Author Topic: Maui Master Thread (Read 1340012 times)

alpicone · « **Reply #2280 on:** August 04, 2015, 05:51:21 PM »

Quote from: Yehoshua on August 04, 2015, 05:39:49 PM

My only complaint was the line. Over 1h long.

The unwelcome surprise when using Priceline and being spoiled by National Executive Aisle.

Yehoshua · « **Reply #2281 on:** August 04, 2015, 05:58:48 PM »

Quote from: alpicone on August 04, 2015, 05:51:21 PM

The unwelcome surprise when using Priceline and being spoiled by National Executive Aisle.

No kidding, although I didn't use Priceline. I booked Thrifty/Dollar indirectly through http://www.discounthawaiicarrental.com/. Not only didn't I know which agency it was with until I booked (although I could have canceled), but it was a price better than NYOP on Priceline and National with codes.

Joe4007 · « **Reply #2282 on:** August 04, 2015, 06:02:43 PM »

Quote from: PBaruch on August 04, 2015, 02:28:27 PM

Does anyone know what cars are kept in the National Executive aisle at OGG? TIA.

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/national-emerald-club/745555-cars-ogg-10.html

skyguy918 · « **Reply #2283 on:** August 04, 2015, 07:20:31 PM »

Quote from: Yehoshua on August 04, 2015, 05:58:48 PM

No kidding, although I didn't use Priceline. I booked Thrifty/Dollar indirectly through http://www.discounthawaiicarrental.com/. Not only didn't I know which agency it was with until I booked (although I could have canceled), but it was a price better than NYOP on Priceline and National with codes.

I booked directly with thrifty or dollar (can't remember which sure it was). For some reason when I'd search OGG and HNL it would pop up saying, click here for hot August prices, and those prices beat every other option (including discount Hawaii).

There was literally not another customer there. Service want particularly fast, but this is Hawaii we're talking here. The guy behind the counter was a Jewish kid from NY who'd been out there for a few years. Returning the car was a breeze.

In HNL, it didn't take too long to get the car either, but then we ended up with an impala, which I hated (at least it was just for the day). When we came back there was a huge crowd waiting to get their cars, which made it really slow to give the car back. I hate waiting to return almost as much as I hate waiting to pay.

Yola · « **Reply #2284 on:** August 05, 2015, 11:36:13 PM »

Hi everyone,

I initially posted in the Hawaii master thread and only just discovered this Maui one now. I'm a somewhat novice here despite being an avid DansDeals fan for years and years. My wife and I are trying to plan a trip to Maui with our kids (who will be 3 and 1 IY"H) next year in late June or July 2016 and we live in Los Angeles. I have a quick question if anyone can give me some guidance.

I want to book with Avios and everyone says that's the best deal flying to Maui from the West Coast (25k round-trip), but I'm looking almost a year in advance and although AA only had June 2016 dates up right now, there is almost nothing available to book via Avios. Most days either have no Saaver awards or the ones they do are the stop-over flights that can't be used with Avios. If anyone can put my mind at ease and/or let me know if it's reasonable to believe that we'll eventually find the award tickets available, I'd really appreciate it. Just don't know if and when to look.

Thank you soooo much in advance. I really appreciate it.

Buruch · « **Reply #2285 on:** August 06, 2015, 12:48:34 AM »

You can also search availability for delta on alaska air website, or flying blue, and use korean miles (chase transfer partner) to book those flights for 25k roundtrip.

Marco Polo · « **Reply #2286 on:** August 06, 2015, 05:52:53 AM »

Quote from: Yola on August 05, 2015, 11:36:13 PM

Hi everyone,

I initially posted in the Hawaii master thread and only just discovered this Maui one now. I'm a somewhat novice here despite being an avid DansDeals fan for years and years. My wife and I are trying to plan a trip to Maui with our kids (who will be 3 and 1 IY"H) next year in late June or July 2016 and we live in Los Angeles. I have a quick question if anyone can give me some guidance.

I want to book with Avios and everyone says that's the best deal flying to Maui from the West Coast (25k round-trip), but I'm looking almost a year in advance and although AA only had June 2016 dates up right now, there is almost nothing available to book via Avios. Most days either have no Saaver awards or the ones they do are the stop-over flights that can't be used with Avios. If anyone can put my mind at ease and/or let me know if it's reasonable to believe that we'll eventually find the award tickets available, I'd really appreciate it. Just don't know if and when to look.

Thank you soooo much in advance. I really appreciate it.

Check United as well for flights.

Martyb · « **Reply #2287 on:** August 06, 2015, 10:24:18 AM »

I rented from http://www.aloharentacar.com/#maui-convertible-car-rental and was really happy with the service

Crazy tools · « **Reply #2288 on:** August 07, 2015, 01:43:57 AM »

Quote from: chucksterace on August 04, 2015, 02:31:09 PM

If you don't get an answer Ill be able to tell you Thursday

update?
Trying to decide if I do Hertz points rental (premium car with pres status, possible upgrade) or national executive.....

Ergel · « **Reply #2289 on:** August 07, 2015, 01:18:58 PM »

Just got back from my trip.
A few points:
1. Maui is beautiful. However, in terms of natural beauty I don't think it can compare to the Canadian Rockies (my perception may be colored by the fact that I traveled with a 3 and 5 year old).
2. I wasn't taken by Maui. I enjoyed my trip very much but I didn't get the feeling in Hawaii a lot of other people report (see parentheses above).
3. I didn't feel the vibe of Hawaiian culture (slow, relaxed) in Kihei/Kanapli/Waliea. However, you can really feel it in Hana. It's hard to describe.
4. We stayed here in Kihei. It is not in a touristy area at all (locals in the area seem to be pretty poor actually, though this didn't bother us at all). The house is nice and the pool was the main attraction for us. Really did the job. Only complaint would be that the AC is not super strong.
5. We stayed here in Hana. It is a real gem. They really go out of their way to make sure you have everything you need. Felt much more like a hotel than a vacation rental. And the price for a 2BR really can't be beat (went up slightly since we booked it). The whole rental is entirely brand new from the floors to the bathrooms to the kitchen/appliances. Really cannot say enough about how nice this place was. Only complaint is lack of air conditioning in the main area (kitchen/DR/LR). But the bedrooms have their own (very powerful) AC units. Nothing like going to sleep freezing.
6. Very much enjoyed Warren & Anabelles
7. While I didn't find the drive the back way from Hana at all dangerous, I didn't find it all that compelling. Past the Seven Sacred Pools (which, while there were people around, we were the only ones in the pools which was awesome - probably wasn't nearly as packed because of the tropical storm which was keeping people away from Hana) the road is very bumpy for a long time. The drive isn't difficult, but it's unpleasant because of all the bumpiness. And I did not find the scenery the rest of the way all that beautiful.
8. Snorkeling is really really cool. You see more fish than in an aquarium. And swimming with turtles is super cool.

@Yehuda · « **Reply #2290 on:** August 07, 2015, 01:25:47 PM »

Nice TR

Glad you had a nice time. Somehow you did it even without posting a million questions here.

Yehoshua · « **Reply #2291 on:** August 07, 2015, 01:25:52 PM »

Quote from: Ergel on August 07, 2015, 01:18:58 PM

Just got back from my trip.
A few points:

Ok, to each his own. FWIW I liked HI as well, but did not fall in love with it either.

jj1000 · « **Reply #2292 on:** August 07, 2015, 01:31:55 PM »

Quote from: Ergel on August 07, 2015, 01:18:58 PM

Just got back from my trip.
A few points:
1. Maui is beautiful. However, in terms of natural beauty I don't think it can compare to the Canadian Rockies (my perception may be colored by the fact that I traveled with a 3 and 5 year old).
2. I wasn't taken by Maui. I enjoyed my trip very much but I didn't get the feeling in Hawaii a lot of other people report (see parentheses above).
3. I didn't feel the vibe of Hawaiian culture (slow, relaxed) in Kihei/Kanapli/Waliea. However, you can really feel it in Hana. It's hard to describe.
4. We stayed here in Kihei. It is not in a touristy area at all (locals in the area seem to be pretty poor actually, though this didn't bother us at all). The house is nice and the pool was the main attraction for us. Really did the job. Only complaint would be that the AC is not super strong.
5. We stayed here in Hana. It is a real gem. They really go out of their way to make sure you have everything you need. Felt much more like a hotel than a vacation rental. And the price for a 2BR really can't be beat (went up slightly since we booked it). The whole rental is entirely brand new from the floors to the bathrooms to the kitchen/appliances. Really cannot say enough about how nice this place was. Only complaint is lack of air conditioning in the main area (kitchen/DR/LR). But the bedrooms have their own (very powerful) AC units. Nothing like going to sleep freezing.
6. Very much enjoyed Warren & Anabelles
7. While I didn't find the drive the back way from Hana at all dangerous, I didn't find it all that compelling. Past the Seven Sacred Pools (which, while there were people around, we were the only ones in the pools which was awesome - probably wasn't nearly as packed because of the tropical storm which was keeping people away from Hana) the road is very bumpy for a long time. The drive isn't difficult, but it's unpleasant because of all the bumpiness. And I did not find the scenery the rest of the way all that beautiful.
8. Snorkeling is really really cool. You see more fish than in an aquarium. And swimming with turtles is super cool.

Very nice report.

I'm sure Dan would say you need to go to Kauai and stay at the GHK to fall in love.

I feel like the road to Hana isn't comparable with kids and without. The neat part for me was getting out whenever I wanted and hiking down into falls and exploring. The drive after the 7 pools was amazing going 90 in a corvette

Ergel · « **Reply #2293 on:** August 07, 2015, 01:35:46 PM »

Quote from: jj1000 on August 07, 2015, 01:31:55 PM

Very nice report.

I'm sure Dan would say you need to go to Kauai and stay at the GHK to fall in love.

Fair enough

Quote

I feel like the road to Hana isn't comparable with kids and without. The neat part for me was getting out whenever I wanted and hiking down into falls and exploring.

Obviously you get to see less. Although, because we did it spread out over three days, we were able to do more than we could have done otherwise. Although the second day, basically everything was closed (Wai'napani state park, the bridge at the end of nikuhei road, the beaches were unswimmable) because of the really high surf because of the tropical storm. But watching the surf was really cool. I went to the red sand beach, and the surf was so high that there wasn't really any beach that was guaranteed not to get wet.

Quote

The drive after the 7 pools was amazing going 90 in a corvette

Wasn't the bumpiness uncomfortable?

skyguy918 · « **Reply #2294 on:** August 07, 2015, 02:20:06 PM »

Quote from: Ergel on August 07, 2015, 01:18:58 PM

7. While I didn't find the drive the back way from Hana at all dangerous, I didn't find it all that compelling. Past the Seven Sacred Pools (which, while there were people around, we were the only ones in the pools which was awesome - probably wasn't nearly as packed because of the tropical storm which was keeping people away from Hana) the road is very bumpy for a long time. The drive isn't difficult, but it's unpleasant because of all the bumpiness. And I did not find the scenery the rest of the way all that beautiful.

When I went, we did RTH in one day, and it was late enough that we basically had to just drove straight through the back end. I think it's certainly better than driving back the other way, even if you just drive straight through like we did. It's a completely different landscape - rugged, but beautiful in it's own way.

I wish I would've had some more time though, at least to take some proper pictures. My wife was practically asleep (I was pretty tired too, not a great time to drive), and as it is, darkness descended on us by the time we reached Kula Hwy. Definitely a big part of why I don't suggest doing RTH in one day.

It was really cool - about a half hour before that, as the sun was setting, it lit up the sky in front of us with this gorgeous orange color. And when we dipped down into a valley, with the road ahead of us ascending a hill, it looked like there was a massive fire (minus the smoke) lighting up the sky above the hill. Really wish I'd have stopped for a picture of that.

3yummyboys · « **Reply #2295 on:** August 07, 2015, 03:20:07 PM »

Thanks Ergel! Seems like a lot of places in HI have little or no AC.
Glad you enjoyed, would love to see some pics!

chuchem · « **Reply #2296 on:** August 09, 2015, 05:20:55 AM »

In maui now

Was nice having a fellow ddf member as guest friday night. Hoped he enjoyed it, after he had the chance to eat @chuchems in Zrh already

I am leaving the westin ocean villa resort today. I have a George Foreman grill and a toaster. If anyone wants it, please message me and I will deposit it with your name by the bellboy
I shiped them straight from amazon here, so basically new

Crazy tools · « **Reply #2297 on:** August 10, 2015, 11:26:58 AM »

How far is the hike from the road to olivine pools? And is it hard?

Dan · « **Reply #2298 on:** August 10, 2015, 11:29:15 AM »

Quote from: Crazy tools on August 10, 2015, 11:26:58 AM

How far is the hike from the road to olivine pools? And is it hard?

Less than 10 minutes, but the footing is tricky.

Yehoshua · « **Reply #2299 on:** August 10, 2015, 11:34:31 AM »

Quote from: Dan on August 10, 2015, 11:29:15 AM

Less than 10 minutes, but the footing is tricky.

read: you're basically climbing up and down over lava rocks/boulders without a real official trail. Not too bad even for those who aren't into hiking though, and the pools are worth it.

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.
Kayaking
Biking
Horseback riding
Ziplining
Cruises

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Author Topic: Maui Master Thread (Read 1340012 times)