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 1312286 times)

Offline skyguy918

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Re: Maui Master Thread
« Reply #1220 on: November 13, 2014, 01:57:20 PM »
There has to be a more reasonable place to stay in or near Hana?
Sure, look through listings at airbnb, HomeAway, VRBO, etc.

Offline 3yummyboys

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Re: Maui Master Thread
« Reply #1221 on: November 13, 2014, 02:00:22 PM »
Looking for somewhere that someone has actually stayed and can recommend

Offline Dan

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Re: Maui Master Thread
« Reply #1222 on: November 13, 2014, 02:04:02 PM »
Looking for somewhere that someone has actually stayed and can recommend
Most here haven't stayed in Hana.
Tough to coordinate if you have frozen food elsewhere, etc.
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 Something Fishy

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Re: Maui Master Thread
« Reply #1223 on: November 13, 2014, 02:07:28 PM »
Most here haven't stayed in Hana.
Tough to coordinate if you have frozen food elsewhere, etc.

Why? Just take along a couple of Pom meals in a cooler.
Check out my site for epic kosher adventures: Kosher Horizons

Offline Dan

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Re: Maui Master Thread
« Reply #1224 on: November 13, 2014, 02:10:08 PM »
Why? Just take along a couple of Pom meals in a cooler.
And pay for 2 hotels for that night?
Or pack everything up in your car to get stolen?
Or bring a toaster over with.

Logistically it just always seemed tough to me.
 
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 Something Fishy

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Re: Maui Master Thread
« Reply #1225 on: November 13, 2014, 02:12:37 PM »
And pay for 2 hotels for that night?
Or pack everything up in your car to get stolen?
Or bring a toaster over with.

Logistically it just always seemed tough to me.

I did it the last two days. My airBNB host in Kula was more than happy to store our luggage for two days.
Check out my site for epic kosher adventures: Kosher Horizons

Offline Dan

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Re: Maui Master Thread
« Reply #1226 on: November 13, 2014, 02:14:15 PM »
Definitely not something I'd try with kids.
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 Something Fishy

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Re: Maui Master Thread
« Reply #1227 on: November 13, 2014, 02:15:13 PM »
Definitely not something I'd try with kids.

That's true.
Check out my site for epic kosher adventures: Kosher Horizons

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Re: Maui Master Thread
« Reply #1228 on: November 13, 2014, 02:18:19 PM »
It seems from reading the thread that the road to Hana really takes more than one day. What does everyone recommend?

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Re: Maui Master Thread
« Reply #1229 on: November 13, 2014, 02:19:14 PM »
It's more than doable in a day if you leave early and have a plan.

You can spend 3 days too. Depends on what you want out of it.
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.

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Re: Maui Master Thread
« Reply #1230 on: November 13, 2014, 02:22:12 PM »
Can you elaborate?

I have two days slotted for RTH, but I am flexible and can change it. But not sure how to do it in two days without staying overnight.

Offline skyguy918

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Re: Maui Master Thread
« Reply #1231 on: November 13, 2014, 02:23:40 PM »
Why? Just take along a couple of Pom meals in a cooler.
Or , if you don't want to think about warming things up, 'rough' it that night and bring vacuum sealed deli for sandwiches.
And pay for 2 hotels for that night?
Or pack everything up in your car to get stolen?
Or bring a toaster over with.

Logistically it just always seemed tough to me.
 
You'd still have to pack up, but I'd imagine most hotels wouldn't mind storing your luggage for one night.
It seems from reading the thread that the road to Hana really takes more than one day. What does everyone recommend?
Personally I didn't really think about it before, so I didn't do it (plus I didn't really have the extra day to work with). But after doing it all in one day, I wish I had split it. That said, the parts we enjoyed the most involved a decent amount of hiking (nothing too intense), and the parts we wished we'd been able to spend more time on were like that too.

Offline Yehoshua

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Re: Maui Master Thread
« Reply #1232 on: November 13, 2014, 04:41:15 PM »
I don't know about everyone else here, but I just plan on bringing a double burner, a pot and a pan. I can buy fish, veggies and pasta there. It seems a lot easier and cheaper to me than trying to bring frozen meals. I love cooking and never mind doing it, so I can understand why others might feel differently, but if you do that you shouldn't have to worry about a freezer.

Also, why can't you just put stuff in your trunk on the RTH? People actually break into cars' trunks without being able to see if their effort will yield results? If you keep a toaster oven or other stuff if there shouldn't it be safe?

Offline avrumy22

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Re: Maui Master Thread
« Reply #1233 on: November 13, 2014, 04:52:42 PM »
best time of the year to go? (weather wise)

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Re: Maui Master Thread
« Reply #1234 on: November 13, 2014, 04:56:07 PM »
Also, why can't you just put stuff in your trunk on the RTH? People actually break into cars' trunks without being able to see if their effort will yield results? If you keep a toaster oven or other stuff if there shouldn't it be safe?

I had my trunk broken into on the RTH and $2.5k in photography equipment stolen. The police said that this is a very common occurrence, especially in a convertible.

No one's gonna steal your toaster oven, but your suitcases are a potential target.
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Re: Maui Master Thread
« Reply #1235 on: November 13, 2014, 04:58:26 PM »
best time of the year to go? (weather wise)

January - December :P

Each season has its pros and cons, and either will be a perfect choice.

Obviously winter would be most enticing to most people running away from the snow.
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Re: Maui Master Thread
« Reply #1236 on: November 13, 2014, 05:00:24 PM »
January - December :P

Each season has its pros and cons, and either will be a perfect choice.

Obviously winter would be most enticing to most people running away from the snow.

+1 agree but we are planning to go in August due to work schedules and I'm hoping it will be less crowded and slightly easier to find availability. wishful thinking?

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Re: Maui Master Thread
« Reply #1237 on: November 13, 2014, 05:08:57 PM »
Wishful thinking.
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Re: Maui Master Thread
« Reply #1238 on: November 13, 2014, 05:09:48 PM »
+1 agree but we are planning to go in August due to work schedules and I'm hoping it will be less crowded and slightly easier to find availability. wishful thinking?

I don't think the number of visitors varies much throughout the year.

When I was there in August all the touristy areas (Haleakala, 7 Sacred Pools, etc.) were overrun with tourists.
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Re: Maui Master Thread
« Reply #1239 on: November 13, 2014, 05:18:56 PM »
I had my trunk broken into on the RTH and $2.5k in photography equipment stolen. The police said that this is a very common occurrence, especially in a convertible.

No one's gonna steal your toaster oven, but your suitcases are a potential target.
I don't plan on renting a convertible or having $2.5k of any sort of equipment in a trunk. I guess those who broke in struck gold with your stuff.

I'm not really worried about my toaster. Also since you've kinda convinced me not to do the RTH from the airport (even though it'll have only been 5.5 hours of travel and 2 hours time difference) I don't think I have to worry about it.

I do like your suggestion of staying in Kula. I've been reading a lot about going to Haleakala for sunrise and staying there seems like a good bet. There's a cheap cottage I found for $105 that's not too far. My questions about doing that are:

1- The book/app says to arrive at least 30 min before sunrise, if not an hour. I was thinking of arriving 1 hour before and davening at the top. Is that a good idea?
2- The book/app says that parking in the lot by the observation deck could be crowded but the upper visitor center parking lot has plenty of space. It only looks like a 10 minute walk between the two. Is it a bad walk? It's hard to see the terrain so close up on Gmaps.
3- How bad is the drive? Would someone who get's majorly car sick have a problem with all the hairpin turns in the dark?