The Great Carpezio
Pearl Clutcher
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Posts: 2,978
Jun 25, 2014 21:50:33 GMT
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Post by The Great Carpezio on Feb 5, 2016 0:56:58 GMT
I have read quite a bit, watched videos, etc..., but I always like to read about what this board recommends. I've received some good ideas in the past.
We are going in June for ten days. It should be interesting. Two disabled adults (my parents), four other forty-something adults and three kids aged 5,8 and 8. We are staying at the Honua Kai resort, and renting two vehicles.
We won't be doing everything together, but large group activities are a plus. My dad is on oxygen and my mom is walking with a cane. Hopefully she will be off of that by then (she had major back surgery in September). My parent have been to Maui. This is the ONE place both wanted to go back to "someday." We will be celebrating their 46th anniversary while there. So, a special place would be great.
We plan on the road to Hana, but they will skip out on anything over 8000 feet. We are considering a day on Molokai or lanai.
Food? Shopping? Family activities? My mom loves shopping and my dad is a foodie (I love both!) My dh, kids and I will definitely be doing some hiking on our own as well--so the best of the best would be appreciated too.
What are your best tips, tricks and memories!
Thanks!
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paigepea
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Jun 26, 2014 4:28:55 GMT
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Post by paigepea on Feb 5, 2016 1:11:10 GMT
Maui is fantastic! We stay in Wailea and were there in December.
I suggest a trip to Costco. Good is especially expensive and Costco helps. If you like poke, Costco has a fantastic. Poke bar. We bought a ton. We couldn't eat it all in three days so after 3 days I cooked it and it was even more delicious.
We BBQ mostly while on Maui. Restaurants are very expensive. We went our three times, twice to coconuts (f there is one close to you in kaanipali then you should try it). We did a few trendy, nicer restaurants and it cost a good $100 for 2 adults / 2 kids, no alcohol.
Pack light and spend all day at the beach and pool. That is my suggestion! Have fun!
Paige.
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The Great Carpezio
Pearl Clutcher
Something profound goes here.
Posts: 2,978
Jun 25, 2014 21:50:33 GMT
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Post by The Great Carpezio on Feb 5, 2016 1:33:33 GMT
I'd be interested in food trucks or cheaper places too. We do plan on hitting up Costco.
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Deleted
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Oct 1, 2024 22:30:44 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Feb 5, 2016 1:49:30 GMT
Definitely also try the road up the other side of the island from the Hana Road -- Up past Ka'annapali (Sp?). There's an amazing blowhole along with other spots to stop. It's a shorter trip and our concierge was the one who gave us a map. We stayed at the Westin Ka'annapali.
Lahaina is a fun place to shop and eat. Food can be pricey so we tried to eat breakfast in and have one big meal and then a snack meal. We also did a luau out of Lahaina (Feast at Lele)...we liked it because we had a couples table rather than a large table with a bunch of people we didn't know.
I wish we had gone on a snorkel trip -- we tried to snorkel from the beach at the best beach known for snorkeling on Maui, but it was right after a tsunami and the waves were huge and even in 6 inches of water pushed me over! So we couldn't even get out far enough to snorkel.
We went in March and did the whale watching, but I don't think they will still be there by June/July. That's usually when they go back up north.
If you see a pineapple stand, stop and get a fresh one...there is nothing like it!
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Post by *leslie* on Feb 5, 2016 1:57:26 GMT
My husband and I went to Maui last summer. We stayed in Kaanapali at the Sheraton. The first thing I would suggest is to get this book: Maui RevealedIt's way better than your regular guidebook. They have an app too. Here are some of the things we did: 1) Some think it's cheesy and corny but we did the Luau at the Sheraton at Black Rock. We really liked it. The luau in Lahaina is supposed to be the best. 2) We did the zip lining. It was awesome. The company name was Flyin' Hawaiian. There is hiking involved. I think you have to be at least 75 pounds so small children can't go but there are other zip line companies that allow children. 3) Just to let you know you can drive all around the island, (West Maui and Road to Hana). Some people told us that you can't, that the roads don't go through but they were just fine. Some parts did have kind of gravely asphalt. We had a little bitty car too, (a Chevy Spark?) 4) We drove all around West Maui and stopped at a little stand to buy probably the best banana bread we ever had (Julia's?). We stopped in Kapalua, Honolua Bay and the Nakalele Blowhole. This took us an entire day. 5) We also did the Road to Hana but we didn't turn back at Hana. We went all way around but we enjoy long car rides. You will be amazed at the change of scenery. From lush and green to rocky looking desert. We stopped along the way and hiked to waterfalls. We also stopped at a black sand beach but I can't remember the name. 6) We also snorkeled around Black Rock and hung out at the beach and pool. 7) Restaurants: My boss recommends Plantation House in Kapalua. We were recommended Mama's Fish House and we had reservations (we were told you have to make them weeks before you get there) but unfortunately I was stung by a jellyfish that day and I didn't feel up to going out that night. 8) There is shopping in Lahaina and Whaler's Village in Kaanapali. That's all I can remember right now. We had the best time and when we got home, I was already trying to figure out when we could go back. There was so much we didn't do. We didn't check out Haleakala, South Maui. Molokai or Lanai. We also want to snorkel more.
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Post by AussieMeg on Feb 5, 2016 2:11:52 GMT
It’s been a loooooong time since I was there….. June 1989 to be precise! I was there with 2 girlfriends, we were 21yo and all we wanted to do was drink, smoke and party! Therefore we LOVED Oahu and found Maui to be a bit boring. We only spent 3 days there out of 18, and couldn’t wait to get back to Honolulu! Now if my 48yo self was to go again I would definitely spend more time at Maui, because we actually did more there than Oahu – parasailing, luau at Lahaina, helicopter flight etc. It is my dream to get back there one day, but in the meantime I shall live vicariously through you, so please post photos of your trip!!
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Post by gorgeouskid on Feb 5, 2016 2:14:14 GMT
We love staying at Napili Kai beach resort...
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Post by janniepea on Feb 5, 2016 2:17:18 GMT
We love Maui, it's my favorite place ever! We stay at a place called Napili Kai, past Lahaina and next to Kapalua. We love to swim and snorkel, hike, visit the Iao Valley, visit the blowhole as luvspaper mentioned, go shopping in Lahaina...
We shop at Costco right off the bat and we grill a lot too. Eating out is soooo expensive! But we do go out a couple of times. Mama's Fish House is fantastic (and extremely expensive!). We like Star Noodle and Aloha Mixed Plate in Lahaina and Leoda's Pie Shop which is nearby. We've gone to the Old Lahaina Luau which was so much fun but will probably try another luau next time.
I'm happy for you! When we go it's a family reunion with 17 of us from all over the country. We have so much fun!
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Post by janniepea on Feb 5, 2016 2:18:55 GMT
Gorgeous kid, that's where we stay. My favorite place!!
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Deleted
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Oct 1, 2024 22:30:44 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Feb 5, 2016 2:22:23 GMT
Definitely second getting the book Maui Revealed. I'd forgotten about it but it was great! Get it before and mark things you like to see. It's been 6 years for us, so I forget some of the names of places. At the Iao Park, there was a blatant trail with a blatant sign that said to stay on the main trail, but the side trail was better. Don't know if they have blocked that or not.
We did make our flights so we had a day in Oahu because DH and I both wanted to see Pearl Harbor. It is one of those things on my bucket list that I am so glad I was able to mark off!
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scrappinspidey2
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Mar 18, 2015 19:19:37 GMT
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Post by scrappinspidey2 on Feb 5, 2016 2:33:36 GMT
I will third the suggestion to get Maui Revealed. We went for a friends wedding and everything in the book was awesome as recommended. We had some great snorkel spots that were not heavily populated, found great food and the road to Hana was awesome because we stopped at the suggested spots. I cannot recommend that book enough That said, we also hit up Costco as the place we stayed had a full kitchen and my husbands and mine eating preferences were very different from each other (jm a vegetarian and he sooooo was not ) I would love to go back sometime and visit the other islands. We fell in love with Maui, so much to the point hubby talked with a Local Law Enforcement officer about moving there and working with their team.
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The Great Carpezio
Pearl Clutcher
Something profound goes here.
Posts: 2,978
Jun 25, 2014 21:50:33 GMT
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Post by The Great Carpezio on Feb 5, 2016 2:53:15 GMT
I already have Maui Revealed. It is awesome. Has anyone bought the app? Is it worth the money?
Thanks for all the tips. I'd love to hear more.
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Nanner
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,987
Jun 25, 2014 23:13:23 GMT
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Post by Nanner on Feb 5, 2016 3:47:17 GMT
Maui is my favourite place. We usually stay in Wailea.
Coconuts for fish tacos
Front Street in Lahaina for shopping. The disabled adults will want wheelchairs or something.
Honolulu Cookie Co. - delicious cookies. I always bring a box back for DS.
Lapperts Ice Cream shop in the Shops at Wailea
Wailea Beach - my favourite
Valley Isle Excursions for the Road to Hana, if you want a tour company. They were wonderful.
Coconut turnovers at Komodos General Store (I think that's the name) in Makawao. Also check out Sherri Reeve's gallery in Makawao.
Ho'okipa Beach (the lookout above) to watch the windsurfers
To save on meals, eat breakfast at your condo, have a snack for lunch and hit up one of the many Happy Hours for something for dinner.
Kai Kanani's 2 hour early morning snorkel trip. It's nice because you are done by 9:00 a.m. They leave early and from Makenna, so they are at Molokini before the other boats get there. You spend 45 minutes snorkelling there and then they go over to what they call "Turtle Town" for another 45 minutes. We have done this twice and have loved it both times. You can save 10% if you book it online.
If you decide to continue driving along the Road to Hana PAST Lindberg's grave, and you have issues with the rental car, you will NOT be covered. The rental companies prohibit you from driving past that spot. They also prohibit driving past the Blowhole. You can do it, but if you get in an accident or the car breaks down, you are screwed.
Catch the Willie K show. Great Hawaiian music! He plays at Mulligans on the Blue and elsewhere. If you go to Mulligans, you will want the whole dinner and show thing because if you only get the show, you're stuck outside on the patio.
Go to the Molokini Bistro at the Grande Wailea and have a lava flow. Lava flows in general are amazing, but Molokini Bistro's are the best!! ($16 each though, as at May, 2014)
Have I said that I love Maui?
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GiantsFan
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Post by GiantsFan on Feb 5, 2016 3:52:26 GMT
We always stay in Kaanapali. If you plan on hiking a good book is Day Hikes on Maui. (We also have the one for Kauai). Lots of hikes for different levels - easy, moderate, strenuous. Lahaina is good for walking around and touristy shopping and there is a Safeway grocery store. Going to Hana takes the entire day because the road is slow and windy. Stop at turnouts and go on short hikes. Take a lunch and snacks with you. There is only one restaurant in Hana (at least when we were there). When you get to Hana don't turn around. Keep going and visit the other side of Haleakala National Park. You can hike through a real rain forest (you will get wet!) of dense bamboo and end up at the Pools at Ohe'o. Absolutely unforgettable. Although it is not handicap friendly.
As for restaurants, it's really expensive so we usually eat breakfast and lunch in the condo and splurge on dinner.
ETA: After reading what Nanner wrote. Yes, the rental car is NOT covered after the blow hole past Kapalua. We did it anyway and there was only one area that was sketchy and we had to maneuver around fallen boulders. Once past those it was beautiful farming land. (we wouldn't do it again though) On the Hana drive, you can go to the pools I mentioned, but past that it is prohibited.
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Post by crazy4scraps on Feb 5, 2016 4:03:06 GMT
It's been 11 years since DH and I were there last. We stayed at the Westin Kaanipali Resort and it was WONDERFUL. We went with a business group so we had a lot of friends there at the same time. We rented a car with another couple and drove all over. Maui is probably my favorite of all the islands. We went snorkeling with sea turtles, DH did a sunrise bike ride (I didn't want to get up at 3:00 am, LOL) that he said was fun, I think we went to a Luau. What we like best is that everything is so laid back there, lots of lovely beaches and scenery.
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Post by lindywholoveskids on Feb 5, 2016 4:13:55 GMT
Maui is pretty nice. You can't miss Mama's Fish House! just save your pennies now for an amazing experience! and amazing food. the fish is marked on the menu by the fisherman's name.
We liked the Merriman's Monkey Pod restaurant. Chef Merriman now has several restaurants in the islands, and this one is fun!especially good sunset view if you sit outside.Monkey pod is fine for kids.
We stay at the Makena Hotel (name?) last one on that road. we don't cook while on that island, but their breakfast is very nice and there is a great koi pond and bridge. there is a restaurant in the hotel but we went there once , and meh.
glad you have the guide!!
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Post by lindywholoveskids on Feb 5, 2016 4:24:31 GMT
Oh, the name of Monkeypod is actually Monkeypod Kitchen, and it's a little north of Wailea ..I checked and they have a kids menu.
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Post by cawoman on Feb 5, 2016 4:37:11 GMT
You've already been given great tips. This is an unusual recommendation but believe me, it is fabulous! It is a magic show called Warren & Annabell's. It is located in Lahaina. You do need reservations. They don't allow kids but I think there may be an occasional show that allows them, not sure. It's not your typical magic show.
Everyone I know who has gone, raved about it.
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Post by jumperhop on Feb 5, 2016 4:40:11 GMT
Funny, just had written a post needing help with my Maui trip. Then I saw this thread. I need advice on the best Molokini snorkeling tour, Ziplining, Luau, and Whale watching. I bought the maui revealed book but I am wary and want the peas opinions. Trip advisor isn't helping because it seem everything is awesome. Jen
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finaledition
Pearl Clutcher
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Jun 26, 2014 0:30:34 GMT
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Post by finaledition on Feb 5, 2016 4:52:40 GMT
This is totally a splurge, but we have done this twice and it is a favorite of my family. We go out on a fishing boat through Maui Charters. They take you to several different spots and you never know what you catch-they troll for the big fish on the way out and back, but we catch lots of fish. Last time it was mostly opakapaka. They will gut and fillet the fish, pack them on ice to cook up.
We also do the sunset cruise. We pick the one that leaves from Makenna Beach because it's close to where we always stay. ***i will say that the Alii Nui is probably the most expensive one, but by far the nicest. They don't stock the cheap booze, super attentive crew and much better food than the others.
The small town of Paia is the last town before you get on the road to Hana. It's a cute town. Stop. Eat there-lots of great and cheap eat places, our favorite is the Flatbread Pizza Co, lots of local produce used on the menu.
Another cheap eat that we stop at is in Kihei. Very small, but great fish tacos. Seems like more of a locals type of place.
Maui is our favorite destination.
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finaledition
Pearl Clutcher
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Jun 26, 2014 0:30:34 GMT
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Post by finaledition on Feb 5, 2016 5:00:06 GMT
Oh, the name of Monkeypod is actually Monkeypod Kitchen, and it's a little north of Wailea ..I checked and they have a kids menu. Yes, yes yes! Love this place. Also great if you want to do happy hour for drinks and appetizers.
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finaledition
Pearl Clutcher
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Jun 26, 2014 0:30:34 GMT
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Post by finaledition on Feb 5, 2016 5:10:08 GMT
One more, you'll probably read in the book about a small breakfast place in Napili called the Gazebo. It is every bit as good as described. Not easy to spot, tucked in some condos. Lines are very long, but worth it IMO. There are lots of tide pools nearby so easy to entertain the kids while you wait for the best macadamia nut pancakes.
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Post by DinCA on Feb 5, 2016 5:32:50 GMT
Have a wonderful time! It's my favorite place on earth.
Food is expensive, even at the grocery store. Unless you're preparing food with only a few ingredients, it's not much less than eating out. Breakfast and lunch can be pretty straightforward, though.
We're adventure seekers so we've gone parasailing, zip-lining, sailing, snorkeling, jet skiing and toured the island by helicopter - all were so fun - but there is so much beauty there to be seen without doing any of that. In fact, the next time I go, I'm going to sit by the pool and do nothing but read and watch the ocean.
We did take a dinner cruise that was nice and Lahaina has good shopping and plenty of restaurants that don't require a reservation. And although a luau is often hit or miss, it's still a fun family activity.
My last advice is to read the comments about something you are considering at TripAdvisor. You can get a good idea of what is good right now, as things do change for better or worse. If you see a lot of bad comments, then you'll know to avoid it but if there's mostly good reviews, you'll likely be okay.
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Post by lindywholoveskids on Feb 5, 2016 8:29:26 GMT
Yep, TripAdvisor is very good!
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Nanner
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,987
Jun 25, 2014 23:13:23 GMT
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Post by Nanner on Feb 5, 2016 12:58:45 GMT
Funny, just had written a post needing help with my Maui trip. Then I saw this thread. I need advice on the best Molokini snorkeling tour, Ziplining, Luau, and Whale watching. I bought the maui revealed book but I am wary and want the peas opinions. Trip advisor isn't helping because it seem everything is awesome. Jen The Old Lahaina Luau is supposed to be the best. We went to the one at the Grande Wailea because we were in Wailea and wanted to be able to walk, as we were drinking. It was just fine, but we had never been to a luau before. As I mentioned before we did the Kai Kanani snorkelling trip. But it was a short one - 2 hours total, so 1.5 hours of snorkelling at 2 different spots. We chose that one mainly because it left from Makenna which is close to Wailea. We really enjoyed it. One thing I liked was that for those of us who wear glasses, they do have prescription type masks. So I could actually see underwater!! We have done the above luau and snorkelling trip twice each, and enjoyed both, both times.
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Nanner
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,987
Jun 25, 2014 23:13:23 GMT
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Post by Nanner on Feb 5, 2016 13:02:27 GMT
If you are taking a limo at all, STAY AWAY from Star Limousines. Holy shit they have terrible customer service. Most of the people involved in the tourism business have so much aloha and are incredibly friendly. Not so with this guy.
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Post by crazy4scraps on Feb 5, 2016 15:25:54 GMT
This is totally a splurge, but we have done this twice and it is a favorite of my family. We go out on a fishing boat through Maui Charters. They take you to several different spots and you never know what you catch-they troll for the big fish on the way out and back, but we catch lots of fish. Last time it was mostly opakapaka. They will gut and fillet the fish, pack them on ice to cook up. We also do the sunset cruise. We pick the one that leaves from Makenna Beach because it's close to where we always stay. ***i will say that the Alii Nui is probably the most expensive one, but by far the nicest. They don't stock the cheap booze, super attentive crew and much better food than the others. The small town of Paia is the last town before you get on the road to Hana. It's a cute town. Stop. Eat there-lots of great and cheap eat places, our favorite is the Flatbread Pizza Co, lots of local produce used on the menu. Another cheap eat that we stop at is in Kihei. Very small, but great fish tacos. Seems like more of a locals type of place. Maui is our favorite destination. Yes, yes, THIS! I can't believe I forgot. We went on a fishing charter and it was awesome. My only piece of advice here is TAKE THE DRAMAMINE!!! Really. Even if you don't typically get motion sickness (I usually don't, but on that boat I did, UGH!) you WANT to take some. And if you have to barf something up, Mint Oreos are a fairly good choice. Don't ask me how I know. All in all it was pretty fun though!
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GiantsFan
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Post by GiantsFan on Feb 6, 2016 3:58:11 GMT
Just getting back to reading the rest of the responses and I want to give a second recommendation up for Old Lahaina Luau. It fills up fast so figure out what night you want to go and make reservations as soon as you get arrive in Maui.
And I totally forgot about breakfast and the tide pools at Napili.
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Nanner
Drama Llama
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Jun 25, 2014 23:13:23 GMT
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Post by Nanner on Feb 6, 2016 4:39:03 GMT
If you are in Kihei, the Cafe O'Lei is awesome! They have the best ever macadamia nut encrusted chicken breasts with lemon caper sauce. I can only dream of it now! It was amazingly delicious.
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Post by corinne11 on Feb 6, 2016 7:32:48 GMT
So jealous!
We stayed at Honua Kai 2 years ago in an apartment with kitchen and really loved it! We too spent 10 days in June. Weather was beautiful. I took my umbrella because everyone told me to, but I never needed it.
We bought food from the supermarket across the street with the intention of having breakfast and maybe one other meal in the room. We ended up eating out all the time though, BUT with children and older people this would probably be a better option. Also coming from Australia, we knew we may not be back for a very long time and went way over our budget!
The pools are lovely and there are some adult only pool areas so if your parents want some quiet poolside time they can. We hired an umbrella to use down on the beach. Next time we would probably hire a condo there as apparently they usually supply lots of stuff to use during your stay. We ate at the Dukes on the grounds of the hotel and as we had hired a car we often drove into Lahaina to eat. My husband played golf at the Plantation Golf course and we had an absolutely beautiful dinner there. Not cheap but definitely a lovely place for an anniversary dinner.
We did use the Maui Revealed book to give us ideas, but most of the time we just drove around and stopped to eat wherever we wanted. Some of the little places that offered $12 plates were delicious. I was recommended Valley Isles for the road to Hana by people here and would definitely recommend them. Great service and lots of fun!
Enjoy your holiday. Now I want to go back to Hawaii!
Corinne
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