We're getting married in Maui next month and I'm finally getting around to planning out some activities. FI and I will be there for two weeks and his dad and GF will be there for the first week. I don't want to feel like we're rushing all over the place but do want to maximize their time on the island.
So far this is what I have planned for the first week.
- Haleakala sunrise - Old Lahaina Luau - Golf and Spa - which resort? We're staying in West Maui.
They'll be there from Sunday to Friday and our wedding is Thursday. I think I can plan for one more "must do". I would love to take them on a short hike to see water falls. What's the best place to do that? And what else do you recommend? TIA!
Congratulations! If you snorkel/scuba, check out excursions to Molokini. We used Maui Dive Shop and were very happy with them. Just don't try to do Haleakala and any diving in the same 48 hour span.
We loved surfing with Goofy Foot and the sunset champagne cruise with Scotch Mist. The cruise was really great because there were only six people on the boat.
As for hiking, we did lots of short walks on the Road to Hana - definitely no shortage of waterfalls along the way!
Be sure to get shave ice from Ululani's on Front Street! Also, H and I *love* Merriman's in Kapalua, just north of Kaanapali.
We loved surfing with Goofy Foot and the sunset champagne cruise with Scotch Mist. The cruise was really great because there were only six people on the boat.
As for hiking, we did lots of short walks on the Road to Hana - definitely no shortage of waterfalls along the way!
Be sure to get shave ice from Ululani's on Front Street! Also, H and I *love* Merriman's in Kapalua, just north of Kaanapali.
We're having our wedding night dinner at Merriman's. Cannot wait!
I'd highly recommend Maui Eco Tours for eco-friendly kayak/snorkeling tours of various parts of the island. We can't say enough good things about them. Stay away from the big boat tours that take you to Turtle Town and Molokini. They've basically destroyed those snorkeling areas. It's very sad.
Along the Road to Hana is going to be your best bet for waterfalls. We really enjoyed our snorkel trip to Molokini with Trilogy--the boat and staff were great and it wasn't too big of a group. We went in January so the whales were there but I still think I would have enjoyed our sunset cruise regardless (we went with Hula Girl I believe). We did Haleakala with the bike down the mountain tour afterwards--we used Cruiser Phil's and were pleased. We also did the Old Lahaina Luau and really enjoyed that and I think you will too. We don't play golf and didn't go to a spa, so can't help you there unfortunately. We're heading back to Maui next year and I can't wait! Congrats on your wedding!
Post by librarygirl on Aug 6, 2012 19:10:13 GMT -5
Congrats on your upcoming wedding! H and I visited Maui last November and had a fabulous time. We went to Haleakala on our own although not for the sunrise (it was nerve wracking enough driving in the daylight on all the switchbacks). Hana is also beautiful and yes, waterfalls galore. Along with pp I would also recommend a snorkeling excursion to Molokini, here's a blog post on it:
Another thing I would recommend is touring Maui Brewery Company-it's located right in downtown Lahaina. They have tours or you can just visit the tasting room. My husband loved the beers though.
have a wonderful time! we got married on Maui too. seems like forever ago.
the four seasons has a wonderful spa
Ditto. I had my reception dinner at the 4S, and my grandmother got massages for my sister and me there before the wedding. Amazing.
Weddings are fairly chaotic, even if you're doing something low key, so you might not want to plan too much. We dove (incl the morning of the wedding), did the road to Hana, some snorkel days near where we stayed, and that was about it. I did take everyone to a luau instead of doing a rehearsal dinner. No need to rehearse when there's no wedding party
Have some things as possible, like Hana, or a snorkel, but be spontaneous depending on how people feel. We found that our familiy members were really happy to do their own thing, and we didn't have to entertain them at all.
Favorite snorkle spot - Honolua Bay -- good chance to see sea turtles and spinner dolphins (and eels, so watch out)
Pineapple Grill was our favorite restaurant. We're not golfers but it's on the Kapalua Bay golf course if you want to check that out for golfing.
We did a dolphin watching boat tour. The Pacific Whale Foundation has tours that leave from Lahaina. That was one of my very favorite activities. We scheduled it for our last day there. It let us get out in the sun, but was super relaxing and we didn't have to worry about showering and getting all the sand off before catching our flight.
We also thought the Atlantis submarine ride was cool.
Also, it's really cold on Haleakala so you definitely need warm clothes. It's worth packing something warm so that you're not miserable waiting for the sun to rise.
Personally, I did not enjoy the road to Hana so I wouldn't recommend it but it is where you'll see the best waterfalls. But lots of people love it so to each his own, I guess.
I also liked walking around Makawao and Paia - both neat towns.
Sorry, I got carried away!Maui is so great! You just want one more "most do." I'd got with the snorkeling or the dolphin watching tour.