(I stole this picture of a sunset in Maui from my sister, who never updates her blog)
Jose and I have been trying to decide where to go for our next big vacation this spring. (If we can find a good week between Russian vehicle launches and the SpaceX demo flight anyway. I foolishly thought I was done planning my life around missions when the shuttle program ended, but nope! The end of April is looking like our best chance.) His first choice is some combination of Prague, Vienna, and/or Berlin but my first choice is Hawaii, which I’ve had on the brain for YEARS now. And because of plane ticket availability given the number of frequent flier miles we have, it’s looking like Hawaii will win out.
All the books and websites recommend that you stick to no more than one island per week, so we’ll only be going to one island. When I think of Hawaii, I usually think of the Big Island because of 1) active erupting volcano Kilauea and 2) cool observatory on top of Mauna Kea — so I figured the big island was the easy answer. But as we look into it, and as I talk to people who have gone there, Maui is sounding more and more appealing. My sister went to both Maui and the big island last year, and while both were awesome, she told me that Maui would probably be her first pick.
So, I know a lot of my friends and acquaintances have been to Hawaii before. Do you have advice on Hawaii? I’d love to hear it! Consider this an open solicitation for recommendations on the best things to do, places to stay, and things to eat, and whatever else you think I should know!
My opinions:
Maui is my favorite, followed by Kaui.
Stay in Kaanapali – it’s got the best beach. Bigger waves on one end, gentle snorkelling cove on the other, and a small mall called Whaler’s Village with great restaurants and a grocery store in the middle (all within walking distance).
Stuff to do, besides absolutely just chill by the pool and the beach:
Bike down Haleakala volcano at sunrise (10,000 ft).
Drive to Hana – an all day journey through lush jungle and waterfalls. Charles Lindbergh is buried in Hana.
Dinner at a Luau.
Visit Lahaina Town for shopping and more great restaurants.
Dive/snorkel trip out to Molokai, a crater rim in the ocean.
By the way, I’m serious about taking a day or two to just chill by the pool/beach.
What to eat:
Fish, fish, fish. The fish of the Pacific are very different than the fish you get here in the Gulf.
My faves:
Mahi Mahi – firm, light, a little like swordfish
Ono – lean, white, more delicate than Mahi Mahi
Opah and opakapaka are also delicious.
Pretty much – ask for the fresh catch of the day and there will be a list. Try a few!
Liz has pretty much articulated exactly what I was going to say about Maui. We stayed in Kaanapali at the Kaanapali Resort, ocean front, It was like a large apartment with a full kitchen. We cooked and ate on our Lanai, Kaanapaoli is on the west side of the island where there are breathtaking sunsets every night and it was majestic falling asleep listening to the waves outside the window.
We did just about everything Liz recommended and had a memorable time. We didn’t do the volcano but I do wish we had. We opted to parasail and jetski instead…my first experience with both.
I also concur with the 1-2 days with nothing planned…Although our plan was to book most of our stuff in the morning…helped with the time difference and took naps and lounged by the pool in the afternoon before we got cleaned up for dinner.
And finally, all of the stuff we booked we were able to get a discount…I don’t have a company to recommend as my trip was 13 years ago but I’m sure you can find discount prices for everything.
Enjoy! Can’t wait to see pictures!
Been to Maui, Oahu & Big Island. Maui is also my favorite overall (haven’t visited Kauai, thought would love to). However, did a helicopter ride (Blue Hawaiian Helicopters) on the BI over the lava fields and along the cliffs and that was absolutely breathtaking. On Oahu, went to Pearl Harbor & since I’m really into WWII history, that was very impressive for me; I always thought that the harbor was deep, but no, it’s quite shallow and the ship is RIGHT THERE, with bits sticking out above the water line.
Also recommend the Haleakala ride (and definitely do the sunrise; you’ll hate getting up at 130, but it’s worth it). Wear layered clothing since it was COLD at the top before sunrise but obviously quite warm at the bottom.
We stayed in Lahaina and I thought it was nice. I don’t remember if we went to Kaanapali. We ate at Jimmy Buffet’s Cheeseburger in Paradise. That was neat. Didn’t make it to Hana despite TWO attempts (siblings got bored & we turned back). If you decide to try surfing, do take a lesson. The first time, we didn’t and I didn’t even get up. Maybe once. Second time was a lot better. The store guy gave us maybe 30-45 minutes of instruction & it made all the difference. We also did a luau and make sure you pick one known for good dancing. I don’t remember much of the food, but I remember the dancing. Maybe they all come with dancing, I don’t know; I didn’t plan it. Just make sure yours has it.
I am actually going again in a few weeks, so I might be able to tell you more since last time was quite a few years ago and don’t remember a whole lot outside of what I mentioned above. And maybe we’ll make it to Hana this time!
I’ve only been to the big island.
It was totally awesome and I recommend it to everyone. Jen and I can show you guys some pictures.