Depends, if falls are running it's awesome. If there hasn't been any rain for a while it's probably not worth the trip. Although if your already down there might as well stop, YMMV.

Haleakala is a must see.

The road to hanna is ok, but don't just waste a day driving out there to get to hanna. Enjoy the drive. Stop along the way. There are tons of hidden treasures along the way. Make sure you gas up the car, and bring plenty of snacks, food and water. There is not much available along the way.

rent a jeep on molokai - fun!

Snorkel at mile marker 14. Right on the road--swin out about 150 yards and you'll be amazed. No one there, tons to see. It was a highlight of our trip.

Definitly hit mile marker 14. We spent days there. That's where I found out car rental companies disconnect the transfer case levers on their Jeeps.

http://www.bossfrog.com/olowalu.php

+1 for Mile marker 14.

I have not been to Maui in few years but have alwys had a good time there.

Also, there is a hard to get to cove for snoreling a bit past the Ritz. Most folks take a boat to get to it but you can whack your way through the bush to get there.

The last time few times we were there, we did not bother to bring our snorkel gear as Snorkel Bob's had a great deal for a 1 week renatal.

If you will be there when the whales are in Lahaina harbor, whale watching is a great itme.

I actually think there isnt' that much exciting things to do in Maui. Its a great place to relax. Get a condo right on the ocean, cook up some good meals, go swimming and don't plan on too much. ;)

George

I loved the Road to Hana - as did my son. My wife and daughters, on the other hand, hated it and the resulting car sickness.

That being said, there were a lot of jewels along the way - not to mention Mass at the little church in Hana.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1199899521.jpg
Various falls along the way - short hike required

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1199899567.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1199899593.jpg
Neat tourist/picnic spot

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Neat tourist/picnic spot

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1199899725.jpg
Black sand beach just before Hana

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Shore just before Hana

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The shore beyond Hana

I totally agree about skipping the over-hyped road to Hana. It'll definitely tax your patients...especially if you get stuck behind a parade of tourists who've never driven a curvy road and can't manage more than 10mph. Not much in Hana when you finally get there, either. If you want to explore, take a drive around the western end of the island and see Maui as it was before all the development.

I also agree with checking out the big hotels in Wailea...especially the Grand Wailea Resort. The ultimate in tropical luxury...stop in for a drink or lunch in one of the many bars & restaurants, or just stroll around. If you get down to Wailea, continue south along the road past the hotels & condos until you come to the parking lot for Big Beach (look for the big cinder cone...it's just past there). It's the quintessential tropical beach....a long crescent of sand bordered by swaying palms. No hotels, no restaurants, no t-shirt shops...just a beautiful, unspoiled beach. Little Beach, just to the north of the cinder cone, is clothing-optional. Ulua Beach in Wailea is great for snorkling, too.

Lahina is interesting if you like browsing art galleries. Careful though...a salesperson will start working you the minute you step in the door. Lahina is also full of Hawaiian history (it was the first capital of the islands) if you can look past the crowds and tacky souvenir shops.

For a great food, try the Haliimaile General Store. It's off the beaten path in Makawao, on the road to the "upcountry" region of the island. Not much on decor or stellar views but I guarentee it'll be one of the best meals you'll have on Maui. If you want ambiance, ocean views, good food and a huge bill, try Mama's Fish House in Paia.

If you're ever there in October, be sure to attend the Maui County Fair. It's all for the locals and you'll get a slice of what life on the island is like for those who live there. Same for the Makawao Rodeo around the Fourth of July.

And yes....don't miss going up to Haleakala. Make the trip in the early morning, before the summit gets enveloped in clouds.

You're in for a real treat....have fun!

We go every February so we can go whale watching - they are majestic creatures. OK, not for everyone, but we enjoy it and go almost every day we are there. If you are interested, I'll provide more details on where & when & with whom.

We like to stay in Lahaina because we can walk to everything we need.

Breakfast at the Gazebo at Napili Point is also our favorite. Nothing fancy, but good eats with a local flair.

I second that. It was terrific. I was totally taken with the show and women. The food was great.
Troy

Haile Maile General Store - upslope of the volcano. Great meal.

+100 on Haleakula - unbelieveable sight watching sunrise over the rim of the volcano. Dress WARMLY. There's a great breakfast spot on the way down whose name escapes me. A cup of Kona coffee and you're good to go.

+1 on Haleakala. You can hike into the volcano, but bring walking gear and a good set of lungs!

Mama's Fish House
snorkeling Napilli Bay
windsurfing at Hookipa (just watching unless you are REALLY good)

Kimo's Hula Pie at Kimo's Lahaina

Dantilla, heading there in Feb. myself for a few weeks with the fam. I've been there 3 times now and always find something neat to see. But I'm not a tourist kinda guy.

Yes to the volcano, there's also a submarine tour we are going to take and do some kayaking. The luau will be a first for me but it should be good for the kids (although it's frickin expensive) but booze is included so I know I'll get my money back :D

There is also a great aquarium there worth checking out, we did this then went to a small beach in Kapalua/Kannaplali somewhere that has a reef so it's protected and the fish are awesome!!! I wish I could remember the name...

Also lots of whale watching this time of year, and of course there's always maui wowie :D

Sugar Beech is right of the middle of the island, and it's an awesome beech (about 2 miles) and is a turtle sanctuary, my wife and I got married on Maui and we stayed there, there is a lot of big sea turtles there and we swam with the turtles the morning we got married....ahh before kids.

Have a great time, and if your their in Feb let's meet up.

Bob

+1!

Something about 100% Kona Coffee... For the true coffee fans out there, this is some of the best coffee in the world!!

I'm not sure if they're still in business, but there was an outfit that did 3 hour sailing charter's on a former America's Cup Challenge Boat out of La Haina Harbor. Awesome experience!

It might be just the early side of whale watching season... If you dive or snorkel, you will hear them singing underwater...

Enjoy, whatever you end up doing!

Thanks for all of the replies.

I'm going to print the entire thread soon......

Don't forget to treat yourself to a dinner (or more) at Roy's Yamaguchi restaurant in Lahaina

If you like steaks, go to Ruth's Chris in Wailea. The atmosphere makes this location unique even if they are a 'chain' - and the food is excellent. Don't go to the one in Lahaina, the service and quality is better in Wailea (from our experience).

k