wailea, you need to eat at Sarento's on the Beach. Absolutely beautiful views and you sit right on the beach. Other places we like are Moose MacGillacudhy for a fun bar but good food. Cheeseburgers in Paradise has gorgeous views and fun people watching but too commercial. Mama's Fishhouse near Hookepa. (Stop and watch the surfers there - best waves on the island). As IMDanny said, you need to go to Hana - the road to get there is a trip in and of itself. The Hana Hotel has decent food.

The Lahaina luau is supposed to be one of the best in all of Hawaii but we've never done it.

I'm sure you will have a great time! We hope to live on Maui at some point... Oh - if you can find the book "Maui Revealed" you will find one of the best travel books out there that is NOT written by Frommes or someone else simply writing a commercial review.

If we can help more, please reach out...


ETA - For a while, Maui has prohibited the bike rides down the volcano due to all of the accidents and traffic complaints so while it may be fun, don't count on it. Front Street - and the Friday night art crawl - are some of the best "night life" options on the island.

I so want to go back to Maui! Yes, I snorkeled at the Molokini crater twice. Well worth spending the morning doing this. I liked Moose McGillycudy's for the breakfast. And Cheeseburger in Paradise - great burgers and Maui onion rings and if I remember correctly they had live music - best to go at sunset . I was there when they first opened in 1989 and for the 1st anniversary celebration in Oct 1990. Mama's Fish House was also great. I also want to add Longhi's (for Italian food) and Duke's Beach House. I had the best prime rib ever in Maui. Oh and don't forget to order hula pie for dessert.

 

[Imdanny]

"Maui Revealed"

+1

 

[jmtomaui]

I so want to go back to Maui! Yes, I snorkeled at the Molokini crater twice. Well worth spending the morning doing this. I liked Moose McGillycudy's for the breakfast. And Cheeseburger in Paradise - great burgers and Maui onion rings and if I remember correctly they had live music - best to go at sunset . I was there when they first opened in 1989 and for the 1st anniversary celebration in Oct 1990. Mama's Fish House was also great. I also want to add Longhi's (for Italian food) and Duke's Beach House. I had the best prime rib ever in Maui. Oh and don't forget to order hula pie for dessert.[/quote]


I don't know how but I forgot Longhi's on Front St.?!?!?! It is always our "last night on Maui" dinner. Terrific food! Moose McGillycudy's also has a great macadamia nut Mahi Mahi...

ETA - for a totally "local" breakfast you need to go to the Kehei Cafe. It is a little "dive" with outdoor dining (you order inside and they bring it out) but it has great food. The macadamia pancakes w/ coconut syrup...

 

[MrsHope]

+2, loved the tip to see the "Olivine" Pools which only is mentioned in this book so not too many people know about this - AMAZING!

 

[CurlySue]

"Maui Revealed"

+1

+2, particularly if you decide to do the Road to Hana during your stay. We found it incredibly helpful when we did our drive (which we loved!).

I would add the Lahaina Grill to the list of great restaurants to check out. A bit pricy, but it was worth it. Delicious, beautifully plated food, great wine list. YUM!

We just honeymooned there and stayed at the Hyatt in Ka'anapali. I spent a lot of time at the pools there and loved it, though if we went back (which I hope we do), we'd probably try to rent a condo or villa.

We had a car and drove down to Big Beach near Makenna to do snorkeling. Saw dolphins!

Love, love, love Maui.

 

[ForteKitty]

Thanks everyone!! I really appreciate your advice. I will pick up "maui revealed" and look thru everything. so excited!

Right now we are definitely leaning towards Wailea for two reasons. I would like to do the horseback riding trip down the haleakala crater, and do the bluewater rafting/ snorkeling tour to molokini. They are both closer to Wailea. Plus we dont want to be around too much action, and Lahaina just seems too busy. I know "busy" is relative, but figure after 4 days in oahu w/a bunch of friends, we will want some peace and quiet by ourselves.

Re: condo rentals, maybe i'm not looking hard enough or at the right places, but i can't find anything decent for under $90/nt + tax on vrbo. Then they add in $100 for cleaning fee. Since we're only staying for 4 days, that's $25 a day for cleaning! Add tax and it's about $129/nt for a condo. Oh yea and the nicer ones all require 5 nt min.

The trip is almost 6 months away, so I am a lil weary about paying a $250 deposit to someone so far in advance, even w/ a credit card. That is really the only reason I started looking at hotels. I should be able to priceline a room at the marriott wailea for $137 (inclulding taxes and fees) Looks like they have a resort fee that i can decline, and parking is $15, or we can park at the shopping center and walk over. (according to some reviews) I'm still diligently searching thru vrbo, but at the moment, paying $8 more a night for the marriott sounds like the easier way to go.

 

[bebe]

Maui restaurant - casual, but great food on the beach

Mama's Fish House

look it up!!

 

[ForteKitty]

Thanks!! Mama's fish house is on the list already!!

We booked everything yesterday.. ocean/lagoon view condo @ the ilikai in oahu (really thrilled w/ the location and price), and @ kehei akahi, maui! After emailing about 20 maui condo owners, one responded and said that she will waive the $100 cleaning fee! so we are renting a ground floor, 1 bedroom for $102 a night including taxes, and there's no parking fees! (hotels charge about $25 for resort fees.. eek!) The kitchen and everything looks great, there's free internet, and big flat screen tv. It's also right across the street from a nice beach w/ good snorkeling and great sunset view, and right next door from moose's and fred's, but in the back part of the complex so it's quiet. I'm thrilled!

This location is perfect because we're planning on hiking into haleakala crater and then watching the sunset, and it's a much closer drive than staying in lahaina. The molokini/lava caves/turtle town tour also leaves from Kehei, and we are real close to the turtles area if we want to drive back. I'll post a review on the place after we return, in case others need condo recs in the future!