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Maui First Timers - Help please

Pelican Rapids...
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Maui First Timers - Help please
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My husband and I are coming to Maui for 7 days in February on our delayed (8 months) honeymoon. We've already booked our condo on Kaanapali Beach and our rental car, but other than that, we have nothing else planned. I've done some researching on things to do...but don't know what there is as far as "must sees". I see some people suggest buying Maui Revealed...others say not to. If not Maui Revealed...does anyone else have a suggestion for a guide book? I'm a scrapbooker, so I'd like something with pictures/maps, etc that I can use later. I think the Road to Hana is something we'd both enjoy, should I buy the guide book? We both love the outdoors, he loves snorkeling (I will pass on it). We definitely want a "relaxing" vacation but we definitely want to see the island.

We have friends that will be on the tail end of their vacation when we arrive so they have informed us we will be dining at Bubba Gump's with them one night. But other than that...where are some good places to eat? Like I said before, we have rented a condo so we will possibly grill there one night (maybe two) and most likely eat breakfast there. Does anyone have any good suggestions for groceries? We are not members of Costco (there aren't any local to us). My husband is an adventurous eater, I'm not...but I'm pretty open to try anything and can usually find "something" I'll like.

California
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1. Re: Maui First Timers - Help please
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Whale-watching is a must-do. I recommend Triology catamarans.

Haleakala is another must do. Arriving for the sunrise is popular, but it's spectacular any time of day.

The Maui Ocean Center is great -- and easy to work into your schedule if you plan to visit Haleakala, the Iao Needle, upcountry towns, etc.

We have always used Maui Revealed - it is excellent. The gripe (and it is a serious one) is that the book tends to tell folks to ignore signs, walking around roadblocks and such - which may not be safe and can get them into trouble .. private property, etc. If you keep that in mind, the book is a great resource.

Bubba Gumps is a touristy chain restaurant on the water in Lahaina. Very limited menu and corny approach to dining. Nice location, but ear-splitting music.

Since you are on Ka'anapali - you'll enjoy Hula Grill (we like their outside seating), Leilani's ... and the long-awaited new restaurant: Cane and Taro. Lots of shops and an ABC Store for light provisions (water, chips, cereal, etc.).

Pelican Rapids...
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2. Re: Maui First Timers - Help please
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Thanks BLBL....I've actually been Whale-watching before, in Mexico and LOVED it...but my husbands never been. I've heard that often times you can see whales from shore...is that true?

So...Healeakala...is that quite a hike? If we go for the sunrise...how is it to walk up there in the dark?

Good note on Revealed, we'll pay attention and follow the signs.. Is there a good book you recommend for Oahu too? We're spending just a short 3 days there before we head back home.

I've heard that about Bubba Gumps...but our friends love it and want to take us there, so we'll check it out (if for no other reason than to humor them).

Orlando, Florida
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Dear Alexis,

BLBL is great on these threads, and I totally agree with all the pointers they gave! Maui Revealed is excellent with the caveats given. Bubba Gump's is a chain but has fabulous views, plus you'll be with good friends!

And YEAH!!! You bet you can see the whales from shore! And you'll be there in peak whale season. We were there in what was really considered either very, very late, or after whale "season" (last couple of days of April and first couple of weeks of May) and we saw whales from our lanais at least every other day. When they do a big out of the water breach, that splash is WAY too big to be anything BUT a whale!!

You are going to looooooooooove Maui! Oh, we really enjoyed the Hula Grill as well, definitely dine outdoors, the views are just fabulous!!

Aloha!

Kapaa, Hawaii
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You can see whales from any shore on Maui. They are everywhere in February. I like to take a boat trip so I can snorkel and see the whales at the same time!! Take some time and check out the links on this web-site. Look at the travel guides and things to do, which are on the menu on the left hand side of this page. Hana Mile by Mile is the definitive guide book for your travels to this part of the island. It was written by Maui's DE JCDerrick.

Haleakala is a 10,000 foot mountain that has a road up to the summit. There are trails up there that you can hike AFTER the sun has come up. Sunrise on the mountain is an out of this world experience.

Since your husband is a snorkeler I wouldn't spend time at the Maui Ocean Center unless the weather is bad!! You will see the same things off shore snorkeling.

There are quite a few grocery stores in the Kaanapali area. Safeway in Lahaina, Star Market etc. Longs drugstore is also a good place to go for incidentals.

The upcountry area, such as Kula, Makawao, Ulupalakua are wonderful little places with great scenery and farmers markets, a winery, lavender farm and goat farm.

With all the wonderful restaurants that Maui has to offer, too bad you have to go to Bubba Gumps!!

Pelican Rapids...
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5. Re: Maui First Timers - Help please
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Thanks MsFuzz...I'll check around here some more. It's overwhelming though. Don't even know where to begin.

Hana Mile by Mile...duly noted. Will purchase! As well as Maui Revealed (but I will keep in mind the rules, I promise)!

Thanks for the info on Haleakala...do you recommend doing a tour for this...or just doing it on our own? I will make sure to dress warm (just read the memories thread).

I'm copy/pasting these replies into stuff to keep for later. And Bubba Gump's...you're making me regret our agreeing to this. But we love our friends and they tell us the view is out of this world....

Hula Grill....added to the list of must eats!

Upcountry area......advice please? What you said msfuzz sounds like something dh and I would LOVE!!!!! We come from a small town and live in the country...my dh is an avid hunter/fisherman. I love to sightsee and really get a feel for the island. So, where do I start? Do you have a suggestion for where I can look to maybe plan a day trip out of doing something like that?

So whales....can see them from shore...but spend the money to do a boat tour and see them up close and personal? Is that what I'm getting from this? Also, when I saw the whales in Mexico we didn't see any dolphins. That severely bummed me out. Good chance I'll see them in Hawaii?

As you can tell...we are starting to get VERY EXCITED! With less than 4 months to go...we can't wait. This will be dh and I first real vacation together as a couple. We've done weekend getaways but not a true vacation. We can't wait! We're hoping we don't get hooked on Hawaii....it's an expensive place to want to return to year after year. I'm sure we'll be hooked though. I'm envisioning PARADISE!

Pelican Rapids...
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84 posts
2 reviews
17 helpful votes
6. Re: Maui First Timers - Help please
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Thanks MsFuzz...I'll check around here some more. It's overwhelming though. Don't even know where to begin.

Hana Mile by Mile...duly noted. Will purchase! As well as Maui Revealed (but I will keep in mind the rules, I promise)!

Thanks for the info on Haleakala...do you recommend doing a tour for this...or just doing it on our own? I will make sure to dress warm (just read the memories thread).

I'm copy/pasting these replies into stuff to keep for later. And Bubba Gump's...you're making me regret our agreeing to this. But we love our friends and they tell us the view is out of this world....

Hula Grill....added to the list of must eats!

Upcountry area......advice please? What you said msfuzz sounds like something dh and I would LOVE!!!!! We come from a small town and live in the country...my dh is an avid hunter/fisherman. I love to sightsee and really get a feel for the island. So, where do I start? Do you have a suggestion for where I can look to maybe plan a day trip out of doing something like that?

So whales....can see them from shore...but spend the money to do a boat tour and see them up close and personal? Is that what I'm getting from this? Also, when I saw the whales in Mexico we didn't see any dolphins. That severely bummed me out. Good chance I'll see them in Hawaii?

As you can tell...we are starting to get VERY EXCITED! With less than 4 months to go...we can't wait. This will be dh and I first real vacation together as a couple. We've done weekend getaways but not a true vacation. We can't wait! We're hoping we don't get hooked on Hawaii....it's an expensive place to want to return to year after year. I'm sure we'll be hooked though. I'm envisioning PARADISE!

California
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59,707 posts
18 reviews
27 helpful votes
7. Re: Maui First Timers - Help please
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You can drive to Haleakala. No problem.

Yes - you can see whales, and a snorkeling or whale-watching catamaran will get you CLOSE. And yes, you'll probably see dolphins. Some like to chase the boats, and the captains know where they hang out. One morning we were eating breakfast at the Sea House in Napili (highly recommended) and the dophins were putting on quite a show in the Bay -- while the whales were right behind them showing off! Amazing.

r r
Maui, Hawaii
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158 reviews
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8. Re: Maui First Timers - Help please
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Restaurants

Hula Grill, Leilanis, Kimos, Pacifico

Casual restaurants

Bubba Gumps (new additions to their menu and the best salad I have ever had) yes noisey.

Paradise Found Creperie, with gelatto, panini and crepes

Cool Cat

Light dinner

The Bar at Ruth's Chris Steak House

Do the historic walking tour of Lahaina - check the history of Lahaina's shipwreck

Michigan
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9. Re: Maui First Timers - Help please
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"We have always used Maui Revealed - it is excellent"

We took that book last time and I thought it was not very useful. I was pretty disappointed to say the least when I read the bit about ignoring the no trespassing signs. IMO that book is a waste except for the map. The hotel reviews and aerial shots are the best information and you can see that for free on their web site. For driving the road to Hana the revealed book is seriously lacking. We bought a CD guide and map as well for that and it was a lot more enjoyable driving and listening to a narrated explanation of the sights.

I just don't see how any one can look past all of those caveats for that book.

AAA offers free maps if you are a member.

I'm sure there are other tour books available that are a lot more accurate and responsible.

r r
Maui, Hawaii
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158 reviews
84 helpful votes
10. Re: Maui First Timers - Help please
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Check the website for Maui Arts and Cultural Center for their exhibits and shows.

We took our guest to a huge hula fundraising show last weekend. She said it was a night she would remember for ever. The MAC was full but at times their stage was fuller. Over 60 dancers on the stage at one time and a mens dance group that you couldn't take yours eyes off of.

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