Sign in with Facebook
Maui
"Honeymoon"
I've actually been to Maui a couple of times, but my most recent trip was for our honeymoon in 1999 and it was great! We used our timeshare to exchange for Maui so we ended up staying at the Maui Schooner located in Kihei.
It was a relaxing trip and at the same time we were booked pretty solid. We pretty much had something planned everyday, which we did in the morning, and used the afternoon to relax at the timeshare. By evening, we were ready to go out for dinner and just walk around.
Here are some of the things we did in Maui.
"The Road to Hana"
Our trip wouldn't be complete without driving out to Hana. For the driver, it may be a little stressful, but it sure is a beautiful drive.
We stopped all along the way, taking pictures at almost every scenic spot. We also stopped at Wai'anapanapa Beach Park to check out the black sand beach and the cool rock formations.
We also drove past Hana a bit to the Kipahulu section of the Haleakala National Park. There we parked at the ranger station and took a 4 mile round-trip hike to the Waimoku Falls where we played a bit.
Before we headed back to Kihei, we took a little dip in one of the Pools of Oheo. One of the locals had told us that the water would make our hair really soft, but we thought she was just pulling our leg. But when we were done with our little swim, sure enough our hair felt as soft as silk.
"Blue Water Rafting Trip"
We also went on a snorkeling trip with Blue Water Rafting. We did a tour of the Kanaio coast, snorkeled Molokini and Turtle Town.
Got to see a lot of fish, but not many turtles since it was crowded with yachts and people by the time we got there. That was very disappointing.
"Visit to Maui Tropical Plantation"
We had lunch there the day we arrived. Not much of a big deal. Nice scenery, decent food, and they had a little tour of the plantation. Took some nice pictures.
"Sunrise at Haleakala"
We got up at an ungodly hour just so we could get up to Haleakala to see the sunrise. To go up to Haleakala is a must-do, but for sunrise it's questionable. It was very cold and windy up there so if you plan to go, be sure you dress accordingly, i.e. gloves, jacket, beanie.
After getting caught up on our sleep by taking a nap in our car, we hiked down the volcano to the closest cinder cone. In my opinion, this is a must-do if you are physically capable. That is the only way you'll get to experience the solitude as well as the eerie feeling of desolation.
It was a 4 mile round trip hike so we brought sandwiches and drinks to take a lunch break when we reached the cinder cone. We definitely needed it because the trip back up at 10,000+ ft. altitude was not the easiest thing to do.
"Helicopter Tour"
We spent one morning on a helicopter tour of the island with Blue Hawaiian Helicopters. We took the Maui Spectacular tour which included a 20 minute touch-down at Ulupalakua Ranch and the pilot served us champagne. It was a great way to see the island and some beautiful waterfalls. This was actually my second time on Blue Hawaiian Helicopters and would do it again. I highly recommend it.
"The Luau"
I had never been to a luau so we decided to attend one. We chose the Old Lahaina Luau which seemed to be the recommended choice by most of the kama'aina. And it was fantastic. We were greeted at the entrance with a lei and a Mai Tai, got to watch the Kalua Pua'a come out of the ground, see a beautiful sunset, eat delicious food in a clean, well-organized facility, and watch an incredible Hula show.
The other great thing we experienced at the luau is the friendly staff. Of course, everyone in Hawaii is friendly, but they were just awesome. As long as you smile at them, they took good care of you.
