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Maui Overview/DansMeals:
http://www.dansdeals.com/archives/39407

Trip Reports:
Dan 1, Dan 2, SpillTheBeans, e-Lawyer, Eli, lfas25, RJ898, gavhaller, daganster, Something Fishy, Yehoshua, Marco Polo, @Yehuda, @Yehuda - Grand Wailea, Wizmanison's Maui TR 2018
Sam28 Maui TR Nov 2020 Covid 19, CGR, Rcarentals (Post Maui Fires), Joel



Related DDF Threads:
-Hawaii Master Thread: General Questions And Which Island To Visit?
-Big Island Of Hawaii Master Thread
-Kauai Master Thread
-Oahu Master Thread
-Lanai, Molokai, and Niihau, Hawaii Master Thread


Before you go:

How long should I go for?
You could spend 10 years on Maui and not get your fill. That being said, the bare minimum to enjoy your stay is 4 days on the ground. A week is ideal.

It's possible to do a short trip by leaving early Sunday morning, getting there in the afternoon, and then leaving Thursday night and being back home for shabbos.

Do I need a guide book?
Very definitely. Sure you could find most info online, but nothing compares to a good, written-by-a-local, guide book. Maui Revealed is by far the best option, and will possibly be the best $16 you spent on your trip.

Here it is for FREE.

There is also an app version available for both iOS and Android for $7.99. The app has all the content of the book, plus navigation, offline maps, and links when applicable. You don't really need both, but some people find it useful to have the book while planning (much easier to use) and the app while on the island (for the maps and navigation).

What about Shabbos?
Some authorities hold that there's a dateline issue with Shabbos.
The local communities keep Shabbos on Saturday.
Definitely ask your LOR before you go - some hold simply that Shabbos is on Saturday, some hold that you have to keep Shabbos on both Friday and Saturday, and some hold that you have to keep D'oreisas on Friday and full Shabbos on Saturday.

If you must keep 2 days, remember that there are many questions that could come up (such as when to light Shabbos candles, how to warm up food, etc.), so make sure to discuss it all with your LOR.

There have been books written about the Chabad opinion of keeping Shabbos only on Saturday. Rabbi Aharon Dovid Gancz gives an absolutely fascinating pilpul on the topic, if you get a chance to attend one please record it (with permission) and upload the video online.

Note that you may run into this issue even if you leave the islands Thursday afternoon, as it may already be considered Shabbos. Ask your LOR.


Getting there and getting around:

Air:
The main airport is in Kahului, and is designated OGG. The are two other small airports - Kapalua (JHM) in the West Maui Mountains and Hana (HNM) in the east.
You could fly directly from the mainland to OGG from (bold is seasonal only):

ANC (AS)
BLI (AS, Allegiant Air)
DEN (UA)
DFW (AA)
LAX (AA, DL, HA, UA)
OAK (AS, HA)
ORD (UA)
PDX (AS)
PHX (US)
SAN (AS, HA)
SEA (AS, HA)
SFO (UA)
SJC (AS)
SMF (AS)
YEG (WestJet)
YVR (AC, WestJet)
YYC (AC, WestJet)

There are no direct flights from the East coast, so you will stop in one of these cities.
Alternately, you could fly directly to Honolulu (HNL) and continue to OGG from there.

Hawaiian and Go fly interisland from HNL, KOA, and LIH, Go, and Island Air flies from HNL. Mokulele flies from HNL and KOA, as well as to Kapalua (JHM), Hana (HNM), Molokai (MKK), Lanai (LNY), and Waimea-Kohala (MUE) on the Big Island.

Alternatively, you can also use 5k AA, 6k UA or 7.5k HA miles each way to fly interisland. You can use 15k DL pesos for a RT interisland. United allows a free stopover on a round-trip, so for instance you can fly HNL-LIH-OGG-HNL for just 12K miles.
HA has several tiers, similar to DL, the lowest tier is the only one that's available using partner miles, but with HA miles you can purchase tickets that are otherwise unavailable for additional miles.

Car:
A car is necessary on Maui. All major companies have branches, mostly at the airport. There are also some local companies.

Getting to the Car Rentals is easy and a fun experience (for some). It starts with a 1 or 2 stop Tram ride in a green tram. It takes all of 3 minutes - and the walk with one suitcase would likely take the same 3 minutes - but - it's a very cute welcome to Maui.

Hertz has Gold Choice at the airport. According to National's website there is no Executive Aisle/Selection at the airport, but according to reports there is one, albeit sparse to the point of uselessness. Also check out www.discounthawaiicarrental.com - they book from the major brands, and are worth a try. Costco Travel very often has great prices too.

Make sure to check your reservations often, as prices tend to drop a few weeks before pickup. If it does, make a new reservation and only then cancel your original one.

There's nothing like a convertible on Maui (especially on the Road to Hana). A 4WD is not really necessary, however some people feel more comfortable in one on the 'other side' of the Road to Hana and the hairy parts of Kahekill Hwy (east of the blowhole).

Air Maui will mail you a nice free paper map of the island - click here to request it. It usually takes a week or two to arrive.


Where to stay:

The two most popular area to stay are on the West side (Lahaina, Ka'anapali, Kapalua) and the South side (Wailea, Kihei), due to the better weather there. The South side could sometimes get windy in the winter, though. There are also many places to rent Upcountry (Kula, Pukalani), where the air is cooler and the views smashing (but farther from the beach).



Here are some places that are discussed in this thread:

NameAreaMore InfoComments
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Hyatt RegencyWest side (Lahaina) WebsiteHyatt Category 5. The Hyatt advertises having Kosher food. In the past, these meals came from Oahu Kosher (Chabad in Honolulu). However, in Dec 2016 they claimed the meals were prepared by the Chabad of Maui, while in actuality they were prepared by a reform temple (story explained at the bottom of this post), which is still true as of Feb 2017.
AndazSouth side (Wailea)WebsiteHyatt category 8. A favorite among DDFers, although award space isn't easy to come by.
Grand WaileaSouth side (Wailea)WebsiteHilton - 80k-95k depending on season. Reminiscent of the GHK in Kauai with sprawling grounds and more pools than you count, located on the beautiful Wailea Beach.
SheratonWest side (Lahaina)WebsiteSPG category 6.
WestinWest side (Lahaina) WebsiteSPG category 6.
FairmontSouth side (Wailea)WebsiteAll suite hotel.
Destination By Hyatt Residence - Polo ClubSouth side (Wailea) WebsiteCondos with full kitchen, Ocean front views. The Polo Club has the closest beach access of any property in Wailea - it's no longer legal to build so close to the shore. The beach is known for good snorkeling. Unlike all the other beaches, access from land is completely restricted to Polo club guests. While technically it is a public beach, access is only available from the sea... so it's a de facto private beach perpetually empty and exclusive.


"Get your own place"AnywhereWebsiteThere are countless condos, timeshares, or villas available to rent on the island. The advantages are that you get more for your money - a couple of bedrooms, living/dining rooms, and a full kitchen. There will usually be a pool, sometimes even a private one. Additionally, they're often cheaper than a hotel. There are many places to find them -
HomeAway Maui
VRBO Maui
Airbnb Maui




What to do:

Beaches:
There are countless beaches on Maui, and all are public. Most offer amazing snorkeling. The East and South side beaches are safe for swimming / snorkeling year round, while some North and West beaches could be deadly in winter. Here are some popular ones, in no particular order:

NameAreaComments
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Black Sand BeachWaiʻānapanapa State ParkOne of the highlights of any Maui trip is black sand beach in Waiʻānapanapa State Park. A bonus feature there is snorkeling at the black sand beach. The waters are exceptionally clear, allowing you to observe a vibrant array of marine life, we saw lobsters, coral, schools of tropical fish, and even an eel. The waters just behind where the waves begin to break are around 10ft deep and super calm. It's important to note that a reservation is required to access this beach, so planning ahead is crucial. https://gostateparks.hawaii.gov/waianapanapa
Beach 2Area 2Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diam nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt ut laoreet dolore magna aliquam erat volutpat. Ut wisi enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exerci tation ullamcorper suscipit lobortis nisl ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.
Beach 3Area 3Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diam nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt ut laoreet dolore magna aliquam erat volutpat. Ut wisi enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exerci tation ullamcorper suscipit lobortis nisl ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.


Hiking:
There are a tremendous amount of great hikes on Maui. Check the Maui Revealed book for detailed info on all of them, with maps, difficulty ratings, etc. These are just a few which are discussed in this thread. Additionally check out AllTrails - this app/website is great for seeing local and recent reviews of hikes, including conditions, closures, and tips for how to see the best spots, how to avoid dangerous spots, and all round to get information that will help you decide your hiking plan it's free, and has a paid option that adds some extra features:

NameAreaComments
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Sliding SandsHaleakalaAn amazing hike into the crater from the upper visitors center. Quite challenging due to the constant downhill on a loose cinder trail. Amazing views unlike anything on the island, and no shade. The entire trail takes all day, but most people take it only partway in. Go as far as you like and remember that the way back is a constant uphill and will take twice as long. Bring lots of water.
Pipiwai TrailHanaOne of the nicest trail on Maui. A bit past Hana, just before the Seven Sacred Pools. The hike goes through the jungle, past banyan trees and a 200-foot waterfall, and through a bamboo forest (this is the highlight for most people). The trail ends at the amazing 400-foot Waimoku Falls. Give this hike a couple of hours.
Lava FieldSouth MauiAt the end of the road, past the Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve. This is an amazing and relatively difficult hike. You will be walking on sharp, loose lava rocks the entire time, but the views are smashing and the terrain interesting. Great views of a particularly wild stretch of ocean, interesting pools (not swimmable), and ends in a glorious (and generally empty) beach if you brave it till the end. Do the loop - hug the coast on the way out, and take the Kings Highway back. See Maui Revealed for all the details.
Makamakaole Stream: 13 CrossingsNorth East MauiThe name undersells this gorgeous hike by a lot. This hike has close to 20 or more crossings (each way). The crossings are pretty well orchestrated such that a teen or adult can cross dry, with no issues at all. toddlers will need a helping hand (my 3yr old did this entire hike with just some hand holding) and 7-8yr olds will likely manage the entire hike with no help at all. Crossing the beautiful lightly gushing stream is refreshing and mesmerizing. The hike includes a incredible bamboo forest, and has 2 waterfalls. To the left is the main one - which is easy to get to. You are rewarded with the ability to dip into the cool water and it's deep enough to get completely immersed (5-6ft at the deepest point it seemed) and stand under the waterfall for some great pictures and memories. The hike has a lot of rocks, and is a "technical" hike - but not hard at all. Highly recommended as one of the best hikes in Maui. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/hawaii/maui/makamakaole-stream-13-crossings


Other activities:

ActivityComments
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Helicopter toursA few companies offer this; Blue Hawaiian is generally considered to be the best. There are different routes to choose from - keep in mind that the ones going to Haleakala don't actually go into the crater. This is not as recommended on Maui as it is on other islands, since the entire island is pretty much easily accessible so you won't go anywhere remote or extremely amazing.
Road to HanaAbsolute must-do. Don't get scared off by misinformation and go all the way around - in a way the backside is even more spectacular that the more popular first half. You do NOT need a special car or 4WD; any regular car could do it happily. Best way to do the road is to spend the night in Hana, as that will leave the most time to explore the thousand different things along the road. If you're only going for the day, make sure to be on the road EARLY (7-7:30 the latest).
Haleakala SunriseA spectacular event that is not to be missed. You will wake up at the witching hour, it will be freezing cold, and it will be absolutely worth it. Be there at least 45 minutes before the listed sunrise - the earlier the better; they close the upper parking lot when it fills up and you'll have to park at the lower visitor center lot. Dress warmly and bring lots of jackets and blankets. Take the trail to Pakaoao (White Hill) and you'll have the sunrise to yourself (mostly, at least). Tip: for younger kids it may be more worthwhile to go for sunset and avoid disturbing their sleeping schedule.
'Ohe'o Gulch (Seven Sacred Pools)Also known as the Seven Sacred Pools, this is in the Hana side of Haleakala National Park. Save your receipt from sunrise; it's valid for three days and will get you in to the pools too. Short hike from the parking lot to the pools, and it's absolutely stunning. Will be absolutely PACKED from around 1PM and on (but still worth it). If you're staying in Hana go early in the morning and it'll be mostly empty.
Snorkling Molokini craterCountless boat companies will take you out to Molokini. It has the best underwater visibility in the state, sometimes over 100 feet. Somewhat overrated and over-touristed, but generally considered to be worth it.
Whale watchingThe waters surrounding Maui are the stage for some of the best whale watching in the world. Each winter (December through May), thousands of koholā (humpback whales) travel to Hawaiʻi from colder waters to breed, calve and nurse their young. If you are going during this season, grab a pair of binoculars or book a trip to go whale watching. It will blow your mind. Whales jumping 20-30ft into the air falling back in the water with a powerful splash. National geographic moments experienced in real life. If your kids like marine life, this will be unforgettable.
People recommend the nonprofit: https://www.pacificwhale.org/
However if you're slightly more adventurous, and want more of a thrill, go for one of the speedboats. They go a lot closer, and the lower boat level next to the vast whales creates an experience hard to imagine.
The key is - check the ocean with your own two eyes before you book. If you're seeing tons of spouts, breaches, fins and tails - you're going to have a really good time on the boat - up close. If you don't see activity... it probably won't be great.
Kayaking
Biking
Horseback riding
Ziplining
Cruises


Shopping:
  • Costco in Kahului has some kosher food, as well as the cheapest gas on the island
  • Lapperts ice cream store


Kosher options in Maui

Chabad of Maui

**Contact Information:**
- **Rabbi:** Mendy Kras
- **Website:** [Kosher Maui Eats](https://www.koshermauieats.com)
- **Location:** Wailea, Maui
- **Contact:**
  - Phone: 808-222-9225
  - Email: chabadofmaui@gmail.com
  - WhatsApp: Available - same number as above.

**Services and Offerings:**
Chabad of Maui, led by Rabbi Mendy Kras, is dedicated to serving the needs of Jewish residents but also Jewish travelers in Maui. Known for their hospitality, they encourage visitors to get in touch for any assistance, particularly during peak vacation times like Yeshiva week.

1. **Kosher Food Options:**
   - **Shabbos Package:** A carefully prepared package for Shabbat, delivered on Fridays. Includes:
     - Meals for two: Double portions for both Friday night and Shabbat day.
     - Contents: First course with fish and salad, chicken with three sides for Friday night, double-wrapped for reheating. Saturday meals come with two courses, 3-4 sides, and dessert.
     - Extras: Challah, wine or grape juice, candles, and matches.
   - **Order Requirement:** Please place orders at least 48 hours in advance. However, if you find yourself in a pinch, do message Rabbi Kras for potential accommodations.
   - Note: This is a premium service due to the costs of maintaining kosher establishments in Maui. Your payments support the Chabad House overhead and operations.

2. **Community Engagement:**
   - **Minyan and Shul Services:** On request, Rabbi Kras can organize a minyan in a hotel over Shabbos, bringing a Sefer Torah and creating a temporary shul for tourists.
   - **Special Events:** During events like Yeshiva week, shul services have been organized in local hotels (e.g., the Four Seasons), complete with a minyan and kiddush. Contact Rabbi Kras for details.

**Supporting Chabad of Maui:**
Your contributions are highly appreciated to support Chabad of Maui's continued services for Jewish travelers.

**Additional Note:** Visitors are encouraged to bring or gift kosher products that are scarce in Maui, as a gesture of support for the Chabad house.

For any further information or assistance, you're welcome to reach out to Chabad of Maui. They are always eager to help ensure a comfortable and spiritually enriching experience for Jewish travelers in Maui.

And

Maui Kosher Farm
A Unique Kosher Experience in Maui

**Contact Information:**
- **Chef:** Mendel Zirkind
- **Cell and WhatsApp:** +1 (917) 440-2632
- **Websites:**
  - Kosher on Maui (https://www.kosheronmaui.com/)
  - Maui Kosher Farm (https://www.mauikosherfarm.com/)
- **Contact:** Use the provided phone number or websites for bookings and inquiries.

**Offerings and Services:**
Maui Kosher Farm, run by Mendel Zirkind and his wife, is a distinct destination offering a comprehensive kosher and Jewish experience in Maui.

1. **Farm Experience:**
   - **Family-Friendly Tour:** An engaging and educational tour suitable for all ages, complete with a special lunch prepared from farm produce.
   - **Artisanal Products:**
     - Sourdough Bread: Made to order (requires 48-72 hours notice).
     - Banana Chips: Made from the farm's bananas.
     - Honey: Produced from the farm's beehives.
     - Dairy Products: Inquire about CH"Y goat milk and homemade goat cheeses.
   - **Seasonal Offerings:** A variety of seasonal items from the farm.

2. **Culinary Services:**
   - **Private Chef:** Mendel offers gourmet meals available for daily takeout and, on select days, dine-in (advance booking required for takeout AND/OR Dine in. Check the website for the list of offerings).
   - **In-Home Chef Experience:** Mendel provides exclusive in-home chef services, subject to seasonal availability. Early booking is recommended.

3. **Shochet Services:**
   - Mendel, a skilled Shochet, can accommodate unique kosher meat requests, thanks to the diverse farm animals like quail, chickens, lambs, goats, geese, and ducks.

4. **Accommodations:**
   - **Lodging:** Unique lodging options available on the farm for an immersive experience. Contact Maui Kosher Farm for more details.

5. **Women's Mikvah:**
   - A new Spa Mikvah for women, managed by Mrs. Zirkind. More information available at Maui Kosher Women's Mikvah (https://www.mauikosher.com/womens-mikvah/).

Maui Kosher Farm is not just a destination but an oasis of kosher living and Jewish culture. Whether it's for a family-friendly farm tour, a luxurious private chef experience, or incredible artisanal products, Maui Kosher Farm offers a unique slice of paradise for Jewish travelers in Maui.
« Last edited by Joel on February 05, 2024, 10:50:16 PM »

Author Topic: Maui Master Thread  (Read 1298833 times)

Offline kingsfan33

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Re: Vacation Idea? Good deal?
« Reply #20 on: June 30, 2008, 10:28:46 AM »
Read there. Just search for a product there and it shows up in paid for ads. I don't know if still there.

Offline kingsfan33

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Re: Vacation Idea? Good deal?
« Reply #21 on: July 02, 2008, 10:40:51 PM »
i got a quote for 3650 for flight / hotel / car rental for the westin maui for 4 nights from Los Angeles.
good deal?
Has anyone stayed at the Westin Maui? How is it for the family?

levi

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Re: Vacation Idea? Good deal?
« Reply #22 on: July 02, 2008, 11:35:34 PM »
i got a quote for 3650 for flight / hotel / car rental for the westin maui for 4 nights from Los Angeles.
good deal?
Has anyone stayed at the Westin Maui? How is it for the family?
Sound a like alot to me, I just booked the Westin Maui for $90 and 4,800 points per night

Offline kingsfan33

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Re: Vacation Idea? Good deal?
« Reply #23 on: July 03, 2008, 03:15:54 AM »
id love to use miles / points but i only have aa miles, about 75k
Anyone interested in using your miles / points for my vacation in exchange for cash?
I need flight from lax to ogg (maui)
hotel, 4 nights either: grand wailea, kea lani, or westin maui
this is for 2 adults, 1 3 year old and 1 infant, 10 months
thanks

levi

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Re: Vacation Idea? Good deal?
« Reply #24 on: July 03, 2008, 09:24:03 AM »
Dates?

Offline kingsfan33

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Re: Vacation Idea? Good deal?
« Reply #25 on: July 03, 2008, 10:13:36 AM »
8/17-/8/21

Offline kingsfan33

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Re: Vacation Idea? Good deal?
« Reply #26 on: July 03, 2008, 10:14:07 AM »
I got another quote from westin for 3188

levi

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Re: Vacation Idea? Good deal?
« Reply #27 on: July 03, 2008, 11:20:11 AM »
I got another quote from westin for 3188
Try pricing everything out separately

Offline e-Lawyer

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Re: Vacation Idea? Good deal?
« Reply #28 on: July 03, 2008, 11:48:55 AM »
i got a quote for 3650 for flight / hotel / car rental for the westin maui for 4 nights from Los Angeles.
good deal?
Has anyone stayed at the Westin Maui? How is it for the family?

Ok here goes, We stayed at the Westin Maui and I really have no comparisons to other hotels on the Island of Maui because we only stayed in the Westin so this is a disclaimer if someone comes along and says how their hotel was way better. I will break this up in a couple of paragraphs as this could get long.

In general if you will be visiting the State of Hawaii then you can get very different experiences by visiting the many different islands, for example if you visit Waikiki-Honolulu you may come away from the visit feeling like you visited a grander more exotic Miami Beach location. However if you visit Maui or Kauai which I have never been to but for comparison purposes is similar to Maui in relative to Waikiki, Then you will feel an entirely different experience. Something other worldly like time comes to a standstill and whatever you do its exotic and relaxing, just heavenly.

Understanding the Maui Experience, the hotels on Maui try to encompass that relaxed island, tropical atmosphere even in the most luxurious hotels where every need is catered and tended to. For Example take the Ritz-Carlton of Kapalua which is up in the top 4 hotels on Maui, Quoting from the "travel & Leisure Mag" ( http://www.dansdeals.com/archives/3353 ) the Ritz" was strangely out of touch with its tropical surroundings. Now after a $180 Million renovation, the hotel has lost the chintzy curtains, faux Renaissance artwork" " kukui tree-patterned area rugs cover dark Brazilian ironwood floors,  and wrought iron lanais look out on the island landscape".
The Ritz is just coming in line with what the other upscale Maui hotels are already offering as part of the package, if you want a stuffy hotel you will stay @ the 4 seasons in Beverly Hills , Guests come to Maui to simply chill albeit in luxury.

Ok let’s move on to the areas in Hawaii, Every Island has uniqueness in each area, Even Oahu on the Windward side is a completely different world than Waikiki and is worth spending time there.
So on Maui there is the Leeward side and the Windward side on the windward side is where for the most part all the tourists stay. There are 2-4 Main areas for Hotels

http://www.wizardpub.com/maui/mauaerials.html

This link will help explain what would take me thousands of words to write, also these guys are great and would highly recommend this guidebook to anyone going to Hawaii, it is a different kind of guidebook not your typical one, everything in color picture and most of the time brutally honest assessments of the things to do. Just a tip, If you are going to do the hike over the lava rock to the Fishbowl/Aquarium it is really hard and is in the adventures section for a reason but it is so worth it, there are no words to describe the beauty of the visibility and the fact that you will see very few people there if any, just wear a lot of sun block/ suntan lotion, you will feel like a fried fish otherwise ( We learnt the hard way, that 1 application wasn’t enough for 4 hours in the brutal sun)

The break down of the great hotels is

In South Maui:
Grand Wailea
Four Seasons

West Maui:
Westin Maui
Ritz-Carlton

We personally only stayed in the Westin. When we were on one of the boats, we met a couple who mentioned that they were staying on their honeymoon and divided their stay as follows based on their budget 2/nights @ Four Seasons and 2 Nights at the Westin, well we were thinking like We are staying 6 Nights @ the Westin and ill take 6 nights in Hawaii over 4. Trust me the Westin is a Beautiful hotel and of the countless tourists we met on the island many were staying @ the Westin and none had any bad to say about it, for most of the 6 nights we were there it was sold out! There were no parking spots left if we got there after 8pm and we went “off Season”.
(Just a note on Hotels in general, DO NOT DRINK from their glass cups in the room, we recalled after that we had seen this news story that we didn’t see them carrying cups in the housekeeping cart. See Story Here (http://consumerist.com/consumer/disgusting/secret-camera-investigation-every-single-hotel-failed-to-wash-your-cups-and-glasses-320053.php). We spilled our morning coffee on our sheets daily to insure they were changed, But that is because I am paranoid about those things.)

Finally to move on to the Westin in particular it is a beautifully done hotel in every sense of the word, when you walk in it is just exotically Overwhelming to your senses, We were enthralled, with real pink flamingo’s in the waterfalls which you can walk under, the lobby is outdoors but very elegant with stone floors and dark wood tones, it has all the character of a tropical hotel but incorporates the modern and luxurious touches seamlessly. The pictures online from the hotel Here ( http://westinmaui.com/rr_viewimages.htm) in this case don’t do justice at all I was amazed by how beautiful it was in person, the whole ambiance was refreshing beyond our imagination. If you are a starwood member and they offer you an upgrade take it! I would have preferred the Deluxe Oceanview  but was talked out of my upgrade by the booking agent in the lobby, the rooms are slightly bigger there, but I was taken by the shape of the Ocean Tower and higher floor so I went with that. The view was just mystical with 2 islands just visible off in the distance (Lanai, Molokai)
My only regret is that since we spent most of our time on trips touring the whole island and surrounding ones we only came to the hotel in the evening and were usually tired so we only got to enjoy a small part of the hotel, We only spent 1 day on the beach by the hotel learning how to snorkel,  plus shabbos, Next time we go back we will spend a few days just chilling in the hotel.

There are 5 pools, one is a kiddy pool with a slide and one is an adults only pool with an adjacent bar and hot tub outdoors, the adult pool and area is only open until 10 I think, but they only enforced it when there were a lot of people there,  I guess they didn’t want the noise.

The beach in front of the hotel is not very large but If you walk down the beach to the corner (5 Min) all the action is there, We saw a huge green  sea turtle just hanging, out I swam on top of it, and lots of really cool fish, the area is called black rock by the way. We took a really nice walk down the beach path on shabbos there.

As far as Kosher food goes we brought 3 boxes worth, and they gave us a microwave gratis, I really didn’t rely on kosher food from local although there is a Safeway 5 min. away, Sholom Shaye Shusterman and his wife were very accommodating and went out of their way to help us, I’m sure he would appreciate a call to him offering to bring him various food items, its very expensive to bring in food to Hawaii, When we were coming I offered to bring him anything he needed, so he asked us for a couple steaks. ( he didn’t really need much at the time as he had just gotten a shipment of food and other stuffs from family in NY) I asked him when the last time he had Red Meat was, he said like not for Six months, Organic chicken is available there, its amazing what self sacrifice these shluchim have, on his website ( http://www.jewishmaui.com/kosher.php) he has some info about available kosher food. We also didn’t have time to go shopping really we brought bread although I think if you go to the natural organic stores but Safeway won’t have it. We bought P&J,  tuna, we also bought different microwave cooking instruments like a egg scrambler so we had scrambled eggs we also brought American cheese frozen which stayed frozen through the flight from the east coast along with our bottle of milk , so we had a blast. Just another note, Since the Shopping stores like Costco and Wal-Mart are mostly on the Leeward side which is near the airport I would suggest doing all your shopping before you get to your hotel which is a like a 45 minute ride to the other side of the island. Also I would suggest making up your itinerary for your plans before you go, so that you get the most out of your trip as it is expensive, so use the time before you go or on the plane which is not costing you a lot of money instead of spending valuable time in Hawaii wasted planning stuff to do. Also make all your food the night before to help you get out the next morning.
If anyone has any questions please feel free to post or contact me directly.

« Last Edit: July 03, 2008, 12:25:03 PM by Barack the magic Negro »
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levi

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Re: Vacation Idea? Good deal?
« Reply #29 on: July 03, 2008, 12:04:58 PM »
Wow!! that is alot of great information, I just booked the Westin for a friend of mine who is going in August, I'm sure after reading all this he will have an amazing time. Thank you for postiong in such detail!! after reading this post all I'm thinking is When am I going to Maui!? (paging Eli)
« Last Edit: July 03, 2008, 12:07:24 PM by Levi »

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Re: Maui Vacation Idea? Good deal?
« Reply #30 on: July 03, 2008, 12:23:19 PM »
Wow!! that is alot of great information, I just booked the Westin for a friend of mine who is going in August, I'm sure after reading all this he will have an amazing time. Thank you for postiong in such detail!! after reading this post all I'm thinking is When am I going to Maui!? (paging Eli)



Thank you, i just updated the links to the sites i mentioned, I tried to put in plain hyperlinks i guess that doesn't work on forum's.
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Re: Maui Vacation Idea? Good deal?
« Reply #31 on: July 03, 2008, 01:21:57 PM »
Wow. Thanks for the review. How stuffy would it be with a cot plus a crib in a standard room??

levi

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Re: Maui Vacation Idea? Good deal?
« Reply #32 on: July 03, 2008, 01:33:08 PM »
Wow. Thanks for the review. How stuffy would it be with a cot plus a crib in a standard room??
Their standard rooms are between 340sf and 380sf.  Do you have any status with SPG?

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Re: Maui Vacation Idea? Good deal?
« Reply #33 on: July 03, 2008, 02:46:37 PM »
i found the grand wailea for 3350.00 air and hotel package 

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Re: Maui Vacation Idea? Good deal?
« Reply #34 on: July 03, 2008, 03:45:57 PM »
like i mentioned in the article, if you get offered an upgrade they will offer you the larger room in the oceanview deluxe, which i think is possibly over 400sf but levi might be right on 380, if you have spg gold status that would definitely help alot, a crib would have been fine ( we didn't have one) but both is really not duable, its pretty much one or the other, also it depends if you will ask for 2 double beds or a king?
If you book an oceanview deluxe there is a slight possiblity that they will upgrade you to a junior suite if you are spg gold and they are really empty but dont count on it.

I personally always ask for the point chain i.e. what room for how many points and usually have sprung for the higher booking on a standard room ( ie. ocean view vs. mountain view in the westin maui.) so if they upgrade me they might jump for the suite. but they usually just move you to a choicer room or in my case to the oceanview deluxe which was a 1,500 point per night upgrade.
« Last Edit: July 03, 2008, 03:51:58 PM by President Obama? are people that crazy? »
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Re: Maui Vacation Idea? Good deal?
« Reply #35 on: July 03, 2008, 03:52:42 PM »
Wow. Thanks for the review. How stuffy would it be with a cot plus a crib in a standard room??

are you bringing along a babysitter for your child? or 2 Kids
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Re: Maui Vacation Idea? Good deal?
« Reply #36 on: July 03, 2008, 04:16:45 PM »
no babysitter. just the 3 year old needs a cot, and the crib for the baby.

regarding the starwood i do not have a starwood account as of yet, new dansdeals reader...

i found the grand wailea for 3350.00 air and hotel package 

Tagent - where did you find the grand wailea for that price??? I'd probably book on the spot...

thanks!!

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Re: Maui Vacation Idea? Good deal?
« Reply #37 on: July 03, 2008, 05:43:50 PM »
just email me and i will get it for you, but hurry the offer expires on JUL 4, my email you can find in my pro.
« Last Edit: July 03, 2008, 05:58:20 PM by TAGENT »

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Re: Maui Vacation Idea? Good deal?
« Reply #38 on: July 03, 2008, 06:41:26 PM »
regarding the starwood i do not have a starwood account as of yet, new dansdeals reader...
Make sure that the flights with the pakage dont depart at night and leave in the morning because then you just loose out on two days. Also make sure to open up and account with SPG and if you contact the hotel and they tell you that Gold status will get you upgraded then PM and I'll help you out with that

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Re: Maui Vacation Idea? Good deal?
« Reply #39 on: July 03, 2008, 07:08:53 PM »
thanks levi, I just signed up for starwood amex from this post:
http://ctownbochur.blogspot.com/2007/06/boiling-hot-best-starwood-signup-bonus.html
im new to the whole starwood thing but im guessing that upgrades only work for starwood hotels such as the westin and not the grand wailea?

i am just about ready to bookthe westin for 3200 or so including car rental, airfair... my wife is just bugging me that the room will be small so im really hoping an upgrade goes through...