Quick Tips:

Another way to save is Hawaiian’s vacation in Vegas, so Hawaiian Airlines runs specials to and from Vegas. Most airlines in the U.S. run great deals to Vegas. You might fly for less than a ticket, living on the East Coast. You might like to take a costly snorkeling trip or a helicopter ride, but you can go half-price if you go on a timeshare sales presentation, and it only takes 1½ hours. I did this and I got half-price on my helicopter ride, snorkeling trip, and a sunset cruise for only each. Boss Frogs, a surf shop, offers these deals.

Best Way To Get Around:

You will enjoy listening to the ocean as you sleep. The property is oceanfront (not beachfront), with a pool, grill, and manicured lawn. I think this condo has the best view for the famous Maui sunsets. You have a magnificent view of both Lanai and Molokai.

You are within walking distance of the Kahana Shopping Center. Shops, restaurants, convenience stores, and ATM machines are all available here.

One-bedroom units run $115 per night in the low season and $130 per night in the high season. Not a bad price for oceanfront condos. I use the real-estate company Chase’n Rainbows. If you are a repeat guest, you will receive a 10% discount. Look them up on the web at www.chasenrainbows.com or call at 800/367-6092.

Hawaiian Plate
Our Most Popular Plate Lunch: Kalua Pork & Cabbage, Lomi Lomi Salmon, Poi, Macaroni Salad and Rice. $7.95

Alii Plate
Royalty of Plate Lunches: Lau Lau, Kalua Pig & Cabbage, Lomi Lomi Salmon, Poi, Macaroni Salad, Rice and Haupia for dessert! $12.95

Lau Lau Plate
Two Lau Lau, Poi, Lomi Lomi Salmon, Macaroni Salad, Rice and Haupia. $12.95

Aloha Mixed Plate
Shoyu Chicken, Teriyaki Beef and Mahimahi combination plate. $7.95

Can you believe these prices?! Each dinner also includes two scoops of white rice and macaroni-potato salad (another local favorite). I have eaten here many, many times and never was disappointed. The portions are large, the prices are low, and the ambience is fabulous. This is my top pick for either lunch or dinner.

I have only eaten here on Taco Tuesday, but the regular menu consists of your typical Mexican fare.

Besides that, they serve eggs, omelets, and pancakes. The lunch and dinner menu is the same. They have a variety of burgers done with different toppings, sandwiches, and many appetizers to choose from. I usually get their cheeseburger with onion rings.

Cheeseburger in Paradise does not take reservations. You can always sit by the bar, have a drink, and enjoy the fabulous view of the ocean while you wait.

The owners came from L.A. and incorporated traditional Mexican food with a touch of Hawaiian flavor. This is a great place to feed a family on a budget.

Maui Taco has another location in the Napili Shopping Center, as well.

Hula Grill - I thought this was the best restaurant to eat at in Whalers Village. The food has a Pacific Rim flavor. Everything is freshly made. The service is outstanding and the view is of the oceanfront. The cost of dinner runs about $25 per person. Everything is á la carte. I would not miss out on having their salad with their papaya dressing. It was excellent. But if you do not want to spend that much money, Hula has a barefoot bar that serves sandwiches, burgers, pizza, and platters. Some of my favorites are their pig sandwiches and fish-and-chips.

Leilani’s - This restaurant offers both casual dining and a formal dinner menu. It sits along Kaanapali Beach. The upstairs is for formal dining and downstairs offers a bar menu. The main dinner menu has everything, from steaks to seafood and local fish. Prices run about $25 per person. The food is good, but I think Hula Grill is much better. One thing Leilani’s offers that Hula’s does not is their famous Hula Pie for desert.

Rusty Harpoon - I would rate this place as my third choice. This restaurant is oceanfront. The menu offers everything, from steaks to seafood to chicken and pasta. The prices are a little cheaper than the other restaurants.

You can hike trails ranging from 10-minutes to overnight trips. Camping is available on a first come, first served basis. I would first stop at the visitors center for a free map of the trails. Please check their website for more information.

P.S. Keep your receipt for when you take the road to Hana. You can use the same fee to enter the seven sacred pools.

Flemming Beach is located north of Kapalua Beach. This beach offers showers and restrooms, plenty of parking, and a great place for boogie boards. The beach is on the north side of the island, so the trade winds really pick up, and the waves can get pretty rough. I enjoyed sitting back and watching people ride the waves.

Honolua Bay is the place to watch surfing. In the late afternoon, take a drive up the north road to see the surfers. It amazed me how the surfers would climb down the rocks with their surfboards, then swim out into those rough waters and ride those treacherous waves.

Kapalua Beach is on the northwest part of the island. It has a beautiful moon shape and is another fabulous place for snorkeling. This beach has limited parking, showers, and restrooms. If parking lot is full, you can park along the Lower Road. You can rent snorkeling gear or rafts because the exclusive Kapaula Resort sits on this beach. This beach rates high because of the beautiful setting, protected beach, and great snorkeling.

After you visit Needle Point, take the lower path to visit the gardens. This area is a very tranquil place with vegetation and the sound of a running stream. I was told that Ioa Valley was a sacred burial site for Hawaiian chiefs. The last documented burial was in the late 1700s. This is a great place to visit with your family. There is no cost and it is only a short trip from South Maui or West Maui. I would plan on 2 hours total for this trip.

Hours of operation: 7am to 7pm

Cost is FREE.

First, stop will be Hookipa Beach Park. This is the famous windsurfing beach. The Travel Channel voted this beach one of the best windsurfing beaches in the world. In the morning hours, you will see the surfers. When the trade winds kick up in the afternoon, the windsurfers come out from all over the island. You might want to come back in late afternoon to see the world-famous windsurfers.

Soon the road becomes winding. Take your time to enjoy the terrain. The tape will notify you when to stop. Each stop is different, ranging from cascading waterfalls to rugged lava rocks beating against the great Pacific Ocean; the small, quaint town of Hana; fruit stands run by the locals; black-sand beaches; lush vegetation; and bamboo trees. I would recommend purchasing "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Hawaii" before taking this trip. The book describes each stop, what to see, and whether restrooms or picnic facilities are available. There are hiking trails ranging from a fourth-mile to overnight trips and what accommodations are available. One site you do want to see is OHEO GULCH, better known as the Seven Sacred Pools. Bring your swimsuit, depending on the current; you might be able to swim in the pools. Both times we were there, the area was closed off. There is a $10 fee, but if you already visited Haleakala and kept your receipt, it is also good for the Oheo Gulch. A few miles past Oheo Gulch, the paved road ends and most people turn around and go back the same way.

To be continued in Road to Hana: Part Two

If you are more adventurous and you do not mind breaking your rental contract, stay on this road, and you will not be disappointed. The road narrows and becomes unpaved. You know it is safe, because all of the tour buses take it. You will see the backside of Haleakala. This is the newest part of the island. The terrain is dry and rugged. The road will become paved after ten miles or so, and you will end up at the gate to Haleakala. Along the way, you will pass the winery. You might be too tired to stop here, so come back another day to explore the up country.

Helpful hints: Plan on leaving early, as the trip will take all day. Fill your tank up with gas. Pack a picnic lunch. Hana is the only place that does have restaurants, but I do not think any are open for lunch. Bring a swimsuit. The best time to take the Road to Hana is in the winter months. The waterfalls are better at this time of year. We recently did this trip in November and were disappointed in the falls, which were not nearly as spectacular as they are in the winter months.