Go Visit Hawaii

Let’s continue the series of one day Hawaii itineraries with a visit to Maui. So, what would I plan to see with only one day on Maui? I’d most definitely spend my time on the road to Hana. This drive is arguably the most beautiful drive in Hawaii. I remember my first trip to Maui, I drove the road to Hana on my last full day before I went back home. I remember thinking, that I had saved the best for last.

This winding coastal road is more about the journey, i.e., the jaw-dropping views along the road, than it is about the destination. There are numerous curves and one lane bridges that keep this drive on a slow pace. You won’t mind driving slow, though, because you’ll definitely enjoy seeing the lush green cliffs, beaches, and waterfalls along the way. It really is a feast for the eyes.

Logistically, you do need to dedicate the entire day from early morning through early evening to drive the road and take in the sights. The earlier you get started, the better. See all my tips for driving the road to Hana. Ideally, get on the road before 7:30am. You can either rent a car or if you prefer to let someone else do the driving, there are plenty of tour companies who will take care of that for you. You can even take a packaged day tour from Oahu.

What if I have two days on Maui?
If you have a second day, I suggest you plan to see sunrise at Haleakala, the house of the sun. It will be a memorable and unique experience. If possible, sneak in a visit to the Iao Valley. Then relax at DT Fleming Beach Park in Kapalua, one of the most beautiful beaches in Hawaii.

Need more ideas of what to do?
Take a look at this list of seven things to do on Maui on a budget. I’ve also listed my top five Maui must do’s.

A reader recently asked if there were any free luaus on Maui. Unless you’re lucky enough to be invited to a resident’s luau, there is no such thing as a free luau. However, you can take in a free hula show at the Lahaina Cannery Mall. Shows are offered each Tuesday and Thursday night at 7pm. Keiki (children) hula shows run each Saturday and Sunday at 1pm.

In addition to the free hula shows, there are free ukelele lessions at 5:45pm on Tuesdays and Maui Paniolo (Cowboy) line dancing lessons each Sunday at 6:30pm followed by dancing from 7pm to 8:30pm.

But wait! There’s more! If you act now, we’ll throw in these free coupons at no extra charge.

The Lahaina Cannery Mall is located on the northern end of Lahaina and parking is…you guessed it - free!

(Photo credit to Lahaina Cannery Mall.)

Hawaii’s Department of Land and Natural Resources recently launched a spruced up website loaded with great information on Hawaii’s State Parks. Here’s how to use this resource to help you with your vacation plans.

Finding the State Parks
It’s easy to find the state parks for Kauai, Oahu, Maui, Molokai, and the Big Island with the interactive island maps. On each individual park page, you can find out much more about the significance of the park, hours of operation, and if there are facilities like restrooms and picnic tables, etc.

Learning Hawaii’s History and Culture
This section of the website is chocked full of information of which parks to visit to learn about life in ancient Hawaii.

Finding the Hiking Trails
You’ll find great hiking advice that is written specifically for Hawaii’s trails. You’ll find a listing of the trails maintained by the state in interactive maps. Here are the trail guides for Kauai, Oahu, Maui, and the Big Island.

Camping and other State Park Lodging
Here, you’ll learn where you can camp as well as the permit process and fees required. You’ll find information for lodging in cabins at Hawaii’s state parks. For example, you can stay in a cabin at the Kokee State Park on Kauai.

Park Rules & Health and Safety
Before you visit Hawaii’s state parks, you should review the park rules and learn about the unique safety circumstance.

(We took the above photo at Waianapanapa State Park on Maui.)

A reader recently asked if it was possible to take a day trip from Maui to see the Big Island lava flow.  The answer is yes, it is possible and there are a few alternatives. 

Before I get into the details of the alternatives, let me make sure that I emphasize that an active volcano is extremely unpredictable.  In the most recent few months, the lava flow went from pooling in the flats at a restricted area to dramatic flow into the ocean easily visible by a short hike.  It is possible that if you schedule a flight or tour to see the lava flowing, you may not get to see it.  So, please be aware of that risk when you are booking a flight or tour.  No company can guarantee that you’ll see lava flowing.

Now let’s take a look at some of the alternatives for island hopping from Maui to the Big Island.

1.  Arrange a tour by air. 

Volcano Air Tours operates an flight tour from Maui over to the Big Island and back.  The tour is narrated by the pilot.  In addition to flying over the active lava flow, you’ll also get to see the beautiful Hamakua Coast and Mauna Kea on the Big Island. 

If your time is tight, this tour may be your best alternative.  You will see quite a bit of fascinating scenery in a short amount of time.  Tours leave from Kapalua airport in West Maui and from Kahului at the main airport.  The tours last between 2hr and 2hr 15 minutes.  Tours cost $335 and $365 depending on the tour and your point of departure. 

A representative from Volcano Air Tours was kind enough to provide the photo (above right) that was recently taken from one of their tours.  One important fact to consider when selecting an air tour is how much time will be spent flying around the active lava flow.  I asked the Volcano Air Tour representative and she said that the pilots spend about 15 to 20 minutes flying there.  That should be very adequate for allowing everyone to get a good view.  

2.  Arrange a air/land package tour.

I did some research and Polynesian Adventures Tours was the only company I could find that offers a comprehensive air/land tour package from Maui to the Big Island.  You fly to Hilo on a commercial Island Air flight, then they tour you around this part of the island on a tour bus.  You would need a dedicated day for this tour as it leaves around 7am and returns around 7pm. 

I called Polynesian Adventure Tours to ask if they are currently taking their passengers to view the active lava flow by a hike and they said they do.  If this tour is of interest to you, I recommend that you verify that with them again.  (Somehow, I still feel slightly skeptical.)  This tour also includes a stop in Hilo to Rainbow Falls, a visit to the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and a visit to see orchids.  The price for this day long tour cost $231.29, but if you reserve online, you’ll save 10%. 

3.  Arrange your own independent tour.

This alternative gives you the most freedom, but will require that you work out the logistics and  details of renting a car, navigating the island, etc.  Island Air flies directly from Kahului Maui (OGG) to Hilo (ITO).  (See Island Air’s Time/Route Schedule.)  Island Air was the only airline that I found that flies direct and non-stop from Maui to Hilo.

You could choose to fly there and back in the same day or stay overnight (or longer).  If you attempt to do it all in one day, you will be pushing it to the limit because the lava viewing point doesn’t open until 2pm and the flight from Hilo back to Maui leaves at 6:40pm.  Allow at least an hour for your round trip hike to and from the lava viewing.  Then add another 45 minutes to drive back to the airport.  Then factor in time for refueling and returning the rental car, etc.  See what I mean about pushing it to the limit?

Since the current lava viewing point doesn’t open until 2pm, you could spend the morning exploring Hawaii Volcanoes National Park which is about a 45 minute drive from Hilo Airport or you could check out the waterfalls in and around Hilo.  Another alternative you could consider is picking up a helicopter tour from Hilo.  The price of flights and rental cars vary. 

One thing to bear in mind is that lava is much more dramatic if viewed at night, so an overnight stay might be something worth considering.  See my tips for viewing the lava flow. 

In January, the National Parks Service promised to released another statement on downhill bike tours in March.  This week, that decision was released.  The park will continue their safety stand-down and prohibit the biking from beginning inside the park with a commercialized tour companies.  Please note that bike tours have continued to operate outside the park’s boundaries.

Park officials announced that they will issue permits for more bike tour companies to enter the park for vehicle tours of the park prior to beginning the downhill bike ride outside of the park.  Previously only two of seven bike tour companies had permits to bring their customers inside the park.  I hope this will result in more options and better pricing.

Source

In my opinion, few drives are more beautiful than the Road to Hana on Maui. It’s a curvy coastal road with views of cliffs, beaches, waterfalls, and rainforest. It’s a well paved road, but you do need to keep your wits about you when you drive it because of the many sharp curves and one-lane bridges.

Before we dive into the tips, let me be clear about what I mean about the Road to Hana. Take a look at this Google map below and notice Highway 360, also known as the Hana Highway. That’s the Road to Hana. I want to make it clear that I am not referring to the Palani Highway that brings you to Hana from the South. (Note: that rental car companies advise that you don’t drive the Palani Highway. Plus, a portion of the road is closed due to earthquake damage.)
View Larger Map

I should bring up one more important point. If you are prone to carsickness, then this drive isn’t for you. Don’t even think about it, without using something to help you combat carsickness.

Here are my top tips for enjoying your drive on the Road to Hana.

• Definitely plan to make a whole day of the drive there and back.
• Share the driving time with your travel companions, if possible. The drive can be stressful for one person. Consider whether you should add an additional driver onto your rental car contract as most contracts only allow one driver as a standard. Additional drivers can be added for a fee.
• Get a good Maui guidebook that will detail what to see along the way. Find one that provides references by mile markers. (I’ve used Maui Revealed in the past and found it was a good reference. Just make sure you never trespass or do any hiking or swimming that are beyond your skills. If it looks dangerous, it probably is!)
• Try to get an early start, say around 7am. You’ll avoid traffic with an early start.
• Avoid driving a long distance on this Road to Hana at night.
• If you notice a local driving behind you or a long line of cars, please be considerate and pull over to allow cars to pass as soon as you find a safe spot to do so.
• Do drive beyond Hana to the Kipahula area which about 10 miles beyond Hana. See the Oheo Gulch with the cascading pools and spend a bit of time walking around this area. Note that this area is part of Haleakala National Park. So, when you purchase entry into the park, it is valid for both entry points for 3 days from purchase.
• I like to drive all the way to Kipahula, then back to Hana and stop into the Hana Hotel for lunch on their lanai. The hotel grounds are beautiful and it makes for a nice relaxing break from all the driving.
• Don’t miss the black sand beach at Wainapanapa State Park.
• Bring sunscreen, water, snacks, and mosquito repellent (particularly if you are going to do any hikes)
• Make sure you have a full tank of gas before you start the drive. Gas stations are few and far between!
• If you think you might do any swimming, then make sure to bring beach towels.
• Always lock your car if you are going to be leaving it.
• Don’t forget your camera with lots of film/memory and fully charged batteries.
• On your way back to your hotel, don’t miss watching the windsurfers on Hookipa beach.

Have you driven the Road to Hana? What did you think of it? What tips would you add? Please share them.

At Go Visit Hawaii, we know that there are a number of different Maui luau options. We also understand gathering all the key details such as prices, days of operation, and reviews can be time consuming and difficult to gather.  Trust me.  I know it is time consuming because it’s taken me a few hours and several phone calls to compile this list.

As promised in the article on tips for choosing a Hawaiian luau and as a service to our readers, we’ve researched and compiled the information to assist you in finding that special luau experience. We’ve previously covered Big Island luaus and Kauai luaus and today we continue the series with Maui. 

I’ve organized the luaus by area of Maui - West Maui and South Maui.  You’ll notice that most of the luaus are based in West Maui in Kaanapali and Lahaina. 

West Maui

Old Lahaina Luau
Opens: October - March at 5:30; April - September at 6:00
Nights: 7 nights per week
Location/Setting: Oceanfront sunset on North side of Front Street in Lahaina
Prices: $92.71 for Adults,  Children ages 12 and under $61.46
Price Includes: Buffet, Open Bar, Polynesian Show, Taxes
Imu Ceremony: Yes
For Reservations: Call 1-808-667-1998; Toll Free 1-800-
Reviews: TripAdvisor, Yahoo, IgoUgo
Additional Information: You choose from two different style seating options - on traditional Hawaiian mat seating with a low table (close to the ground) or in conventional tables and chairs.  The matt seating is closer to the stage.  The earlier you make your reservation the better, particularly for seating preference.  In my opinion this luau is one of the best in Maui and possibly the best in Hawaii. The official website for Old Lahaina Luau is here. 

The Feast at Lele
Opens: October - March at 5:30; April - September at 6:00
Nights: 7 nights per week
Location/Setting: Oceanfront sunset on South side of Front Street in Lahaina
Prices: $110 for Adults,  Children ages 2-12 and $80 plus taxes
Price Includes: Gourmet table service, Open Bar, Polynesian Show
Imu Ceremony: Yes
For Reservations: Call 1-866-244-5353
Reviews: TripAdvisor, Yahoo, Frommers, iExplore
Additional Information: Official website.  This is a unique fine dining type luau.  Most luaus only offer buffet service, but this one provides table service.  It is operated by the same folks who run Old Lahaina Luau.

Wailele Polynesian Luau
Opens: Check-in at 5:45
Nights: varies by month, see this link for current show dates.
Location/Setting: The grounds of the Westin Maui at Kaanapali Beach
Prices:  Premium Seating (first 2 rows) is $120 for adults and $90 for children ages 5-12; Regular Seating (rows 3 and beyond) cost $105 for adults and $75 for children ages 5-12.  Taxes are extra.
Price Includes: Table Service for 4 Course Polynesian Dinner, Cocktails, Polynesian Show
Imu Ceremony: No
For Reservations: Call 1-808-667-2525
Reviews: None found at this time.
Additional Information: Official website.  This is a another unique find dining type luau. 

Drums of the Pacific Luau
Opens: Check-in begins at 4:15pm and seating at 5:15
Nights: 7 nights per week
Location/Setting: Kaanapali Hyatt resort grounds near to Kaanapali Beach
Prices: $95.83 for Adults, Teens (ages 13-20) are $63.54, Children ages 6-16 are $51.04. 
Price Includes: Buffet, Open Bar, Polynesian Show, Taxes
Imu Ceremony: Yes
For Reservations: Call 1-808-667-4727
Reviews: Yahoo, IgoUgo, TripAdvisor
Additional Information: VIP seating is available for additional charge, please see Official website for prices and details.

Royal Lahaina Resort Luau (The Myths of Maui)
Opens: 5:00
Nights: During summer months the luau is open 7 days per week.  During winter months the luau is closed on Saturdays.  Call 1-808-661-9119 for current show dates. 
Location/Setting: Oceanfront gardens at Royal Lahaina Resort grounds on Kaanapali Beach
Prices: $61.46 for Adults.  For each paying adult, a child aged 11 or under is entered free.  If you must pay for the child’s fee then it is $25.  These prices are based on booking directly online (best prices found.)
Price Includes: Buffet, Open Bar, Hula Lessons, Polynesian Show, Taxes
Imu Ceremony: Yes
For Reservations: Call 1-808-661-9119 or book online
Reviews: TripAdvisor, IgoUgo
Additional Information: Official website.  This luau offers a kids buffet and it is the only one in Maui that offers that. 

Sheraton Kaanapali Sunset Luau
Opens: check-in at 5:15
Nights: This luau will reopen again March 17th.  It will be open Mondays and Wednesdays
Location/Setting: Beachfront at Black Rock on Kaanapali Beach
Prices: $83 for Adults,  Children ages 6-12 are $43.  Premium seating cost $10 more per person.
Price Includes: Buffet, Open Bar, Polynesian Show, Taxes
Imu Ceremony: Yes
For Reservations: Call 1-808-877-HULA
Reviews: TripAdvisor
Additional Information: Official website  This luau is also subtitled “Cliff Dive - At Black Rock” because performers will dive off Black Rock as part of the luau.  This luau is managed by Tihati who also manage the Maui Sunset Luau at the Maui Prince Hotel.

South Maui

Honua Ula Luau Dinner Show at Marriott Wailea
Opens: check-in at 4:30, doors open at 4:45
Nights: Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays
Location/Setting: Beach side at the grounds of the Marriott Wailea
Prices: $88 for Adults, Children ages 6 - 12 are $43 (taxes are additional)
Price Includes: Buffet, Open Bar, Polynesian Show
Imu Ceremony: No
For Reservations: Call 1-808-875-7710
Reviews: Yelp
Additional Information:  Official site, though not much there.

Maui Sunset Luau at Maui Prince Hotel
Opens: 5:00
Nights: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays
Location/Setting: Oceanfront garden setting at Makena at the Maui Prince Hotel
Prices: $86 for Adults; $43 for children ages 6 - 12.
Price Includes: Buffet, Open Bar, Polynesian Show, Taxes
Imu Ceremony: Yes
For Reservations: Call 1-808-877-HULA
Reviews: TripAdvisor
Additional Information: Official website.  This luau is managed by Tihati who also manage the –Sheraton Kaanapali Sunset Luau.

Note - If you are looking for the luau at Waikapu Village Luau at the Maui Tropical Plantation, it closed on February 10th.

As I was gathering all the Maui luau details for this article, I came across this site that has some similar information and their own reviews.  It’s fairly well done, though it is a booking site.  Please note that I have no affiliation with any of the luaus or activities companies.  As always, I present information in a transparent and unbiased way.

Have you been to any of these Maui luaus?  What did you think?

Kapalua Resort in West Maui has added quite a few new activities for those looking for a little adventure on vacation.  There are new hiking trails, a new Outpost and Adventure Center with ziplining, and sea kayaking tours.  I think Kapalua is one of the most scenic areas of Maui, so I’m excited about these new activities there.

I’ll summarize the new adventure options here, starting with the free stuff.

Kapalua Hiking
Kapalua has some short, but very scenic and diverse hikes that are free to use.  Shuttle rides to the trailhead are complimentary from the Kapalua Adventure Center.  To learn more about the trails and schedules, click here. 

Mountain Outpost with Zipline, Rope Challenge, Climbing Tour
Kapalua has one of North America’s largest zipline courses with nearly two miles of line over eight different spans.  One of the lines (#3) is the longest and fastest, where the average person reaches a speed of over 40 miles per hour.  If zipping isn’t enough thrill for you, then for added adventures, there’s a ropes challenge course and a 38-foot climbing tower. Pricing starts at $60 per person. 

West Maui Coastline Kayaking
From a kayak, you’ll be able to see the island from a different perspective.  You start at Kapalua Bay and continue along the coastline going north to finish at Honolua Bay.  The cost of the tour is $70.  For more information, click here. 

A nice reader recently asked what would be my top five things to do in Maui on a week long vacation. It’s difficult to narrow down so many wonderful things to do and see to just five, but here’s my list.

1. Go to the top of Haleakala, an inactive volcano, preferably to star gaze and watch sunrise. The top of Haleakala is the highest point on Maui and the views are wonderful. You can find more information on planning your visit to Haleakala National Park on their website.

It works best to plan a sunrise visit to Haleakala the first or second morning of your vacation, particularly if you are coming from the mainland. You’ll be jet lagged and have no problems waking up early enough to catch some star gazing before sunrise.

2. Spend a day “driving the road to Hana”. This winding coastal road has jaw dropping scene after scene. You’ll see beautiful beaches, lava cliffs and waterfalls. The road to Hana starts on Highway 36 and later continues on Highway 360 and it runs along the East coast of Maui.

Everyone calls it the road to Hana, but don’t stop in Hana. You should actually drive 10 miles beyond Hana on Highway 31 to the Kipahulu area, which is also part of Haleakala National Park. Once you arrive at Kipahulu, you can park and do some short hikes along the coast and to the Oheo Gulch, which is also known as the “seven sacred pools”, but that’s not the correct name. and there is nothing sacred about them.

Start your drive early in the morning, say around 7am, so you can take your time driving there and back in day light. A good guide like the Maui Revealed Guide will give you detailed advice of what to stop and see. (See this caution about guidebooks.)

As you return back to your resort from your drive to Hana, if you have time, take a few minutes to watch the windsurfers at Hookipa Beach Park just east of Paia on Hana Highway (36). See this link to find Hookipa on a Google map. See all my tips for driving the Road to Hana.

3. Take a snorkeling or diving cruise/sail to Molokini. This crescent shaped top of an extinct volcano is a bird and marine sanctuary. It is one of the top snorkeling spots in Hawaii. (Photo credit to Ron Dahlquist.)

4 . See the Iao Valley State Park that’s rich with Hawaiian history. The park is beautiful and impressive with the star of the park being the velvet green Iao Needle that stands 2,250 high. A visit to this park probably takes less than an hour and a half, but it’s on the east side of Maui and may take an hour or longer to drive from most resorts on the west side of the island.

5. Watch for humpback whales from around November through April. You can either watch from the shore or take a whalewatching tour. Beware, whalewatching can become mesmerizing.

———

So those are my top 5 must do’s. If you do those activities, you’ll will have seen some of the best of Maui, plus you’ll still have time to relax at the beach or pool. If you do nothing else than these five things, you’ll have had a fantastic Maui vacation.

In case you need more ideas, hear are some more suggests for you to consider:

• See a Maui luau. I think Maui has some really, really good luaus.
• Plan a beach sunset picnic lunch. (My favorite area is Kapalua in northwest Maui where you’ll have great views of Molokai and Lanai. A good place to get picnic supplies is at Honolua Store in Maui.
• Walk around and shop in historic Lahaina town. Make sure you see the impressive banyan tree there.
• Shop in quaint Paia.

If you find you’re on Maui when it’s raining, then check out these good Maui rainy day ideas.

Beginning October 10, 2007, downhill bike rides from the top of Haleakala were banned “temporally” for 60 day. The ban was put in place to study the safety of the tours. Those 60 days have come and gone and the downhill thrill rides are still not operating inside Haleakala National Park. According to this Maui News article, Haleakala National Park Superintendent Marilyn Parris said she expects to make a final decision on the ban in early March.

The ban only applies to the roadway inside the national park’s boundaries. As I reported back in the November update, some tour companies have modified services to begin the bike ride just outside the park’s gates.

If you want to see Haleakala, the good news is that there are many great alternatives for seeing it without having to take a white knuckle bike ride. I’ve already written my best advice for seeing Haleakala at sunrise. If you’d rather not drive, there are several tour companies who’ll do the driving for you.

Stay tuned to Go Visit Hawaii for the next report.

Note:  Now see March 2008 update.