Maui - Days 3-7

Open-air airline hangers and willing assistance awaits you at the airport upon arrival. Picking up the rental vehicle is a breeze.

We took our time arriving to the condo so as not to miss anything along the way.

Kihei is smack dab in the middle of the long stretch of beach on Maui. We loved the location because it was close to either Wailea, Lahaina, and Ka'apalua.

There is a Costco, Walmart, and liquor store on the way out of the airport. Stop and shop. Take advantage of kitchen facilities if you have them. Purchasing some of your own food and certainly liquor and mixers is a great idea.

Quick Tips:

We highly recommend the "Revealed" guidebooks. They are full of unbiased/wonderful information. You will be glad you spent some time with them.

Keeping freebie maps and brochures in the vehicle is also helpful. Pick them up at the airports.

Take advantage of your "member/guest" get togethers at the resorts/condos. This is a great way to learn about the area and get insight as to what is offered, especially if it's your first time at a vacation spot!!

These people do this for a living. Why spend your own valuable time trying to figure out what might be good when they not only give you ideas, they can make reservations if you need them!!

We almost always take advantage of these informative gatherings. You meet some great people and also garner ideas from repeat visitors.

Best Way To Get Around:

A rental vehicle is best. The island is easy to get around, you can't get lost!!

Best Things Nearby:
Wailea, Lahaina, and Haleakala.

Best Things About the Resort:
We were able to get a two-bedroom exchange.

Resort Experience:
The Sunset appears to be a little older condo. It has all the amenities you could want. Two bedrooms and two baths, which is perfect for two couples. Our lanai overlooked the sparkling clean pool and barbecue area.

There were beach toys, floats, and a beach umbrella in the closet. That was a nice surprise, and we used them on our day at the beach!!

My first view of the sunset made me realize how the condo got its name. Sunsets were dramatic and very beautiful.

The Maui Sunset sits a few yards from the beach, but don't be fooled--it's not swimmable. It is lovely none the less and we would stay there again.

The central location was a big plus for us "first timers". Everything was close, so we had no trouble getting wherever we wanted to go from the Maui Sunset.

• Unit Type: 2 Bedroom
• Activities: Good
• Amenities: Good
• Unit Satisfaction: Good
• Family Friendliness: Good
• Service: Good

This was my first time at Gump's and certainly not my last. What a fun place. The waitstaff were friendly and really did seem to enjoy what they were doing. We had a table right on the water and it was beautiful. The menu was varied and had something for everyone in our group.

They also make a mean margarita! The music is from the movie and it was an enjoyable experience.

Mama's sits on a beautiful beach on the beginning of the Northshore. The rooms are add ons from bygone eras. What a great place. Take your wallet and have Mai Tais and anything off the menu. We went for lunch and the bill was enormous, but don't let that keep you from checking Mama's out. Their fresh catch of the day is certainly that--it's whatever the fisherman caught that day!

If you are going to splurge, this is a highly recommended place to do it at!

This was a wonderful Lu'au held on the beautiful grounds of the Renaissance Hotel in Wailea. We had our activity director make our resevations after her recommendation. They also offer taxi pickup if you need a designated driver.

The men and women who did the programs of music, dance, and storytelling were young, beautiful, and serious about their ability to share their Hawaiian heritage.

The food was varied, hot, and very tasty (except poi really does look and taste like paste). You were invited to drink as much or as little as you wanted. One price included food, drink, and entertainment. This was a wonderful evening, one of our most memorable dinners on our 16-day trip.

Paragon is a catamaran that is piloted by the owner and a crew that works hard and are friendly.

The clear blue waters off Molokini are great for viewing the fish and coral. We had a great sail out to the crater and about 30-45 minutes to snorkel. Food and drinks were available too.

We sailed back while a dolphin followed us and crested the waves in front of the cat.

Caution - Paragon (as most catamarans do) has trampoline like netting that is very slippery when wet! When you are returning from a great snorkel morning at a 25 knot clip, make sure to hold onto your drink--and the railing!

Paragon is one of the tours that I highly recommend. The captain and his crew are friendly, knowledgeable, and they love what they do.