Maui Hawaii Updates

Hello, we are heading to Maui Dec30-Jan10. Never been there before and have some questions.

We are staying at Menehune Condos. We have two kids 15-18 girls.

I will have an electric scooter along, walking long distances don't agree with me. Are there some beaches that have paved paths down to them or along them that would user friendly? Also which restaurants are good to try, looking for some real Hawaiian type places that are reasonable. Next for the kids Zip lining and snorkeling what do you suggest.

Since I'm being a pain which sites or scenic ares should we take in? Finally shopping which area for this, just shops, t shirts, swim suites sun dresses that sort of stuff,maybe shops near beaches with eating places just to spend a afternoon relaxing,

Anything you might suggest as a must do?

Thanks!

DALE

Aloha Dave!  

That's quite a lot of questions.  Menehune Shores has a beach just south of the property, but the best beaches are in south Kihei, Wailea, and Makena which necessitate you driving.  Most beaches are just off the road.

We have some fantastic restaurants here on Maui.  Here's a good list of our favorite Maui Restaurants.  Check out Da Kitchen for true Hawaiian Plate Lunch.

For all other activities, check out this list of best Maui activities.

Iao Valley is great to visit.  Also, check out the Road to Hana if you're feeling adventurous.  Great waterfalls there.

Lahaina town is best for shopping, but Makawao is fun too (but that town is Upcountry and not near the beach.)

Be safe on your scooter and wear a helmet.  Aloha!

East Maui Irrigation Company (EMI) allows us to hike across their
beautiful land so long as each hiker has a waiver. An EMI WAIVER IS
ABSOLUTELY REQUIRED FOR EMI HIKES (LISTED BELOW). One waiver covers
all EMI hikes for this quarter. Call in your waiver request to Jackie
at 579-9516 well in advance and make an appointment with her for when
you can sign it. Then go to EMI's Pa'ia office at 497 Baldwin Avenue
to sign the waiver. Please be considerate of Jackie's time and pick up
waiver 5 days in advance whenever possible. THE WAIVER MUST BE BROUGHT
ON THE HIKE AND SHOWN TO THE HIKE LEADER.

OCTOBER

Saturday, Oct 1: Benefit Star Watch with Harriet Witt on the slopes
of Waikapu.

Come spend an evening with astronomer Harriet Witt learning about the
lore of our Hawaiian night sky. Amazing views from the slopes high
above Maui Tropical Plantation. Bring comfortable folding chair and
shielded flashlights only. Meet at Maui Tropical Plantation parking
lot at 6pm to carpool to shuttle site. Donation: $5 for Members $10
non members. Register with Lucienne de Naie laluz@maui.net
<mailto:laluz@maui.net>
or 214-0147.

Saturday, October 9: Makapipi Watershed Hike

Moderate 4 mile hike. Explore historic Ko'olau Ditch from Makapipi to
Kopili'ula Stream. Scenic vistas, pools, waterfalls and native plant
life. During the hike we must cross several bridges with no hand rails
which is a little scary. So if heights bother you, we recommend not
coming on this hike. EMI WAIVER REQUIRED (See above). Meet at 8:00 am
at the Haiku Community Center. Limit 18. Register with Lucienne de
Naie laluz@maui.net <mailto:laluz@maui.net>
or 214-0147.

Saturday, October 15 Upper Waikamoi Trail/Makawao Forest hike. Explore
a unique upper elevation (5000 ft) world of rare native plants and
majestic koa and ohia forest. Six mile moderate round trip ends with
lunchstop at Waikamoi stream and reservoir. Water friendly footware
recommended as trail is often muddy. Bring sunscreen, hat, lunch,
raingear, water and camera. Meet 8:30 am at Pukalani Terrace Shopping
Center near Bank of Hawaii to carpool to top of Olinda Road where the
hike begins. EMI WAIVER REQUIRED (see above). Limit 18. Register with
Lucienne de Naie laluz@maui.net <mailto:laluz@maui.net>
or 214-0147.

*Saturday, October 29 Akaku Community Celebration*. Food, Music,
costumes and info booths. Visit the Sierra Club information booth 6 to
9pm. Akaku Center 333 Dairy Rd.

NOVEMBER

Friday, November 4 Kanaio Stupa Tibetan Monastery - Hike across the
slopes of Haleakala to this beautiful shrine built in 1982. Meet 9:00
am across from Grandma's Coffee House in Keokea to carpool. Bring
lunch and also bring rain gear just in case. Limit 18. Limit 18.
Register with Lucienne de Naie laluz@maui.net <mailto:laluz@maui.net>
or 214-0147.(E) D = 3 miles with some steep grades.

MORE HIKES TO COME FOR NOVEMBER & DECEMBER

A couple of us from the Northshore of Oahu would love to come and party. But, we have a couple questions before we book our rooms and flight.

1st - What is the exact date of the party 30th or 31st. The website mentions Hallow's eve? 

2nd - Are there open container laws within the block party once the streets are closed?

3rd - Are the streets being closed off to cars again this year?

- Craig

1st Answer - Halloween is always on the 31st. All Hallow's Eve is another way of saying Halloween.  It means the day before All Hallows Day, or All Saints Day on November 1st of each year.  Contrary to popular belief, the name comes from Catholic origins in more recent times, but has been found to have roots back to the 16th Century Scottish, the Roman feasts of Pomona, and Goidelic festivals in the British Isles celebrating the end of summer.

2nd Answer - Prohibited alcohol use on the street is STRICTLY enforced.  Don't bring booze outside of the bars/restaurants, or you'll have a less than desirable Halloween celebration in the tank.  Also, have a designated driver or use taxis.  Alcohol use is one of the reasons sited to keep the celebrations small in the past, even though the percentage of unruly participants has always been extremely minimal.  Halloween in Lahaina has always brought a lot of fun and revenue to the town in the past, and we'd like to see it continue.

3rd Answer - It appears that Lahaina will have the streets opened to pedestrians again! Finally, Halloween is back on Maui!!!

Aloha,
Lahaina Halloween

Anyone you can recommend as a surf guide?

We're in San Francisco near Ocean Beach.  My wife is a beginner but pretty athletic and a real water person (I'd say water dog but don't want to give wrong impression). We'll be staying in Ka'anapali. It looks like the surf is pretty mild there and she will likely be comfortable doing that alone but it may be boring for her. I was thinking of something that would push her comfort zone and give her more confidence and a slight challenge in the end (I think that will be a better experience.) I know her though and at this point she wont be comfortable by herself and its probably better to have someone give the info and local pointers.

Also it'd be better there than here. Ocean Beach can be pretty tough - not many really good days for someone at her level and the water is always colder than Maui. So it could be a lesson and maybe board rental. I was looking at Hookipa (depending on the conditions) for an hour because we'll be down that way and it looks like it may be something she could handle (?). I haven't worked out details was just kicking it around and looking for info. Thoughts are appreciated.

Thank you, Bill

We're often asked how one can bike down Haleakala from the Crater Summit.  This wasn't a problem until October of 2007, when Haleakala National Park stopped commercial bike companies from allowing bikers to start their journey there.  Now, if you want to bike from the top all the way to the bottom, you need to rent a bike.  You can still do the full tour with the bike companies, but you'll start a little lower in elevation at the park entrance (around 6500 ft instead of the summit 10,023ft.

If you want to rent a bike in Maui, we suggest renting from Haleakala Bike Company.  Their shop is in Haiku, which is on the way to the summit.  They'll set you up with all the gear and with bike racks for your rental.  You will need a ride to get to your car again. 

When you rent your bike, ask the guys at the shop for other suggestions.  There are so many different bike trails on Maui that will blow your mind!  Ask and they'll be happy to show you the best Maui bike trails.

I had the best massage today at Massage Maui in north Kihei at the Sugar Beach Resort.

My wife and I have been going there for over 6 months. We've been to a bunch of different spots on the island, and they're the best.

The big resorts charge a fortune and offer decent massages, but I'm not looking for a standard so-so massage. I need knots knocked out and the kind of massage I feel the next day. They do just that at Massage Maui!

When you use R2H's Experiencing the Road to Hana and Beyond, you do just that.  Rent your own car.  Invite only the ones you love.  Then travel to Hana on your own schedule.  With this CD, tips, and Hana folding map, you're given all the best information to have the ultimate experience.  But you get more than just points on a map.  With R2H, you get the full experience with great music, helpful driving tips, and you'll be shown the Hawaii you've always envisioned.

Hello,
 
I love your website, and I am hoping you might be able to help with some information.  My Girl Scout Troop is going to Maui this summer to help with Habitat for Humanity.  There will be either 9 or 10 of us in total.  We were hopeing to either rent a large passenger van, or maybe there is a company that will drive us as needed?  We are going to be staying in a church for most of our stay, but want to sightsee at night after working all day and we have the weekend to sightsee.  Could you help suggest the best way to travel with this # of people.  Either rent 2 cars, or a large van, or is public transportation recommended?  We don't want to be stuck somewhere because the transportation has shut down.  We will be working until 4 everyday so won't get out until after 6ish each night after getting cleaned up.
 
I appreciate any help you can give.  Also, I would love some information on sightseeing.  We of course are on a budget as Girl Scouts, but want to see a volcanoe, waterfalls, the beaches, and whatever else you would recommend.  We are so excited to visit and to be a part of Habitat for Humanity.
 
Thank you,
Sonja

Wow, Sonja!
That sounds amazing!  It's great to hear you're doing this!

What exactly will you be doing for Habitat for humanity?  If you send me photos and info, I'd love to blog about your troop and give your cause some exposure online.  We have some pretty powerful websites with a lot of traffic.

As far as transportation, the bus system is public, but not great if you want late night tansport.  I would contact some of the local car/van rental companies and give them your story to see if you can get some donations or major discounts.  I'm sorry I'm not more help.

Sun sets around 6pm, so you won't be seeing much if you do your sightseeing at this time.  Hopefully you can get a few days off while you're here, or maybe you can do some of your work at night?  Maui is a daytime place.  Or perhaps you can get up early to do things.  Haleakala Crater is amazing, but its a long drive and you'll need half a day.  Waterfalls are pretty far too (on the way to Hana).  Beaches are pretty easy access and all over.  Here are a few links:

Maui Activities
Haleakala
Maui Beaches

I hope this helps.  Please keep us updated!
Aloha,
Maui Information Guide

Thank you, Natalie Brown Photography, for sharing your beautiful photos with us!