Seems to be a little late for whale watching, any tips on what to do with the family?

A good sunscreen?

If you are an outdoor type visit Halealaka crater. Many nice beaches too!

Just Google "Halealaka" for more info.

Hope you did not plan on using ATA Airlines or Aloha Airlines. They've gone bust and ceased operations. [ap.google.com]
ATA, Aloha Woes Likely Mean Higher Fares

Depending on how old the kids are, this was the highlight of our trip:

[www.skylinehawaii.com]

My tip is HAVE FUN!

Try the weed!

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Big Beach below Khhei
If you're adventurous, do the drive around the southern part of the island
Definitely do a snorkel cruise to Molokini or Lanai
Cheeseburger in Paradise in LaHaina for a burger...Go at sunset and sit upstairs
Poach the pools at Grand Wailea

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“Live your life, love your life, don’t regret…live, learn and move forward positively.” – CR Johnson
Loving life in Lake Tahoe, CA

The Old Lahaina Luau was a blast. When making reservations tell them you want best seats available AT A TABLE. Do not opt for the "orchestra" seats right by the stage. You'll be sitting on the floor, with cushions (no backrest) the whole night. Doesn't really matter what day you go. Opt for midweek if good seats are not available on your day.

Tickets are all inclusive. Open bar, all you can eat buffet, and a great sunset show with some history mixed in.

[www.luausinhawaii.com]

Stop at Costco as soon as you get your rental car. Pick up supplies for the week, including snorkel sets for the kids and yourself, and then try to snorkel a different spot every morning. Loved Honolua Bay for snorkelling, and lots of turtles just south of Kihei. We go to Maui every other summer with our kids, and 90% of what they want to do is snorkel, swim at the pool, and then get shave ice--in that order.

Stay for a second week!

One week just isn't enough for me, I'm just starting to relax and settle into the island groove at the end of one week...

Drive the road to Hana and visit the Seven Sacred Pools. If your into hiking there is a nice hike up to to a pair of waterfalls there but be prepared, the trail is rugged and fairly steep, usually muddy and it is slow going but the scenery is worth it!

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Aloha, Ken


“I have developed significant attachments to several members even though I wouldn't recognize them if I sat next to one on a park bench. I'm often tempted when in an airport to walk around, hollering "The Løpe", to see if anyone other than the Homeland Security people will acknowledge me. ” - The Løpe

"If there is any fixed star in our constitutional constellation, it is that no official, high or petty, can prescribe what shall be orthodox in politics, nationalism, religion, or other matters of opinion, or force citizens to confess by word or act their faith therein. If there are any circumstances which permit an exception, they do not now occur to us." Justice Robert Jackson

I second Harbormaster's suggestion to drive to Hana ... but stop along the way to "smell the roses". Its a beautiful drive.

Not too late to see the whales. I live on Kauai and watched a pod playing off the Wailua Golf Course yesterday. Saw a full breach and a lot of playful activity. The numbers are waning but some are still around.

Have fun!

I third Harbourmaster's suggestion, and don't miss the hike to the waterfall while at the 7 Sacred Pools. Get there early before the buses get there and ruin your photo ops (tons of people). The walk to the waterfalls is cool thru the bamboo forest. We got there early before the buses arrived. As they started to arrive, then we took off on the trail to the waterfall.

We traveled the far side of the island back from Hana instead, interesting to see the diversity on that side of the island in contrast with the side on the road to Hana. One side very wet and lush, the other side very dry. People living different life style on that side, been 18 years since I been there. I would talk to people before doing it...

The black sand beach near Hana was cool. It was in a State Park called Waianapanapa:
[www.hawaiiweb.com]

My friend and I went up for Sunrise on Haleakala crater which was way cool. We went with a bike tour company which allows you to ride bikes from the top back down to the bottom which was a lot of fun. If you are a fast rider, you might want to rent your own bikes, the big group tends to stick together stopping once in awhile for the slow pokes. I am not sure if this was company we used, but you will find info here:
[www.bikemaui.com]

Did the helicopter tour around Maui and nearby island (Lanai?). That was just a blast.

I agree, take the time whenever you can for snorkeling. Enjoy the waters around Hawaii.

Too much fun to be had there...



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 04/04/2008 01:29PM by SKYLANE.

you can camp at the National Parks for FREE!!!! The camping site near the sacred pools is awesome!! If you drive the hana, rent a smaller car cuz it makes the trip easier. I laughed my ass of at the SUV's trying to wedge by each other on the smaller sections of the road. oh and i second DaviDC and make sure to buy from Sharon... shes got the bomb.....;)

That drive to Hana is not for the faint of heart. Your passengers will love the views. But the driver is gonna be STRESSED. The locals in pickup trucks doing 50MPH turns and passes are INSANE.

sorry, Maui has a ten day minimum.

what do you and the family like to do?
where are you staying?... the morning snorkel suggestion is excellent.
be flexible; the weather up the volcano doesn't always cooperate, but if you go up early, there aren't too many sunrises on this planet that can rival it on a nice day.
the weather from one side of the island to another can be vastly different; the phone is your friend... make your day trips count by phoning ahead.
helicopters, parasailing rides, marine life tours, great eating all add to the island's enjoyment.
bring a camera.

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Sometimes it is what it is...
and then there's times when it's really better.



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Pano: Flying Hawaiian because of a special friends and family rate.

Big Daddy: Looks cool, but my daughter is only 4 and would not go on it, I might try it... gotta find their Kama'aina rate.

Harbour and Buzz: Was planning to drive around the island and go snorkeling. Don't want to do a lot that I can do on Oahu (I live in Honolulu). Mostly I just want to get away from work.

Skylane: Thanks, I'll run those by the wife and see what she says.

Thanks all!

Aloha *(:>*

If driving to Hana take take beverages and snacks stop often and enjoy the beauty of the sweet small Island coast. Yes the drive can be wild so just go slow expect the locals coming outside to be cutting every corner. It is good to Start the drive early, if you take Food and beverages as suggested you can make a day of it circumnavigating that eastern side of the Island.... a very beautiful drive.

The Maui Aquarium Maalaea Harbor is very nice your daughter will love it, as will the whole Family. [www.mauioceancenter.com]

Baby Beach in Speckelsville is pretty easy to find great safe Tide Pool for children.
Hope this Map to Maui Country Club and Baby Beach works. PM me for better info *(:>*
[maps.google.com] Ma

Good Seafood at Mamas Fish House a little pricey. Hawaii Drivers License will get you 10% discount on food. [www.mamasfishhouse.com]

As an Island family you will know what to do....Where are you staying...../ B&B or Hotel..
PM me for more questions and tips *(:>*

Welcome to the outer Islands brother
rudie/aka/mauiman/haikuman *(:>*

Staying at a timeshare on the west coast. Trying not to plan too much, but know what some options are when we're ready to do something.