Moon Over Maui

by vanhooke
A February 2005 travel journal
Last Updated: March 21, 2005

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: Journal Usefulness

8: Reviews

1: Experience

Hawaii is so much more than Honolulu. Go to the outer islands to truly experience this paradise. My favorite is Maui (Kaanapali Beach) in the spring. I get an ocean-view room, especially when the whales are here. Walk the beach at night - the moon on water is so romantic!

Moon Over Maui

Overview

Walking on an unoccupied beach in the moonlight was the best. Kaanapali is one of the top-10 most beautiful beaches, and you seldom see anyone walking it at night. During whale season, be sure and spring for a room on the water. The only problem is that you won't want to leave the lanai to do anything else while they're frolicking out there. I counted 22 whales from the lanai the morning we left.

Quick Tips:

Most rooms have a small refrigerator. Stop by the grocery store and stock it up. It's not about food here - it's about kicking back and relaxing. It's much cheaper to buy your own wine and beer. Add chips, dips, nuts, cheese, etc., and it's happy hour on the lanai. Spirits and snacks will be about each. Watching the sun set over the ocean was priceless.

Best Way To Get Around:

Rental cars are a must here! You need to be able to go into town for an evening, or to the other side of the island for an afternoon.

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Royal Lahaina

Hotel

Royal Lahiana

Following a loooong day of travel, I dug in my heels and refused to stay in a cottage - even though my husband suggested we check them out. "I want to be in the main tower!" I insisted. They must have thought I fell off the corn wagon yesterday. The luxury accommodations are the cottages.

Following a good night's sleep and a walk around the grounds, I ate crow and asked to be moved into a cottage. My husband will never let me forget this!

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by vanhooke on March 21, 2005

Royal Lahaina
2780 Kekaa Drive Maui, Hawaii
808-661-3611

Ka'anapali Beach Hotel

Hotel

Kaanapali Beach Hotel

Lie around the whale-shaped pool and eat cheeseburgers hot off the grill. Throw in a topical drink (or two) and this is heaven. Ask for a waterfront room, though there is not bad room here. It's locally owned and the only true Hawaiian Hotel here. They give art lessons, hula lessons, etc. It's great for families. They have good restaurants, but the burgers are hard to beat.

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by vanhooke on March 21, 2005

Ka'anapali Beach Hotel
2525 Kaanapali Parkway Maui, Hawaii 96761
(808) 661-0011

Kimos

Restaurant

Kimos

The hula pie is to die for! This restaurant sits right on the waterfront. One time, the whales came through the harbor and we were able to see them from the open-air dining room. The food is excellent.

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by vanhooke on March 21, 2005

Kimos
High Street Maui, Hawaii

Moose McGillycuddy's

Restaurant

Moose McCullacutties

This place is fun! There is dancing at night and a breakfast that is to die for. And it's cheap, especially the Bloody Mary's and screwdrivers. What a way to start the day.

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by vanhooke on March 21, 2005

Moose McGillycuddy's
844 Front St L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, France 96761
808 667 7758

Bakery

Restaurant

Bakery

This is in a little shopping center right off the main drag, to your right of Pizza Hut. First, check out the Pearl Connection - I buy all my Hawaiian pearls here!

One sandwich from this bakery will feed two on the beach. And they bake and supply the local restaurants with their muffins and desserts. The macadamia-nut muffin is to die for! Does it get any better than a cold beer and a sandwich on your lanai? I don't think so.

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by vanhooke on March 21, 2005

Bakery
1011 Limanana Place Maui, Hawaii

Cheeseburger in Paradise

Restaurant

Cheeseburger in Paradise

The name says it all - cheeseburgers in paradise. Throw in some live music, a plate of chili fries, and an alcoholic beverage. It's right on the water.

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by vanhooke on March 21, 2005

Cheeseburger in Paradise
811 Front St Lahaina, Hawaii 96761
+1 808 661 4855

Hyatt

Restaurant

Hyatt

This is the best dinner show in Hawaii! The Mai Tais are the best I've ever had, the food is exceptional, and the show is very informative and entertaining. Whenever anyone who's never been to a luau goes to Maui with us, we bring them here. It's not a luau; it's better. They do have the pig in a pit, and it is paraded like at a luau, but unlike a luau, the food is good. Allow time to walk the hotel grounds. They're beautiful and lush. I've never stayed here - I think it's too intimidating and formal for Hawaii, but enjoy visiting. I go for more laid-back accommodations.

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by vanhooke on March 21, 2005

Hyatt
Hyatt Hotel Kaanapoli Maui, Hawaii

Dinner Cruises

Activity

Dinner cruise

Okay - it's hokey but memorable. You get to see the island from the water and meet other visitors from around the country. We all went dancing together later, as the dancing on the cruise put us "in the mood". And they even sing "the looove boat," and if you're having a birthday or anniversary, you're acknowledged. The Mai Tais flow, and the food wasn't bad. It wasn't a four-star restaurant either, but then, it's not meant to be.

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by vanhooke on March 21, 2005

Dinner Cruises
Maui Harbor Maui, Hawaii

Snorkeling

Experience

You have to do this! You don't need gear, since all the boats have it and will loan it to you. The tropical fish are unbelievable. They gave my 16-year-old son food for them, and it was kinda of scary being surrounded by 10,000 fish, but as soon as the food was gone, they moved on. It made his day. They serve snacks (Maui chips, fruit, juice, etc.) going and coming, and it's just all around a good time.