Just got back from 8 days in Maui - AMA (1 Viewer)

[buck naked]

The very best bargain for those of you who like to snorkel (and you have the time) is to rent the snorkeling equipment and a wet suit on the island for a week. That allows you to drive wherever and whenever you want to the very best snorkeling destinations on the island. It was really cheap - maybe $60-70 for the week - for being allowed full access and freedom to use it whenever you want to. With a little bit of internet research or a local guide book, you can hit the best snorkeling spots all over the island.

 

[PinkydaPimp]

Getting married in Maui in October

 

[jon_mx]

Other things that are very popular.

1. Haleakala national park. It old volcano which has spectacular sunrises. Some people like to bike down whi

2. Surfing lessons can be fun.

3. helicopter ride over island.

 

[The General]

Mamas Fish House. One of those places where the food lives up to hype and price.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

My wife and I hiked up and down the switchback route into the volcano crater. It was cool but a lot of work.

We snorkeled with a smaller outfit of Makenna beach as well as with a larger group off Molokini. The former was awesome and the latter sucked.

Watching the sunrise at the top of the volcano was a near religious experience. Loved the bike ride down.

The road to Hana and around the SE part of the island is worth it. The drive around the NW part of the island is not.

Pukulani golf course is a decent course if you're unwilling to pay the outrageous fees at the better resort courses.

Iao valley is worth a visit especially if you hike the path that says No Hiking (Even the park ranger told us to hop the fence).

 

[The General]

The very best bargain for those of you who like to snorkel (and you have the time) is to rent the snorkeling equipment and a wet suit on the island for a week. That allows you to drive wherever and whenever you want to the very best snorkeling destinations on the island. It was really cheap - maybe $60-70 for the week - for being allowed full access and freedom to use it whenever you want to. With a little bit of internet research or a local guide book, you can hit the best snorkeling spots all over the island.

Can also buy a cheapish snorkel and fin set at Walmart there for about same price. Have used the same set I got at a Costco for multiple trips.

 

[SlimShady]

Going for two weeks in October. What would you say we MUST do?

Absolute MUSTHaleakalā

I was not able to make it for a sunrise or sunset but it was still insanely awesome

https://www.flickr.com/photos/acerfc/9479635311/in/dateposted-public/lightbox/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/acerfc/9479636073/in/dateposted-public/lightbox/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/acerfc/9479681429/in/dateposted-public/lightbox/

Yeah I heard this was great IF the weather cooperates. We choose not to do it because a) we'd have to wake up at 3 am on vacation for the sunriseand b) the weather reports for the top of the crater were not good.

Been to Maui 20 times, never done it.

Do like Hana. I also enjoyed hiking the rainforest on nw side of island. Tri hulls to lanai or molokini are nice day trips. Otherwise just chillin is great

 

[Chaos Commish]

Five Palms for breakfast or lunch. Dinner is over priced and overrated, but it's a sweet place. Spend a few hours on the beach there. La Perouse Bay for snorkeling. Unbelievable in calm conditions, which is typical. There's some hiking trails upcountry that are worth the time if you do a trip to Haleakala without taking on one of the trails up there. One is called Hosmer Grove Supply trail, really unexpected scenery. Then there's several worth researching in Poli Poli. From just a mile or two to 6 or 7 you can't go wrong.

Also, SUP.

 

[Chaos Commish]

Going for two weeks in October. What would you say we MUST do?

Absolute MUSTHaleakalā

I was not able to make it for a sunrise or sunset but it was still insanely awesome

https://www.flickr.com/photos/acerfc/9479635311/in/dateposted-public/lightbox/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/acerfc/9479636073/in/dateposted-public/lightbox/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/acerfc/9479681429/in/dateposted-public/lightbox/

Yeah I heard this was great IF the weather cooperates. We choose not to do it because a) we'd have to wake up at 3 am on vacation for the sunriseand b) the weather reports for the top of the crater were not good.

Been to Maui 20 times, never done it.

You're like those guys who orbited the moon several time but never landed.

 

[The General]

Going for two weeks in October. What would you say we MUST do?

Absolute MUSTHaleakalā

I was not able to make it for a sunrise or sunset but it was still insanely awesome

https://www.flickr.com/photos/acerfc/9479635311/in/dateposted-public/lightbox/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/acerfc/9479636073/in/dateposted-public/lightbox/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/acerfc/9479681429/in/dateposted-public/lightbox/

Yeah I heard this was great IF the weather cooperates. We choose not to do it because a) we'd have to wake up at 3 am on vacation for the sunriseand b) the weather reports for the top of the crater were not good.

Been to Maui 20 times, never done it.

You're like those guys who orbited the moon several time but never landed.

That is pretty amazing.

If you don;t want to get up at 3 am sunset is also amazing. The drive up, like most things in Maui, is unbelievable.

 

[Bucky86]

How hot were the women on the beaches?

 

[bleachercreacher]

We did our honeymoon there. Spent a week in Maui and a week on the Big Island. My thoughts on Maui --

Haleakalā -- Do this the first day you are there. Your not acclimated enough to the time change for it to really screw with you. Getting up that early still sucks though. Totally worth it to see the sunrise. Also - pack warm clothes for this. Even though you are on a tropical island the top of the mountain is freezing.

Road to Hana -- We did this. Loved it. Had a book called Maui Revealed that was written by a local. Gave were every hidden off the beaten path waterfall is on the Road to Hana. We did every one of them almost. Some of the most gorgeous stuff I have seen. Also - drive the back road of Hana. Rental car companies say you can't do it and you sign a paper saying you won't. We did it anyway. Really cool to see the difference in the island.

Snorkeling - Forgo the huge tourist trap of the big boats. Find a small boat company that takes people out and go that route. I can't remember the name of the place we went out with but it was way more cool than the monstrosity of a boat we went out on first.

Stayed at the Four Seasons. On the same floor as Hulk Hogan with his wife Linda and son Nick. Her knockers are bigger than they appear on t.v. Anyway - that place was awesome. Great experience.

We did a luau there. Been 14 years so can't remember which one it was. Pretty cool though.

That is about all I remember. I liked Maui way more than the Big Island.

When I was there this road was closed due to an earthquake. However, the road around the northern part of the island is amazing. It's similar in that rental car companies say no, but it's well worth it.

 

[SlimShady]

Going for two weeks in October. What would you say we MUST do?

Absolute MUSTHaleakalā

I was not able to make it for a sunrise or sunset but it was still insanely awesome

https://www.flickr.com/photos/acerfc/9479635311/in/dateposted-public/lightbox/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/acerfc/9479636073/in/dateposted-public/lightbox/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/acerfc/9479681429/in/dateposted-public/lightbox/

Yeah I heard this was great IF the weather cooperates. We choose not to do it because a) we'd have to wake up at 3 am on vacation for the sunriseand b) the weather reports for the top of the crater were not good.

Been to Maui 20 times, never done it.

You're like those guys who orbited the moon several time but never landed.

That is pretty amazing.

If you don;t want to get up at 3 am sunset is also amazing. The drive up, like most things in Maui, is unbelievable.

The idea of going up a mountain to look around on vacation not appealing. I live 40 miles from mt st Helens and mt hood and have spent a lot of time on both

 

[uconnalum]

I am leaving on Monday for work on the Island of Oahu for 2 1/2 months I will be coming back to the Mainland on August 10th. I do have a personal vacation to the Caymans clumped in between for 10 days. I will be staying on Waikiki beach. I will have a car. (I will be in Hawaii solo the first half of stay then wife and kid joining me for the other half of stay)

My question can I take a ferry from Oahu to other islands for day trips.

I have only been to Maui so what can I expect from Oahu.

I hope to go watch some surfers surfing the North Shore maybe even try to give it a whirl myself are there better places for surf besides North Shore.

I have been told there are no poker rooms or gambling in Hawaii is that true.
I also heard near the Polo Grounds is the nude beach

Any suggestions for fun or places to see on Oahu would be greatly appreciated

 

[chauncey]

Did you see my ex there? She has a monkey tattoo on her lower back.

Who has hotter feet: girls on their honeymoon or the natives?

What was your favorite day? What did you do that day in particular? Why was it your favorite?

Any tips on booking flights to Maui on the cheap?

TIA

 

[bleachercreacher]

I am leaving on Monday for work on the Island of Oahu for 2 1/2 months I will be coming back to the Mainland on August 10th. I do have a personal vacation to the Caymans clumped in between for 10 days. I will be staying on Waikiki beach. I will have a car. (I will be in Hawaii solo the first half of stay then wife and kid joining me for the other half of stay)

My question can I take a ferry from Oahu to other islands for day trips.

I have only been to Maui so what can I expect from Oahu.

I hope to go watch some surfers surfing the North Shore maybe even try to give it a whirl myself are there better places for surf besides North Shore.

I have been told there are no poker rooms or gambling in Hawaii is that true.

I also heard near the Polo Grounds is the nude beach

Any suggestions for fun or places to see on Oahu would be greatly appreciated

I have no clue about a ferry, but you can fly between the islands for fairly cheap. I woiuld guess that a ferry would take too long, but I don't know. Oahu, especially around Waikiki is going to be very crowded, but if you want to get away just drive to the northern end of the island. There's a lot to do in Honolulu though, it's fun. There's a bunch of beaches surfers hit on the north shore, but the huge waves only come in certain times of the year. Summer is the worst time to go, as there will be little to no waves. I have no clue about gambling or nude beaches.

 

[PinkydaPimp]

I am leaving on Monday for work on the Island of Oahu for 2 1/2 months I will be coming back to the Mainland on August 10th. I do have a personal vacation to the Caymans clumped in between for 10 days. I will be staying on Waikiki beach. I will have a car. (I will be in Hawaii solo the first half of stay then wife and kid joining me for the other half of stay)

My question can I take a ferry from Oahu to other islands for day trips.

I have only been to Maui so what can I expect from Oahu.

I hope to go watch some surfers surfing the North Shore maybe even try to give it a whirl myself are there better places for surf besides North Shore.

I have been told there are no poker rooms or gambling in Hawaii is that true.

I also heard near the Polo Grounds is the nude beach

Any suggestions for fun or places to see on Oahu would be greatly appreciated

If you like sushi go to sushi ii and order omakase.

 

[jon_mx]

When you get to Hana there is a Red sand beach that is a cool spot to explore. You have to locate the trail (which is off a road which ends at a hotel/apts? and between what was an empty lot 8 years ago) and hike along a small Clift for maybe a quarter mile. There maybe a few people there smoking weed or hanging out nude. It is very secluded and not heavily visited and locals would prefer to keep it that way.

 

[tommyGunZ]

2 pages and no Little Beach recommendation?

 

[The General]

Going for two weeks in October. What would you say we MUST do?

Absolute MUSTHaleakalā

I was not able to make it for a sunrise or sunset but it was still insanely awesome

https://www.flickr.com/photos/acerfc/9479635311/in/dateposted-public/lightbox/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/acerfc/9479636073/in/dateposted-public/lightbox/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/acerfc/9479681429/in/dateposted-public/lightbox/

Yeah I heard this was great IF the weather cooperates. We choose not to do it because a) we'd have to wake up at 3 am on vacation for the sunriseand b) the weather reports for the top of the crater were not good.

Been to Maui 20 times, never done it.

You're like those guys who orbited the moon several time but never landed.

That is pretty amazing.

If you don;t want to get up at 3 am sunset is also amazing. The drive up, like most things in Maui, is unbelievable.

The idea of going up a mountain to look around on vacation not appealing. I live 40 miles from mt st Helens and mt hood and have spent a lot of time on both

You start the day snorkeling, grab lunch, watch some windsurfing near Haiku area then it's only about an hour or hour and a half or so up of really impressive scenery through probably 6 different ecosystems.

It's quite a bit different than Hood or Helens in that you drive all the way to the top and can see the ocean, Maui, The crater and some of the other islands. Watch sun go down. It's a great day. If you have more than a week there definitely worth doing I'd think unless you just hate driving.

 

[ChiefD]

I am leaving on Monday for work on the Island of Oahu for 2 1/2 months I will be coming back to the Mainland on August 10th. I do have a personal vacation to the Caymans clumped in between for 10 days. I will be staying on Waikiki beach. I will have a car. (I will be in Hawaii solo the first half of stay then wife and kid joining me for the other half of stay)

My question can I take a ferry from Oahu to other islands for day trips.

I have only been to Maui so what can I expect from Oahu.

I hope to go watch some surfers surfing the North Shore maybe even try to give it a whirl myself are there better places for surf besides North Shore.

I have been told there are no poker rooms or gambling in Hawaii is that true.

I also heard near the Polo Grounds is the nude beach

Any suggestions for fun or places to see on Oahu would be greatly appreciated

The USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor is a must do. Really powerful.

There is also some great snorkeling toward the North Shore that you can do in the summer because the water is so calm. Three tables is one that comes to mind. Google snorkel spots on Oahu and you will find some great spots.

Eat some Kalua pig.

Hike the Diamond Head crater.

Hike the Manoa Falls trail. It's near downtown Honolulu. It's a short hike and good for kids too. Nice big waterfall at the end.

If the kids are old enough to snorkel, you may also hit Hanauma Bay. It's touristy, but the waters are protected and calm, especially for younger swimmers. They also only let in a certain amount of people at a time, so get there when they open and you should be good.

 

[Bucky86]

Did you visit Kumanaiwanalaia

 

[Scoresman]

How hot were the women on the beaches?

They were ok, but I expected a bit more. There's lots of families on Maui so there were lots of hot moms in one piece swimsuits.

I'm going to Cancun in three weeks. I expect much better quality there.

 

[Scoresman]

Did you see my ex there? She has a monkey tattoo on her lower back.

Who has hotter feet: girls on their honeymoon or the natives?

What was your favorite day? What did you do that day in particular? Why was it your favorite?

Any tips on booking flights to Maui on the cheap?

TIA

Did you see my ex there? She has a monkey tattoo on her lower back. No, but that sounds hot.

Who has hotter feet: girls on their honeymoon or the natives? Girls on their honeymoon. Natives walk around barefoot all the time and it takes a noticeable toll on their feet.

What was your favorite day? What did you do that day in particular? Why was it your favorite? Probably the snorkeling day. Started off with an awesome breakfast at Gazebo, then hopped around to different bays for snorkeling off the beach. I got a lot of great gopro video that day which was nice.

Any tips on booking flights to Maui on the cheap? Sorry no. It was kind of a last minute trip in that we were invited to share a friend's timeshare. We didnt get a very good price.

 

[pats3in4]

Going for two weeks in October. What would you say we MUST do?

Absolute MUSTHaleakalā

I was not able to make it for a sunrise or sunset but it was still insanely awesome

https://www.flickr.com/photos/acerfc/9479635311/in/dateposted-public/lightbox/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/acerfc/9479636073/in/dateposted-public/lightbox/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/acerfc/9479681429/in/dateposted-public/lightbox/

The sunrise bike ride down is awesome. Go with a guided outfit. They pick you up around 2:30am along with other patrons in the other hotels. It's a long van ride up the mountain. The van tows a trailer of bikes. At the top, they give you jackets and long pants as it is cold. The view from 10,000ft above the middle of the Pacific is unlike any you'll ever have. The bikes they give you are equipped with motorcycle drum brakes. The group rides single file down the winding road with the van in the back acting as a blocker. About 2/3 down the volcano the group stops for pancake breakfast at a restaurant. The ride continues to a beach.

Give yourself that whole next day to recover from lost sleep and relax at the beach, pool or whatever.

 

[Chaos Commish]

When you get to Hana there is a Red sand beach that is a cool spot to explore. You have to locate the trail (which is off a road which ends at a hotel/apts? and between what was an empty lot 8 years ago) and hike along a small Clift for maybe a quarter mile. There maybe a few people there smoking weed or hanging out nude. It is very secluded and not heavily visited and locals would prefer to keep it that way.

That one's in all the guide books. It's huge compared to this one. One of my favorite photographs is my brother in that tree smoking something local ten minutes after he nearly drowned. I'll be there all morning on the 9th of July.

 

[spOOfy]

how can i go there when i live in philly and not need a 2nd mortgage? flights alone would cost my family of 4 over 5 grand.

 

[fred_1_15301]

Any experiences worthy of an anonymous confession?

 

[Scoresman]

how can i go there when i live in philly and not need a 2nd mortgage? flights alone would cost my family of 4 over 5 grand.

Move to Cali and sell your kids.

I dont know how families with multiple kids afford vacations like this. My wife and I dont plan on having kids, but if we did, I'm pretty sure we'd be sacrificing a ton of our travelling and we wouldn't have a timeshare like we do.

 

[spOOfy]

yeah, i actually think i may have figured it out. the key is to fly to vegas (which you can typically get for about $300 per person) and the use allegiant air to fly to vegas, which you can get for about $200 round trip.

we don't take our kids on vacations like this. our vacations look like this typically...

annual week at NJ shore (includes kids)

every year or 2 go somewhere tropical (no kids)

every 2 or 3 years go to disney (with kids)

but i'd like to do a big family vacation to hawaii if we can swing it.

 

[FarFromHome]

Searched Maui and this seems like the spot to post it.

Lived in Maui for nearly 10 years. Moved to mainland 4 years ago. Today is 20 year wedding anniversary with a trip to Mama's Fish house tonight. Two week trip. Just great to be back. On the beach currently. It's my zen.

I searched and didn't find a Lahaina fire thread. First time I've been back since fires. My entire family learned to surf at the 505. Spent countless birthdays downtown. So many memories. Heartbreaking to view the demolished area. Just bare bones. So bare. Good to see so much construction. Lots and lots of portable homes in the area, even in Wailuku. Great to see residential homes being built first before downtown. Gonna be interesting how the downtown fight ends up. Mahalo Maui for all you've given me.

 

[Scoresman]

Going back in May. We were going to go a couple years ago but had to pivot to Honolulu because of the fires. First time in Honolulu and it was not even close to the same relaxing experience that you get on Maui or Kauai.

 

[Drunken knight]

thinking about maui vs big island vs Zihuantanejo in October

 

[Drunken knight]

Going back in May. We were going to go a couple years ago but had to pivot to Honolulu because of the fires. First time in Honolulu and it was not even close to the same relaxing experience that you get on Maui or Kauai.

no .... check out ko olina- four seasons or marriott (next to aulani)

 

[FarFromHome]

First time in Honolulu and it was not even close to the same relaxing experience that you get on Maui or Kauai.

100%. Couple times a year we would head over to Oahu. I've had a couple knee surgeries there. After every trip, landing back at Kahului airport we always just take a massive sigh of relief. Oahu too much. Costs have really jumped here on Maui. Spent 100 bucks at Round Table for 3 pizzas. Smh. My Ruth Chris steak dinner went from 55 to 80 a pop. Smh. Thank goodness my island connections have saved me hundreds and hundreds of dollars. Ha ha

 

[FarFromHome]

Side note. We both still have our Hawaii licenses. Shhhhh

 

[FiredMartz]

Going for two weeks in October. What would you say we MUST do?

Restaurants:

Roy’s- Kahana (there are two next to each other…..Nicolina’s is more formal- same menu)

ios

pacific'o

Kimo’s- lahaina (trendy, but still ok)

Tropica- Kaanapali (at the westin) oceanside.

Hula Grill- Kaanapali (good place for lunch and app’s around sunset)

Mama’s fish House

Moose’s- in Lahaina. Good for happy hour….. $2.00 maitai’s,etc.

aloha mixed plate- GREAT Lunch place.... we prob hit it 3-4 times on our trips

maui tacos makes for a nice lunch as well

sansei- kapalua also

Merriman’s

Pineapple Grill

a lot of other great restaurants all over the island.

Activities:

Chocolate & champagne sunset cruise (scotch mist)- it’s on a small sailboat (holds about 8 instead of 80)

Scuba- there are some good sights near lanai. Hawaiian rafting adventures was very good. We’ve seen dolphins along the way…they let us get out and snorkel with them…also have seen whales on the ride over.

Snorkeling- you can go with a group (i used to like the catamaran booze cruises that had snorkeling). Some good spots if you just want to go on your own: Honolua Bay, black rock, and mile marker 14.

Kayaking

luau- feast of lele is pretty good

Haleakula- sunrise at the top of a large cater, then bike downhill for 7+miles……

Helicopter rides

The Road to Hana- it’s long!!! Nice waterfalls along the way. With a little hiking you can find some cascades (pools). there is not much in hana.

there is a winery on the island... not the best wine, but still fun.

there are some decent micro breweries.

renting jet skis

surf lessons (if you don't know how)

windsurfing

whale watching (when they are migrating)

Mooses is in Kihei

 

[Drunken knight]

Going for two weeks in October. What would you say we MUST do?

Restaurants:

Roy’s- Kahana (there are two next to each other…..Nicolina’s is more formal- same menu)

ios

pacific'o

Kimo’s- lahaina (trendy, but still ok)

Tropica- Kaanapali (at the westin) oceanside.

Hula Grill- Kaanapali (good place for lunch and app’s around sunset)

Mama’s fish House

Moose’s- in Lahaina. Good for happy hour….. $2.00 maitai’s,etc.

aloha mixed plate- GREAT Lunch place.... we prob hit it 3-4 times on our trips

maui tacos makes for a nice lunch as well

sansei- kapalua also

Merriman’s

Pineapple Grill

a lot of other great restaurants all over the island.

Activities:

Chocolate & champagne sunset cruise (scotch mist)- it’s on a small sailboat (holds about 8 instead of 80)

Scuba- there are some good sights near lanai. Hawaiian rafting adventures was very good. We’ve seen dolphins along the way…they let us get out and snorkel with them…also have seen whales on the ride over.

Snorkeling- you can go with a group (i used to like the catamaran booze cruises that had snorkeling). Some good spots if you just want to go on your own: Honolua Bay, black rock, and mile marker 14.

Kayaking

luau- feast of lele is pretty good

Haleakula- sunrise at the top of a large cater, then bike downhill for 7+miles……

Helicopter rides

The Road to Hana- it’s long!!! Nice waterfalls along the way. With a little hiking you can find some cascades (pools). there is not much in hana.

there is a winery on the island... not the best wine, but still fun.

there are some decent micro breweries.

renting jet skis

surf lessons (if you don't know how)

windsurfing

whale watching (when they are migrating)

Mooses is in Kihei

many years ago, there was one in lahaina

 

[FarFromHome]

no .... check out ko olina- four seasons or marriott (next to aulani)

Both super nice places. Everyone is different. When I want my tropical fill I just don't want a big city vibe. If I was younger and single then Oahu all the way. At 50, give me the other three islands. Maui is the perfect balance between Oahu and the other two. I remember how earth shattering it was when Target came to Maui. It was a big day. We had lived there a few years. When my wife first walked into Target she cried. Ha ha

 

[FarFromHome]

Da Kitchen in Kihei is still the best spot for lots of good food for a decent price.

 

[bigbottom]

Going back in May. We were going to go a couple years ago but had to pivot to Honolulu because of the fires. First time in Honolulu and it was not even close to the same relaxing experience that you get on Maui or Kauai.

Got to get outside of Honolulu if you want a relaxing experience on Oahu.

 

[bigbottom]

First time in Honolulu and it was not even close to the same relaxing experience that you get on Maui or Kauai.

100%. Couple times a year we would head over to Oahu. I've had a couple knee surgeries there. After every trip, landing back at Kahului airport we always just take a massive sigh of relief. Oahu too much. Costs have really jumped here on Maui. Spent 100 bucks at Round Table for 3 pizzas. Smh. My Ruth Chris steak dinner went from 55 to 80 a pop. Smh. Thank goodness my island connections have saved me hundreds and hundreds of dollars. Ha ha

Gotta love the Kamaina rates!

 

[Drunken knight]

no .... check out ko olina- four seasons or marriott (next to aulani)

Both super nice places. Everyone is different. When I want my tropical fill I just don't want a big city vibe. If I was younger and single then Oahu all the way. At 50, give me the other three islands. Maui is the perfect balance between Oahu and the other two. I remember how earth shattering it was when Target came to Maui. It was a big day. We had lived there a few years. When my wife first walked into Target she cried. Ha ha

i agree 100%.

my brother was married at ko olina in 09 (they were building aulani at the time). definitely not the Honolulu/Waikiki experience

 

[bigbottom]

Da Kitchen in Kihei is still the best spot for lots of good food for a decent price.

Kihei is my preferred Maui location. Local, non-resorty feel but with lots to do and an incredible beach (Kamaole is awesome).

 

[Scoresman]

Going back in May. We were going to go a couple years ago but had to pivot to Honolulu because of the fires. First time in Honolulu and it was not even close to the same relaxing experience that you get on Maui or Kauai.

Got to get outside of Honolulu if you want a relaxing experience on Oahu.

Yeah we drove around and it was ok I guess. Dole Plantation was a huge miss though. We also did the tour of the valley where a bunch of movies were made, but in comparison to a similar experience on Kauai, it was just not as good.

I'm sure there are nice resorts located around Oahu, but Honolulu was way too claustrophobic for my tastes.

 

[bigbottom]

I just got back yesterday from 10 days on Kailua Beach (Oahu). My favorite beach in the world. Did a number of hikes, ate a ton of food, spent countless hours with local family, and logged plenty of beach time. Completely avoided Honolulu (except to get cake and pastries from Liliha Bakery). It was absolutely perfect.

 

[bigbottom]

Going back in May. We were going to go a couple years ago but had to pivot to Honolulu because of the fires. First time in Honolulu and it was not even close to the same relaxing experience that you get on Maui or Kauai.

Got to get outside of Honolulu if you want a relaxing experience on Oahu.

Yeah we drove around and it was ok I guess. Dole Plantation was a huge miss though. We also did the tour of the valley where a bunch of movies were made, but in comparison to a similar experience on Kauai, it was just not as good.

I'm sure there are nice resorts located around Oahu, but Honolulu was way too claustrophobic for my tastes.

Well, I don’t do resorts when I go to Hawaii (any of the islands), so our experiences will obviously differ. There are so many incredible non-touristy things to do (on all of the islands). Hawaii really is a special place.

 

[DA RAIDERS]

@FarFromHome the other hawaii thread has my BIL’s story of losing everything in the Lahaina fires. They’ve framed out the house rebuild. Both of their places of business burnt down as well. It’s been a journey.

 

[Drunken knight]

Going for two weeks in October. What would you say we MUST do?

Restaurants:

Roy’s- Kahana (there are two next to each other…..Nicolina’s is more formal- same menu)

ios

pacific'o

Kimo’s- lahaina (trendy, but still ok)

Tropica- Kaanapali (at the westin) oceanside.

Hula Grill- Kaanapali (good place for lunch and app’s around sunset)

Mama’s fish House

Moose’s- in Lahaina. Good for happy hour….. $2.00 maitai’s,etc.

aloha mixed plate- GREAT Lunch place.... we prob hit it 3-4 times on our trips

maui tacos makes for a nice lunch as well

sansei- kapalua also

Merriman’s

Pineapple Grill

a lot of other great restaurants all over the island.

Activities:

Chocolate & champagne sunset cruise (scotch mist)- it’s on a small sailboat (holds about 8 instead of 80)

Scuba- there are some good sights near lanai. Hawaiian rafting adventures was very good. We’ve seen dolphins along the way…they let us get out and snorkel with them…also have seen whales on the ride over.

Snorkeling- you can go with a group (i used to like the catamaran booze cruises that had snorkeling). Some good spots if you just want to go on your own: Honolua Bay, black rock, and mile marker 14.

Kayaking

luau- feast of lele is pretty good

Haleakula- sunrise at the top of a large cater, then bike downhill for 7+miles……

Helicopter rides

The Road to Hana- it’s long!!! Nice waterfalls along the way. With a little hiking you can find some cascades (pools). there is not much in hana.

there is a winery on the island... not the best wine, but still fun.

there are some decent micro breweries.

renting jet skis

surf lessons (if you don't know how)

windsurfing

whale watching (when they are migrating)

Mooses is in Kihei

Going for two weeks in October. What would you say we MUST do?

Restaurants:

Roy’s- Kahana (there are two next to each other…..Nicolina’s is more formal- same menu)

ios

pacific'o

Kimo’s- lahaina (trendy, but still ok)

Tropica- Kaanapali (at the westin) oceanside.

Hula Grill- Kaanapali (good place for lunch and app’s around sunset)

Mama’s fish House

Moose’s- in Lahaina. Good for happy hour….. $2.00 maitai’s,etc.

aloha mixed plate- GREAT Lunch place.... we prob hit it 3-4 times on our trips

maui tacos makes for a nice lunch as well

sansei- kapalua also

Merriman’s

Pineapple Grill

a lot of other great restaurants all over the island.

Activities:

Chocolate & champagne sunset cruise (scotch mist)- it’s on a small sailboat (holds about 8 instead of 80)

Scuba- there are some good sights near lanai. Hawaiian rafting adventures was very good. We’ve seen dolphins along the way…they let us get out and snorkel with them…also have seen whales on the ride over.

Snorkeling- you can go with a group (i used to like the catamaran booze cruises that had snorkeling). Some good spots if you just want to go on your own: Honolua Bay, black rock, and mile marker 14.

Kayaking

luau- feast of lele is pretty good

Haleakula- sunrise at the top of a large cater, then bike downhill for 7+miles……

Helicopter rides

The Road to Hana- it’s long!!! Nice waterfalls along the way. With a little hiking you can find some cascades (pools). there is not much in hana.

there is a winery on the island... not the best wine, but still fun.

there are some decent micro breweries.

renting jet skis

surf lessons (if you don't know how)

windsurfing

whale watching (when they are migrating)

Mooses is in Kihei

many years ago, there was one in lahaina

Looks like Lahaina closed in May of 14 after 31 yrs

 

[tommyGunZ]

Da Kitchen in Kihei is still the best spot for lots of good food for a decent price.

Kihei is my preferred Maui location. Local, non-resorty feel but with lots to do and an incredible beach (Kamaole is awesome).

Had a great late lunch at Nalu’s after a fun beach day at Kama’ole. Kihei has a great vibe.