I want to visit Maui next June with my wife and two kids (7 & 11) 1st time. What are the things not to miss?

Answer 1

I go every year, so here are a few things not to miss:

First of all, if you dont have your accomodations yet, look into Polynesian Shores. They are condos that are fully stocked for living. Just go up to the grocery store and get your food. Polynesian Shores, in my opinion, is the best kept secret on Maui, and much cheaper than hotels. It is on the Sunset side of Maui, near Kaanapali, and it is right on the water. The sunsets are always breathtaking. Sea turtles play in the water right at the shoreline, and your kids will surely love that. Poly Shores will add a bit of magic to your trip.

Next, the Sheraton at Kaanapali (3 miles from Poly Shores) is the best snorkeling for kids and adults alike. A beautiful sand beach, and NO rocks entering the water, so easy-in-easy-out. You will see all types of marine life there, including sea turtles (federal offense and fine of $25,000 for touching them, so just enjoy with your eyes), eagle rays (dont let them scare you, they are farther away than where you will be swimming), and THOUSANDS of fish. There is a kiosk right near that water that sells bio-friendly fish food which comes in a tube. Tear one end open and let a few kibbles of food out at a time, about 3 feet under water. Pinch the opening shut and make sure no food is spilling out. This is going to summon several hundred fish to swim around you and you will feel like you are in an aquarium. Only a few of the fish have teeth, but they are not carnivours. ;) Get a fish guide from the kiosk and look out for the large puffer fish. They are sneaky buggers, and will go for the BOTTOM of your tube of food, tear it open, and your fun will be done. The key is to release just a few kibbles at a time. Wait for 30 seconds or so and release a few more. One tube should give you 10 minutes of absolute fun. Go ahead and pet the fish as they go by. Some are tamer than others. Also, while underwater look near the top of the water. You will see many trumpet fish there. About 8 inches to over 12 inches long and they can be almost see-through and easy to miss. Plan on at least one day at the Sheraton. Free public parking in a garage marked Beach Parking. Its a small garage and fills up quickly so go early. After parking, look for a Beach Access sign and follow the path to the beach. It will open up into Paradise. Enjoy.

Now for Snorkel Gear you have a few choices. I prefer Boss Frog's. With the purchase of a week's worth of gear (dont skimp--get their best equipment as it will give you a much more enjoyable time snorkeling), it entitles you to a snorkeling cruise on their Catamaran called the Frogman. We have done this 3 years in a row and it is fabulous. They take you to Molokini, which is not to be missed. Depending on ocean conditions, they may take you over to a place called Turtle Town. It's a small reef offshore where you will find large amounts of LARGE turtles. Definately worth getting off the boat for.

Haleakala is a fun trip but its a long way up. 38 miles or so to the top with a max speed of about 20. Sunrise is beautiful, but you will have to leave your hotel around 3 or 4am.

Makena beach, just beyond the ritzy metropolis of Wailea is a nice big beach with good waves to play with.

The Maui Ocean Center is a beautiful aquarium. If you have time, dont miss it.

Downtown Lahaina is a lot of fun. For a nice inexpensive lunch, try Cheesburger in Paradise. Longhis has a great menu for all meals. For a nicer, much higher priced meal: Vino, an Italian Tapas restaurant gets 6 stars from me.

I could give you many others, but the last thing I would recommend is the Road to Hana. This will take all day but worth it. If you get your snorkel gear at Boss Frog's, they offer a guided tour on CD for 9.95. Ask them to throw it in, or ask to rent it instead of buying it. The narrator is a bit cheesy and the script is a bit boring, but the mileages work out well and all the major sights are described. Stop at twin falls and walk up to BOTH of them, because each of them offer awesome views. You will have to wade through water about waist high to get to the first one. Bring swimwear, WATER SHOES (dont get cheap ones, Hawaii is made of lava rock which is essentially glass. If you get cheap water shoes they will not last), sunscreen and bug spray. You will be walking through rainforests and the insects can sometimes be a menace. If you are able to rent a convertible car for your trip, the road to Hana is the perfect place to use it, however you will have to open and close it often as it rains on that side of the island. There is a state park with a very long name near the end of the trip. NOT to be missed. There you will find a black sand beach, some caves to explore, you will see papayas growing and lots of other neat things. It is recommended that you turn around at Hana and go back the same road to get to your hotel/condo, but the road DOES go all the way around Haleakala and its not a bad as everyone makes it out to be. Most of the trip will be on gravel with a few potholes. Its a slow journey until you get to the south side of the volcano where the land is owned by a ranch and its a pretty journey. From Hana to the resort areas going around the volcano will take about 2 hours. Going back the road from Hana will take just as long. Most rental car companies dont want you to take their cars around the volcano. I do it anyway.

I hope that helps. If you need more tips and advice email me at funkninja1234 at yahoo.com. I do not charge for tip and advice. I just love Hawaii, especially the Big Island and am always eager to help others enjoy their time. Best wishes and happy traveling.

Answer 2

Napili Bay is such a family friendly beach. It's nice for snorkeling,and there's a big long beach that the kids like to body surf and skimboard down. My husband and I were there for an anniversary, and really thought that if we ever went with our kids, we would for sure take them there. There's a really small, sweet beach at Kahana too by a fun little park. Kanapali was fun too, the beachwalk and big resorts, good snorkeling, but we kind of liked the smaller, less crowded beaches too.

Good place to eat for not too much money is maui taco.

Rent snorkel equipment for the week at snorkel bob's, it's cheaper that way, and you can snorkel every day you are there.

Big Beach (Makena, on the south shore) is a blast too...and it's really big! Lots of families there, and super big waves. (note, do not take your kids over the cliff to Little Beach, which is right by Big Beach, we were surprised to find this was a clothing optional beach. yikes.)

And you've absolutely got to drive up that volcano...it's amazing. To be a little "cold" for a while at 10,000 feet, you are above the clouds and can see the Big Island in the distance.



Aloha!

Answer 3

go up to Haleakula,catch the sunrise, it looks like you are on the moon,, but must go super early and take the blanket,very chilly high elevation...

Answer 4

all time family fun: LUAU (BACKYARD STYLE), SNORKELING, TASTING BEARD PAPA'S FAMOUS CREAM PUFFS, EATING AT ZIPPY'S (FAMOUS CHILI & KOREAN STYLE FRIED CHICKEN), SHOPPING, BEACHES, WATERFALLS, HIKING TO SEE WATERFALLS & ESPECIALLY HELICOPTER RIDES TO VIEW MAUI ISLAND FROM ABOVE.