Maui Master Thread

[Marco Polo]

What's the area where the ritz is like? Is it an area that I want to be in?
Spg hotels didn't seem so major, especially the basic rooms. Am I mistaken?

Depends what you are looking for. 

Whatever you decide on, make sure you let them know you are on your honeymoon.

[Crazy tools]

Depends what you are looking for. 

Whatever you decide on, make sure you let them know you are on your honeymoon.

Most definitely did let them know.
From past experience do the accommodate well?
Also with the Fairmont of love an upgrade from garden view to ocean, what are the chances?

[Marco Polo]

Most definitely did let them know.
From past experience do the accommodate well?
Also with the Fairmont of love an upgrade from garden view to ocean, what are the chances?

I can't comment on the Fairmont, but the Westin gave me a pretty decent room. Can also see if you can pay for an upgrade.

[Crazy tools]

I can't comment on the Fairmont, but the Westin gave me a pretty decent room. Can also see if you can pay for an upgrade.

did Westin confirm the upgrade before? What status?

[Marco Polo]

did Westin confirm the upgrade before? What status?

I didn't ask or need an upgrade. Was just mentioning it as an option for you.

[Crazy tools]

I didn't ask or need an upgrade. Was just mentioning it as an option for you.

Ah , thanks

[skyguy918]

Most definitely did let them know.
From past experience do the accommodate well?
Also with the Fairmont of love an upgrade from garden view to ocean, what are the chances?

I was considering using the suite upgrade there, just because I wasn't going to use it otherwise. They told me what the free night cert gets you and what the upgrade cert would move you to. Didn't sound much different, so my plan was to ask to see both rooms when I got there, and use the upgrade if it looked nicer. but then we got there and they told us we're in an oceanview room, so I didn't have to bother. It wasn't super close to the water, but the views were fantastic.

ETA: Talking about the Kea Lani.

[Crazy tools]

I was considering using the suite upgrade there, just because I wasn't going to use it otherwise. They told me what the free night cert gets you and what the upgrade cert would move you to. Didn't sound much different, so my plan was to ask to see both rooms when I got there, and use the upgrade if it looked nicer. but then we got there and they told us we're in an oceanview room, so I didn't have to bother. It wasn't super close to the water, but the views were fantastic.

ETA: Talking about the Kea Lani.

interesting, was the overall experience at the Fairmont a good one? Did they charge to store or heat food for you (as was reported ipthread)?

[@Yehuda]

Going to Maui for 4 nights in August for honeymoon. Trying to figure out what the best options are for hotels. I have 2 Fairmont nights and 2 Hyatt nights as well as spg and ritz Carlton.
As of now the plan is to stay the first 2 nights in the Fairmont using the free nights. The other 2 nights are up in the air and I'm looking for suggestions.. Both Hyatts don't seem to have availability to use the free nights (no points availability), does availability change often? I can blow 170 ritz points for 2 nights (would transfer 20k ur to bump up my account to 170) and stay in a 1 bedroom residents suite, just not sure if it's worth it, it's on the other side of the island...
I can stay at the Westin and bank on an upgrade with my gold status, but definitely won't want to stay there in the room I have booked...
Any thoughts?
Any other hotels I should look at?

From following this thread, it seems suggested against switching hotels when you're only staying for 4 nights.

Whatever you decide on, make sure you let them know you are on your honeymoon.

Does that really work in Hawaii? Isn't everyone there on their honeymoon?

[skyguy918]

interesting, was the overall experience at the Fairmont a good one? Did they charge to store or heat food for you (as was reported ipthread)?

We were very happy with the hotel, but I wouldn't consider myself as having very discerning tastes with these things, so others might disagree. There was plenty of space (not that we really needed it), the bathroom was huge and pretty nice, the rooms have a fridge and microwave, and the balcony is really nice (though obviously the exact view depends on the room you get). The pools were very nice, even if not spectacular. They also had a shop that was almost like a deli/bodega where we were able to use our breakfast and dining certs for fruit, bottled drinks, etc.

We did Pom meals for microwave and stored them in the fridge, so I don't know about them charging. I don't recommend the microwave route, stick to the oven-prepared. Maybe ask them if you can use the dining certs for those fees?

[Crazy tools]

We were very happy with the hotel, but I wouldn't consider myself as having very discerning tastes with these things, so others might disagree. There was plenty of space (not that we really needed it), the bathroom was huge and pretty nice, the rooms have a fridge and microwave, and the balcony is really nice (though obviously the exact view depends on the room you get). The pools were very nice, even if not spectacular. They also had a shop that was almost like a deli/bodega where we were able to use our breakfast and dining certs for fruit, bottled drinks, etc.

We did Pom meals for microwave and stored them in the fridge, so I don't know about them charging. I don't recommend the microwave route, stick to the oven-prepared. Maybe ask them if you can use the dining certs for those fees?

microwave seemed nice to have to warmup meals. Maybe I'll just prime a toaster over. Was the fridge a big one?

[Marco Polo]

microwave seemed nice to have to warmup meals. Maybe I'll just prime a toaster over. Was the fridge a big one?

See if you can get one that is already there.

[Crazy tools]

See if you can get one that is already there.

thanks! I'll look into that when the trip gets closer....

[Crazy tools]

From following this thread, it seems suggested against switching hotels when you're only staying for 4 nights.

True, I'm not so into switching either. I didn't make any itinerary of activities yet and not sure where on the island things are located yet, but would it make sense to stay 2 days in south Maui (Fairmont) then go up to north Maui for 2 days? Talking in terms of being close to the attractions...

[Dan]

No, stick to 1 place.

[wonderlust]

I can't comment on the Fairmont, but the Westin gave me a pretty decent room. Can also see if you can pay for an upgrade.

Was wondering the following general question: if you stay multiple nights but only pay for the upgrade for the first night, what are the chances of them letting you stay in the room the whole time?

[Dan]

39.53%

[wonderlust]

39.53%

Lol and they say this stuff is an art not a science

[wonderlust]

Decided to break my activities part of my trip up otherwise I'll never get through it- hope it isn't too Annoying to have it spread out..


activities:

Sunday:
we got to maui noontime on sunday. After getting our car from budget we headed straight to our resort (30min drive) and settled in. The grounds around the Marriott are beautiful and the walk along the ocean that goes along all the resorts is just stunning. Watching sunset from the infinity pool instantly made the whole shlep worth it!
Monday: We debated about going to Mt Kaulih since the recommended time to go to catch sunrise is the first morning since your still on NY time. Even though we woke up every morning around 6;00 because of jet-lag  the 3;30 wake up time (sunrise is 5;30 in the summer and they recommend leaving2 hrs before to drive and get a spot) just seemed too much and since the weather predictions weren't great we ultimately passed on it. We signed up for the 1;00pm Atlantis submarine tour in Laghina (they fill up so reserve in advance) and got the 10% discount upon asking. the 3 hr lot on prison st had plenty of spots and it seemed that there was no one keeping tabs to make sure you keep to the limit. The submarine to me initially just liked like a tourist gimmick but in truth it was very cool as you go down to 130ft underwater and you really see a lot. Besides for the hundreds of fish, we saw a pack of sting rays and a white-tipped reef shark that kept following us. I think it's a great activity to do especially if you have young children or just ppl  that aren't interested/can't snorkel/scuba. As pointed out by Maui revealed, Ladies wearing skirts might want to be mindful that it's a steep 10-wrung latter that your climbing in a single-file, enough said! In Laighna I really wanted to the surf school with goofy foot. Heard great reviews for it & Hawaii is definitely the surf capital of the world, instead we went up to blow-hole/acid warzone. We got there around 4:00 but decided to continue on to Oliville pools- big mistake! On the map it's only 4 miles further (we soon lost all cell reception/GPS so the Maui revealed app was pretty useless over the book) the road though is insaine! It turns to a one lane two-way traffic dirt road with no guard-rails over 1000+ft cliff. What's worse, the natives drive like its a 4 lane paved straight highway! There was one point where I was on the outside over the cliff & this guy in a pickup truck towing a boat wanted to pass & my tire was literally inches away from going over this huge cliff! I have driven in Costa Rica, all over the USA & israel & I did the road to Hana the next day, none of them remotely compared to the craziness.. At one point there is a sign saying beware of falling rocks and about 100ft away is a car pulverized by boulders- utter craziness. The views were actually spectacular but it was taking forever & very nerve-racking. The worst part; when we got to the turn off there was a guy covered in tats & piercings blocking the road. He first told me to go further into the upcoming town to find the pools & it took us another 20min just to get there & when we did the locals yelled at us to go away & when I finally found someone willing to help they told us the pools are back where the pirate-looking dude is- great! When we did get back there, he had his car turned sideways totally blocking the road & he was sitting on the hood- yeah we get the message! Thanks Maui revealed for sending us to this scphycho's backyard. Guy looked like he doesn't mind tourists- HE EATS 'EM! So around 5:30 we get to the acid warzone & here is my take on it (I know ppl are gonna get all "how can you say that")not worth it! Yeah the blowhole is cool but you can see a nicer one by the black sand beach by Hana. It's fun to stand over it & get soaked but is that really so much cooler than just seeing it that justifies the shlep out there. As for the warzone- weird rocks don't really do it for me. Don't get me wrong, if I was in New Hampshire or even Arizona it might be a worthwhile trip but this is freakin Maui! Your eyes are popping out all day from just beautiful & stunning scenery & neither of those words can describe the landscape of the warzone. Also If you do want to go there bring sneakers not water shoes- don't listen to the guys saying it's an easy hike- it isn't! Your constantly on all fours climbing over rocks. Also as we and all the other ppl who arrived with us found out- even if you want to do the hike one way you sure as hell don't want to do it back up! We all walked in a caravan from the blowhole parking lot to the acid warzone parking lot (half mile) on the road. Your much better off parking by the blowhole & just walking a little further to the warzone & you can decide how far you want to walk along the area there & turn back. As for the Oliville pools; bring a gun (okay maybe I'm being a bit dramatic but you get the idea) the part I enjoyed most from that whole area (is that east Maui?-I can never figure out Maui geography) was the scenery driving on the road or walking along the cliffs. About 10min from the blowhole On the way back we stopped at slaughterhouse beach (which stoner came up with that name!). That is a really nice beach & I loved the feel of it being secluded since there is a small hike to it & it's just a clearing in the forest. We chilled there & watched sunset. We got back to our hotel around 9:00 & was dinner & then the hot-tub, a nightly ritual for me (the jets close at 10:00 but they are open all night)

[wonderlust]

Monday- road to Hana:

I got us a 2door Jeep Wrangler from budget thru cheaphawaiin for 76$. Our hotel had a complimentary shuttle service that took us to pick up the car (10min walk otherwise). The lady at the office gave us the whole shpiel how you have to turn around when you reach 7 sacred polls because insurance won't cover blah blah-give me the keys! The jeep takes some getting used to especially since it has such a flimsy top.it is very basic & doesn't even come with USB port & buying a car charger at local gas station is 18$! the jeep was very much worth it as we were able to take to the roof down when we wanted & still had the advantage of being high-up & able to handle the rough roads better. We left 8:15 amfrom Wailea & made it to our first stop  the Garden of Eden  at 10:00.  For sure worth the stop  and it could be done in 30min though we stayed for an hr. The zip-lining companies seem to run their courses in that area and if you have the time (takes about 5 hrs according to MR) & the money (170$ range) it's definitely a stunning place to do it. From there is where the real gorgeous scenery starts & it is just unreal how nice it is. I found the drive to be fine though coming off the day before I think if i had to drive in a mine-field I would say the same..there are pull offs & waterfalls every few feet so you really have to decide before hand how you want to pace yourself and what sites you want to see & by when. I think in these types of situtaions you kinda have to trust that there is bigger & better to come vs just spending all the time at the first places you see (an unfortunate situtaion I have been in MANY TIMES).  our first big stop was the Ke'anae peninsula. Which we did from 11:50-12:20.Don't stop until you reach the absolute end of the road past the village as the views are the best over there. We got some awesome pics of the waves crashing onto the rocks right behind us.
Next was chings pond from  12:30-12:50 it was a great place to refresh with a quick dip. Hike down is very short but steep so you  need sneakers getting down while tabi are ideal once you get in the water
(The only time I used them!) we stopped at a few roadside falls (think wakiani & 3 bears falls) all easily accessible & gorgeous. Nahiku around 1:15-1:45 very green & pretty & great detour as the road is empty so you can drive at your own pace. The road is closed for construction at the end so can't go to the viewpoint
We made it to the Black Sand beach at wai'anappapapanananpanapa  state park  (jeez these freakin names!) around  2:30 and stayed for about an hr. The beach is awesome but  very narrow &very crowded as I imagine everyone was running on a similar timeline.Black sand is more like black rocks. There is a lava tunnel to the side & the blowhole I mentioned earlier with nice views a short walk away. Hana itself I thought was actually nothing much to look at & the one big gas station/convience  store was totally gross so don't expect Laighna style souvenir shops! The one  thing that is worth considering  in Hana is the Trike/paragliding. It is something that is insainly cool but not so sure how many ppl are in the mood of doing it if your not staying over in Hana  as you probably got enough of an adreline rush just getting there! Also at 170$ it's a lot more than the 30-40$ I paid to do it in Mexico & Hungary.  The Red sand beach was around 4:00 & is very hard to find where to park better off asking the natives.also the cops gave tickets to cars parked wrong the way or something like that. . I think Maui revealed doesn't exactly warn you that the  hike is pretty dangerous (there have been a few deaths there in recent years) & since it started raining on us we turned back before we got to see the main beach (we saw the small one at the beginning of the hike & it  looked real cool). That was probably the one thing on the RTH that I wish it could of worked out better. we went to seven sacred pools from 4:45-6:30. It is a very cool & scenic place & perfect last attraction on the road. The beach right before that that MR makes a big deal about didn't seem much different than every other so we bounced. The drive after 7 pools is very remote but insainly scenic. It is defiently a more challenging drive than the rest of RTH But still doable. Also as there was far less traffic it was less stressful in the sense of having a line of cars behind you/in front of you. Both waze & google maps places us somewhere in the Pacific Ocean the whole time so it is kinda unnerving having no idea where you are & not seeing a soul as you drive. One tip I would share-when driving around the switch-back hair-pin turns I would always blow my horn, better off pissing off the occasional driver than finding out what's at the bottom of the cliff your driving next to.. It took us from 6:30-9:00
To get from 7sacred pools to waliea. About 45min or so before waliea there was an amazing lookout over the whole island that I wish we would of made it there by sunset instead of when it was basically dark.

The drive was absolutely as gorgeous as they say it is & we were so thankful that we had amazingly clear skies until we got to Hana (even after the short shower it was sunny and clear again) I was wondering if it would make sense to the drive the reverse way since you would probably have less people at all the stops since everyone is going the other way. If I were to do it again I would of tried to leave by 6:00 from waliea (prob not so realistic on a short trip) and try to make it to Hana by 1:00. This would give enough time to enjoy both the black & red sand beaches as well as the seven sacred pools & still have enough time to do the rest of the drive before dark (it's less safe & a crime to miss the scenery driving in the dark) As I said earlier I think the blowhole/acid warzone area doesn't hold a candle to the RTH & if anything I would much rather do the RTH in 2 days or twice over the warzone/blowhole region.