Visiting Maui, any tips suggestions?

I went there once, but in my opinion, there wasn't much to see. I'd go to Big Island instead if I were you.

Head up the volcano for sunrise. It can be breath taking.

Fred

Some interesting places (in no particular oder):

stroll and supper in Lahaina
Maui Ocean Center in Kihei
Whale Watching in Kihei
Sunrise (or sunset) on top of Haleakala
Haleakala Summit Sunrise Bike Tour
boogie-boarding at Baldwin Beach Park
Road to Hana, Lindbergh House & Seven Pools
Hana to Kihei (may void your rental agreement)
Snorkeling at Ulua Beach Park
Shops at Wailea

Check out Haleakala for sunrise. Bike down (no pedaling) if you can take it.

Snorkeling at Molokini is great.

Do NOT drive out to Hana. Long and arduous.

Take a trip to Big Island and stay overnight at Volcano National Park. The stars are Magnificent and the volcano is a sight to behold. (All MUCH better than anything on Maui)

Have a great trip!

Some tips

1. stop by costco (near airport) to load up on supplies prior to heading to Kaanapali.
2. If you like sashimi, go nuts. you can get really great stuff at Safeway. Buy that for dinner.
3. Snorkeling off Highway marker 14. Better yet, stop by a Snorkel Bob, they have a call in number and they will tell you the best places to snorkel on that day.
4. Haleakala sunrise trip is BRUTAL, but very rewarding. In order to get up there before sunrise you have to leave your hotel around 3AM. They close the road after the lot fills us. It is freezing cold up there so bring a jacket and blankets.
5. Maui Flea market (saturdays only). Fun place to go.
6. They have lots of beaches that are not crowded. Go to a different one each day.
7. The drive to Hana is also a very long day. Then you get to Hana and there is nothing there but a small town (and a rather nice beach). I enjoy driving back the "back road", which is not open to general traffic.

Have fun!

Watch out for animals on the roadway.

That area is popular with folks from outside the US who are not so familiar with our driving practices....but rent cars anyway...

Ron

aquaruim is great for the kids. Iao needle is nice for view and is free. Wailuku is nice little town to walk around and eat. Lahaina is for tourist. stop at all beaches each has a unique personality. Zippy's is good for kids and adults.

If you go to the beaches, DO NOT leave any valuables in your car. The beach parking lots are notorious for smash and grabs. Thieves target tourists and know that the chance of them being prosecuted is slim since most tourists only stay a short time and are not around to testify at trial.

I found that if you are staying in a condo, definitely stock up on food from Costco or get a Safeway club card on Maui. It used to be that cards from the mainland did not work in Hawaii and you were forced to pay tourist prices (check out the list price for a gallon of milk.)The savings are significant.

There are definitely higher prices in the tourist areas (especially in Kaanapali, Kihei, and Lahina. I found a fast food restaurant one block off the highway in Kihei that was $3 cheaper than the same place 2 blocks away on the highway. They call it "Haole prices."

Hana is a long drive for no real payoff (unless you just want to drive.) Gotta do a luau. Stick with the big hotel luaus (IMO). They tend to do a better job. Ask other travelers and your concierge for options. Oh, never say you're from the "states" or "back in the states." You will piss them off and will be reminded that you're still in the states.

Enjoy!

Although it's not the right time, whale watching is awesome when it's in season.

Awesome advice, do everything phxpilot says....He's right

Eat at Mama's Fish House. A bit spendy a few years ago but worth it.
http://www.mamasfishhouse.com/

We drove the Road to Hana. It was great. There were beautiful waterfalls on the way to the top. We stoped and walked at them and took great photos. We stopped at the black sand beach and went through a cave to the rocks out in the water. We drove to the end and visited the beautiful little Church at the site of Lindbergh's grave. The grave is overlooking the ocean. It is beautiful. Take some drinks and fool with you. We didn't see anyplace we wanted to stop to eat.
We also drove to the southwest part of Maui on the lower end where the sign said "Locals Only" It was a beautiful, quite beach road with a lot of blow holes along the rocky shore. We also really enjoyed the luau. Don't miss going to one.
Enjoy.

MSN Direct works in Lahaina.
Mama's Fish House is great but expensive, Great lobster dinner. Its ok for kids a lot of stuff to look at.
I am figuring that you can't ditch the van for a convertible can you? If you can do it. It's fun viewing the island while your top down.
Best Snorkeling is the Pacific Whale Watching Foundation tour to Molokai and Lanai. Best boats and safety. The instructors teach the kids about whales on the boat ride out. My wife did a 2nd snorkeling tour with another company and they left you on the island of Lanai without anyone watching you and they picked you up like 3 or so hours later. We did not like that. http://www.pacificwhale.org/mauiecocruises/cruise.php?page=m...
Bike Ride down Maui was fun and worth it. http://mauidownhill.com/
Probably the best Luau on Maui Old Lahaina Luau http://www.oldlahainaluau.com/
The Big Wave Restaurant is very good and reasonable priced. They have one by the Sands of Kahana timeshare resort and one in Kihei. We ate at the one in Kihei most of the time. before 6:30pm buy one get one free dinners. http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g60632-d648401-...
I did the helicopter tour in Kauai not Maui that was neat.
Enjoy and relax in Maui. If you like the busy city life then go to Ohau Wakikki

The only thing Inwould add is that the weather on Haleakala can be crazy. Be sure to check, as last time I wasnthere, we could not see anything. On the way down, there is a restaurant on the right with fantastic pancakes for breakfast. Worth a stop.

We are back. Had a good time. The kids especially enjoyed playing on the beach. They all say they hope to go back.

Had a bit of problem with the GPS. I will post a separate thread for that.