Hawaii....help me (2 Viewers)

[zoonation]

First question - when is ideal time to go?  Our travel time will be flexible most likely - anniversary is in August but we could probably go any time between August and November.

Second question - how far in advance do I need to book flight and room to get the best rates?  I'm a FBG but not making chet loot.

October.  Kauai.  No brainer.  Both north and south on the island are workable.  

I know I’m a Kauai cheerleader, but have been to (and love) Maui as well.  But, part of the magic of Maui are the whales, and they are only there btw dec-march (a few lazy whales hang around into early April).  

If fall, kauai. Without question.  Best stuff to do, best scenery (AINEC) and the weather is fantastic.  Great golf, hiking, beaches and, for me, the biggest draw is no big box crAp like Don’s or chick fil a

 the jungle mountains literally drop into the ocean.  Kauai is Jurassic park cinematography.  The helicopter tour is the best you’ll ever do.  Blows Maui away.  

Restaurants - slight edge to Maui.  But Kauai has gems too.  

 

[zoonation]

First question - when is ideal time to go?  Our travel time will be flexible most likely - anniversary is in August but we could probably go any time between August and November.

Second question - how far in advance do I need to book flight and room to get the best rates?  I'm a FBG but not making chet loot.

The Regis on the north shore may be outside of budget >$500nt.  But, there are fantastic vaca rentals literally right beside the Regis.  Like a well hit 5 iron away. Same views.  when we go we split time between vaca rental and the Regis (rebranded now).   

Maui requires more research on whether you wAnt to be up by kanapali/kapalua or down south in Kihei (affordable vaca rentals (trash hotels) or Wailea (range of hotels Fairmont to four seasons.).  I prefer south Maui.  Less Wind better snorkelling. Came face to face with a shark in wailea back in 2012.  Literally climbed up the lava rock like the ##### I am!

anyway, I’ve been to both multiple times.  North shore Kauai is the best.  Hands down imo.  

Good luck!

 

[AAABatteries]

  my wife just gets home - here's the exchange:

Me: you'll never guess what I've been doing for the last hour

Her:

Me:  Researching Hawaii!!!   <-- I'm thinking this will earn me some brownie points

Her:  You know, I did some research and that's really more expensive that I was thinking we'd spend

Me:  You've literally talked about going to Hawaii for our 20th for ten years - are you kidding me?  <-- this is when I should have shut up and just accepted she was trying to be frugal

Her:  Well, if you are really wanting to spend the money then I'd rather have a new diamond ring   <-- I plan to have Tanner send a strongly worded letter

So, I may not be going to Hawaii, but I'm going to spend a lot of money any way and I've wasted all of our time tonight. 

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Going to Maui January 8-15th.

Can anyone recommend a specific Vrbo or Airbnb place to stay?

Me & the missus plus two adult kids. 

 

[Quint]

Going to Maui January 8-15th.

Can anyone recommend a specific Vrbo or Airbnb place to stay?

Me & the missus plus two adult kids. 

What part of Maui?

 

[DA RAIDERS]

  my wife just gets home - here's the exchange:

Me: you'll never guess what I've been doing for the last hour

Her:

Me:  Researching Hawaii!!!   <-- I'm thinking this will earn me some brownie points

Her:  You know, I did some research and that's really more expensive that I was thinking we'd spend

Me:  You've literally talked about going to Hawaii for our 20th for ten years - are you kidding me?  <-- this is when I should have shut up and just accepted she was trying to be frugal

Her:  Well, if you are really wanting to spend the money then I'd rather have a new diamond ring   <-- I plan to have Tanner send a strongly worded letter

So, I may not be going to Hawaii, but I'm going to spend a lot of money any way and I've wasted all of our time tonight. 

  

skip the ring.  forget HI.  go Caribbean.  it's a no brainer from where you're at.  if you must do HI, kauai all the way.  my inlaws have lived on maui for 25 years.  my sister has lived on st john for 30.  maui is not even close.  kauai is pretty awesome.  the caribbean is awesome, especially the smaller islands.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

What part of Maui?

Kihei, preferably.

 

[The General]

Kihei, preferably.

I have only stayed at the hotels down there.

Only advice I have is go to "Coconuts Fish Cafe" for Fish Tacos. Place is in a strip mall in Kihei but is really, really good.

 

[Pipes]

Going to Maui January 8-15th.

Can anyone recommend a specific Vrbo or Airbnb place to stay?

Me & the missus plus two adult kids. 

https://www.hoyochinikko.org/

Stayed here in March and loved it.  West Maui though.  Only drawback with tight parking garage underneath building.  Private beach and yard with pool along with grills for anyone to use.  We could see whales right off our Lanai and tons of sea turtles either on our beach or right off shore. Grocery store right down the road and about a 5-10 minute drive to Lahaina. 

 

[bigbottom]

Kihei, preferably.

Our friends have a place in Kihei. It’s a two bedroom condo/apartment with ocean views right across the street from the beach. There are a number of units in their building on VRBO. It’s nothing fancy and the pool sucks, but you are across the street from the best beach in Maui (IMO) and right smack in the middle of Kihei proper. You can walk to restaurants and shopping and the sushi restaurant that everyone talks about is about 200 feet away. 

Do a search for “Kamaole Beach Royale.”

 

[Sideshow Bob]

Our friends have a place in Kihei. It’s a two bedroom apartment with ocean views right across the street from the beach. There are a number of units in their building on VRBO. It’s nothing fancy and the pool sucks, but you are across the street from the best beach in Maui (IMO) and right smack in the middle of Kihei proper. You can walk to restaurants and shopping and the sushi restaurant that everyone talks about is about 200 feet away. 

Not sure about "the sushi restaurant", but Monkeypod was pretty fantastic.

 

[bigbottom]

Not sure about "the sushi restaurant", but Monkeypod was pretty fantastic.

Koiso:  https://www.prideofmaui.com/blog/maui/best-maui-sushi-restaurants

You have to make reservations weeks in advance. I believe there is only two tables for four and and 6-8 seats at the bar. 

 

[Sideshow Bob]

With only room for 15, I'm actually surprised you don't need reservations further out than that.  Looks fantastic.

 

[Drunken knight]

Haven't done vrbo or airbnb on Maui.  We usually stay in Kaanapali or occasionally Kapalua. My favorite sushi is Sansei (they have two locations: Kapalua and Kihei). 

other favorites:

Merriman's

Pacific'o

Io's

more casual

hula grill

aloha mixed plate

star noodle

sea house for apps (great location)

 

[Osaurus]

Haven't done vrbo or airbnb on Maui.  We usually stay in Kaanapali or occasionally Kapalua. My favorite sushi is Sansei (they have two locations: Kapalua and Kihei). 

other favorites:

Merriman's

Pacific'o

Io's

more casual

hula grill

aloha mixed plate

star noodle

sea house for apps (great location)

The Merriman’s on Kauai was pretty good when I was there a couple of years ago fwiw.

 

[Waingro]

Kihei, preferably.

Wife and I stayed at the Maui Banyan for our honeymoon. It was an excellent location, as it was right across the street from Kamole II (there are three Kamole beaches on this strip). Nothing better than being able to walk across the street for beach access, also a great spot for sunsets. 

I have only stayed at the hotels down there.

Only advice I have is go to "Coconuts Fish Cafe" for Fish Tacos. Place is in a strip mall in Kihei but is really, really good.

The condo I mentioned is right next to this strip mall and I agree with The General here, Coconuts Fish Cafe is delicious. Highly recommend their Mahi sandwiches. Also in this strip mall is "808 Deli", which has pretty good for overpriced breakfast. 

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Wife and I were in Maui about 8 years ago and only went back to the condo to make a meal and sleep. We saw every inch of that place! Except for the beaches. We're not sit on the beach types.

We're taking our kids (well, they're 22 and 20) this time. We'll see if they can keep up!

 

[Waingro]

Just recently got back from our 2nd trip to Maui. This time we stayed in the Ka'anapali area. We booked an AirBnB (1 bedroom condo) at "Maui Kai Condos". The biggest draw to this place is that it is an affordable ocean front condo. It literally was right on water, it was amazing. 

Since you'll be visiting during Whale Watching season, this place might be one of the best places stay to see whales without having to leave your place. 

Not sure about "the sushi restaurant", but Monkeypod was pretty fantastic.

Went to the one in Whalers Village for their happy hour, they make an excellent Mai Tai. 

 

[Andy Dufresne]

AirBnB/VRBO is the way to go, right?

Seems like you're getting a condo for less than any hotel room you're going to get.

 

[The General]

Pick the clearest weather day you are there. Snorkle at your favorite spot in the AM, head up to Haleakala, hike around a bit then stay for sunset, make reservation an hour and a half or so later at Mama's (not some hidden gem or anything and over priced but really good and a cool setting). Don't think there is a more perfect day.

Can't go wrong in Maui though. Enjoy!

 

[Pipes]

AirBnB/VRBO is the way to go, right?

Seems like you're getting a condo for less than any hotel room you're going to get.

Its comparable price wise at least when we did the research.  Maybe a few bucks more but we were right on the ocean and had a washer & dryer right in our unit.  Which is an extremely underrated perk.

 

[Pipes]

Also our kids aren't huge seafood fans so we ate a couple of meals at Cool Cats in Lahaina.  Fantastic burgers and milkshakes.  Highly recommended.

http://www.coolcatcafe.com/

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Its comparable price wise at least when we did the research.  Maybe a few bucks more but we were right on the ocean and had a washer & dryer right in our unit.  Which is an extremely underrated perk.

And a kitchen. I like going out to eat but not for EVERY meal.

 

[Pipes]

And a kitchen. I like going out to eat but not for EVERY meal.

Agreed.  Our place had 2 gas grills for the guest to use so we had a couple of dinners with grilled chicken/fish and potatoes.  Especially if you have a busy day planned it's nice to come back to the condo fire up and the grill and have a cocktail or two on your patio and just listen to the waves.  Damn want to go back now.

 

[Drunken knight]

And a kitchen. I like going out to eat but not for EVERY meal.

I have done condos and resorts (like fun pools).  Will hit costco when we land.  Breakfasts and some dinners in.  Lunches usually out.

 

[Rodrigo Duterte]

AirBnB/VRBO is the way to go, right?

Seems like you're getting a condo for less than any hotel room you're going to get.

Yep, no-brainer.

 

[Scoresman]

Kauai is the best island but Maui has the best food.  I have dreams about the fried rice at Gazebo.  

 

[baaloc1968]

Wife and I are planning a trip for September/October 2020 with three other couples. So far, they are talking about renting a house/condo in order to have a kitchen and a quiet place to hang out after exploring during the day. After that, the ladies have deemed air conditioning to be a must. I'm still waiting to see the plans though

 

[MikeMan]

Shaka Maui app is best $20 I've spent. 

GPS tracks your location to tell you spots to stop (or not stop), island stories and myths, and music along your drive on road to Hana or mountain. Awesome app is very well done.

 

[Terminalxylem]

Wife and I were in Maui about 8 years ago and only went back to the condo to make a meal and sleep. We saw every inch of that place! Except for the beaches. We're not sit on the beach types.

We're taking our kids (well, they're 22 and 20) this time. We'll see if they can keep up!

If you really want to get away from it all, reserve a cabin in Haleakala. Paliku is the best location, but it’s primitive accommodations.

 

[Terminalxylem]

Kauai is the best island but Maui has the best food.  I have dreams about the fried rice at Gazebo.  

Maui has a higher % of fine dining, but Oahu has the best food.

Also, the Big Island is severely underrated as a place to visit. Where else can you walk up to an active lava flow?

 

[Waingro]

Shaka Maui app is best $20 I've spent. 

GPS tracks your location to tell you spots to stop (or not stop), island stories and myths, and music along your drive on road to Hana or mountain. Awesome app is very well done.

very 

This is a must-download app for anyone who wants to explore any of the Hawaiian islands. The music is awesome and the stories are great.

I couldn't imagine driving the road to Hana and having to revert back to the guide book throughout the whole trip. I just downloaded the Tour,  and allowed the app to let me know when and where to stop. 

 

[Phil Elliott]

Shaka Maui app is best $20 I've spent. 

GPS tracks your location to tell you spots to stop (or not stop), island stories and myths, and music along your drive on road to Hana or mountain. Awesome app is very well done.

Thx. Heading over to Maui and Kauai first half of  Nov.

 

[Judge Smails]

Planning a trip for next Summer. Thinking 5 nights in Maui and a week on the Big Island. Time to go back. Will try the app

 

[DA RAIDERS]

Planning a trip for next Summer. Thinking 5 nights in Maui and a week on the Big Island. Time to go back. Will try the app

Skip Maui.  You golf though, so maybe not.  My in-laws live on Maui, and my wife will have to seriously apply the pressure for me to go back. We’ve been many times. I’d do Kauai and the big island in a minute. 

 

[wilked]

Going to come back to this thread for advice  -but for now let me dispense some

want to go to Hawaii but also have a little sticker shock? Here’s how to save decent cheddar (esp for us east coasters)

https://www.hawaiianairlines.com/hawaiianmiles2/credit-card

we are going best august, family of 4  will visit 2 islands over 2 weeks (Kauai and Big Island). I specd it out and wow - expensive  

Here’s what I was facing:

$840 (direct Boston to Oahu) x 4 = $3360

12 inter island flights ($100 each) = $1200

Two key parts to the card. First is companion flight gets 50% off. Second is the 60k points can be used directly and easily for inter island flights (7500 each). 
 

wife and I both got card. Will save

420x2 (half off flights) = $840

free inter island  flights = $1200

and free checked bag the whole way (maybe $200, not sure how inter island flights charge). 
 

Big flights are booked, will book inter island flights in a week or so 

 

[The General]

Skip Maui.  You golf though, so maybe not.  My in-laws live on Maui, and my wife will have to seriously apply the pressure for me to go back. We’ve been many times. I’d do Kauai and the big island in a minute. 

Why the Maui hate? Love Big Island and Kauai but Maui is fantastic as well.

 

[gianmarco]

Just recently got back from our 2nd trip to Maui. This time we stayed in the Ka'anapali area. We booked an AirBnB (1 bedroom condo) at "Maui Kai Condos". The biggest draw to this place is that it is an affordable ocean front condo. It literally was right on water, it was amazing. 

Since you'll be visiting during Whale Watching season, this place might be one of the best places stay to see whales without having to leave your place. 

Went to the one in Whalers Village for their happy hour, they make an excellent Mai Tai. 

We stayed here (stayed with another couple).  It was fantastic, great location.  Maui is a great vacation spot. 

If you go and want an awesome experience, check this out

 

[DA RAIDERS]

Why the Maui hate? Love Big Island and Kauai but Maui is fantastic as well.

  maybe i've been there too much?  i owned a condo there at one point.  there's lots to love about it, i guess.  i've experienced more haole hate there, than anywhere else.  i was actually jumped in Lahaina, 15 years ago.  to me, it doesn't feel very tropical.  the snorkeling/beaches aren't that great.  the west side of the island is nearly arid.  haleakala, io valley, hana and the whales are amazing.  when the whales are migrating, it's magical!  you can keep the rest

 

[The General]

  maybe i've been there too much?  i owned a condo there at one point.  there's lots to love about it, i guess.  i've experienced more haole hate there, than anywhere else.  i was actually jumped in Lahaina, 15 years ago.  to me, it doesn't feel very tropical.  the snorkeling/beaches aren't that great.  the west side of the island is nearly arid.  haleakala, io valley, hana and the whales are amazing.  when the whales are migrating, it's magical!  you can keep the rest

That sucks on getting jumped. I can see that painting the place in a poor light. 

Maui feels like a mini-version of the Big Island to me. Always loved my time there. Got the dry, sunny resorts south of Kihei, the wetter north area up by Kapalua, Haleakala for some crazy Volcano action.

Agreed for sure on the whales. Going in February and looking forward to enjoying some pool time while seeing whales breaching. 

 

[Scoresman]

If the food on Maui wasn't so good I think we'd choose Kauai every time as well.  I drive through Kauai with a smile on my face every damn time.  Maui not so much unless I'm on the road to Hana which is a bit of a slog at this point.  

 

[Terminalxylem]

  maybe i've been there too much?  i owned a condo there at one point.  there's lots to love about it, i guess.  i've experienced more haole hate there, than anywhere else.  i was actually jumped in Lahaina, 15 years ago.  to me, it doesn't feel very tropical.  the snorkeling/beaches aren't that great.  the west side of the island is nearly arid.  haleakala, io valley, hana and the whales are amazing.  when the whales are migrating, it's magical!  you can keep the rest

Maui is kinda a sterilized, resortier version of the other islands. It's got a lot to offer, but feels kinda artificial IMO.

Surprised you experienced much haole disdain there, as it is overrun with second and third homeowners, with less locals than elsewhere.

 

[DA RAIDERS]

Maui is kinda a sterilized, resortier version of the other islands. It's got a lot to offer, but feels kinda artificial IMO.

Surprised you experienced much haole disdain there, as it is overrun with second and third homeowners, with less locals than elsewhere.

the locals that are there, ain't too happy.  plus, meth.

 

[Terminalxylem]

the locals that are there, ain't too happy.  plus, meth.

Not justifying it, but I imagine it has something to do with Maui being developed into a tropical Disneyland. It has the highest property values of all the islands, which probably prices out the locals.

Meth is everywhere in the islands. Not sure it contributes much to xenophobia.

 

[dkp993]

It’s fascinating to hear some of these tags on Maui. It’s absolutely one of my favorite places in the world to go. Family and I try to go there every year but every other is more true.  Always stay up by Kaanapali and Lahaina, absolutely love it.  And if there’s a better restaurant then Mama’s fish house I want to know about it because that place is amazing.  

 

[Terminalxylem]

It’s fascinating to hear some of these tags on Maui. It’s absolutely one of my favorite places in the world to go. Family and I try to go there every year but every other is more true.  Always stay up by Kaanapali and Lahaina, absolutely love it.  And if there’s a better restaurant then Mama’s fish house I want to know about it because that place is amazing.  

Don’t get me wrong, Maui is great. It’s just not my favorite Hawaiian island, probably for many of the reasons other people love it.

 

[The General]

It’s fascinating to hear some of these tags on Maui. It’s absolutely one of my favorite places in the world to go. Family and I try to go there every year but every other is more true.  Always stay up by Kaanapali and Lahaina, absolutely love it.  And if there’s a better restaurant then Mama’s fish house I want to know about it because that place is amazing.  

Mama’s never disappoints. 

 

[DA RAIDERS]

Not justifying it, but I imagine it has something to do with Maui being developed into a tropical Disneyland. It has the highest property values of all the islands, which probably prices out the locals.

Meth is everywhere in the islands. Not sure it contributes much to xenophobia.

that's exactly what i was saying.  and meth, contrary to the users opinion, doesn't make one a happy person.

 

[dkp993]

that's exactly what i was saying.  and meth, contrary to the users opinion, doesn't make one a happy person.

Meth is the absolute worst, no doubt.  
 

Not doubting your experiences at all but I’ve never seen this side of Maui. The only hint of an attitude I’ve ever experienced is me and my buddies were jumping off Black Rock and a group of local teens came to start doing the same.  They talked a little #### and it had the feeling it could turn but ultimately it didn’t and we all went on with our days.  Other then that outta 10 trips I’ve only felt the island vibe.   

 

[wilked]

OK, my trip next year coming together

Will be in August.  2 weeks, 1 week (really 8 days) on Big Island, 1 week in Hanalei / Kauai.  

Planning right now is focused on Big Island.  I booked the big flights through Honolulu, will book the small flights soon.

Family of 4, me/wife/8-yr-old/5-yr-old

Take a look at rough itinerary and things to do and offer any feedback please.  

NOTE: We are not trying to do EVERYTHING listed, but wanted to build a 'short list' and basically book accommodations / flights based on that rough itinerary.

Thanks

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1VFJnJVI7C5K0X5aCmHuJt5Lx41MMOn4ndFjElJtXFbU/edit?usp=sharing