Author Topic: Maui Master Thread (Read 1345714 times)

Emkay · « **Reply #3100 on:** July 24, 2016, 11:20:32 PM »

Quote from: skyguy918 on July 24, 2016, 11:16:07 PM

You misunderstand. I have no issue with your decision of which to visit. If getting up for sunrise is a big deal to you, so be it. But don't make it sound like you're recommending one over the other when it's based someone else's experience.

Are you a female by any chance?
Your picking and choosing the words you want. I made it extremely clear that these all all my unpopular opinions that most do not agree with and I mentioned twice in just that sentence that I didnt do it. I never gave a recommendation.
(And it's not getting up for sunrise, it's getting up 2-3 hrs prior)

skyguy918 · « **Reply #3101 on:** July 24, 2016, 11:34:07 PM »

Quote from: Emkay on July 24, 2016, 11:20:32 PM

Are you a female by any chance?
Your picking and choosing the words you want. I made it extremely clear that these all all my unpopular opinions that most do not agree with and I mentioned twice in just that sentence that I didnt do it. I never gave a recommendation.
(And it's not getting up for sunrise, it's getting up 2-3 hrs prior)

Lol. I am a male, and I won't tell your wife you said that. When we went to Maui, we did Haleakala sunrise and watched several fantastic sunsets from various places at the Fairmont - so not much overlap between our experiences.

I wasn't the one that initially thought you did sunrise. I take issue with you including on your overrated list something you didn't try. I'm not saying you're tricking anybody, it's just a dumb comment. You could just as easily have made your comment about Kaanapali or Haleakala sunset l, and mentioned parenthetically that you're glad you decided not to wake up for sunrise, because XYZ.

Personally, I thought Haleakala sunrise was a must see. But we had fantastic luck with weather, and with jetlag waking up didn't seem like that big a deal.

Emkay · « **Reply #3102 on:** July 24, 2016, 11:37:55 PM »

Quote from: skyguy918 on July 24, 2016, 11:34:07 PM

Lol. I am a male, and I won't tell your wife you said that. When we went to Maui, we did Haleakala sunrise and watched several fantastic sunsets from various places at the Fairmont - so not much overlap between our experiences.

I wasn't the one that initially thought you did sunrise. I take issue with you including on your overrated list something you didn't try. I'm not saying you're tricking anybody, it's just a dumb comment. You could just as easily have made your comment about Kaanapali or Haleakala sunset l, and mentioned parenthetically that you're glad you decided not to wake up for sunrise, because XYZ.

Personally, I thought Haleakala sunrise was a must see. But we had fantastic luck with weather, and with jetlag waking up didn't seem like that big a deal.

Whatever. I thought I was pretty clear but I'm sorry for the confusion.

Matovu · « **Reply #3103 on:** July 25, 2016, 05:42:24 AM »

EWR - LAX - OGG

On a fast day, basically fasting 22 hours.

@Yehuda · « **Reply #3104 on:** July 25, 2016, 11:36:17 AM »

Because everyone is breaking down Emkay's TR, I figured I'd join, although I agree with him on most points. And yes, all these freaking quotes are annoying.

Quote from: Emkay on July 24, 2016, 05:40:13 PM

7) Dont limit your reading to just Maui Revealed.
Quote from: Dan on July 24, 2016, 06:54:51 PM
What else did you enjoy?

I see Dan already asked this and you don't really recall things, but yeah, I'm also curious what I might have missed that wasn't discussed in the book. In terms of a 2nd opinion, that's what DDFers doing the activities are for.

Quote from: Emkay on July 24, 2016, 05:40:13 PM

Overrated.
1) Convertible - Im not saying it isn't great but if it's double the price I'm not so sure it's necessary.

As Dan pointed out, some people aren't convertible people. We realized after 2 rentals that we aren't.

Quote from: Emkay on July 24, 2016, 05:40:13 PM

2) Pom meals - The meals were very decent and there are times I would still purchase them but I don't think it's necessary here, between the price, storage, and inconvenience of transport, I would prob stick with some other options next time.

I'm not sure they're not necessary "here" versus other places. To me, they're a nice alternative to sandwiches, but I agree that I was never blown away by them. Next time, I'd get meals from somewhere else to try.

Quote from: Emkay on July 24, 2016, 05:40:13 PM

3) Tabis - I'm sure they are absolutely unbelievable but I bought standard water sneakers and didn't find a void that necessitated wearing those hideous looking things.
Quote from: Dan on July 24, 2016, 06:54:51 PM
nor are they as ugly as you make them out to be:

I have not seen tabis that look like that in any store I looked at in person or online. They all had the ugly split hoof thing, which I was under the impression is the entire point of tabis (to give better grip). Nonetheless, I also never had an issue with waterfalls or hiking in water shoes other than the ones I bought were a size too small.

Quote from: Emkay on July 24, 2016, 05:40:13 PM

4) Haleakala sunrise - I haven't personally done it but I went for sunset which according to those I spoke to who have seen both is pretty high up if not equal to sunrise. While it was absolutely stunning and I very well may go for sunset again next time, I personally would never be able to justify waking up 3 hrs before sunrise to drive over 3 hrs RT just for a photo op. (BTW admission went up to $20 and you can usually throw every national park in this category, including seven sacred pools)

Wow, up to $15 when I went in the winter and now $20. Sheesh. Btw the fee for Haleakala covers the pools since they're both in the same national park. I believe I was one of the rare cases where it was cloudy during a Haleakala sunrise, and we barely got to the see the sun illuminating the crater. Despite that, and despite waking up insanely early, we still have a fond memory of that freezing morning. I wouldn't say it's crazy to go for sunrise, but I also can't say it's overrated since I didn't get the full experience.

Quote from: Emkay on July 24, 2016, 05:40:13 PM

Underrated.
1) RTH south loop - driving the RTH and then turning around is missing out on so much.
Quote from: Dan on July 24, 2016, 06:54:51 PM
Only one who didn't care for it was @Yahuda IIRC

Yes, that was me, and I still believe so. Also my name is spelled with an "E".

Quote from: Emkay on July 24, 2016, 05:40:13 PM

2) Ka'anapali beach walk at sunset - if you would sacrifice so much to go to Haleakala it is ridiculous not to do this.
Quote from: Dan on July 24, 2016, 06:54:51 PM
2. Why specifically this? Any western facing point in HI will have amazing sunsets.

I'm not sure why the 2 activities have to be compared, but yes, sunset behind the Hyatt and walking along the beach was incredible. Sure any point will have the same view, but walking on the beach as everything glows golden orange was quite special.

Quote from: Emkay on July 24, 2016, 05:40:13 PM

3) Wailea Iki Falls - an uphill but very easy 10 minute hike on a hunters road to a phenomenal view and gorgeous waterfall with likely not a soul to join you. (Obviously get a permit from EMI prior )

Gate was locked when I got there. My fault for not realizing it needed a permit.

Quote from: Emkay on July 24, 2016, 05:40:13 PM

4) Warren & Annabelle - there's a reason around 3/4 of the audience when I was there has been there at least once prior with many having been there more than 5 times. Every local I spoke to swore by it. Tickets aren't super cheap but still one of the cheaper of the paid activities on the island. Pair it with a half hour walk down front street in downtown Lahaina.
Quote from: Dan on July 24, 2016, 06:54:51 PM
4. Who underrated this? Everyone who has done it has loved it.

If it's really that good, then I think it's definitely underrated. People here suggest it as a nice night activity - if you're not exhausted from the day. But it's usually passed on as something that should be skipped if you can do more Hawaiian-type of activities on your trip instead of it.

efflpetzel · « **Reply #3105 on:** July 25, 2016, 12:54:33 PM »

Quote from: Emkay on July 24, 2016, 05:40:13 PM

6) Maui, and I'm sure the other islands to an extent are not really the ideal vacation destination at all for infants or toddlers. There are closer and cheaper locations with the same activities that they would be able to partake in.
can you elaborate on this, did you take kids along

7) Dont limit your reading to just Maui Revealed.
what else did you read

1) RTH south loop - driving the RTH and then turning around is missing out on so much.

Did you overnight in Hana

Emkay · « **Reply #3106 on:** July 25, 2016, 01:42:40 PM »

Quote

Because everyone is breaking down Emkay's TR, I figured I'd join, although I agree with him on most points.

join the club.

Quote

I see Dan already asked this and you don't really recall things, but yeah, I'm also curious what I might have missed that wasn't discussed in the book. In terms of a 2nd opinion, that's what DDFers doing the activities are for.

I rmember pulling over at some amazing sights that weren't in the book and a quick google search found others mentioning it. Even small things that most here stop by like those rainbow eucalyptus trees I dont recall him mentioning.

Quote

To me, they're a nice alternative to sandwiches

at 10% the price they better be nice.

Quote

Wow, up to $15 when I went in the winter and now $20.

Went up june 1st. I was told they even have plans to raise it further by next summer.

Quote

Btw the fee for Haleakala covers the pools since they're both in the same national park.

I went to the pools also and it just seemed like a crowded waterpark and it seems most of the time they dont even allow swimming.

Quote

I believe I was one of the rare cases where it was cloudy during a Haleakala sunrise, and we barely got to the see the sun illuminating the crater. Despite that, and despite waking up insanely early, we still have a fond memory of that freezing morning. I wouldn't say it's crazy to go for sunrise, but I also can't say it's overrated since I didn't get the full experience.

The fact that there is arisk of not seeing should be factored in.

Quote from: @Yehuda on July 25, 2016, 11:36:17 AM

Gate was locked when I got there. My fault for not realizing it needed a permit.

Its always locked.

I doubt anyone gets a permit.

Emkay · « **Reply #3107 on:** July 25, 2016, 01:44:49 PM »

Quote from: efflpetzel on July 25, 2016, 12:54:33 PM

1)First trip with just my wife in quite awhile. Please dont give me the "you cant say that if you werent there with kids" garbage.

2) no other books, just random googling.

3)No.

efflpetzel · « **Reply #3108 on:** July 25, 2016, 01:48:44 PM »

Quote from: Emkay on July 25, 2016, 01:44:49 PM

1)First trip with just my wife in quite awhile. Please dont give me the "you cant say that if you werent there with kids" garbage.
Not at all, just curious what makes you say that

2) no other books, just random googling.

3)No.
More detail please

Dan · « **Reply #3109 on:** July 25, 2016, 01:48:48 PM »

Lol, not sure how @Yehuda became @Yahuda.

I've raved several times about W&A.

I don't see the point of saying a particular beach is nice at sunset when every western beach is nice when there's a good sunset.

WM definitely has several non-hooved Tabis.

@Yehuda · « **Reply #3110 on:** July 25, 2016, 03:25:15 PM »

Quote from: Dan on July 25, 2016, 01:48:48 PM

I don't see the point of saying a particular beach is nice at sunset when every western beach is nice when there's a good sunset.

I thought he was just saying it's a particularly nice area to see sunset and that going for sunset on WM beaches isn't really discussed much. I would imagine most of the WM beaches have that view. Happens to be Ka'anapali has a boardwalk you walk on too.

skyguy918 · « **Reply #3111 on:** July 25, 2016, 03:57:41 PM »

Quote from: @Yehuda on July 25, 2016, 03:25:15 PM

I thought he was just saying it's a particularly nice area to see sunset and that going for sunset on WM beaches isn't really discussed much. I would imagine most of the WM beaches have that view. Happens to be Ka'anapali has a boardwalk you walk on too.

He (Dan) didn't say West Maui, he said western facing. So if you're staying in Wailea (Fairmont, Four Season, Grand Wailea, Marriott Andaz) or Kihei (house rentals), don't waste your time making a special trip to see sunset from Ka'anapali - it won't be materially different from what you'll see from the beach where your staying.

Emkay · « **Reply #3112 on:** July 25, 2016, 03:58:01 PM »

Quote from: Dan on July 25, 2016, 01:48:48 PM

I don't see the point of saying a particular beach is nice at sunset when every western beach is nice when there's a good sunset.

I dont know what it is, Ive been to more than one and that one stuck out more than any other sunset on the beach.

Emkay · « **Reply #3113 on:** July 25, 2016, 03:59:01 PM »

Quote from: skyguy918 on July 25, 2016, 03:57:41 PM

He (Dan) didn't say West Maui, he said western facing. So if you're staying in Wailea (Fairmont, Four Season, Grand Wailea, Marriott Andaz) or Kihei (house rentals), don't waste your time making a special trip to see sunset from Ka'anapali - it won't be materially different from what you'll see from the beach where your staying.

Obviously I hope you personally did the sunset there before saying this.

@Yehuda · « **Reply #3114 on:** July 25, 2016, 04:07:34 PM »

Quote from: skyguy918 on July 25, 2016, 03:57:41 PM

He (Dan) didn't say West Maui, he said western facing. So if you're staying in Wailea (Fairmont, Four Season, Grand Wailea, Marriott Andaz) or Kihei (house rentals), don't waste your time making a special trip to see sunset from Ka'anapali - it won't be materially different from what you'll see from the beach where your staying.

Oh, I realize that now. From Ka'anapali, the sun sets over Lanai. Is that the same view from Wailea?

skyguy918 · « **Reply #3115 on:** July 25, 2016, 04:08:12 PM »

Quote from: Emkay on July 25, 2016, 03:59:01 PM

Obviously I hope you personally did the sunset there before saying this.

I was clarifying Dan's comment for @Yehuda. He appears to have confused western beach for West Maui beach. The comment itself is Dan's, and considering he has written that he stayed in Ka'anapali twice, Wailea twice, and Kihei once, I'd say he's okay making that comment.

efflpetzel · « **Reply #3116 on:** July 31, 2016, 03:50:06 PM »

Anyone here used a babysitter in maui

sedge · « **Reply #3117 on:** July 31, 2016, 04:01:50 PM »

Quote from: efflpetzel on July 31, 2016, 03:50:06 PM

Anyone here used a babysitter in maui

Same question. Arriving 8/15 at HR.

sedge · « **Reply #3118 on:** August 09, 2016, 08:40:48 AM »

What is the cheapest transportation from OGG to the Hyatt Regency?

4 passengers and luggage.

I'm staying 7 days but only need a car tye 3rd to the 5th day so I thought I'd rent at the hotel and use a shuttle to ajd from the airport if it makes sense.

@Yehuda · « **Reply #3119 on:** August 09, 2016, 08:50:16 AM »

Hotel doesn't have a shuttle. It's about 30-45 minutes from the airport depending on traffic. I imagine a taxi would be the only option. If you rent a car from the airport, then you won't need to pay for the taxi or the one way rental fee. Might come out cheaper that way. If you're diamond, you can get the parking fees waived at the hotel.

Name	Area	More Info	Comments
____________________________________________________________________________________________________	_____________________________________________________	__________________________________________________________	____________________________________________________________________________
Hyatt Regency	West side (Lahaina)	Website	Hyatt 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.
Andaz	South side (Wailea)	Website	Hyatt category 8. A favorite among DDFers, although award space isn't easy to come by.
Grand Wailea	South side (Wailea)	Website	Hilton - 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.
Sheraton	West side (Lahaina)	Website	SPG category 6.
Westin	West side (Lahaina)	Website	SPG category 6.
Fairmont	South side (Wailea)	Website	All suite hotel.
Destination By Hyatt Residence - Polo Club	South side (Wailea)	Website	Condos 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.

Name	Area	Comments
______________________________________________________________	____________________________________________________	_________________________________________________________________________________
Black Sand Beach	Waiʻānapanapa State Park	One 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 2	Area 2	Lorem 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 3	Area 3	Lorem 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.

Name	Area	Comments
______________________________________________________________	____________________________________________________	_________________________________________________________________________________
Sliding Sands	Haleakala	An 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 Trail	Hana	One 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 Field	South Maui	At 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 Crossings	North East Maui	The 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

Activity	Comments
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________	_________________________________________________________________________________
Helicopter tours	A 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 Hana	Absolute 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 Sunrise	A 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 crater	Countless 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 watching	The 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.
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Author Topic: Maui Master Thread (Read 1345714 times)