Hubby and I just booked a Maui vacation in March, Only got one week, what should we see and do there.?

Question

Also anyone else going? Good restaurants, fun Pubs.

Answer 1

Snorkel, go to the beach( all the beaches are public beaches) the best south Maui Beach is either Mekena or Wailea Beach. The best north Beach is the Kapalua Beach. The east beach is Ho‘okipa Beach Park it is in a town called Pa‘ia. Whale watching trips, you'll be in Maui during whale season Dec-April, take the road to Hana, you'll see other things like water falls and eucalyptus gardens along the way, go to the Iao Valley to see the Iao Needle, that was a really pretty place. If you like horse back riding or you really want to try it go to Mendez Ranch they are the best on Maui. You can always go to another island for the day I recommend Lanai. Front Street in Lahaina is really nice too for shopping and walking around. Biking down Haleakala, the volcano on Maui is awesome. Go with group called Maui Down Hill they are the best. oh and there's always a Luau, the Fest of Lala is my top choice it is also on front Street in Lahaina. I hope this helps and i hope you have a wonderful time. I love it in Maui. It's my favorite island of Hawaii.

Answer 2

My boyfriend only observed a instruct on the historical past channel suggested as chariotes of the gods. He could no longer give up speaking approximately it so I have been given him the e book. adult males love that stuff specifically something to do with the historical past channel!

Answer 3

scuba diving or snorkeling

Answer 4

---------------General
Aloha: Everyone has heard the word "aloha" but many don't understand the meaning of the word. Few realize there is much more to the word than how Hawaiians say hello and good-bye. Literally, there are many more definitions to the word: Love, compassion, pity, charity, kindness, and lover to name a few. Distilled, "aloha" is the good spirit of the people. The positive spirit. When you see local bumper stickers that ask, "Got Aloha?" or read, "Live Aloha," it's not a tourist gimmick as some think. It's a plea for people to live by the Golden Rule. The Frog would like to ask everyone to "Get Aloha." Bring some here and take some home. Aloha!

Crime: Maui has a very low crime rate. Like anywhere, there are a few bad guys running around. The main crime against tourists is breaking into their parked cars. Common sense will keep most people out trouble. If you must leave your car in an unpopulated area, don't leave any valuables in it.


---------------Language
There are many languages and dialects on the Hawaiian Islands. This is truely a melting pot of cultures, races, and languages. The one common language to Locals is called Pidgin. This is a mix of Hawaiian, English, and languages of many of the the other peoples that have settled here over the years. It came from the need for all of these people to communicate in one language. When you hear Locals talking in a way you can't understand, they are probably talking in Pidgin.

While Pidgin may be impossible for a visitor to learn during a short visit, there are a few Hawaiian words that will be useful to understand and pronounce properly. Your first step may be to learn the proper pronunciation for the name of hotel or condo where you are staying as well as the town it is in. You may be asked this often as you rent things or book activities. Learning it isn't necessary but it will help things go smoother and make you a more "informed" tourist.

Some common words used here:

Aloha - Love, compassion, pity, charity, kindness, and lover to name a few. Distilled, "aloha" is the good spirit of the people. The positive spirit. When you see local bumper stickers that ask, "Got Aloha?" or read, "Live Aloha," it's not a tourist gimmick as some think. It's a plea for people to live by the Golden Rule.

Mahalo - Thank you

Makai - Toward the sea (as in directions)

Mauka - Toward the inland (as in directions)

Haole (how-lee) - White or caucasian person

Pupus - Snacks or appetizers

Pau (pow)- Finished, done for the day

Keiki (kay-kee)- Child or children

Kiawe (kee-ah-vee) - Thorny tree from Austrailia found on many beaches

Ono - Delicious, tasty, savory. also a type of fish

Hale (Ha-lay)- House or building

The above words and definitions are those you will most likely encounter as a short term visitor.

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---------------Planning
Sure, planning isn't what some people call fun but you gotta do it. To what degree may be different for everyone but one thing is clear: The more planning you do before your vacation, the less time you will lose while you are here. The Frog has seen so many visitors waste days of their precious vacation time trying to find out what is available and then scheduling around the availabilities. This isn't to say anyone should plan their whole vacation like a work schedule. There should always be plenty of time to do what feels right at the time. Just remember some things you may want to do require advanced reservations. It's also good to know where the best snorkel spots are and which good restaurant is closest to where you are staying and how to get there. This is the entire purpose of the Maui Vacation Network, so use it to your advantage.

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---------------Driving
Driving on Maui is a little different than most other places. There are no freeways on the island and 55 mph is that fastest speed limit. Most speed limits are slower than you would expect so watch them close. You will also notice that cars tend to pull out in front of you often. It may seem like they are not giving you enough time to stop safely, but before you cuss and blow your horn, take a look at the speed limit and your speedometer. You are likely driving too fast.

Horns are decidedly uncool on Maui. Obviously, if you are in a parking lot and someone is backing into you, you need to let them know. But no matter how wrong someone is in traffic, blasting your horn to let them know what you think is frowned upon. Remember the "Aloha Spirit" and relax. You are on vacation and should leave the stress behind. You'll notice "most" drivers will leave plenty of space between cars in traffic. Please do the same.

Local police do set up drunk driver checkpoints on a random basis for the safety of everyone on the island. To avoid tickets or accidents, take a cab if you plan to be out drinking. If you will attend a luau, remember there will be an open bar. For this reason, The Frog always advises those that drink to attend a luau that is close to where you are staying so you can take a cab home if you have no designated driver with you.

Most of Maui's highways have bicycle lanes and there are lots of bike riders. To avoid a ticket or a tragedy, stay within your lane. Especially when going around curves.

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---------------Shopping
You'll never have any trouble spending money on Maui. But there are a few tips The Frog can offer you to get the most for your buck. You can well imagine, a frog is always interested in saving greenbacks.

As The Frog sees it, there are two basic types of shopping on Maui. First, there are the essentials. These are the things you need for your condo or hotel. Groceries and beverages are the most notable expenses here.

While there are grocery stores near most of the hotels and condos they are pretty pricey. If you are a member of Costco, you would be well served by stopping by the Kahului store for those items you want to stock up on. Costco is near the airport and a very convenient first stop after you pick up the rental car. Just be sure that your accommodations will be ready and able to keep frozen or refrigerated items.

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---------------Entertainment
Performing Arts: Music and Theater

The island performing art scene is small compared to the fine art one, but locals definitely give it their best effort. The Maui Symphony Orchestra and Chorus perform often throughout the year in venues large and small. They fly in guest artists from Honolulu and the mainland for all major events, including an always well-attended Handels Messiah at Christmas time.

Voice, music and dance training are encouraged somewhat in Mauis youth, and there are a number of events that give young artists a chance to shine. Not to be outdone, the older would-be artistes have organized several performing arts organizations that stage various shows throughout the year. The Iao Theater is the home of Maui Community Theater, a local company that presents several shows yearly. The Maui Academy of Performing Arts is a school and a troupe, performing when and where it can. Surprisingly, the Baldwin Theater Guild (of Baldwin High School) receives some of the largest audiences on the entire island, packing in the crowds for spirited performances of music theater classics. The newest show to hit Maui is wowing the crowds and winning the hearts of critics and locals. Called 'Ulalena, it is performed nightly in the grandiose new Myth & Magic Theater. Activity brokers enthusiastically compare it to the famous Cirque du Soleil. While people who have seen Cirque can find no comparison (except that both choreographers are from Quebec,) the show is inarguably the biggest theatrical spectacle ever to hit Maui. It uses dance, music, theater and a multi-million dollar lighting system to tell the story of Mauis creation.

Concert Halls

When major acts come to Maui (which actually happens more often than one might think,) there is really only one place for them to perform: the Maui Art and Cultural Center. The outdoor amphitheater has a maximum capacity of 5,000--most of the seating being on the lawn. It has hosted acts such as Santana and Ziggy Marley. Also in the MACC is the Castle Theater. Its perfect for big-name dancers, lecturers or vocal acts that need an indoor stage.

Smaller acts can perform practically anywhere in Maui. Every major hotel has thousands of square feet of conference space, and the three major malls (Whalers Village, Lahaina Cannery and Ka'ahumanu Center) all have main stages which regularly host all kinds of entertainers.

Clubs, Bars, Nightlife

Everybody knows, if its raging nightlife you're after, you should go... to Honolulu. That said, Maui does its best to rabble-rouse once the sun goes down. There are no full-scale nightclubs on the islands, but Casanovas and Tsunamis offer decent upscale club nights. Brewpubs Hapas (in Kihei) and Fish and Game (in Kahana) always have something going on, and on the right night it can be a lot of fun. Moose McGillycuddys and Cheeseburger in Paradise are two live-music bars that have been around forever; expect lots of drunk tourists and lots of forbidding-looking locals. Live Hawaiian music is presented everywhere, and recently theres been a surge in the popularity of live jazz, swing and ballroom. Among the best places for dinner and dancing are Longhis and Compadres.



---------------Dining

Dining in Maui is overwhelming. There are seemingly hundreds of restaurants, each better than the last, gracing every corner and nook on the island. Culinary styles hail from around the world, and some styles are unique to Maui alone. In one week--and in one town--a visitor can feast on Thai and French cuisine, fresh game and fresh fish, sandwiches, burritos, and of course, a few scoops of ridiculously decadent ice cream. Several "dining guides" or "activity magazines" claim to offer unbiased information, but nearly all of them are advertisements. Large restaurants all publish partial menus in these books, allowing tourists to make informed decisions about gourmet dining, while smaller ones rely on word-of-mouth or foot traffic to bring in the business. No matter how long a visit to this island lasts, its impossible to visit every place that sounds good.

Ka'anapali:

Amidst the five-star hotels and designer boutiques of this famous resort, one can find any number of fabulous restaurants. Most of them fall a bit short of world-class gastronomically, choosing to offer ambience and affordable prices in lieu of top-tier culinary masterpieces. Old favorites such as Leilanis on the Beach feature live music, drink specials and amazing views. The lovely Hula Grill can't be beat for ambience--and the fresh seafood wins local awards, if not international ones. If seafood and steak are beginning to seem unappealing, eateries such as Basil Tomatoes and the Sheratons pricy Japanese place, Teppan Yaki Dan, offer tasty alternatives.

Buffets are big business in Ka'anapali. Unlike the ones found in Las Vegas, they are quite expensive, and the selection isn't as wide, but the quality of the food is much higher. The Westins Ko'Ala Barbecue & Seafood Buffet offers crab, fresh fish, sashimi and other delicacies. On the other end of the price spectrum, quick and cheap eats such as Jonnys Burger Joint and Mr Sub provide some relief for an overworked credit card.

Kahana, Kapalua, Napili:

Further along the coast the emphasis shifts from pleasing hungry crowds to pleasing educated palates. The people who visit the coast of West Maui are usually honeymooners, golfers or other discerning tourists seeking privacy and quality. Restaurants in these areas, especially in ritzy Kapalua, often earn four or five stars. Theres a cluster of good restaurants in the Kahana Gateway; namely Roys Nicolina, the Fish & Game Brewing Company and Rotisserie and for family dining, Outback Steakhouse. Two of the finest restaurants in the state of Hawai'i, the Plantation House and the Anuenue Room, are located in Kapalua, on the tip of the Western coast.

As far as nightlife goes, there isn't much of it in any of these towns. All the hotels have cocktail lounges, often with live music. The bar in the Brewpub is a good spot to relax over a microbrew. Neighborhood favorites such as Dollies are popular at any time of day or night.

Lahaina:

Lahaina Town is Mauis undisputed dining and drinking hot spot. The towns layout can't be beat: All the best places are within a few short blocks of each other, meaning if one place isn't working, its easy to walk to another. The challenge in Lahaina is simply deciding where to eat each meal; the choices are endless. Upscale restaurants range from first-class French, served at Gerards, to the cutting-edge Pacific Rim creations found at David Pauls Lahaina Grill or I'o. The Feast at Lele, presented on the beach outside Pacific'o, wins awards for the best cuisine and entertainment in Maui. For exotic Asian cuisine, try Bamboo. Ruths Chris serves a great steak every time, while Longhis lobster is simply to die for.

While not advertised as much, inexpensive options abound. Lahaina Coolers, a block down from Front Street, is popular with locals because of its food and its atmosphere. Cheeseburger in Paradise is a boisterous Front Street experience, as is Moose McGillycuddys. For a slice of pizza and a glass of Budweiser, head down to the Gabby's Pizzeria at the 505 Center, or try BJs Pizzeria a few blocks down. Each one of these places features live music most nights, and turns from a daytime restaurant to an after-hours bar.

The most popular place for breakfast is Gazebos, but the wait can be outrageous. Compadres also serves a decent breakfast, and Cheeseburger in Paradise recently introduced a breakfast menu, served from 8 a.m. For the tastiest cinnamon buns in town, one must head down a few blocks to Buns of Maui, in the Lahaina Center. At least once, it is absolutely crucial to try an authentic local-style plate lunch at Aloha Mixed Plate.

Ma'alaea:

The largely undeveloped harbor town of Ma'alaea, located between Kihei and Lahaina, is developing a reputation among savvy tourists and affluent locals. There are only a few restaurants here, but they're all noteworthy. Buzzs is famous for its enormous, sweet Tahitian prawns and award-winning crème brulee. The Ma'alaea Waterfront is harder to find, but has earned rave reviews for its fresh fish, which are caught fresh daily and prepared nine different ways.

Kihei:

Dining options in Kihei range from five-star to five-dollar. Along the seemingly never-ending strip that is South Kihei Road, at least 40 restaurants, large and small, vie for the local and tourist dollars. For high-end dining, A Pacific Café in Azeka II is a perennial favorite.

Mid-range restaurants abound on South Kihei, ranging from Jamesons at the Maui Coast Hotel to Margaritas, which is actually in North Kihei. Sensei offers some of the best sushi in Maui. In terms of nightlife, the local vote goes to Hapas Brew Haus, where each night brings a different theme.

People who are trying to eat cheap on Maui won't find a better place than Kihei. Among the best inexpensive eateries are Kihei Caffe, Maui Tacos and Alexanders. The Coffee Store is a great place for a chilly espresso drink any time of day.

Wailea:

The South Side equivalent of Ka'anapali boasts a wealth of fine dining options--and very little else. All of the hotels have at least two gourmet restaurants; some have more. Standouts include Humuhumu at the Grand Wailea, Nicks Fishmarket in the Kea Lani, and for buffet dining, the Palm Court at the Renaissance Wailea. For Sunday Brunch, the Maui Prince puts on a fabulous spread. Less expensive options are few and far between. Joes Bar & Grill, owned by the creators of the Hailemaile General Store, promises to become a favorite right away.

Kahului:

Its not always easy to figure out where to eat in Kahului. The town is spread out, and except for the two major malls, restaurants aren't in any one location. Probably the best known restaurant in Kahului is Marcos, followed by Kohos--the quintessential family restaurant. Many small eateries are scattered throughout Kahului, but they are not distinctive in any way. If you happen to be in the neighborhood and are hungry, stop at any one of the locally owned taco shops, plate lunch stands or Thai places for a quick bite.

Wailuku:

Surprisingly, though Wailuku is as local and un-beautiful of a town as Kahului, it has a number of excellent restaurants, mostly ethnic. If you can find your way to either A Taste of Saigon or Saigon Café, you won't be disappointed. Saengs Thai is delicious and inexpensive--not to mention central.

Pa'ia:

Health food nuts should make Pa'ia their first, last and only stop for dining. The health-conscious restaurants far outnumber the unconcerned ones in this charming little town. Whether you're enjoying enormous breakfasts at Charleys, vegetarian curry at Bangkok Thai, or perhaps packing a picnic lunch at--where else? Picnics--you're sure to get something delicious, fresh and healthful. At dinnertime, the Pa'ia Fishmarket is a delicious and inexpensive option.

Just outside of Pa'ia one will find a true Maui legend, and a must-visit for any self-respecting gourmand. This is Mamas Fish House. The cuisine, ambience and service are legendary--and deservedly so. A meal here is an unforgettable experience.

Makawao, Kula, Pukalani:

There are only a few destination restaurants in rural Upcountry Maui. On the road to Haleakala there are two standouts: the Hali'imaile General Store and the Kula Lodge. In Makawao Town, theres only one place to go for night time entertainment: the famous Casanovas. If its more of a peaceful occasion, make reservations at the Makawao Steak House. Last (but not least) is the Hana Restaurant. It is more than a two hour drive from Pa'ia or Kula, but for people who happen to be in that part of the rainforest, its not one to miss.

Restaurants on Maui change constantly. The booming economy and optimistic attitudes of restaurateurs make the island dining scene entertaining, diverse, and very hard to keep up with! At the time of this article, several restaurants are planning to open, while several others are planning--more quietly--to close the doors. Dining in Maui is only as much of a science as you make it. If you're just looking for a good time, a quick bite, or a pretty meal, trust your own judgement.

-Lena Katz


---------------History
In the Beginning

Approximately five million years ago, an undersea eruption created two volcanic mountains, Mauna Kahalawai and Haleakala. Mauna Kahalawai, now an extinct volcano, became the rugged West Maui Mountains. Majestic 10,023-foot Haleakala, meaning "house of the sun," last erupted in 1790 and is now considered a dormant volcano. Centuries of lava flows and erosion created an isthmus between the two mountains. This vale composed of rich volcanic soil gave Maui the nickname "Valley Isle."

According to ancient legend, the Hawai'ian islands were created by Maui, the "god of a thousand tricks," who pulled the islands from the ocean with his magic fishhook. This mythical demigod also lassoed the sun god "La" from atop Haleakala, releasing it only after it promised to move slowly through the sky, thus providing abundant daylight and warmth for the islands.

Maui County, now four islands, was originally one land mass called "Maui-Nui." During the polar ice age, the glaciers thawed and the oceans swelled to separate the mountain peaks into the islands of Maui, Molokai, Lanai and Kaho'olawe.

The First Settlers

According to legend, Hawai'i-loa and eight navigating seafarers from the Marquesa islands, 2,000 miles to the south, discovered the Hawai'ian islands in the eighth century A.D. The first inhabitants developed a simple agrarian culture, growing taro plant and grinding the root into their food staple, poi. They also built canoes and fished, constructed grass huts for dwelling, erected crude stone temples and wove tapa cloth.

Around the twelfth century A.D, the Tahitians arrived in Maui. They were led by chiefs who became the ali'i, the Hawai'ian ruling class. The Tahitians established the "kapu" system, the rigid social order that became the foundation of ancient Hawaiian culture. Additionally, they introduced their religion with its many goddesses. Haleki'i and Pihana, two archeological sites in the Iao Valley, are religious structures built by Tahitian ali'i. The full name of Pihana is actually Pihanakalani, meaning "a gathering place of the ali'i."

For several centuries, warfare raged among competing ali'i on Maui and between chieftains from the neighboring islands of Oahu and Hawai'i. In 1550 AD the Ali'i Pi'ilani unified all the Maui districts, and after he died his two sons battled for control of the island. With the help of warriors from Hawai'i, Kiha-a-pi'ilani prevailed to become the supreme ruler of Maui.

Maui Becomes Part of the Monarchy

During the late 1700s, Kamehameha I, ruler of the big island Hawai'i, invaded the adjacent islands to establish the Hawaiian Kingdom. One of his armies, led by Kalani'opu'u, attacked Maui in 1776. He was soundly defeated by the warriors of King Kahekili, who surprised the invaders by hiding behind the sand dunes at Maalaea Bay. However, in 1790, Kamehameha I invaded Maui once again, this time with a fleet of war canoes so large it is alleged to have filled the bay from Hana to Kahului. Kamehameha finally conquered Maui in the brutal battle of Wailuku, where after two days of intense fighting he unleashed a cannon operated by two European soldiers. The Maui army, commanded by Kalanikapule (King Kahekilis son), was forced to retreat into Iao Valley, where they tried to escape by scaling the steep cliffs. This historic battle is now known as Kauwaupali ("clawed off the cliff") and Kepaniwai ("the damming of the waters"). In 1802 Kamehameha I built the "brick palace" in Lahaina, where he lived for a year.

The Influx of Westerners

The British explorer Captain James Cook landed in Kahului Bay on November 26, 1778, an event that began the influx of Western influence. French explorer Captain Jean-Francois La Pérouse, the first Westerner to settle on Maui, established a village in 1786. Probably the most significant influence was that of the Christian missionaries, who founded the first mission under Reverend Richards in Lahaina in 1823. In 1824 Kaahumanu, Mauis regent under Kamehameha II, issued a code of laws based on the Ten Commandments. During this time, whaling had begun to boom in Lahaina, a development that swiftly introduced some of the more unsavory Western elements to the port town. A riot broke out in 1825 when a law was passed prohibiting the sale of alcohol. Whalers attacked the Richards' home, but were unsuccessful in squelching the Christian presence. Meanwhile, the missionaries established their instrumental role in educating the local population. Since the Hawaiians had no written language, the missionaries developed a written language based on a twelve-letter alphabet. The Lahainaluna Mission School was opened in 1831 and a seminary for girls was founded in 1836. In 1835, the governor of Maui ordered all children over four to attend school. Missionaries taught reading, writing and Bible studies in Hawaiian, and by 1850, Hawaii had the worlds highest literacy rate!

Unfortunately, the Westerners also brought diseases that over the next century would obliterate the native Hawaiian population. Viruses such as measles that were endemic in Westerners had a devastating effect on the previously unexposed Hawaiians. Soon the ratio of Hawaiians to immigrants began to drastically decrease.

Commercial Growth and the Advent of Tourism

As Western traders and seafarers flocked to Maui, commercial growth expanded. Lahaina became a major port during the whaling era, and by the 1840s, hundreds of ships anchored there. Merchants, prostitutes, saloons, and gambling establishments prospered, although tensions between the whalers and missionaries created social unrest. The discovery of oil in 1850 signified the decline of whaling.

Agriculture also flourished because of foreign influence. In 1828, Kamehameha III built the first sugar mill in Maui, a water-powered mill designed by two Chinese technicians. George Wilfong, an entrepreneurial whaler, established Mauis first sugar plantation in Hana. During 1853-1854, a smallpox epidemic killed many native Hawaiians, resulting in a depleted work force. Immigrants from China, Japan, the Philippines, and even Europe flocked to Maui to work in the sugar cane fields. American businessmen began to invest in pineapple and sugar plantations, and in 1875 negotiated a reciprocity treaty with the governor of Maui to protect their investments.

The expansion of foreign power and influence ultimately led to the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy in 1893. In 1894, American pineapple tycoon Dole became the governor of the Republic of Hawaii, which was annexed to the United States in 1898 and made a U.S. territory in 1890. During the early 1900s, Japanese immigration swelled; Mauis population was forty percent Japanese by 1925. The American military presence in Hawaii was also expanding during this time, and the U.S. Navy established its Pacific headquarters in Pearl Harbor.

The opening of the Pioneer Hotel in 1901 signaled the beginning of tourism in Lahaina. Visitors Mark Twain and Robert Lewis Stevenson praised Maui, and Lahaina became a vacation hot spot for the rich and famous. After World War II, sugar production declined and tourism experienced phenomenal growth. Mauis first resort hotel, Hotel Hana, was opened in 1946. After Hawaii became the 50th state in 1959, investment capitol poured in for development of vacation resorts. Kaanapali, dubbed the worlds first "master planned resort," and site of such mega-resorts as the Ka'anapali Beach Hotel and the Hyatt Regency, was built in 1961, followed by the development of the Ritz Carlton and Kapalua Bay resorts in West Maui. In the 1970s, sunny South Maui, with its great snorkeling beaches and constant sunshine, was discovered. Over the next few years, several plush resorts and championship golf courses were developed in Wailea. Most recently, the opening of the magnificent Maui Prince resort signified the spread of commercialization to the very southern tip of Maui, Makena Beach