Maui Advice
 

Hello everyone, I have just put together a last minute trip to Maui for the family(two boys 10 and 14) leaving 9/29 and returning on 10/08. This is our first time to an island other than the big island.

We are staying at the Grand Wailea 10/2-10/6 and currently have the rest of the trip open. I have read some of the threads and have some ideas so here is what I was looking for advice on:

1. Our flight gets in at 8:00pm and all we want is a clean room close to the airport for the night to get some sleep, any suggestions?

2. We were thinking of "exploring" for the next 2.5 days before we check into the GW. Hana and the park area looked interesting especially with the kids. Any suggestions on where to stay and what not to miss?

3. After we check out of the GW our last 2 days are open. Thought about renting a plane (husband is a private pilot) and going to one of the other close islands or is there more to see and do on Maui.

4. And finally, are both 2006 and 2007 entertainment books the same or is one better for Maui.

Thanks for the help in advance.

Get a copy of:

Maui Revealed, Doughty and Freidman, Wizard Publications.

I read this a few weeks before a 6 day trip myself, and had every day planned out with options of things to do. For me, an active single traveler, 6 days was exactly right - not much of a beach bum, but more active and have to be doing things.

Don't worry about staying near the airport - I believe most of the hotels around there are quite nasty. I loved staying in Lahaina - pricelined the Maui Islander for about $55/night. 2* Hotel wasn't the greatest and certainly no luxury resort, but was clean, comfortable, and a nice base, with a nice outdoor pool. I was up at 6am and off out, back for a shower before dinner and drinks, and then in bed by 10pm or so. So much to do, you've got to make the most of daylight, so you get up early! Just being able to walk from the hotel to downtown Lahaina made the trip - and i would think that for a few days at least that would be great for the family to be able to do also.

Lahaina is only about a 40 minute drive I think, and at that time of the evening traffic shouldn't be a problem.

For the sake of a 40 minute drive I'd not even consider staying near the airport in a nasty motel.

If i was there for more than six days, then yes I'd go visit another island. Molokai for example, and if you can rent a plane then I imagine that would be a STUNNING senic flight around the island.

I agree with hangpilot. I'd rather drive in the evening and get to the place, then wake up in the morning and enjoy where I'm at, rather than spend half the next morning checking out and getting there.

I agree with the other posts. Head over to the Kihei/Lahaina/coast area. There are far more choices and a beautiful area. After your long flight, a short drive with the windows down and the wind blowing in your hair will revive not only your weary body but your spirits too ;)

Aloha! Book a condo for the first nights in Kihei on South Kihei Road Across from one of the Kama'ole Beach Parks.

Wow, if this is an alternative, you've just got to do it. Maui and its shadow islands are just breathtaking from the air. I agree that a Molokai day trip is a great idea. Maui is still beautiful, but it's quite developed. Molokai will really be getting away from it all.

You could fly into Hana, Lanai and Molokai all within those 2 days. I think you've got more than enough to do on Maui, though. So you may just want to stay put.
This is almost impossible to get last minute, but if you can, try see if there are any cabin openings on Haleakala. Waking up to the sunrise at 10,000+ feet for those first two days, or even a day, might be well worth it.
http://www.haleakala.national-park.com/camping.htm

If you get lucky on a cabin, it is definitely worth it. Just make sure you dress appropriately. As the website warns it gets pretty cold up there!

That is my question. Since this thread is 3-1/2 yrs old, is the advice still the same? E.g., avoid the airport area motels, and drive elsewhere? We would be exhausted that evening, and would just want to sleep until the following morning when we head off to Hana (have the Hana stop booked already).

Probably head to Kihei for the arrival evening, unless we get more info about a reasonable airport-area motel. Any suggestions?

Mama's
 

If you are heading to Hana...I would recomment staying at Mama's Fish House (its also a hotel).

Great little beach...its on your way...and you get a restaurant discount if you decide to splurge!

At least go for drinks and dessert!

DO NOT STAY NEAR THE AIRPORT!

Mama's Fish House is just a short distance away, but it may be expensive. Their food is also outstanding but very expensive -- $100pp without appetizer or dessert, IIRC.

Kula Lodge is at the base of Haleakal and would be convenient to Hana. There are also a few places in Paia that you might consider.

Go to WizardPub.com, Maui for reviews and photos.

IMO.. make a vacation of it.. instead of moving around.. just check into the Grand Wailea right away.. the kids will wake up to Water Parks, and non-stop fun. You're only there for 10 days.. just payed dearly for flights, or mile points.. go and enjoy!

My Doctor friend, wife with five kids always stay at the Grand Wailea and finds ten days not enough.. hence they've been there ten times at least over the years. We personally stay at the Fairmont Kea Lani in Wailea.. 840 sq ft suites, great grounds.. I heard its more fun with the water slides at Grand Wailea, with wall to wall people. Fairmont has great one bedroom suites, and an excellent location overlooking Molokini crater.

Ancien Maestro, you're responding to a poster from 2006. See post # 9 for the start of the 2010 discussion.

Zip, are you staying the night in Hana? If so, then I think you'll be fine staying near the airport for one night.

If you are NOT staying the night in Hana, I'd go ahead and check-in to the place I was staying the rest of the week vs. staying one night in Kihei, etc. The Road to Hana is known for roadside thieves who break into cars. So you don't want to be carrying all your belongings around if you can avoid it. If you must do this, put everything out of sight and pack a backpack so that you can take all your valuables with you on hikes.

I dont know of any nice Maui airport area hotels. Marriott was going to build an airport area CY but I dont think that will happen.There are 2 hotels in Kahalui but both are old, scruffy and noisy. As noted head for mid-priced Kihei hotels and condos.

MisterNice

Oops.. my bad. I don't have an opinion on post #9 because the Road to Hana is a long drive, and best to do the drive in daylight after a long flight to Kahului. Definitely some logistics to be done here. I think the drive to Kihei isn't a bad one from the airport..