Maui, playground in the sun

We had a fantastic time on Maui, "The Valley Isle"! We loved the day sailing/snorkel trip to Lanai that we took through Paragon Sailing charters. It gave us the opportunity to check out another less populated Hawaiian island. Paragon limit their tours to small groups (some boats we saw had approx 75 people!) Our group was less than 25. There was great snorkeling right off the Kaanapali beach at a small public beach park. The park is located just off the main road not far past the town of Lahaina (if heading away from the airport) We enjoyed the "Drive to Hana"; lots of beautiful waterfalls, and a great botanical garden were some of the many stops we made along the way. One of our favorite places was the little town of Lahaina; we went there several times. For an incredible sunrise, go to the top of the crater, Haleakala, a dormant volcano (but dress warm!!) There are various tours you can buy that will take you up; they leave cery early. You can even bike down (not much pedalling, it's all downhill! If you are into snorkelling, Molikini is just off the coast of Maui, a partially submerged extinct volcano. The numbers and variety of fish you will see is incredible. You can also try "snuba" for those who'd like more than snorkelling, but aren't ready for scuba yet. You have a mask and very long breathing tube so you can go down 10-15 feet; the tanks are on rafts on the water's surface.

Quick Tips:

Rent a car! There is so much you'll miss if you don't. We arranged ours through Priceline.com and saved some money. If you didn't bring any travel books, you can pick up MANY pamphlets and tour books of current activities right at the airport when you get there. If staying at a resort, the staff can be helpful in recommending/booking activities also, but if you have a car and the time, don't pass up an opportunity to just drive along the coast, stopping as the spirit moves you at any interesting restaurant, shop or little beach you find; very relaxing. If you do the Drive to Hana, go early and beat the crowds; pick up the map and cassette tour, you will see them sold many places. We heard recommendations not to drive past Hana on the unpaved road but on the advice of our Paragon tour guide we were adventurous and did it anyway; we were fine. The road is dirt, but it is graded weekly; very hard packed. The island looks COMPLETELY different on that side! DO BE CAREFUL in the sun; you can get burned even if you think you already have a light base tan.

Best Way To Get Around:

Walking is fine in the towns. In Lahaina you can get a great walking tour map. To get from place to place you can take tours set up with your resort or hotel, but then you are on their terms; we recommend car rental.

This resort was our favorite among all of the accommodations we had on our trip, from the minute we walked into their stunning open air lobby. Embassy at Kaanapali is a beachfront resort, with an incredible one acre pool complex. A great location on the drier, sunnier side of the island; a perfectly located spot to relax or enjoy day trips. Great snorkeling was just minutes away at a public Kaanapali beach park. The not to be missed "Old Lahaina" town a few minutes drive. The resort staff also helped in making it such a memorable retreat by their warm hospitality. They even gave us a gift basket of "local goodies" when they found out we were on our honeymoon. The units surround an open atrium that overlooks a lounge area where complimentary cocktails are served every afternoon. The unit itself was large and very well appointed, with a full kitchen and jacuzzi tub!! The resort serves an extensive breakfast buffet every morning, which is included in some package plans. If we were to go back to Maui, we would definitely stay there again!

Not sure what category a Luau falls under!

If you are looking for an AUTHENTIC Hawaiian Luau, this is the one to see! This luau has strictly Hawaiian (for example, the fire dancing always advertised by some outfits that draws a crowd is not Hawaiian, but Samoan). Being in Hawaii, we wanted to see their history and customs. The Luau is held on a beautiful waterfront location in the old restored Lahaina Town; an old whaling village and original royal capital of Hawaii. When you arrive for the Luau, you are given a fragrant fresh flower lei, and a Mai Tai of course! You have time to wander the grounds. They have various craftsmen that you can observe; or take in the beautiful sunset. You can see the cooking pit, or "imu" as it is uncovered, as the "feast" is cooked right there. The performers explain everything that is going on in detail as they unearth the pig. They had a good sense of humor also! After everyone has their dinner and people are no longer milling around, the show begins. A "story teller", sort of a narrator tells the basic history of the Hawaiian islands, and history of the ancient hula. He was fantastic!! He tells of how they believe the islands became inhabited, and their ancient beliefs and customs. Dancers come out at various times throughout his narration. You could see the love they have for their islands in their songs and expressive dance and music.

Beautiful costumes, music, and dance, and the "storyteller" was wonderful. Highly recommended!!

Visit the charming restored Old Lahaina Town on Maui! It is very close to the Kaanapali resort area. It was the capital of Hawaii and the Pacific's wildest port and whaling town in its heyday. Lahaina is an eclectic collection of restaurants and shops selling everything to the ever present T-shirts to fine art; a constantly bustling place. A bit touristy, yes, but if you delve deeper you can find the historic port town the old Hawaiians loved so much. If you are into history or just want to learn more about the town, stop in the Lahaina Restoration Foundation on Front Street, (808) 661-3262 and get a self-guided walking tour map and seek out the most hostoric sights.

Stop and see Hawaii's largest Banyan tree, planted in 1873; it now has 12 major trunks and shades two thirds of an acre in Courthouse square. On weekends they sometimes have local artists working and selling their creations in the square.

There are many good places to eatin Lahaina. One of the best we tried was Kimos on Front Street. The ribs were fabulous; the Hula pie big enough for two. Make a reservation for sunset, and ask for a waterfront table! The view won't get much better! Bubba Gump Shrimp Company was also good, and Cheeseburger in Paradise was a fun place for a quick inexpensive lunch. They are all on Front Street.

The Old Lahaina Luau, rated one of the most authentic Hawaiian Luaus, is in Lahaina. Make sure to book early if you want to go!! The luau is held on a beautiful ocean front setting; gorgeous sunset part of the show!

Many boat tours; from snorkel trips, deep sea fishing trips, to sunset cruises leave from the Lahaina pier. Info readily available at the resorts, airport, and tourist info centers.

There are many small parking lots that charge hefty fees for parking, but we found that there ARE free lots! Drive a block or two back from the main road (Front street), and you will find a few small lots that do not charge. You might ask your resort also. Ours, being only a few miles from the town, was able to give us a map and point out the free lots for us.