Another Maui thread...

[RVR2SNO]

We're heading to Maui on Father's Day and staying at the Westin Ka'anapali through our family's timeshare. My kids are 12, 10, and 6.

We've already made reservations at Mama's. The rest of our trip is still open-ended.

I've been to Maui a few times but have never done the Road to Hana. Should I plan on the full loop or half loop? My kids are okay with spending 10-12 hours in the car, so I'd love to do the full loop if our rental car (through Costco) allows it.

We'll also have a couple of beach days planned. I'm thinking about taking the kids ziplining—Jungle Zipline, Maui Ziplines, or NorthShore Zipline.

I'm also looking into a fishing day. Has anyone tried UFO Fishing? I'm considering a private 4-8 hour inshore charter, with plans to cook whatever we catch for dinner that night.

We've already booked the Old Lahaina Lu'au—kids are really looking forward to it!

Is the Surfing Goat Farm worth it?

I am open to other suggestions!

Thanks!

 

[DaveH]

I'd skip the road....makes it a LONGGGGG day and Hana isnt all that cool of a spot to invest an entire day in to visit.

if you are going to do it, rent a jeep and take the southside, partially dirt road and runs right up against the water.

 

[Aces & Eights]

We stayed at that resort about 15 years ago and loved it. My daughter was around 5 or so. The Road to Hana is a long day, if you got the buy off from the kids then go for it just keep in mind that the trip consumes that entire day. The pool at the resort is very nice and the resort staff at the time was great.

2 points I remember. We had a room on the 4th floor that faced the ocean, we slept with the windows and sliders open. With the breeze and the sounds of the gentle weaves crashing and sleeping on their heavenly mattress it was the best sleep I’ve ever had.

The beach at the resort is amazing, great for snorkeling, swimming or lounging. I wish we would’ve had more time kicking it at the beach vs doing all of the activities the island has to offer.

Have a great time!

 

[77charger]

We did the Hana rd. Didn’t go all the way about 20 miles short but ate at a good roadside place. Did some hikes and waterfalls and back into kehei by 330 or so.

I’d suggest places to stop check out explore along the rd.

 

[Dan Lorenze]

I've been to Maui a few times but have never done the Road to Hana. Should I plan on the full loop or half loop? My kids are okay with spending 10-12 hours in the car, so I'd love to do the full loop if our rental car (through Costco) allows it.

The road to Hana, it's crazy how long it really is to get to Hana. I've done it a few times. I believe both my kids got car sick sitting in the back. It's miles and miles of twisties. But the other side is really cool and worth checking out if you have the time. I didn't find any rental car companies cool with driving on the other side. But if Costco allows it then go for it. It gets less tropical over there and more Deserty. It's kinda trippy.

 

[HNL2LHC]

Do Hana, plan a day and stay out there. We stayed at the plantation cottages. Go see the 7 secrete pools and black sand beach. You have to make reservations. We went about 1 hour further than the pools and there were a few switch backs and beaches that were awesome. I’d do the full circle.

 

[rrrr]

You can stop on the road to Hana and look for magic mushrooms. There were plenty of them in the 70s.

 

[Englewood]

We did the road to Hana on our honeymoon and I was not a fan.

 

[golakers]

Eat breakfast at the Gazebo in Napili! It can be long wait, but well worth it!

 

[HNL2LHC]

We did the road to Hana on our honeymoon and I was not a fan.

LOL Bruddah you gotta relax. Dis ain’t the mainland. You gotta enjoy the Hawaiian time. OR you could go in the dark and only have to low down when you see headlights coming.

 

[Ziggy]

We did the road to Hana on our honeymoon and I was not a fan.

We did that too, 35yrs ago. We also hiked all the way up to the waterfall through creeks, forests & bamboo jungles. Had enough private time to make some memories under the falls, including a few X-rated photos.. ...... that's back when you still took film in to get developed
.
Totally worth the drive if you make it so.

 

[shintoooo]

I've done the full loop twice. Once with the kids and once without and it was awesome both times. I've done half way also and back.

I would say, it's good to do the full loop one time to experience the whole island. The backside of the loop is completely different than the beginning. The terrain is completely different. Road is rough on the back end and tight in some places but there are some really cool places to stop at the end of the trip. Either way, you'll have a good time.

 

[fat rat]

Do the loop, scenery is nice!

 

[Laguna]

Full loop is only way to do it but the last 2 years back side had construction going so closed. There is a audio tour you can get and it helps with knowing when to stop and look at things really helpful.

 

[Kachina26]

We did the whole loop and really enjoyed it. We had a Kia Sol and had no issues. I’ve been over worse roads in Hesperia.

 

[HNL2LHC]

On second thought it is not worth it. Cancel the trip!!!

 

[Taboma]

We're heading to Maui on Father's Day and staying at the Westin Ka'anapali through our family's timeshare. My kids are 12, 10, and 6.

We've already made reservations at Mama's. The rest of our trip is still open-ended.

I've been to Maui a few times but have never done the Road to Hana. Should I plan on the full loop or half loop? My kids are okay with spending 10-12 hours in the car, so I'd love to do the full loop if our rental car (through Costco) allows it.

We'll also have a couple of beach days planned. I'm thinking about taking the kids ziplining—Jungle Zipline, Maui Ziplines, or NorthShore Zipline.

I'm also looking into a fishing day. Has anyone tried UFO Fishing? I'm considering a private 4-8 hour inshore charter, with plans to cook whatever we catch for dinner that night.

We've already booked the Old Lahaina Lu'au—kids are really looking forward to it!

Is the Surfing Goat Farm worth it?

I am open to other suggestions!

Thanks!

Unless something has changed, and perhaps in the 30+ years since I've fished in the Islands --- all sports fishing captains are licensed to sell their catch. Back in the day at least, if you wanted to keep your catch, you essentially bought it from the skipper. Perhaps they wave this on smaller fish, unlike gamefish like Tuna as an example.
If that's your plan, be sure to ask when booking.

 

[gqchris]

Bring lots of money! We go once a year, and it hurts my ass how much it costs! We stay in Wailea and splurge, so its worth the memories, just got back 3 weeks ago.

Mahalo!

 

[FishSniper]

Unless something has changed, and perhaps in the 30+ years since I've fished in the Islands --- all sports fishing captains are licensed to sell their catch. Back in the day at least, if you wanted to keep your catch, you essentially bought it from the skipper. Perhaps they wave this on smaller fish, unlike gamefish like Tuna as an example.
If that's your plan, be sure to ask when booking.

When we chartered in Kauai we kept the dorado to cook but the large tuna we caught they kept and it went to market.

 

[RVR2SNO]

Bring lots of money! We go once a year, and it hurts my ass how much it costs! We stay in Wailea and splurge, so its worth the memories, just got back 3 weeks ago.

Mahalo!

Isn't that the truth.... I'm brining my AMEX and a 0% Visa

 

[76 Hondo]

The road to Hana is cool, but has anybody taken the road around the North side, talk about a pucker factor

 

[RVR2SNO]

Unless something has changed, and perhaps in the 30+ years since I've fished in the Islands --- all sports fishing captains are licensed to sell their catch. Back in the day at least, if you wanted to keep your catch, you essentially bought it from the skipper. Perhaps they wave this on smaller fish, unlike gamefish like Tuna as an example.
If that's your plan, be sure to ask when booking.

I asked about this and they since I am fishing inshore they don't really care. I should be able to keep enough fish for some tacos and steaks. As much as I want to sport fish, it doesn't make sense for me. My 6 yo isn't going to battle a tuna.

 

[shintoooo]

The road to Hana is cool, but has anybody taken the road around the North side, talk about a pucker factor

Yes I've done that four times and holy shit it gets dicey in some areas with the narrow lanes. Also, the locals don't give a shit. They will tailgate you and pretty much push you off the road if they could. Gotta be careful on that road.

 

[Backlash]

Awesome thread! We'll be there in July, so keep the recommendations coming!

 

[Taboma]

I asked about this and they since I am fishing inshore they don't really care. I should be able to keep enough fish for some tacos and steaks. As much as I want to sport fish, it doesn't make sense for me. My 6 yo isn't going to battle a tuna.

You stand a much better chance of catching fish vs a skunk fishing inshore. Offshore big fun IF you score, but you might end up with an all day boat ride for your $$$$.
Good choice

 

[boatpi]

Go past where you’re at at the beach and your rental car to Kapalua. a little past the Kapalua resort you’ll see some cars parked on the left and others on the route with the staircase going down to the beach.

Google slaughterhouse Bay

Bring your or rented snorkel gear.

This is the location where they take you to on the snorkel boat at $65 each. Stay a good half a day ,bring a blanket. There is no shelter from the sun so you might want to get an umbrella too if you need it.. it’s a great day and cheap, no food at the bay.

Go to Hana 3/4 of the way to Hana. You’ll see the waterfalls in the river on the right parking isn’t always easy but you will be able to find a spot. For the 20 minutes or so into Hong if you want to have lunch if not come back. Costco right out of the airport two blocks away.

 

[shintoooo]

We always stop at this black sand beach when we're on that trip. It's called Honomanu bay.

Honomanu Bay | Maui Guidebook

Rating: In a nutshell: A picturesque bay, and your first option for ocean goodness on the Road to Hana since Ho’okipa! Minuses: Poor swimming and rocky beach. Sound-bite: “See, honey, I told you getting a Jeep was going to be a practical necessity!” Description This bay is nestled inside a...

mauiguidebook.com

Here's the map coordinates.

https://www.google.com/maps/place//@20.8621331,-156.1669649,775m/

Awesome place to stop and have lunch. The road is not marked so you have to keep an eye out.

 

[Kachina26]

The road to Hana is cool, but has anybody taken the road around the North side, talk about a pucker factor

I did, found an awesome pool right on the ocean. Had it to ourselves for a while. It did take longer than anticipated and we were pretty hungry when we got to the resort areas.

 

[Pebo]

Did the downhill bike ride a few years ago. It was a fun day. Not sure if there is an age limit?

https://mauisunriders.com/best-maui...wkD0qLeaL-bV-6Y5KfEd3qH6N9hbvn_EaAnKMEALw_wcB

 

[shintoooo]

Did the downhill bike ride a few years ago. It was a fun day. Not sure if there is an age limit?

https://mauisunriders.com/best-maui...wkD0qLeaL-bV-6Y5KfEd3qH6N9hbvn_EaAnKMEALw_wcB

We did that a couple years ago. I saw kids as young as 11 doing it with their parents. That was so much fun.

 

[77charger]

Yes I've done that four times and holy shit it gets dicey in some areas with the narrow lanes. Also, the locals don't give a shit. They will tailgate you and pretty much push you off the road if they could. Gotta be careful on that road.

When we did it a couple years ago we were on one part coming into a low spot and across the valley part there was a line of 5 dump trucks.They honked the horns going down their hill part so we knew we would cross paths in a couple of minutes and adjusted accordingly.Well right after a local driving an older toyota with firewood in back tailgates us and decides to pass us so my BIL moves over as far can as he drives by we just started laughing as we were coming to bottom of the hill and a sharp left hander.

Sure as shit at the same time the line of trucks comes around the corner and this guy got ran off the road to his right shoulder into the plants.We ended up getting the trucks on the straight part of the hwy but were still able to see this happen.We drove right by the guy as did the few cars behind us he passed.IMO its not a road to play on or go fast.crazy how tight some turns are.

 

[Mandelon]

​

We did all of this over a few days last March. We usually stay in Kihei and rent a car. We just like to adventure around. I can sit and read by the pool at home.

On the road to Hana:

Waiʻānapanapa State Park is a pretty sick black beach but you need to make a reservation with the state park in advance.​

The Garden of Eden Arboretum is a decent stop. Food, bathroom and some amazing plants and peacocks roaming around.

A few of the waterfalls are worth the stop. Take your time, stop a lot. It is a long ass windy ass road. It will probably rain on you a couple times.

Hana itself is not much to see really. A little marina, and some small boutique hotels. A couple stores. There's a food truck/trailer court that had some "dakine grinds." The poke burrito was pretty bomb.

The road is out near Kaupo so you can't make a full loop. Once you make to Hana, have lunch then head back.

Other than Hana:

We did a too long horseback ride at LLL ranch. LOL, my knees were killing me. Amazing scenery though. Tasty little burger at their lunch trailer.

Makena Beach is really nice, and Little Makena over the rocks is where you can tan your buns at the nude beach.

Chef Morimoto from the Iron Chef TV show has a nice restaurant in the Andaz Maui at Wailea Hyatt Resort. Go on a Saturday, tell em it is your anniversary and request one of the two tables out by the bar on the little deck. You can watch the $200 a ticket fire dancing show while you dine. Killer good, decent prices.

Kihei Kalama Village is an outdoor conglomeration of lots of little local shops and T shirt vendors. Some good food around it too. I could eat shave ice every damn day.

Check out the lack of progress in Lahaina.

Maui Brewing company had a great lunch, and beer tasting flights. Bought a nice sweatshirt.

Nipili bay is nice, Kapalua bay as well, and the walk along the shore there is amazing

Kapalua tidepools is pretty hike along the Ironwood Cliffs

Try to get breakfast at the Gazebo there at Napili Shores

Kapalaua golf course is beautiful, even if you just pop in for lunch. If you want to play cheap golf go to the muni, at Waiehu. Some holes on the beach, and it cost like $48.

Paia is a little town on the north side, good shopping. Easy to walk the whole place in a half hour. Paia Fish Market Restaurant was very good. Strong drinks.

 

[boatpi]

You were staying at one of the top two vacation, clubs or timeshares on the entire coastline the other one being the two Marriott resorts nearby


We are presidential members so we know them all very well. We loaded up in point at half price during Covid, now our adult daughters use them.

As a first class place if you have kids and they like the pools, of course ask them at the desk if you can get a pass to go to the Westin resort hotel a little farther down the beach. Their pools are beyond insane. they are the best in all of that part of Maui. We just returned this past week! Enjoy!!

 

[Wave Hi]

You need to go to Makena and visit Big Beach and make sure you climb the rock to Little beach...

 

[PDQH2O]

Road to Hana (7 pools) is a must, except do it backwards. Most maps, tourists, etc, do it by stopping at each spot in ascending order. They get tired of traffic and waiting about half or 3/4 of the way and end up never see the pools at the end. If you go to the end and do it backwards, you’ll see the best pools and falls first and you can decide how much of the lesser sights you want to see.

As far as tours, Maui Zipline Eco Adventures in Lahaina is a must. Also, we took a green peace type whale watching tour boat to go snorkeling for like $25 per person. Super cheap but you have to listen to the “whales are people too“ schpeel. Honestly though, we found the best snorkeling Makena Beach, a small public beach by Wailea.

Another excellent tour is Blue Water Rafting in Kihei. They’ll show you the inside of sea caves along the coast and take you Molokini Island.

Regardless of what you end up doing, have a great trip!

 

[DILLIGAF]

Am I the only one that did the Road to Hannah on a Harley? It was a fun ride with my girl on the back. We enjoyed it a lot.

 

[Boat Potato]

Road to Hana is definatly worth it. Down load the Shaka guide app before you go. It will track you as you go and call out all the points of interest with the history behind it. Plays hawiian music in the back ground also. Snorkel Honolua bay, that was really cool.

 

[Ace]

You need to go to Makena and visit Big Beach and make sure you climb the rock to Little beach... Go to big beach and look for people climbing the rocks to little beach.

Little beach is a must!! Big beach is the most beautiful beach in Maui. We stay at the four seasons and ride bikes to Makena.

 

[SkyDirtWaterguy]

Enroute to OGG in 30 min. 24hr layover and back tomorrow night in time for Desert Storm.

 

[Kachina26]

Enroute to OGG in 30 min. 24hr layover and back tomorrow night in time for Desert Storm.
View attachment 1498753

Now do you spray the chemtrails over the ocean too, or just over the land?

Epic shot by the way.

 

[SkyDirtWaterguy]

Now do you spray the chemtrails over the ocean too, or just over the land?

Epic shot by the way.

Yep, over the ocean too! It enhances the sea life

 

[JM21]

Buy the book “Maui Revealed” and start reading.

Maui Revealed: The Ultimate Guidebook book by Andrew Doughty

 

[Morehart]

Do the road if you've never done it. Buy the book and it tells you where to stop.first stop after the bridge crossing at honoloa bay, as soon as you go up hill, little dirt road off too your left. Pull in. About a turn or two as soon as you can see the point. There's a little trail, that leads to a bench. And an avocado tree next to it. Hopefully the small tree got mo bigga

Very special spot. And a beautiful view of the bay

 

[Kachina26]

Buy the book “Maui Revealed” and start reading.

Maui Revealed: The Ultimate Guidebook book by Andrew Doughty

Everything in that book was spot on.