We are going to be staying in the Grand Wailea on Maui Jan 24th- Feb3rd. My wife has a conference for about 5 days while we are there. The other days we would like to take in some snorkeling, a Luau and other fun activities. Any recommendations on specific places or vendors to go/use? Also, what restaurants would you recommend? We like most anything and will do a combo of casual and fine dining. We do have a 21 month old traveling with us. Thanks for any tips!

Maui is looking for his hook.

You're welcome.

The Old Lahaina Luau is good, probably better than anything you'd get on Oahu.

Maui Nō Ka ʻOi!

Old Lahaina Luau is the luau to go to if you're looking for authentic, but you had better give them a call ASAP, as they tend to book weeks (or months) in advance. Well worth it, though. Get yourself on a waiting list (if you have to) today.

Speaking of Lahaina, drive up there anyway. It's a very nice town to spend a day shopping/dining in. Our favorite place to stay on Maui, in fact. Grab a burger at the Cool Cat Cafe. Unbelievably good.

If you want a relatively quiet beach for snorkeling (and lots of turtles), you're already there. The beaches in the Wailea and Makena areas are our favorites.

And you can't not drive the road to Hana. It's a full day adventure, to be sure, depending on how many stops you make and how long you take. Buy a guide (or a couple of them) in advance and do a little planning for that part. If you've rented a vehicle with decent ground clearance, finish the loop around the south end of Maui instead of back-tracking. It's a beautiful (if unpaved in parts) coastline. I understand it's much better than it used to be (when all of the rental agencies prohibited taking their vehicles on the southernmost stretch), but we did it in a Nissan Rogue in October and had zero difficulty.

-Rob

Mama’s fish house for fine dining.

quote:

Originally posted by kkina:
The Old Lahaina Luau is good, probably better than anything you'd get on Oahu.

Maui Nō Ka ʻOi!

+1000!

Right near where you are staying is Molokini Island. Go snuba diving there. Go whale watching. I believe you can visit the Dole factory there as well. Fresh pineapple!

We did the helicopter ride to the waterfall. The one used in the opening scene of Jurasic Park.

Whale watching and a submarine trip in the coral reefs. Submerged to 150ft.
Bus ride to the top of Haliakala volcano. There is a NASA station up there for astronaut training. At least there was.

Grand Wailea is a beautiful resort. 7 pools all attached via water slide. Hot tubs everywhere. The food there was outstanding.

quote:

Originally posted by kkina:
The Old Lahaina Luau is good, probably better than anything you'd get on Oahu.

This.

Skip the road to Hana. Ain't nothin' there.

I went to Maui in 2008 and 2012. Pictures are here:
2008: https://www.flickr.com/photos/...s/72157608493706386/ and https://www.flickr.com/photos/...s/72157608502187153/ (excursion of Road to Hana)

2012: https://www.flickr.com/photos/...s/72157631617161378/ and https://www.flickr.com/photos/...s/72157631617680457/.

I didn't do a lot in 2012, I admit. The 2008 tour was a lot more interesting. I travel alone and renting a car doesn't work real well for me because I can't both drive and take pictures at the same time. I tend to hire excursions. I enjoyed the ride of the Road to Hana--YMMV.

flashguy

quote:

Grand Wailea on Maui

Great Hotel - was there back in 2009. Loved every minute of it.

The road to Hana was ok, but overall not worth the time.

Seared Ahi at Roys
Snorkle Molokini Crater
Helicopter in Haleakala Crater
Bicycle Ride down Haleakala

Get yourself a copy of Maui Revealed and start reading.
We lived there for over 6 years.
This time of the year a whale watch is NOT to be missed. The whales look like they are having a great time, and so will you.
Don't miss the Maui Ocean Center in Ma'alaea. Fabulous aquarium of all things aquatic in the area.
For relatively inexpensive but very good food, highly recommend our friends at Coconut's Fish Cafe. We like the old location next to Peggy Sue's.
Snorkeling is fine in Wailea but our favorite snorkeling spot is Kapalua, above Lahaina on the west side.
If you like Hawaiian music, especially slack-key guitar, do not miss George Kahumoku's slack-key concerts on Wednesdays at Napili Kai. About 45 minutes or so from Wailea. Check slackkeyshow.com for the artists--looks like either of the shows, on 1/24 or 1/31, should be good. Tell George Dr. Stan sent you. nhtagmember and P210 enjoyed it.
If you're a churchgoer there are multiple opportunities Sunday mornings. We were part of the congregation at Kihei Baptist Chapel.
My e-mail is in my profile.

quote:

Originally posted by Wasabibill:
Seared Ahi at Roys
Snorkle Molokini Crater
Helicopter in Haleakala Crater
Bicycle Ride down Haleakala

I second the first three. I'd take a pass on the bike ride if you've got a toddler. There are tons of beaches where the snorkeling is beyond magnificent. Google it or pick up a map at almost any store. Put plenty of sunscreen on the family. It doesn't get really hot temperature wise so you won't realize your getting burned until it's too late. A sunburn can really screw up a nice vacation.

quote:

We do have a 21 month old traveling with us.

In that case, the road to Hana would suck big time.

I hadn't seen that you had 21 month old. There is the Maui tropical plantation thing with a tractor tour which is cool for kids. There's also some sugar train if my memory serves me correctly.

but for a 21 month old, I would say the Iao Valley State Park is a must do. It's close to the tropical plantation and can be done in the same morning.

You could stop by and say 'HI' to my son, Chris, at Schauss Glass Blowing Schauss Glassblowing, 810 Haiku Road Haiku.

They have some pretty nice work for sale.

Some of their work

You are gonna be close to Keawakapu beach. Has public access, great area for swimming, morning and evening strolls. If you want to whale watch, snorkel, or go on a dinner cruise out of Lahaina, make some calls now. It's the High season, things fill up fast.
Restaurants- Coconuts is definitely not to be missed. 2 locations in Kihei. Another spot to eat and chill- "What Ale's You"- look it up on youtube. In the up country, Kula Lodge. Great views up there.

Check out the Star Noodle Company in Lahina. Especially the pork buns!!!

http://www.starnoodle.com/

Head north of Kahana to a small restaurant on the water called Merrimans.

Fantastic atmosphere and food. Reserve for about 30 mins before sunset - beautiful.

If you are going to spend $ on a helicopter ride - don't waste it on a cloud filled crater. Head over to West Maui and Molokai.

Merriman's is one of the original "Pacific Rim Cuisine" chefs who started the "go local" movement along with notable chefs Roy Yamaguchi (Roy's), and Alan Wong (Alan Wong's), along with an bunch of other noted chefs.

https://www.merrimanshawaii.com/peter-merriman/