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


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.

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 6. 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.
"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
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Beach 1Area 1Lorem 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 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:

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.


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).
'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.
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

« Last edited by cgr on February 24, 2022, 09:17:33 PM »

Author Topic: Maui Master Thread  (Read 1093262 times)

Offline dovidinrostov

  • DansDeals Copper Elite
  • *
  • Join Date: May 2008
  • Posts: 9
  • Total likes: 1
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Maui Master Thread
« on: May 29, 2008, 02:06:33 AM »
Hi im going to Maui and i was wondering if anyone has some good deals while im there. And i was wondering is it worth Splitting the cost with points for the hotel.....either 24,000 spg points or 4,000 and an extra $90?
« Last Edit: June 08, 2010, 05:41:25 PM by Dan »

levi

  • Guest
Re: Going to Maui
« Reply #1 on: May 29, 2008, 02:52:58 AM »
Cash and Points is a majority of the time the best value. What are your dates?
Starwoods comes out with something called Starpicks (starpicks.com) every Tuesday and it runs until Friday. These are discounted rates for many diifferent properties. I have seen Maui on the list in the recently, every week the list of properties change 
« Last Edit: May 29, 2008, 03:28:23 AM by levi »

Offline AsherO

  • Global Moderator
  • Dansdeals Lifetime 20K Presidential Platinum Elite
  • **********
  • Join Date: May 2008
  • Posts: 29413
  • Total likes: 6271
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 79
    • View Profile
  • Location: NYC
Re: Going to Maui
« Reply #2 on: May 29, 2008, 04:18:05 AM »
Hi im going to Maui and i was wondering if anyone has some good deals while im there. And i was wondering is it worth Splitting the cost with points for the hotel.....either 24,000 spg points or 4,000 and an extra $90?

I think it's obvious, 20,000 starpoints are worth a lot more than $90.
Now accepting Likes via CashApp

levi

  • Guest
Re: Going to Maui
« Reply #3 on: May 29, 2008, 04:27:39 AM »
Hi im going to Maui and i was wondering if anyone has some good deals while im there. And i was wondering is it worth Splitting the cost with points for the hotel.....either 24,000 spg points or 4,000 and an extra $90?

I dont understand how you have the option of 24,000 points, because there are three spg properties in Maui and all three category 5 which is either 12,000 or 16,000 points depending on the season

Offline Dan

  • Administrator
  • Dansdeals Lifetime 50K Diamond Elite
  • **********
  • Join Date: May 2008
  • Posts: 66414
  • Total likes: 14410
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 16442
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Location: CLE
  • Programs: UA GS, AA EXP, DL Dirt, Hyatt Glob, Fairmont Lifetime Plat, DD Diamond, Blocked By @NeriaKraus
Re: Going to Maui
« Reply #4 on: May 29, 2008, 11:08:36 AM »
Maui is an absolutely incredible place, just make sure you go there with an itinerary so that you're able to hit the "must-do's" while there.

How long are you going for?

I found the Starwood hotels to be too pricey on Maui, and they didn't have Cash and points when I went.  I used vrbo.com to find a no-frills condo at a fraction of the cost of a hotel.

To answer the OP's question, I always use Cash and points when available.
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.

Offline dovidinrostov

  • DansDeals Copper Elite
  • *
  • Join Date: May 2008
  • Posts: 9
  • Total likes: 1
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Re: Going to Maui
« Reply #5 on: May 29, 2008, 12:45:50 PM »
Sorry......I am staying for 2 nights 12,000 spg points or $90 + 4000 spg points. It was only available in the Westin. 

Offline dovidinrostov

  • DansDeals Copper Elite
  • *
  • Join Date: May 2008
  • Posts: 9
  • Total likes: 1
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Re: Going to Maui
« Reply #6 on: May 29, 2008, 12:49:21 PM »
And where can i find the best "To-Do list" ?

levi

  • Guest
Re: Going to Maui
« Reply #7 on: May 29, 2008, 12:57:22 PM »
Sorry......I am staying for 2 nights 12,000 spg points or $90 + 4000 spg points. It was only available in the Westin. 
defnitely go with the cash and points its a no brainer

Offline Dan

  • Administrator
  • Dansdeals Lifetime 50K Diamond Elite
  • **********
  • Join Date: May 2008
  • Posts: 66414
  • Total likes: 14410
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 16442
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Location: CLE
  • Programs: UA GS, AA EXP, DL Dirt, Hyatt Glob, Fairmont Lifetime Plat, DD Diamond, Blocked By @NeriaKraus
Re: Going to Maui
« Reply #8 on: May 29, 2008, 01:25:42 PM »
You're going all the way to Maui for 2 days???
Are you spending time on the other rislands?
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.

Offline dovidinrostov

  • DansDeals Copper Elite
  • *
  • Join Date: May 2008
  • Posts: 9
  • Total likes: 1
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Re: Going to Maui
« Reply #9 on: May 30, 2008, 05:26:56 AM »
I am actually in Honolulu right now. So my fam is coming in so we are taking a trip to maui

Offline moish

  • Dansdeals Lifetime 10K Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: May 2008
  • Posts: 10014
  • Total likes: 292
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Programs: AA LT Plat, Avis, SPG Plat
Re: Going to Maui
« Reply #10 on: May 30, 2008, 06:13:03 AM »
what do you do about shabbos? you hold two days?

Offline Dan

  • Administrator
  • Dansdeals Lifetime 50K Diamond Elite
  • **********
  • Join Date: May 2008
  • Posts: 66414
  • Total likes: 14410
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 16442
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Location: CLE
  • Programs: UA GS, AA EXP, DL Dirt, Hyatt Glob, Fairmont Lifetime Plat, DD Diamond, Blocked By @NeriaKraus
Re: Going to Maui
« Reply #11 on: May 30, 2008, 12:29:25 PM »
I am actually in Honolulu right now. So my fam is coming in so we are taking a trip to maui
OK, that's better!

If you are in Hawaii then I'm sure you know about the Hawaii Revealed tour book series.  But for anyone else going to Hawaii (and I know that a lot of people are from that last Hawaii deal) it's far and away the best tour book series ever written, and it's a shame they've only done it for the 4 major Hawaiian Islands (Hawaii, Kauai, Maui, and Oahu) and not anywhere else in the world.

Honestly, if you go to Hawaii without the books for the islands you are visiting you are making a massive mistake!!!

I made notes in my book about which stuff we enjoyed doing in Maui, so I'll look it up and post back soon...


« Last Edit: May 30, 2008, 12:32:52 PM by Dan »
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.

Offline SBS

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite
  • ****
  • Join Date: Jun 2008
  • Posts: 396
  • Total likes: 9
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 27
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Location: Brooklyn, NY
Re: Going to Maui
« Reply #12 on: June 01, 2008, 01:07:52 AM »
I think in Hawaii you keep one day Shabbos. There is a Shliach there called Rabbi Sholom Shusterman. His info is available here:

http://www.chabadworld.org/index_old.php?search=maui&url=shluchim_en
Available for Sha'alos

Offline dovidinrostov

  • DansDeals Copper Elite
  • *
  • Join Date: May 2008
  • Posts: 9
  • Total likes: 1
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Re: Going to Maui
« Reply #13 on: June 01, 2008, 10:08:15 PM »
For those going to Hawaii after the great deals that you found on DansDeals.com there is a Kosher restaurant Yudis Deli with a great Hechsher in Honolulu and they ship to all the Islands Fresh Food.

Offline MonOve

  • DansDeals Copper Elite
  • *
  • Join Date: Jun 2008
  • Posts: 4
  • Total likes: 0
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
Re: Going to Maui
« Reply #14 on: June 03, 2008, 04:25:54 PM »
Maui is an absolutely incredible place, just make sure you go there with an itinerary so that you're able to hit the "must-do's" while there.

How long are you going for?

I found the Starwood hotels to be too pricey on Maui, and they didn't have Cash and points when I went.  I used vrbo.com to find a no-frills condo at a fraction of the cost of a hotel.

To answer the OP's question, I always use Cash and points when available.

Which property did you stay at? Would you recommend it?
I stayed at a VRBO place in Orlando and we got a little jipped.

Offline SpillTheBeans

  • DansDeals Copper Elite
  • *
  • Join Date: Jun 2008
  • Posts: 3
  • Total likes: 0
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
  • Gender: Female
    • View Profile
Re: Going to Maui
« Reply #15 on: June 15, 2008, 05:26:47 AM »
We just got back from Maui so I figured I'd write a little round-up.
For starters, we took the superferry from Oahu to Maui (3 hour boatride). Beautiful view and very spacious.
We started with "The Road to Hanna" - a beautiful scenic route which leads you to the town of Hanna. This road was really beautiful but we did it right after the boatride - and the combination of sea-sickness and the curvy roads - made us really nauseous. Make sure you take drammamin with you.

We stayed at a gorgeous restort/hotel - the Westin in Kaanapali. (Starwood rewards) Absolutely beautiful hotel, right by the beach, a few different pools and stunning scenery. I advise you to take advantage of the many great things the hotel has to offer (pool, jacuzzi, shows, games etc.)

We went to the "Warren and Annabel" magic/comedy show. Very entertaining. This is located in the town of Lahaina (right near Kaanapali)

There are tons of tourist books with information on things to do in Maui.. there are tons of water sports, scenic views etc. to do on the Island.

You really feel like you are in Paradise on this Island.



Offline kingsfan33

  • Dansdeals Gold Elite
  • ***
  • Join Date: Jun 2008
  • Posts: 195
  • Total likes: 6
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
Maui Vacation Idea? Good deal?
« Reply #16 on: June 27, 2008, 01:34:56 AM »
im currently looking to book a vacation for August after tisha bav.
this is what im looking for in a trip.
Great resort type hotel (grand wailea - hawaii?)
kid friendly activities (i dont need day care, just stuff to do with them 3 and baby)
kosher food nearby?

if i can get a great deal on grand wailea type of hotel that would be great. I can always pack food with ice packs and get stuff from supermarkets...

I prefer not to travel too far.
coming out of los angeles, so a 5-6 hour flight to hawaii would be fine, but not more...

orbitz quoted 4100 for 3 (not incl baby) airfare and hotel stay at grand wailea for 4 nights.

any ideas on getting a steal of a deal for this??

thanks!!!
« Last Edit: July 03, 2008, 12:18:01 PM by Dan »

Offline moish

  • Dansdeals Lifetime 10K Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: May 2008
  • Posts: 10014
  • Total likes: 292
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Programs: AA LT Plat, Avis, SPG Plat
Re: Vacation Idea? Good deal?
« Reply #17 on: June 30, 2008, 08:55:30 AM »
what about san diego? ;-) (if this is AF) whats up?

Offline kingsfan33

  • Dansdeals Gold Elite
  • ***
  • Join Date: Jun 2008
  • Posts: 195
  • Total likes: 6
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
Re: Vacation Idea? Good deal?
« Reply #18 on: June 30, 2008, 10:06:57 AM »
Moish this is how I'm in touch?!
San diego is great which we might end up doing but after july 31 I need to do something big to celebrate...

Offline moish

  • Dansdeals Lifetime 10K Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: May 2008
  • Posts: 10014
  • Total likes: 292
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Programs: AA LT Plat, Avis, SPG Plat
Re: Vacation Idea? Good deal?
« Reply #19 on: June 30, 2008, 10:11:19 AM »
how did you get the discount on live.com