Hawaii - Maui questions

I know someone from this board will probably jump on you for posting a Hawaii question on a Europe web site, but I wonder if they'll also attack someone who tries to answer the question?

This is not the venue for a detailed answer, but you can go on Trip Advisor, or frankly simply google "Kaanapali" and "Lahaina" in Maui. You won't be disappointed.

I have seen other places mentioned on here that was not in Europe. If they want to jump on me, that's okay. If they want the thread removed, that would be okay too! :-)

Our folks here tend to have lots of advice and experience travelling this is why I thought to post here.

We stayed in Kaanapali, on the northwest side of the island. It was a good location. As far as a day trip to the Big Island, well...it is a big island. If you just wanted to go to Kona for a day it would work, but you wouldn't have time to see much more of the island. Kauai is easier to see in a shorter time, but besides the beaches (which you will have in Maui) there isn't much for kids to do. I have been to Oahu, Maui, Kauai and the Big Island, so you can PM me if I can be of more help.

Eli - A day trip to the Big Island would not do it justice... Consider splitting your time between Maui and the Big Island. Have to tell you up front that the Big Island is my favorite, but I do like Maui as well even though it's so built up now.

Some of the resorts on both islands are offering great specials. Once you decide what area you want to stay, sign up for the e-mail specials and frequent stayer programs of the resorts. They are offering some great deals right now - even through the summer. Also, some of the condos on are in great locations. There is VRBO (have to be careful because many are being foreclosed on) and other management companies that are offering up huge discounts.

As previously suggested, check the forums on Trip Advisor. The local experts are always providing insight into people inquiring about their itineraries and lodging.

For the Big Island, we love going to the Volcano, Kona and staying at one of the great beaches on the Kohala Coast. There are plenty of places to hike and we usually drive around the island if we have time as there are several places to stop and enjoy the sites along the way.

"We want somewhere less hectic than Honolulu, but with more hiking, swimming (beach), exploring activities."

For what you describe, Kauai is perfect IMO. More hiking and exploring opportunities than Maui.

I agree with Kent. Lots to see and do.

I live in Hawaii 7 months of the year - been coming here for 25 years. Send me a private message and we can converse on this non-European topic.

I'm glad to be able to contribute! Since I haven't been to Europe yet (3 weeks to go!) I don't have much expertise there, but I have been to Hawaii twice.

I think you have gotten some really good advice so far. I have stayed mostly on the big island, on the Kona coast and absolutely loved it.

There is a lot of great snorkeling at all the beaches, I forget the name of the beach we went to, but we swam/snorkeled with sea turtles every day!

There are also a ton of great hikes that you can do, down to some amazing waterfalls, and of course up to the volcanos. On one of the volcano hikes I did we hiked out to where we could see lava flowing into the sea, it was really neat and I highly recommend it.

I don't know where you are from, but beware of the heat and humidity. I think it will be especially bad in August, I went in June and when I stepped off of the plane I couldn't believe how humid it was.

Regardless of which island you choose, I'm sure you will have a great time, Hawaii is beautiful.

Lucky you Eli,, Hawaii again. I love Hawaii. We have been quite a few times, all to Waikiki, except once to Kaui. Our next trip will be to Maui as we have only ever heard great things about it. We liked Kaui, ,but frankly I think 10 days there would be too long, its definatley a very quiet island, , especially for the younger folks. You could do 5 days on two islands though.

On Maui, the Kaanapali coast would be my choice -- especially for a family. Beautiful family oriented beaches.
If I had only one island to choose though, I'd pick the Big Island. It has everything -- including a volcano. Walking on lava at night with glowing lava about is a fantastic experience. And the east and west sides of the island are extremely different -- a good way to study some ecology and geology if you're so inclined. Rent from a company that will let you drive the saddle road (be sure to ask specifically. I believe National will allow it), and drive to the top of Mauna Kea -- up to about 13,000 feet in about 20 miles -- quite an experience. Take a coat! Anyway, the Big Island has it all.
As far as this not being a question about Europe: If the Iceland volcano keeps erupting, Hawaii will become a stopover on the way to Europe if we have to go the other direction. So it perfectly legitimate.:)
Oh, and be SURE to buy the "Hawaii Revealed" book for the island you are going to. It is by far the best source. All signage in Hawaii is by mile marker number. The HR books guide you by those markers. Don't go without it.

Hi Eli, We spend one month each year on Maui, and we love it. We always stay in Wailea. We rent a condominium with a Safeway supermarket and many cheap and expensive restaurants near by. Maui has GREAT beaches every where you turn, and if your family likes snorkeling, don't miss Honolua Bay. Kaanipoli and Lahiana are busy, tourist areas, but may appeal to your older kids. While in Lahiana, try the Aloha Mixed Plate restaurant (right on the water) for great food and happy hour after 2:00. For exploring, drive to the top of the volcano (good hiking) and the road to Hana has interesting things to see and do. Maui is nothing like Hololulu. Have fun. Charlie Robinson, Lodi, CA

I agree with Thomas that the ...Revealed books are the best guides to Hawaii. They have a blue cover, so are easy to spot in the midst of the Hawaii tour books. Buy Maui Revealed and if you are spending more than a day on another island buy the book for that one too. With 10 days I would spend 5 days in Maui and 5 on the Big Island.

I'm going to be traveling to Dayton, OH soon. Is it okay to wear shorts there?

If you want to blend in, hot pants are in for men right now in Dayton.

Do you want to stay at a resort, or are you looking for a condo? We have stayed in a condo at the north end of Kihei twice that's right on the beach; small farmers' market just across the road. Condo has two bedrooms, each en suite; one w/ king bed, the other w/ twin beds. PM if you would like contact info for the Michigan owners.

Oh gosh, you guys are the greatest! Thanks ever so much for your input. I enjoyed reading them.

I will definitely get that book.

Does anyone know if Rick has ever been to Hawaii?

Pat, last year's trip was business, but this year we wanted to treat the kids since they both did so well in school. Besides, they keep hearing about our trip last year and are dying to visit one of the islands. I thought about splitting the time between two islands, but I really hate having to pack up and move :-(

I forgot to add that we want a condo. It's much nicer I think than hotel rooms, and we have the added bonus of having some meals in especially with my GF problems.

We stayed at Kaanapali Beach in Maui. It was great, I have been twice and my husband three times. You will love it. Let me know how the Big Island goes if you visit as we keep thinking about going there. Have fun.