to tell you the truth, I didn’t like Maui much. there were a lot of old people and newlyweds… a lot of touristy luau events, etc. I liked Hana a lot, because it was far from the maddening crowd, and Haleakala is a must-see. Also if you dive, Molokini crater is beatuful – lots of bog manta rays.

You have to eat at Mama’s fish house, it’s excellent gourmet island cuisine. don’t let the strange aunt marmey style deco turn you off, it’s world class. Avoid at all costs the road to Hana, I didn’t enjoy it at all. Hana is nice in spots once you get there but anticlimatic. Watching the Windsurfers off of Hookipa is worth while.

Maui is slow, some love it, I preferred Oahu or other more exotic island locations. You certainly can have a great time there. Be prepared for a slower pace, go diving and enjoy the pace. It’s not really a museum like place, you can take a quick jump on a plane, helicopter or even boat to Oahu for that and nightlife.

You can take boats to deserted islands, I did that on a glass bottom boat and it turn into a Gilligan’s like crazy storm adventure, so that’s a hit or miss. Bring good company, yoga mat, a good book, get excited, you’ll have a great time.

(cheers to wayfaring)

Hey now – Maui’s getting a bad rap! I had one of the most amazing vacations of my life there – and I WASN’T there to get married or on my honeymoon! Now I did stay with my cousin, who has lived there for 8 years, so got the “inside scoop”. But the beauty to me was simply amazing. To me – “Musts” are: 1) Snorkeling – gear is readily available and WAY cheap. 2)The Road to Hana – simply spectacular and yes, 3)you ought to experience a Luau – I’d recommend the “Feast at Lele” in Lahaina – a much nicer luau (per my cousin) than the usual touristy fair – sure, there are tourists, but it’s wonderfully done – and a class act.

I did not have time to visit Haleakala, but if you have time, do it, to me it was Haleakala or Hana, I chose Hana, both will suck up a big chunk of your day. As for museums and aquariums, WHY on earth would you want to go INSIDE and visit and aquarium when you can go snorkeling and Swim with those lovely fish? And, yes, there are museaums here and there, but it’s MAUI, not NYC. Enjoy the weather, the food, the lovely ALOHA spirit and the stunning beauty of the water and the mountains.

There is TONS to do in Maui – or you can do nothing at all – it’s lovely – I encourage you to make the most of it :o)

PS – just reading other posts – yes Waianapanapa State Park is Awesome! I could have spent the whole day there – it’s near Hana. And whale watching, too – It wasn’t an option when I was there.

Maui was great. If u wanted, you could hang out on the beach all day. I think you can go whale watching in December. When I was there, I went snorkling and it was amazing. You could also go on a short dinner cruise. Go up in the mountains, or visit some gardens/plantations. If you want to spend some extra money at your resort, i think they have laua’s for you every once in awhile. Well, there is plenty to do, so have fun!

Aloha Everybody,
Maui No Ka Oi (Maui is the best) I have lived in Maui longenough to know the island. It’s hospitality, it’s beauty, greenery, sunsets, sunrise on the top of Haleakala crater, beaches, etc, you can’t go wrong with that. It’s quiet a bit expensive but you get to pay for the location. It’s paradise in the midts of the pacific ocean. Come, see and visit Maui! It’s the best…Restaurant??? Go to HAILEMAILI GENERAL STORE It’s the best restaurant for me. Mama’s fish house is probably second. If you’re in Lahaina-Kahana-Kapalua side (west side of the island) Go to Plantation Course Restaurant where the Mercedes Championship Golf tournament takes place.Visit at www.sherylwickes.com

The whole place is amazing. I’d presonally stay away from the tourist beaches and resort areas as much as possible. Walking into the crater is an amazing experience (good shoes and lots of water). You can even reserve a cabin on the crater floor for an overnight. Speaking of cabins, there are some popular but primative cabins in the state park at Hana which are surrounded by noni trees (bring a jar for noni juice).

I don’t recommend a luau. Instead find yourself a plate lunch stand on the side of the road or head to the Makawo grocery and pick up some octopus poke. You’ll have a more high fidelity cultural experience.

If you’ve never been to a luau before, you should go. The Old Lahaina Luau is probably one of the only ones that is still considered ‘authentic.’

Hike up to Haleakala and see Space City.

Take the Trilogy out to Molokini for snorkeling. If you’re into diving, this is a great spot. Breakfast & lunch are included.

If you’re staying in Wailea, have breakfast at a different hotel each morning. Each is great in its own way, but the Grand Wailea certainly takes the cake.

Drive the road to Hana. If you can plan it correctly, stay at the Hotel Hana-Maui at the end of your winding drive.

Don’t be afraid of road-side food: it will be some of the best. Speaking of food, go to Mama’s Fish House. Not as cheap as what you’ll find on the roadside, but well worth the price and the wait.

Road to Hana. Drive it. Go to the black sand beach at the end. Go to every beach you can! surf, snorkle, scuba dive. It is all there and at your disposal and it’s not outrageously expensive. There is an acquarium and I went there and I really loved it. Didn’t go up the volcano but i heard it’s amazing and that the best time to go is either sun rise or sun set, but preferably sun rise.

have fun!

Beach, Scubi diving bring mask and snorkle. Go up the mountain and bike down, the nude beach is nice did alot of bikeing there is a nice aquarium near the turtle road crossing. Ummmm it is pretty touristy, was good for about two weeks and then got board. Good food nice beaches surfing, Hana Road tour is fun day trip. Everything is expensive they have a costco so go into town and buy in bulk. Bike are rentable, but we just bought a cheap 100 dollar mountain bike, and it was cheaper than renting for 3 days gave it away when I was done paid for itself. It is like being in a retirement village or resort unless you know some locals, so go with someone. Waves are at the peak in December good surfing or boogy boarding. Go to a stater beach if you dont know how, still plenty challanging.

Oh, definitely the Road to Hana—especially the “7 Pools” part. Snorkeling is fun, too. And parasailing. It’s a gorgeous place, with plenty to do. (I envy you…)

There is an aquarium in Maui – and I think it’s pretty nice. You can go there. You have to go to Haleakala Crater for sure – it’s beautiful on a clear day and you can even horseback ride up there if you reserve it ahead of time. Also, check out Lahaina – it’s a cute and fun town, and Cheeseburger in Paradise there has really good chili fries and burgers.

If you go down the road to Hana, make sure you keep going past Hana a little bit – the 7 pools are really pretty.

You can find lots to do in Maui – it’s a really fun and beautiful place – I love going there. The winter may be a bit chilly, even though you’re in Maui, so be sure to pack for both cool and warm weather.

Oh, and see if you can go whale watching – the humpback whales should be around the islands in the winter, so you should see a few.

P.S.

Just so you know, the Marriott Luau has great food (probably the best food out of the luaus), but the show is kinda hokey. You might be better off with the Old Lahaina Luau if you really want to go to a luau. Try to get reservations in advance for any of the things.

Definately go to Bubba Gumps if you’ve never been before, it’s fantastic sea food.

I’d suggest driving through Hana, it’s a beautiful city.

And the Old Lahaina Luau is a treat and a great show.