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 1314005 times)

Offline shtarkk

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Re: Maui Master Thread
« Reply #3220 on: December 06, 2016, 11:41:09 AM »
ALOL
Maybe I do know what I'm talking about...

so which do you recommend if Andaz isn't available?
a lot of people seem to stay at the westin but from the photos online, rooms look pretty old and basic

Offline efflpetzel

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Re: Maui Master Thread
« Reply #3221 on: December 08, 2016, 09:22:10 AM »
why not the ritz?
Bad location and worst weather in maui

Online mochjas

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Re: Maui Master Thread
« Reply #3222 on: December 08, 2016, 09:25:21 PM »
I have the andaz booked with points for 8/1-8/13 and I don't need it. If anyone wants some of those dates let me know

Offline @Yehuda

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Re: Maui Master Thread
« Reply #3223 on: December 08, 2016, 10:08:05 PM »
I have the andaz booked with points for 8/1-8/13 and I don't need it. If anyone wants some of those dates let me know
Wow, how did you pull that off? Also, no guarantee it'll go back into inventory.

Online mochjas

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Re: Maui Master Thread
« Reply #3224 on: December 08, 2016, 10:09:21 PM »
Wow, how did you pull that off? Also, no guarantee it'll go back into inventory.
so you can transfer the points to my account and use it from my account

Offline 12HRS

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Re: Maui Master Thread
« Reply #3225 on: December 08, 2016, 10:28:49 PM »
I have the andaz booked with points for 8/1-8/13 and I don't need it. If anyone wants some of those dates let me know

8/1 is tisha bav
You planning on canceling soon?

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Re: Maui Master Thread
« Reply #3226 on: December 08, 2016, 10:31:57 PM »
8/1 is tisha bav
You planning on canceling soon?
i can hold onto it for a bit.

Offline ushdadude

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Re: Maui Master Thread
« Reply #3227 on: December 11, 2016, 03:57:22 PM »
I have jfk-hnl rt booked on dl. I would love for them to check my bags all the way through to ogg. Do you think I have a better chance if I book HA with DL miles or just use UA and save some miles?

Also, is an hour enough time in hnl to make a connections?

Offline shaulyaakov

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Re: Maui Master Thread
« Reply #3228 on: December 12, 2016, 09:08:34 AM »
I have jfk-hnl rt booked on dl. I would love for them to check my bags all the way through to ogg. Do you think I have a better chance if I book HA with DL miles or just use UA and save some miles?

Also, is an hour enough time in hnl to make a connections?

Doubt DL will check through since you're not on the same itinerary. How expensive is the flight? Might just be better to use DD booking for free bags anyway.

I don't think an hour would work if you (might) need to recheck bags. I don't think you'd be able to know 100% either way before getting to JFK.

Offline ushdadude

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Re: Maui Master Thread
« Reply #3229 on: December 12, 2016, 11:05:54 AM »
Doubt DL will check through since you're not on the same itinerary. How expensive is the flight? Might just be better to use DD booking for free bags anyway.

I don't think an hour would work if you (might) need to recheck bags. I don't think you'd be able to know 100% either way before getting to JFK.

How about having DL combine my two reservations if I book with DL miles?

Offline Flying Fish

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Re: Maui Master Thread
« Reply #3230 on: December 14, 2016, 11:11:51 PM »
I'd like to say a huge thank you to Dan and all the TR posters whose detailed descriptions of their trips were an enormous help in planning our 11-day trip next week to Kauai & Maui.

If anyone here can have a quick look at our planned itinerary and suggest any improvements I'd greatly appreciate it! (Kauai portion posted in Kauai thread)

Maui:   Sunrise ~7:00am, Sunset ~5:52 pm

Sun:   
•   11a Land in OGG from LIH
•   Lava Fields hike near La Perouse bay to Keawanku Beach (unnamed beach)

Mon:    
•   Sunrise on Haleakala (Leave hotel by 4:30am, 1h 45m drive)- wear full winter gear down coat etc - arrive at Upper Visitor Center 40 min before sunrise.
•   After sunrise, choose a hike (White Hill trail, Sliding Sands trail, Summit), back down to Upper Visitor Center for Shacharis + bkfst
•   Stop at Leleiwi Overlook on drive back down mtn.
•   Drive to West Maui
•   Olivine Pools (swim)
•   Two-Tiered Tide Pools of Honolua
•   Acid War Zone 30 min hike to the Nakalele Blowhole (Light Beacon, “Alien Landscape”, stay clear of the blowhole)
•   Return through “easy way up to hghwy and walk .5 mi
•   Dragon’s Teeth
•   Return to Hotel, sunset, dinner

Tues:    
•   Road to Hana: Leave hotel by 7am. Lots of stops on front part:
•   Rainbow Eucalyptus Trees (side of the highway, mile 7)
•   Lower Puohokamoa Falls
•   Wahinepe'e (hike through bamboo forest, can skip - similar to Pipwai Trail, but may be too tired later for that)
•   Haipua'ena Falls (3 min hike)
•   Punalau Falls (hike on boulders, can skip)
•   Ching's Pond (3 min climb down to water, swim out to waterfall)
•   Halfway to Hana stand pit-stop
•   Spring-Fed Gusher (30 sec stop on roadside)
•   Upper Waikani Falls (aka Three Bears Falls). Can see from road, or hike closer to the falls. Careful not to illegally park.
•   Pua'a Ka'a State Park - restrooms, picnic tables - Hike to 2nd waterfall upstream crossing stream, swim
•   Hanawi Falls (view from road, walk up close)
•   Makapipi Falls (walk to bridge to view)
•   Nahiku Road (few miles-long road off of the RTH that ends with a waterfall and pond) Check signs at beginning to make sure not closed!
•   Wai'anapnapa State Park - Black Sand Beach - 5 min walk from parking lot
•   Hana Bay - Black sand beach, then Red sand beach, possible snorkeling
•   Unnamed Red Sand Beach - hike to it, maybe skip
•   Venus Pool (easy to overshoot)
•   Kanahuali'i Falls (hike in a stream to get to the secluded falls)
•   Wailua Falls (quick photo stop - can't go into the water)
•   Seven Sacred Pools/Oheo Gulch (Use receipt from Haleakala sunrise) - short trail to water - swimming may be closed - turn around to return
•   Pipiwai Trail (2-mile hike from 7SP, past banyan trees and a 200 ft waterfall, then through bamboo forrests to the the amazing 400-foot Waimoku Falls, takes 2 hrs)
•   4pm: Continue driving south to return via “backside” of RTH, partly unpaved, 3 hr drive, bring sunglasses
•   Quick stop by Alele Falls (can skip)

•   Evening: Downtown Lahaina, Warren and Annabelle’s magic/comedy show 8:15-11:30pm (Cancellation policy: 24 hours, maybe cancel bec. we'll be exhausted)


Wed:   
 •  7:30 am Snorkeling on Molokini w/ Four Winds (1 hr boat ea. Way, cancel until 24 hrs b4), Whale Watching
•   Afternoon: Chill by beach, snorkel
•   11:30p Flight home

Offline yoohoo

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Re: Maui Master Thread
« Reply #3231 on: December 14, 2016, 11:24:17 PM »
Good luck staying awake for W&A after RTH.

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Re: Maui Master Thread
« Reply #3232 on: December 14, 2016, 11:28:32 PM »
Just realized this is the end part of your trip so time diff should not be a factor. RTH is very tiring regardless.....

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Re: Maui Master Thread
« Reply #3233 on: December 14, 2016, 11:49:19 PM »
Just realized this is the end part of your trip so time diff should not be a factor. RTH is very tiring regardless.....
Agreed, I think I will cancel. Was the only night available, but doesn't make sense to stay up.

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Re: Maui Master Thread
« Reply #3234 on: December 15, 2016, 08:06:48 AM »
Agreed, I think I will cancel. Was the only night available, but doesn't make sense to stay up.

RTH is too packed. Assign every stop a priority level and pick and choose as you go. Remember that the backside will take longer than you think and you'd rather not drive that in the dark.

W&A is crazy for that night, good on you for canceling.

White Hill on Haleakala is not really a hike, more of a quick scramble to the overlook. I suggest you watch sunrise from there, but if you've seen sunrise from a different spot you could skip WH afterward, it won't offer you anything new really.
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Re: Maui Master Thread
« Reply #3235 on: December 15, 2016, 10:32:38 AM »
White Hill on Haleakala is not really a hike, more of a quick scramble to the overlook. I suggest you watch sunrise from there, but if you've seen sunrise from a different spot you could skip WH afterward, it won't offer you anything new really.
+1. Scramble up White Hill for sunrise, and then drive up to the summit afterwards. If you're still feeling up to hiking after that, head into the crater via the Sliding Sands trail. Just keep in mind that based on how packed your day is, you're probably not gonna have the time/energy to do more than a mile or two in on that trail, and then right back out. You might be better off skipping it, and just stopping at the overlooks on the way back down.

RTH is too packed. Assign every stop a priority level and pick and choose as you go. Remember that the backside will take longer than you think and you'd rather not drive that in the dark.
Very important point about the backside. We got a late start, and had to rush just about everything part Hana itself. Ended up driving in the dark from pretty much where 31 turns into 37 and on. Though I did get this cool shot before that (apologies for the quality, it was most likely shot out the front window of the car while I was driving 8)) of sunset that looked more like a forest fire just over the ridge.




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Re: Maui Master Thread
« Reply #3236 on: December 15, 2016, 11:56:08 AM »
I'd like to say a huge thank you to Dan and all the TR posters whose detailed descriptions of their trips were an enormous help in planning our 11-day trip next week to Kauai & Maui.

If anyone here can have a quick look at our planned itinerary and suggest any improvements I'd greatly appreciate it! (Kauai portion posted in Kauai thread)

Maui:   Sunrise ~7:00am, Sunset ~5:52 pm

Sun:   
•   11a Land in OGG from LIH
•   Lava Fields hike near La Perouse bay to Keawanku Beach (unnamed beach)

Mon:    
•   Sunrise on Haleakala (Leave hotel by 4:30am, 1h 45m drive)- wear full winter gear down coat etc - arrive at Upper Visitor Center 40 min before sunrise.
•   After sunrise, choose a hike (White Hill trail, Sliding Sands trail, Summit), back down to Upper Visitor Center for Shacharis + bkfst
•   Stop at Leleiwi Overlook on drive back down mtn.
•   Drive to West Maui
•   Olivine Pools (swim)
•   Two-Tiered Tide Pools of Honolua
•   Acid War Zone 30 min hike to the Nakalele Blowhole (Light Beacon, “Alien Landscape”, stay clear of the blowhole)
•   Return through “easy way up to hghwy and walk .5 mi
•   Dragon’s Teeth
•   Return to Hotel, sunset, dinner

Tues:    
•   Road to Hana: Leave hotel by 7am. Lots of stops on front part:
•   Rainbow Eucalyptus Trees (side of the highway, mile 7)
•   Lower Puohokamoa Falls
•   Wahinepe'e (hike through bamboo forest, can skip - similar to Pipwai Trail, but may be too tired later for that)
•   Haipua'ena Falls (3 min hike)
•   Punalau Falls (hike on boulders, can skip)
•   Ching's Pond (3 min climb down to water, swim out to waterfall)
•   Halfway to Hana stand pit-stop
•   Spring-Fed Gusher (30 sec stop on roadside)
•   Upper Waikani Falls (aka Three Bears Falls). Can see from road, or hike closer to the falls. Careful not to illegally park.
•   Pua'a Ka'a State Park - restrooms, picnic tables - Hike to 2nd waterfall upstream crossing stream, swim
•   Hanawi Falls (view from road, walk up close)
•   Makapipi Falls (walk to bridge to view)
•   Nahiku Road (few miles-long road off of the RTH that ends with a waterfall and pond) Check signs at beginning to make sure not closed!
•   Wai'anapnapa State Park - Black Sand Beach - 5 min walk from parking lot
•   Hana Bay - Black sand beach, then Red sand beach, possible snorkeling
•   Unnamed Red Sand Beach - hike to it, maybe skip
•   Venus Pool (easy to overshoot)
•   Kanahuali'i Falls (hike in a stream to get to the secluded falls)
•   Wailua Falls (quick photo stop - can't go into the water)
•   Seven Sacred Pools/Oheo Gulch (Use receipt from Haleakala sunrise) - short trail to water - swimming may be closed - turn around to return
•   Pipiwai Trail (2-mile hike from 7SP, past banyan trees and a 200 ft waterfall, then through bamboo forrests to the the amazing 400-foot Waimoku Falls, takes 2 hrs)
•   4pm: Continue driving south to return via “backside” of RTH, partly unpaved, 3 hr drive, bring sunglasses
•   Quick stop by Alele Falls (can skip)

•   Evening: Downtown Lahaina, Warren and Annabelle’s magic/comedy show 8:15-11:30pm (Cancellation policy: 24 hours, maybe cancel bec. we'll be exhausted)


Wed:   
 •  7:30 am Snorkeling on Molokini w/ Four Winds (1 hr boat ea. Way, cancel until 24 hrs b4), Whale Watching
•   Afternoon: Chill by beach, snorkel
•   11:30p Flight home

1. Leave earlier for Haleakala - probably 3:30-4. I'd also recommend seeing the sunrise from the lower observation area, rather than the summit. There are restrooms there, and you're at horizon-level, which makes for a slightly better view.

2. Make sure to leave PLENTY of time for the back road so you don't end up there after dark. Based on how much you want to do in RTH, it might make sense to stay over at an Airbnb in Hana.

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Re: Maui Master Thread
« Reply #3237 on: December 16, 2016, 12:01:00 AM »
Thanks all for your helpful suggestions.

If we'll view Haleakala sunrise from White Hill - Pakaoao, we should still park in Upper Visitor Center, or is there a closer lot?

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Re: Maui Master Thread
« Reply #3238 on: December 16, 2016, 12:02:30 AM »
Thanks all for your helpful suggestions.

If we'll view Haleakala sunrise from White Hill - Pakaoao, we should still park in Upper Visitor Center, or is there a closer lot?

You'd use the lower lot. See my TR, I think I describe it in detail there.
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Re: Maui Master Thread
« Reply #3239 on: December 22, 2016, 01:20:21 PM »
Any recent news on parking by Andaz? Does that free street still work?