Maui/Oahu (1 Viewer)

[bshell27]

Headed to Maui for two weeks with a one day hop to Pearl Harbor. Our tickets for Pearl Harbor are not until 1 pm. What should we do from 7 am until roughly noon when we have to get back to Pearl Harbor?

Also, what is the one thing you would recommend for Maui?

Haleakala is planned.

Road to Hana planned.

Need some other must dos!

 

[Leviathan]

If you're into hiking, the trail to the top of Diamond Head isn't very difficult. The view from the top is gorgeous. There are a few old artillery positions that you can check out, too. Kinda ties in with your Pearl theme.

 

[bierfiend]

if i were to recommend one activity on maui it would be haleakula. next to that i enjoy diving and hiking. before the kid, mrs and i liked doing a champagne sunset sail (small boat with maybe 8 people).

 

[The Commish]

Not sure you have the time, but the Polynesian cultural center on the north part of the island is pretty cool to visit.

 

[ChiefD]

Not sure you have the time, but the Polynesian cultural center on the north part of the island is pretty cool to visit.

Yeah, he probably won't have time to head up there.

I would do diamond head for sure, but even so that's going to take a couple of hours. You could also just hang on Waikiki as well. There is also a hike close to waikiki called Manoa Falls. It's a pretty short hike through the rain forest with a great waterfall at the end.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Go snorkeling/kayaking near Makena beach with MauiKayaks.

The tour is much smaller (and better) than the one that goes to Molokini.

Another interesting thing to do is hiking in the Iao Valley.

 

[rick6668]

If you're into hiking, the trail to the top of Diamond Head isn't very difficult. The view from the top is gorgeous. There are a few old artillery positions that you can check out, too. Kinda ties in with your Pearl theme.

Diamond head sound like a good fit .

Also, Other than Waikiki, Hanauma Bay is just a little further past diamond head. Great place for snorkeling etc.

 

[bshell27]

Great suggestions so far. Sounds like diamond head and trying to get to Hanauma Bay.

We leave 10/16 for two weeks. Got the suitcases out and started preliminary packing. Mistake. Kids are now emotional.

 

[The General]

Haleakala at sunset is great. Mama's Fish house was one of the few meals I've had that lived up to the expectations and price.

 

[Mr. Yuk]

On Oahu, snorkeling at Hanauma Bay. Get there right when they open for the best snorkeling/clearest water. Once more people show up there are less fish and the water gets cloudier from people kicking up sand.

 

[marshall88]

On Oahu, snorkeling at Hanauma Bay. Get there right when they open for the best snorkeling/clearest water. Once more people show up there are less fish and the water gets cloudier from people kicking up sand.

The variety and number of fish at Hanauma Bay is fantastic. But unless you're there early early morning, it gets too crowded. Go there as soon as you get to Oahu.

I think the Polynesian Center is a waste of time. I've been there twice and felt that each time. It gives me the feeling of a classic tourist trap - but if you end up,going, definitely do the BBQ dinner. That was good.

If you can't make it to Hanauma, then drive to Haleiwa and Sunset Beach.

But you should also plan on getting to Pearl Harbor early. There's plenty of stuff to do there before your tour begins.

 

[Leviathan]

Pearl Harbor is quite sobering. I remember seeing oil from the USS Arizona seep up to the surface.

 

[ChiefD]

Hanauma Bay is closed on Tuesdays, so you may want check your day to Pearl Harbor.

 

[bshell27]

Hanauma Bay is closed on Tuesdays, so you may want check your day to Pearl Harbor.

Ha. Just checked. 10/27. A Tuesday.

 

[rick6668]

Hanauma Bay is closed on Tuesdays, so you may want check your day to Pearl Harbor.

Ha. Just checked. 10/27. A Tuesday.

Well that sucks. Nice heads up ChiefD

 

[RedmondLonghorn]

If you decide to hike up Diamond Head, you definitely should stop at Diamond Head Market and Bakery first for some breakfast.

http://www.diamondheadmarket.com/Banana-Panckaes-Pork-Hash.html

It is just a little window for takeout, but the food is GREAT.

 

[Phil Elliott]

Oahu: Hike up Diamond Head. Drive up to North Shore if the waves are up.

Maui: Beaches down at Makena are nice and sunny. Definitely snorkeling. Consider Lanai:

http://www.hawaiiactivities.com/en/hawaii/maui/a/15612

 

[ChiefD]

Hanauma Bay is closed on Tuesdays, so you may want check your day to Pearl Harbor.

Ha. Just checked. 10/27. A Tuesday.

If you want to just do some snorkeling and chilling on the beach, you could head to Kailua and go to Lanekai beach. Rent some snorkel gear. You'll have to park in a neighborhood and walk through the path to get to the beach, but it's worth it. Quiet, and not a lot of tourists. The water is pretty calm there, so you can snorkel and see sea turtles there.

http://www.portaloha.com/SecretsOfHawaii/KailuaBeach.htm

 

[RedmondLonghorn]

Hanauma Bay is closed on Tuesdays, so you may want check your day to Pearl Harbor.

Ha. Just checked. 10/27. A Tuesday.

If you want to just do some snorkeling and chilling on the beach, you could head to Kailua and go to Lanekai beach. Rent some snorkel gear. You'll have to park in a neighborhood and walk through the path to get to the beach, but it's worth it. Quiet, and not a lot of tourists. The water is pretty calm there, so you can snorkel and see sea turtles there.

http://www.portaloha.com/SecretsOfHawaii/KailuaBeach.htm

He is going to be on Maui for two weeks. It makes zero sense to try and fit snorkeling in on his one day on Oahu, when there is plenty of excellent snorkeling he can do the rest of the time.

I'd suggest doing things that are unique to Honolulu/Oahu.

 

[bshell27]

Hanauma Bay is closed on Tuesdays, so you may want check your day to Pearl Harbor.

Ha. Just checked. 10/27. A Tuesday.

Well that sucks. Nice heads up ChiefD

Yes, thank you very much!

I didn't know this booking the day, but it is Navy Day as well. I can't find any special events or anything they may do different for this.

 

[ChiefD]

Hanauma Bay is closed on Tuesdays, so you may want check your day to Pearl Harbor.

Ha. Just checked. 10/27. A Tuesday.

If you want to just do some snorkeling and chilling on the beach, you could head to Kailua and go to Lanekai beach. Rent some snorkel gear. You'll have to park in a neighborhood and walk through the path to get to the beach, but it's worth it. Quiet, and not a lot of tourists. The water is pretty calm there, so you can snorkel and see sea turtles there.

http://www.portaloha.com/SecretsOfHawaii/KailuaBeach.htm

He is going to be on Maui for two weeks. It makes zero sense to try and fit snorkeling in on his one day on Oahu, when there is plenty of excellent snorkeling he can do the rest of the time.

I'd suggest doing things that are unique to Honolulu/Oahu.

Agree. Just trying to come up with things that could be done somewhat close to Pearl Harbor so he's got plenty of time.

If you are looking at uniquely Oahu, then just take the Pali highway out of downtown and check that out. Great scenery. Then continue to the North Shore and check out the big waves.

 

[thayman]

If you're into hiking, the trail to the top of Diamond Head isn't very difficult. The view from the top is gorgeous. There are a few old artillery positions that you can check out, too. Kinda ties in with your Pearl theme.

If you are short on time, Manoa Falls is a better hike with a waterfall at the end. Same level of difficulty, at the end Diamond Head is worth it with the view but there's not a lot of scenery when you are headed up.

 

[thayman]

Also go to Helena's Hawaiian Food. It's up off of School Street. Hands down the best Hawaiian Food on the island.

 

[thayman]

Hanauma Bay is closed on Tuesdays, so you may want check your day to Pearl Harbor.

Ha. Just checked. 10/27. A Tuesday.

If you want to just do some snorkeling and chilling on the beach, you could head to Kailua and go to Lanekai beach. Rent some snorkel gear. You'll have to park in a neighborhood and walk through the path to get to the beach, but it's worth it. Quiet, and not a lot of tourists. The water is pretty calm there, so you can snorkel and see sea turtles there.

http://www.portaloha.com/SecretsOfHawaii/KailuaBeach.htm

He is going to be on Maui for two weeks. It makes zero sense to try and fit snorkeling in on his one day on Oahu, when there is plenty of excellent snorkeling he can do the rest of the time.

I'd suggest doing things that are unique to Honolulu/Oahu.

Agree. Just trying to come up with things that could be done somewhat close to Pearl Harbor so he's got plenty of time.

If you are looking at uniquely Oahu, then just take the Pali highway out of downtown and check that out. Great scenery. Then continue to the North Shore and check out the big waves.

Just come back on H3. That is (or was) the most expensive Highway by mileage in the US. Cut right through some rainforest and through the side of a mountain. Beautiful views of Kaneohe when you come through the tunnel.

 

[RedmondLonghorn]

If you are brave, in pretty good shape and don't mind breaking the law, there is the hike up the Haiku Stairs.

 

[Phil Elliott]

On your road to Hana - you can stop and swim in some of the pools under waterfalls. Also you can swim in the 7 sacred pools a little past Hana.

 

[thayman]

If you are brave, in pretty good shape and don't mind breaking the law, there is the hike up the Haiku Stairs.

He won't have enough time. You need to get there around 5amish to beat the security guard.

 

[rick6668]

If you are brave, in pretty good shape and don't mind breaking the law, there is the hike up the Haiku Stairs.

Holy Crap! That looks amazing.

 

[RedmondLonghorn]

If you are brave, in pretty good shape and don't mind breaking the law, there is the hike up the Haiku Stairs.

He won't have enough time. You need to get there around 5amish to beat the security guard.

Good to know. I have wanted to do that hike ever since I saw it on Magnum P.I. when I was a kid.

 

[Pipes]

In Maui take a surfing lesson from the guys at Hang Loose Surf Club. It's in Lahaina right across from the Banyan tree. My kids roped me into it and I had a blast. Cool Cats is a cool place, in Lahaina, to hang out at.

 

[ffldrew]

You'll be on Mainland time - so do that sunrise on Haleakala in the first day or two - you'll be getting up at 3AM already so use it to your advantage. Schedule any early morning sail/boating trips early as well.

Make sure you get on Aloha time - this ain't Disneyland where you need to knock off rides - just take it easy - real easy.

First stop should be snorkel rental shop - rent for the entire trip. Usually if you do that they throw in a few things like chairs or boogie boards. Put them in the trunk - there are numerous places to pull over or easy access beaches that have great snorkeling. If you are going to do a trip - check with these places they can get you some deals.

If you are headed to Molokini - do it on a true sail ride. Some rides are motor driven. Do it on a sail ride - it's really nice to be under sail power - quiet with nothing but the wake. Trying to remember the one we used - it only took 15 people I think.

After picking up snorkel stuff - get one of these from ABC(or other stores) - http://www.abcstores.com/browse.cfm/4,1385.html. It holds 24 cans and has pouches. You can load it up with drinks and snacks/sandwiches - and take it to the beach or on the road to Hana. Very convenient and it folds up into flat to put in luggage. Most days we would eat big breakfast and then fill up cooler. Keep Yelp links for best Poke handy - http://www.yelp.com/search?find_desc=Best+Poke&find_loc=Kihei%2C+HI or http://www.yelp.com/search?find_desc=Best+Poke&find_loc=Lahina - get some pita chips and Poke - it's great for snacking. Since you will be there 2 weeks get a Foodland card for grocery store.

My favorite beach was - DT Fleming Beach up North - great trees and facilities good surf.

 

[thayman]

If you are brave, in pretty good shape and don't mind breaking the law, there is the hike up the Haiku Stairs.

He won't have enough time. You need to get there around 5amish to beat the security guard.

Good to know. I have wanted to do that hike ever since I saw it on Magnum P.I. when I was a kid.

If you do just be careful. They've been working on the stairs but there are some pretty rotten spots if you aren't careful.

 

[thayman]

Also go to Helena's Hawaiian Food. It's up off of School Street. Hands down the best Hawaiian Food on the island.

Just FYI, if you don't go here you are really missing out. Get Menu "B" with a small poi. Thank me later.

 

[bierfiend]

some of our favorites:

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)

 

[dickey moe]

Snorkeling Honolua Bay (extreme northwestern edge of the island)

 

[RedmondLonghorn]

some of our favorites:

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)

Da Kitchen in Kihei (great plate lunches)

Jaws Tacos in Kihei (fish tacos)

Grilled fish kebabs from the guys by the side of the road in Makena

 

[bshell27]

After losing 70# since March, I may gain back 20, but it'll be fun! $2 Mai Tai's??? Thank you!

 

[bierfiend]

Do not miss sansei, Hula Grill (at sunset), and Merriman's

 

[Pipes]

After losing 70# since March, I may gain back 20, but it'll be fun! $2 Mai Tai's??? Thank you!

some of our favorites:

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)

All great ideas though Moose's in Lahaina closed it doors. Apparently they closed in 2014 some time. I was bummed as I was out there for the final 4 and was hoping to watch the games there as that place was a blast.

 

[bierfiend]

After losing 70# since March, I may gain back 20, but it'll be fun! $2 Mai Tai's??? Thank you!

looks like the one in lahaina no longer exists, it is now in kihei, and has gone up to $3/cocktail..... i know. deal breaker.

 

[bierfiend]

We used to go to maui often, but are trying to mix it up more. We want to show our daughter other parts of teh world/cultures. Went to the big island last jan and had a great time (i prefer the food and snorkeling in maui). We are talking about the yucatan this year. Discussing maui has me rethinking things.

 

[Hooper31]

On of the best places I've ever snorkeled was called "Fishbowl" on Maui. It might be closed to the public now. Had to hike over a lava field to get there. Think it was on the south end of the island.

 

[AcerFC]

Had one of the best burgers on the north shore of Oahu at kahuku grill. Prob too far away, but if you really have nothing to do.

 

[Scoresman]

Dont get put off by the prices at Mama's Fish House. Seconding that it is so worth it.

Also, go to The Gazebo for breakfast and have the amazing fried rice. The line is worth it.

We also had a very good meal at Lahaina Grill.

 

[bshell27]

Thank you for all of the tips. Leaving next week. I'm starting to get excited.

 

[The General]

some of our favorites:

Restaurants:

Roys- Kahana (there are two next to each other..Nicolinas is more formal- same menu)

ios

pacific'o

Kimos- lahaina (trendy, but still ok)

Tropica- Kaanapali (at the westin) oceanside.

Hula Grill- Kaanapali (good place for lunch and apps around sunset)

Mamas fish House

Mooses- in Lahaina. Good for happy hour.. $2.00 maitais,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

Merrimans

Pineapple Grill

a lot of other great restaurants all over the island.

Activities:

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

Scuba- there are some good sights near lanai. Hawaiian rafting adventures was very good. Weve seen dolphins along the waythey let us get out and snorkel with themalso 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- its 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)

Da Kitchen in Kihei (great plate lunches)

Jaws Tacos in Kihei (fish tacos)

Grilled fish kebabs from the guys by the side of the road in Makena

Adding Coconuts Fish Tacos in Kihei. In a strip mall but they were really good.

 

[matuski]

If you are brave, in pretty good shape and don't mind breaking the law, there is the hike up the Haiku Stairs.

Lived in Kailua (pretty much under those stairs) for 3 years never heard of it. Awesome.

 

[ActionHero]

Also go to Helena's Hawaiian Food. It's up off of School Street. Hands down the best Hawaiian Food on the island.

Just FYI, if you don't go here you are really missing out. Get Menu "B" with a small poi. Thank me later.

Listen to thayman. Helena's is one of my top 5 favorite places to eat in the world. Kind of a hole-in-the wall place, but the short ribs are truly spectacular. They won a James Beard award several years ago, so they have a bit of a cult following.

I'd also recommend Home Bar and Grill -- this is a local sports bar with amazing local food (and some good looking waitresses!) Kimchi fried rice, tater tot nachos, wafu steak, etc.. my mouth is watering just thinking about this place.

Last recommendation -- Leonard's for their masalas. Go there before Diamond Head so you can walk off the calories

 

[needanap]

Get the Maui Revealed book if you don' t already have it. Go up and around Kapalua and hike down to the blow hole -- it is pretty cool. Then continue down the road and hike down to the Olivine Pools. When you do both these things pay attention to the ocean and how rough it is -- high surf can make them dangerous. And use common sense. It is not a bad drive to then continue around the north side of the island (buy some banana bread) and then you come out near Kihea.

Will second the recommendation for Aloha Mixed Plate Grill -- good for lunch and dinner. In Lahaina behind the cannery shops.

 

[bshell27]

Friday 5 a.m. can't come fast enough.