Topic Wiki

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 1313233 times)

Offline Yehoshua

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Re: Maui Master Thread
« Reply #1240 on: November 13, 2014, 05:19:42 PM »
I don't think the number of visitors varies much throughout the year.

When I was there in August all the touristy areas (Haleakala, 7 Sacred Pools, etc.) were overrun with tourists.
That's one of the reasons we're going (back) in January and going to Europe in the Summer. That and the fact that Europe in the winter is cold and HI never is.

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Re: Maui Master Thread
« Reply #1241 on: November 13, 2014, 05:29:46 PM »
Someone who gets majorly car sick is going to utterly despise the RTH.
Save your time, I don't answer PM. Post it in the forum and a dedicated DDF'er will get back to you as soon as possible.

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Re: Maui Master Thread
« Reply #1242 on: November 13, 2014, 05:31:31 PM »
I don't plan on renting a convertible or having $2.5k of any sort of equipment in a trunk. I guess those who broke in struck gold with your stuff.

I'm not really worried about my toaster. Also since you've kinda convinced me not to do the RTH from the airport (even though it'll have only been 5.5 hours of travel and 2 hours time difference) I don't think I have to worry about it.

I do like your suggestion of staying in Kula. I've been reading a lot about going to Haleakala for sunrise and staying there seems like a good bet. There's a cheap cottage I found for $105 that's not too far. My questions about doing that are:

1- The book/app says to arrive at least 30 min before sunrise, if not an hour. I was thinking of arriving 1 hour before fantastic and davening at the top. Is that a good idea? Only if you have no problem davening in a car, or in freezing and very windy conditions.
2- The book/app says that parking in the lot by the observation deck could be crowded but the upper visitor center parking lot has plenty of space. If you arrive an hour before sunrise parking should be fine either way It only looks like a 10 minute walk between the two. Is it a bad walk? It's hard to see the terrain so close up on Gmaps. It's more than ten minutes, it's freezing, it's pitch dark, and it's full of traffic with no pedestrian walkway. My personal suggestion is to park at the lower parking lot, and hike up the white hill trail. You'll leave the hordes behind and have the show to yourself (mostly, anyway)
3- How bad is the drive? Would someone who get's majorly car sick have a problem with all the hairpin turns in the dark? Dramamine or the like should do the trick.

See bolded above.
Check out my site for epic kosher adventures: Kosher Horizons

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Re: Maui Master Thread
« Reply #1243 on: November 13, 2014, 06:07:00 PM »
Someone who gets majorly car sick is going to utterly despise the RTH.
It looks windier than the GOR, but is it really that much worse? Neither one of us minded the GOR at all.

See bolded above.
Are you talking about the sliding sands trail? Keep in mind DW is not a huge hiker. Medium difficulty is as much as she can handle. If that's the trail you mean, decending 2,400' might be too much.

Should a NY winter coat be sufficient? I was thinking of packing one to pad the burners, pot and pan. The lows not look to be in the low 40s. Cold but not too freezing. Of course the wind adds, but does it get colder than that?

Also, if if we try the road to Haleakala and don't get sick, should the RTH be a problem?

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Re: Maui Master Thread
« Reply #1244 on: November 13, 2014, 06:32:41 PM »
Are you talking about the sliding sands trail? Keep in mind DW is not a huge hiker. Medium difficulty is as much as she can handle. If that's the trail you mean, decending 2,400' might be too much.

Should a NY winter coat be sufficient? I was thinking of packing one to pad the burners, pot and pan. The lows not look to be in the low 40s. Cold but not too freezing. Of course the wind adds, but does it get colder than that?

The white hill trail is a short (less than half a mile) trail off the parking lot. It climbs a small hill (maybe 50 feet or so) for a great view of the crater with no crowds. Not a difficult hike at all, but go up slowly since you'll get winded easily at 10k feet.

I wore a winner coat, gloves, and hat and was only halfway freezing. My wife wore a heavy jacket plus a blanket and was really freezing. Even though it was only around 40°, the wind up there is ferocious and made it feel much colder.

Also, if if we try the road to Haleakala and don't get sick, should the RTH be a problem?

Possibly. The road up the mountain is a top-notch road. It's new, smooth, and goes only either up or down. The only issue are the many hairpins. The RTH OTOH has plenty of bumpy spots, and is constantly rising and dipping, in addition to the hairpins. And that's on the north side... The south side is far worse.

It's tremendous fun to drive, but if you're carsick you won't enjoy it at all.
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Re: Maui Master Thread
« Reply #1245 on: November 13, 2014, 06:34:48 PM »
Also look around on TripAdvisor, IIRC there are a fair amount of threads discussing the carsickness issue.
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Re: Maui Master Thread
« Reply #1246 on: November 13, 2014, 06:47:09 PM »
The white hill trail is a short (less than half a mile) trail off the parking lot. It climbs a small hill (maybe 50 feet or so) for a great view of the crater with no crowds. Not a difficult hike at all, but go up slowly since you'll get winded easily at 10k feet.

I wore a winner coat, gloves, and hat and was only halfway freezing. My wife wore a heavy jacket plus a blanket and was really freezing. Even though it was only around 40°, the wind up there is ferocious and made it feel much colder.

Possibly. The road up the mountain is a top-notch road. It's new, smooth, and goes only either up or down. The only issue are the many hairpins. The RTH OTOH has plenty of bumpy spots, and is constantly rising and dipping, in addition to the hairpins. And that's on the north side... The south side is far worse.

It's tremendous fun to drive, but if you're carsick you won't enjoy it at all.
Thanks for the tips. I'll make sure to my wife packs heavy gear. I've been up over 10k' before in the summer. It's chilly to say the least.

Now I'm getting concerned that the RTH might be too much for my wife. Both of us get car sick if we're not driving, but since we don't want to go in two cars it creates a little problem. Would it be worth it to try it and hope for the best or just skip it and do the other many activities on the island?

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Re: Maui Master Thread
« Reply #1247 on: November 13, 2014, 07:00:30 PM »
Thanks for the tips. I'll make sure to my wife packs heavy gear. I've been up over 10k' before in the summer. It's chilly to say the least.

Now I'm getting concerned that the RTH might be too much for my wife. Both of us get car sick if we're not driving, but since we don't want to go in two cars it creates a little problem. Would it be worth it to try it and hope for the best or just skip it and do the other many activities on the island?

+1 for that question, I get very carsick but can't imagine not doing RTH at all. Tips, ideas?

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Re: Maui Master Thread
« Reply #1248 on: November 13, 2014, 08:08:35 PM »
I don't think the number of visitors varies much throughout the year.

When I was there in August all the touristy areas (Haleakala, 7 Sacred Pools, etc.) were overrun with tourists.
My impression (late August) was that there were a surprising amount of families (ie with kids there). The places we visited definitely had plenty of tourists, but we never felt like it ruined the experience.
1- The book/app says to arrive at least 30 min before sunrise, if not an hour. I was thinking of arriving 1 hour before and davening at the top. Is that a good idea?
2- The book/app says that parking in the lot by the observation deck could be crowded but the upper visitor center parking lot has plenty of space. It only looks like a 10 minute walk between the two. Is it a bad walk? It's hard to see the terrain so close up on Gmaps.
3- How bad is the drive? Would someone who get's majorly car sick have a problem with all the hairpin turns in the dark?
The earlier the better. From dawn already you start to see color on the horizon, and it slowly starts to intensify, spread, and brighten until finally you see the sun actually peak out at sunrise. As far as davening, you shouldn't be davening (at least שמונה עשרה) until after sunrise, which ultimately means you probably won't start till after sunrise. That's what I did. It was pretty cold even in the summer, I had a coat on and the tallis over it. I davened outside my car, in the parking lot.

I strongly second SF's comments about where to watch. We parked at the lower parking lot, started watching near the visitor's center. It was super crowded, so we ended up walking up White Hill. Like SF said, it's not difficult, just take your time because you'll be out of breath very quickly due to the altitude.

The drive is pretty rough. I get sick, but not while driving, and my wife is generally okay. I would say, have her try to go sleep. That works better if you're driving from Wailea, not as much from Kula.

As far as RTH, just take it very slow, which is the right way to do it anyway. That part is easier if you're splitting it into 2 days.

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Re: Maui Master Thread
« Reply #1249 on: November 13, 2014, 08:19:00 PM »
My impression (late August) was that there were a surprising amount of families (ie with kids there). The places we visited definitely had plenty of tourists, but we never felt like it ruined the experience.The earlier the better. From dawn already you start to see color on the horizon, and it slowly starts to intensify, spread, and brighten until finally you see the sun actually peak out at sunrise. As far as davening, you shouldn't be davening (at least שמונה עשרה) until after sunrise, which ultimately means you probably won't start till after sunrise. That's what I did. It was pretty cold even in the summer, I had a coat on and the tallis over it. I davened outside my car, in the parking lot.

I strongly second SF's comments about where to watch. We parked at the lower parking lot, started watching near the visitor's center. It was super crowded, so we ended up walking up White Hill. Like SF said, it's not difficult, just take your time because you'll be out of breath very quickly due to the altitude.

The drive is pretty rough. I get sick, but not while driving, and my wife is generally okay. I would say, have her try to go sleep. That works better if you're driving from Wailea, not as much from Kula.

As far as RTH, just take it very slow, which is the right way to do it anyway. That part is easier if you're splitting it into 2 days.
I know you aren't supposed to daven before נץ, but that being said I couldn't really justify a hike before davening. I'd probably just daven after משיכיר, but I'll ask my LOR just to be sure. The suggestion about white hill seems good.

Also I don't expect to see many young kids in the middle of January. Most people are in school and most frum families don't go to Hawaii for winter break.

Thanks for the suggestion about the RTH. Unfortunately I do not think we will be splitting it up into two days. If we're doing it in one day and we go very slow we might not be able to stop and see that much. Would it still be worth going?

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Re: Maui Master Thread
« Reply #1250 on: November 13, 2014, 09:14:13 PM »
I know you aren't supposed to daven before נץ, but that being said I couldn't really justify a hike before davening. I'd probably just daven after משיכיר, but I'll ask my LOR just to be sure. The suggestion about white hill seems good.

Also I don't expect to see many young kids in the middle of January. Most people are in school and most frum families don't go to Hawaii for winter break.

Thanks for the suggestion about the RTH. Unfortunately I do not think we will be splitting it up into two days. If we're doing it in one day and we go very slow we might not be able to stop and see that much. Would it still be worth going?
First of all, it's not really a hike. You're walking from A to B - LINK (view it in satellite mode so you can get an idea of scale in comparison to the cars in the parking lot). Google says .2 miles/5 minutes. It is uphill, but it's a clear walking path. If you're walking at a leisurely pace you'll be up in under 10 minutes without getting winded.

I'm not sure what you mean about justifying it before davening. Do you mean halachically or physically?

My comment about August was directed at 3yummyboys who is going then.

As far as RTH, unless you think there's something else you want to do that you're sure you'll love, I think it's worth trying. Worst case you'll turn back after a bit - just make sure you have a back-up plan of what you want to do that day if you bail on RTH.

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Re: Maui Master Thread
« Reply #1251 on: November 13, 2014, 11:37:49 PM »


First of all, it's not really a hike. You're walking from A to B - LINK (view it in satellite mode so you can get an idea of scale in comparison to the cars in the parking lot). Google says .2 miles/5 minutes. It is uphill, but it's a clear walking path. If you're walking at a leisurely pace you'll be up in under 10 minutes without getting winded.

I'm not sure what you mean about justifying it before davening. Do you mean halachically or physically?

My comment about August was directed at 3yummyboys who is going then.

As far as RTH, unless you think there's something else you want to do that you're sure you'll love, I think it's worth trying. Worst case you'll turn back after a bit - just make sure you have a back-up plan of what you want to do that day if you bail on RTH.

Whoa, no need to get excited. I didn't know how long the walk was. In terms of shachris, let's just leave it at I'll ask my LOR. Thanks for your help and input.

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Re: Maui Master Thread
« Reply #1252 on: November 14, 2014, 12:26:59 AM »

Whoa, no need to get excited. I didn't know how long the walk was. In terms of shachris, let's just leave it at I'll ask my LOR. Thanks for your help and input.
And that's why I explained how long it was. This is one of those times you wish there was a clearer way to indicate tone on the internet. I'm not at all excited or attacking, just trying to guide you (that sounds really pretentious but I couldn't think of a better phrasing ;D).

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Re: Maui Master Thread
« Reply #1253 on: November 14, 2014, 01:00:03 AM »
And that's why I explained how long it was. This is one of those times you wish there was a clearer way to indicate tone on the internet. I'm not at all excited or attacking, just trying to guide you (that sounds really pretentious but I couldn't think of a better phrasing ;D).
No worries. You'll get better at expressing tone (hopefully)  ;)

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Re: Maui Master Thread
« Reply #1254 on: November 14, 2014, 06:19:11 AM »
Yehoshua, when are you going?

Btw, I'm looking for a place to stay in Hana for a night, and came across this:   http://www.hanamaui.com/lodging/

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Re: Maui Master Thread
« Reply #1255 on: November 14, 2014, 08:44:05 AM »
Yehoshua, when are you going?

Btw, I'm looking for a place to stay in Hana for a night, and came across this:   http://www.hanamaui.com/lodging/
Late Jan. Will you be there then? Thanks for the Hana tip.

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Re: Maui Master Thread
« Reply #1256 on: November 14, 2014, 10:38:47 AM »
No worries. You'll get better at expressing tone (hopefully)  ;)
I never said the fault was with the writer  ;)

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Re: Maui Master Thread
« Reply #1257 on: November 19, 2014, 01:03:58 AM »
Check out my site for epic kosher adventures: Kosher Horizons

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Re: Maui Master Thread
« Reply #1259 on: November 19, 2014, 11:31:08 AM »
I bought the revealed books for the 3 islands I'm interested in but there is SO MUCH info! If Dan or anyone can narrow down the "must-dos" it would be appreciated!

On another note, what's the best way to find private areas for swimming and snorkeling? Just driving RTH and stopping at random points?