Weddingbee Boards

We are going to Maui for two weeks. I'm not really a fan of the big island because it isn't nearly as beautiful as Maui or Kauai. Maui has more of a downtown area with things to do in Kanapali and while Kauai is the most beautiful of the islands, there is nothing to do after about 9:00 pm... so we chose Maui.  We also don't want to island hop.

Keep in mind everything is crazy expensive in Hawaii.  Pretty much everything we want to do (ziplining, luau, dinner cruise, snorkeling, etc) is $150 PER PERSON and flights are close to $1,000 per person as well (we are also flying from LAX as we are from LA).  It can get really expensive really quickly.

I highly recommend the Maui Revealed (or insert your island of choice) book series - they have EVERYTHING you could possibly think of about the island.

I just got back from my honeymoon on Maui, Hawai'i and Kaua'i!  I had an absolutely fabulous time on all three! The Big Island is amazing - there is nothing like seeing the volcanos and lava flows and lava spewing into the ocean at night. Maui was really great - lots of activities since it's the big tourist spot. Kaua'i was absolutely stunning and totally different since it is all green and mountainy. You seriously can hike, layout and snorkel on all 3. Feel free to PM me if you want specific recommendations on anything!

I second the recommendation for the "Revealed" series of books on the Hawaiian Islands - they were SO SO helpful.

@aloweha - Were there any vendors of certain activities that you highly reccomend (or would advise to stay away from) in Maui? We just booked our honeymoon this past weekend for two weeks in July next year and we are trying to book some sort of activity for every other day so that half of the time we are relaxing with cocktails by the pool or on the beach and the other half of the time doing fun things.

We are interested in a dinner or cocktail cruise, ziplining, snorkeling, and a luau.  Did you two do any of these?  If so, how were they?

On Maui:

We went on a snorkeling trip that was supposed to got out to Molokini and Turtletown but the wind was coming from a direction that made both those areas unaccessible so we had to go to another area. I guess it's a very rare happening that you can't get there but we weren't informed until we were already on the boat - no chance to cancel for another day - kinda stinky. I can't remember the company name but one of their boats was the Frogman II. There is good snorkeling by the Black Rock (Sheraton) just off the beach. We didn't zipline. The two good luaus on Maui are the Old Lahaina Luau and the Feast at Lele - but we didn't go to any luaus as we've done a luau on Oahu a couple years ago. We also didn't do any cruises.

We did the sunrise bike trip down Haleakala with Maui Downhill which was AWESOME. Also definately do the Road to Hana and stay in the Hana Hotel when you get there if you can. We went down by Kehei and then drove as far south as you can go and saw old lava flows which was good.

A few good restaurants in the Lahaina area: Pacific'o, I'o (as long as Dereck isn't your waiter - so weird)

I got the most amazing pedicure and manicure at Soleil Luna on Lahainaluna Road.

The Westin Maui was absolutely fantastic to us if you haven't booked a hotel yet. We got upgraded to great room and champagne in our room and stuff. They took great care of all our guests staying there.

If there is anything else I didn't mention, just ask :)

Thank you for all of the information - we actually booked the Westin Maui for our entire 14 nights!  I can't wait!!

I will share all of this info with FI - thank you again!

Everybody I know who has been to the big islands rave about the lava and the volcano sightings. I also heard that it has more activities than just beach activities (camping and hiking). Depending on the amt of time you have, you may wanna add the big island to your itinerary. I know that the requirement to fly presents some hassle. the other islands are known for their beautiful beaches. So it depends on you're looking for.