Area Description: The top 5 things we recommend to do on Maui are: Helicopter ride Snorkel Molikini/Whale Watch Dec-May Luau Drive to Hana/Drive Maui Find your favorite beach/snorkel with green sea turtles There is a reason they say Maui No Ko Oui – Maui is the best…let me tell you a few reasons why. 1: Helicopter ride Take the long tour don’t worry about videoing or taking to many pictures buy their DVD of your trip so you can enjoy the trip without looking through your camera view finder. It costs alot but everyone says it’s worth it. The very best Hawaii helicopter rides are in Kauai but Maui and Molokai are good too and you can do one trip that does both Maui and Molokai Blue Hawaii is one of the best www.bluehawaiian.com For two way communication with pilot and not so pricey try Alex Air www.alexair.com www.airmaui.com has been having a two for one discount so check out the coupon books found in front ... [Read More]

Area Description: The top 5 things we recommend to do on Maui are: Helicopter ride Snorkel Molikini/Whale Watch Dec-May Luau Drive to Hana/Drive Maui Find your favorite beach/snorkel with green sea turtles There is a reason they say Maui No Ko Oui – Maui is the best…let me tell you a few reasons why. 1: Helicopter ride Take the long tour don’t worry about videoing or taking to many pictures buy their DVD of your trip so you can enjoy the trip without looking through your camera view finder. It costs alot but everyone says it’s worth it. The very best Hawaii helicopter rides are in Kauai but Maui and Molokai are good too and you can do one trip that does both Maui and Molokai Blue Hawaii is one of the best www.bluehawaiian.com For two way communication with pilot and not so pricey try Alex Air www.alexair.com www.airmaui.com has been having a two for one discount so check out the coupon books found in front of most shopping areas before booking and keep in mind when you call direct ask if they have a direct booking discount because they are not having to pay a concierge fee. For a different type of experience that is truly memorable go fly over Hana in an Ultralight! As far as Loren is concerned this is the Ultimate! Armin has been ultralight flying Maui for over 20 years and offers a powered 2 man Ultralight Trike flight over Hana that I highly recommend. www.hangglidingmaui.com tell Armin Loren sent you. Or if you prefer gliding in an enclosed cockpit look into www.skyviewsoaring.com both operate from Hana Airport 2: Diving and Snorkeling: Our home is located near some of the best diving and snorkeling spots on Maui which can be accessed by shore or boat. The Kihei Boat Ramp is located ½ mile from the house and is where scuba diving and snorkel boat excursions depart from. I am a boat captain and scuba dive instructor. I can make myself available as a private captain, dive instructor or snorkel guide for guests that stay at our home cost is $150 plus cost of charter of boat private or public. For private boat charters I recommend Sea Escapes twin hull boats www.maui-boat-rental.com There is also a custom boat charter company for up to 4 people plus crew www.lelewaamaui.com charters. We can also explore from shore as I guide you to good places for turtles and show you local marine life. I would prefer weeks in advance notice but that doesn’t mean I can’t make my self available on short notice. Before you go on your dive or snorkel trip it is worth visiting Maui's ocean aquarium www.mauioceancenter.com The Hawaiian islands do not have the soft corals such as sea fans and the colorful sponges found in the Caribbean so the underwater experience may initially seem plain and rocky in comparison but the Hawaiian islands are known for the many varieties of fish and endemic species (found only in Hawaii). Visiting the aquarium is a great way to get familiar with the aquatic life you will see on your excursions and helps you appreciate what you are seeing by being able to recognize what it is. The aquarium is located near Maalaea Harbor which is on your way to Lahaina about 15 minutes from the house. A kayak snorkel tour is another way to experience the beautiful waters here and a chance for a unique whale watching experience during whale season December – May if you get a lucky encounter. www.mauiecotours.com is one of the many kayak operators in Kihei. If you would like Loren to take you it will cost a bit more than a commercial operation but very personal with over 25 years as a dive and snorkel instructor Loren can provide you a truly unique experience if he is available just call us 808 250-1208 or email info@mauihouse4rent.com. For diving I recommend the following: You can book on one of the 13 passenger boats out of Kihei Boat Ramp departing 1/2 mile from our house. Makena Coast Charters www.mauiunderwater.com 808 874-1273 is a company I used to work for so ask for a direct booking discount, tell them Loren sent you. They also provide one of the best discounts for a dive boat if you have the Entertainment coupon book there is a 25% off coupon for this company in there. Mike Severns, 808 879-6596 is very professional and provide unique instruction about the marine environment before you dive, if you don’t mind a long dive briefing. Ed Robinson 808 879-3584 boats are personal and professional. Www.diveandseamaui.com has one the newest twin hull boats that provides a stable ride that launches from Kihei boat ramp and they provide a personal non rushed type of an experience. For guided shore diving call Loren 808 250-1208 not only can Loren share his wealth of Maui experience but he can offer you a scooter dive to a not so known Manta Ray cleaning station. If Loren is not available go with Shaka Doug www.shakadivers.com Your local dive shop to rent gear is Maui Dreams www.mauidreamsdiveco.com 808 874-5332 For snorkeling Molikini: Molikini Crater is a crescent shaped marine preserve that is one of the most popular snorkel and dive locations in Hawaii. It is only a 15 + minute boat ride from Kihei Boat Ramp to Molikini crater and about twice that for boats departing from Maalaea harbor. Most boat trips leave early in the morning and return before noon to avoid the island trade winds which can make your boat ride choppy on the way back. Trilogy catamarans offers a good choice for a family that wants to both dive and snorkel molokini for less of a price than on a dedicated dive boat. They accommodate more of the snorkeler so the dive site is not what takes priority. www.sailtrilogy.com For snorkel only (no diving) Molokini and sunset cruises on a very nice catamaran and the newest boat on the island is Kai Kanani Charters 808 879-7218 www.kaikanani.com They beach launch in front of the Makena Beach and Golf Resort formally known as the Maui Prince in Makena which is just a few minutes away from our home. For snorkel and whale watching with a personal touch/small groups I recommend Seafire with Captain Don www.molikinisnorkel.com 808 879-2201 departing from Kihei boat ramp. Tell them Loren with Makena Coast Charters sent you. Also there is www.bluewaterrafting.com 808 879-7238 for a similar experience. Whale Watching: Humpback whales come down from Alaska to breed and give birth mid December to beginning of May. The best month could be considered February as they are usually all here by then. They come down as kind of a holiday to play with their yearlings, mate and give birth for the ones that mated the previous year in the warm Hawaiian waters. Maui is the most popular area for them to come but they also go to the other islands. Gestation for the female is approximately 12 months. After birth the baby, which can be 1.5 tons 10-16’ long, will feed off the mothers milk for ½ the year and will be escorted by the mother and others back to Alaska to eventually learn to feed during the summer on small schooling fish and rich banquets of plankton or krill that is so unique to the Alaskan waters. While they are in Maui they do not do much feeding, if any. Humpback whales are toothless they have baleen that catches thousands of microscopic shrimp like plankton. One of the ways they do this is by making large bubble rings and then swimming up thru the ring with there mouths open trapping hundreds of gallons of water with there expandable mouth. It’s incredible to see them launch themselves out of the water, all 40 + feet and up to 60 tons, called a breach. There are all other kinds of shenanigans going on including tail slapping, pectoral fin slaps, spy hops where just their head pops up to check out the scenery or if your real lucky a speed run where males compete for the attention of a female. While snorkeling listen for there beautiful singing sometimes so loud you could swear there right next to you. Going on a whale watching tour allows you to get out on the water and feel the massive beauty of these animals. Keep in mind close up pictures on brochures can be deceiving as the law does not allow a boat to approach a whale within a hundred yards. But sometimes the boat gets lucky and they approach you! Although we prefer the smaller more personalized boats Pacific Whale Foundation has a number of boats and excursion options 808 249-8811 www.pacificwhale.org They offer large stable twin hull vessels that depart from Maalaea Harbor approx. 15 minutes North of Kihei. If your not here during whale season we think it’s worth a trip back to Maui just for this unique experience not found to many places in the world. For diving Lanai: Lanai has the chance to see dolphins and some unique swim thru archways and caverns. Some of the most popular and most beautiful are dives called 1st and 2nd Cathedral. Check on weather conditions before you book. Its best to depart from Lahaina so the boat ride is not so long. I recommend Extended Horizons 808 667-0611 www.extendedhorizons.com for great personal service. I used to work for Eric Stein the owner it wouldn’t hurt to ask for a direct booking discount and tell them your staying at our vacation house. 3: Luau: A luau lets you feel a Hawaiian experience and is great to do with the whole family. I would recommend the Old Lahaina Luau www.oldlahainaluau.com 808 667-1998. Although this Luau is a good 45 minute drive to Lahaina you can use the opportunity to show up early and visit this old historic whaling town with its not to be missed waterfront stores. Also the Luau at the Hyatt Kaanapali called Drums of the Pacific is known for its good food 808 667-4727. Take advantage of your time in Kaanapali by going early and walking the boardwalk along the beach and visiting some of the resorts and shops in this Maui resort haven. For Luau's close to our house go to resorts in Wailea- all of the ones mentioned are outside, weather permitting. Makena Beach and Golf Resort (formally the Maui Prince) Grand Wailea which has a new format and is getting great reviews. Wailea Marriot 4: Drive to Hana: This is an all day experience I recommend you start early. This driving trip is all about the exploring on the way to Hana and the incredible views that require you to stop and maybe hike to appreciate. Keep in mind this is for people who don’t get car sick and like to drive and explore. Maui is known for its incredible diversity. Driving to different parts of the island help you appreciate this. The very best way to do this trip is to drive to Hana and spend the night which gives you the time to explore seven sacred pools and surrounding hikes on the next day. For locations to stay in Hana check out the book Maui Revealed or go online at www.wizardpub.com We have a guide book and drive along CD that narrates things to see as you drive to Hana that is available at our house. Do not do the the drive without a guide book or CD otherwise you will drive right past some of the most beautiful spots never knowing it was even there. If you are only interested in visiting the seven sacred pools state park and the 2 mile hike and view one of the largest waterfalls on Maui than consider driving the 'back way' to Hana. Meaning drive up as if going to Haleakala heading past Kula toward Hana. This is a beautiful drive with unique scenery and a faster way to get to the seven sacred pools. Stop by Maui's wine tasting ranch www.mauiwine.com and select a couple bottles of wine or champagne only found on Maui. Be prepared for unpaved one lane driving on a portion of this drive. If you want to stay and camp check out www.mauiinformationguide.com/hawaii-camping.php for info on camping Maui. If you don’t want to drive it yourself consider a tour guide. Valley Isle Excursions 808 661-8687 www.tourmaui.com If the drive to Hana seems a bit too much and you don’t have the time to spend all day than consider the ½ day + drive around the West Maui Mountains. This is a unique not so known drive but be prepared for very narrow one car only sections. You can enjoy Lahaina as part of this trip. Haleakala and Up Country Maui A drive trip through Up Country Maui is truly wonderful and is one of the few places on earth you can go through so many environmental zones in just a few hours. Don’t forget to take a side trip to Maui's old winery and mini history museum. At the top of the mountain/crater is Haleakala State Park which is very special. When the weather is clear there are breathtaking views of Maui’s largest volcano. The island of Manhattan could fit inside its crater rim. The beautiful drive to Haleakala Crater is worth the drive even if you’re not going to be able to have time to explore the crater itself. Common Questions regarding Haleakala Q: Is the sunrise trip worth it? A: It can be…but we think its overrated…wake up at 3 am freeze your buns off (its below 40 up there, I know hard to believe) while you wait to watch what’s the equivalent of an overrated sunset or be clouded in with no sunrise at all…it must also be said that many visitors and locals alike really enjoy it after all how many places can you go to see the sunrise 10,000 ft up at a place that means ‘house of the sun’ but please be sure to bring warm/warm clothes or you will be miserable. If you don’t feel like waking up so early than consider a sunset trip, at least you will have an idea of what the weather will be like before you start. Q How about riding down Haleakala on a bicycle? (Loren’s version) A This may be a lot of fun and truly a once in a lifetime experience but read to the end. You get to watch the sunrise and than ride down on a bicycle made for braking downhill safely to sea level thousands of feet below you. Sounds adventurous which it is…don’t try it if your not totally comfortable riding a bicycle. Recently the park has stopped allowing the tour from the very top due to accidents. You will be riding right along steep drop offs with views that are incredible. There is no bike lane; you are riding in the street with on coming traffic and possibly a Van behind blocking faster traffic behind you. Now on the other hand if you’re a bicycling enthusiast and real adventures you might end up a little frustrated due to the guide determining the pace and restrictive rules based on the weakest rider. You may be riding behind the slowest person in the group which trust me can be really slow. It is likely you will be scolded if you ride in any type of fun fashion such as riding beside your buddy to talk you must stay at a safe distance behind the rider in front of you and the rules go on and on. Loren found it a bit too strict…but there is a reason for this…people get seriously injured every year from doing this ride. If you don’t want your hand held the whole way…ask if they provide guided but unsupervised riding that allows you to ride at your own pace. 5: Go to beach soak up the sun and enjoy some of the snorkeling on your own. My favorite beach is Big Beach at Makena State Park. We also really enjoy the not so known Keawekapu Beach which is walking distance from house. We like the North side of this beach in the afternoon the Mana Kai resort blocks the trade winds and there are bathrooms and a nice general store for sandwiches and drinks. For snorkeling try Ulua Beach which is close to the house, the reef to explore is on the right side as you face the ocean. Either side of the Grand Wailea Beach Resort can be good; the south end has the most reef which is the left side as you face the ocean. Keep your eye out for turtles near any rock/coral outcropping. Don’t forget to check out the excellent beach/snorkel maps at www.mauiinfosource.com One of our favorite walks and a great way to check out the beaches close to the house is to start at Kamaole III state beach, straight down Keonekai Rd. from house, and walk south along a path that takes you on the sand and through unique walkways in front of the major resorts of Wailea all the way to the Fairmont Kea Lani in Makena! Stop and explore the many resorts on the way and then take a taxi back. If your ready for lunch and an Irish beer after your walk go up from the Fairmont hotel to the sports pub Mulligan's on the blue golf course of Wailea. This is one of Loren's favorite lunch spots. Regarding Hawaiian sea turtles and reef etiquette: Maui turtles our federally protected. You usually will see green sea turtles on your snorkel excursions. They are called green sea turtles because their meat is green when freshly cut open. If you get to see a hawksbill turtle you are very lucky as there are only a couple hundred (maybe less) left on the islands. A hawksbill turtle has a sharper hawk like hooked beak on the front of its mouth. You are not to harass any sea turtle in any way. Because of this protection it is likely you will be able to see them while you snorkel and approach closely as long as you do so slowly while respecting the turtles space. Keep in mind they must come up to breath so don’t hover above them. They can stay down for hours if asleep but usually only are down 15 to 30 minutes during the day. When they are resting on the surface you can approach from the side fairly closely but the big nono is touching a turtle and god forbid holding on to one! Touching a turtle is a federal offense and can result in fines and imprisonment. Sounds like I am going overboard here but keep in mind there are hundreds of thousands of snorkelers every year all wanting to get up close and personal. It doesn’t take much imagination to consider the impact this makes on the animals and the reef. The other big nono is standing on the reef, even if it seems like only rock. Coral polyps get crushed when touched and are very slow growing. Even if there does not seem to be coral where your standing you will be with other plant and animal life so please what ever you do don’t stand on the reef or let your fins touch. Many Mahalo’s. If you get a cut accidentally brushing up against the reef it is important that you use antiseptic on the wound to avoid infection. Loren recommends 'triple antibiotic ointment found in any grocery store. It does not matter the brand as long as it says 'triple antibiotic'. Hopefully that gets you a good start on what to see and do but Maui has so much more than what we have just mentioned. A great TV station dedicated to things to do on the island is Channel 7 check it out on our big plasma TV’s. Maui is known for its great shops and restaurants! For shopping don’t miss Shops of Wailea for some amazing displays of true artisans, very pricey though. Also downtown Lahaina is not to be missed for walking the streets and enjoying the shops and great restaurants and bars. My favorite restaurant/bar is Kimo's on the water. For grocery shopping. Try to load up at Costco near the airport on your arrival. Also in Kahalui near the airport is Whole Foods which is very poplar some people have nick named it 'whole paycheck.' Safeway in Kihei has it all/almost and is open 24 hours. Make sure you get a Safeway card before paying your bill this will save you a great deal of money and they hand them out right at the checkout counter. Check out Hilo Haities next to Safeway for unique Hawaiian stuff. Also in the Safeway plaza is a small Borders book store for finding guide books. Just down the street from Safeway toward the ocean is Longs Drug Store which is your second best place to buy alcohol that you did not get at Costco. Also there is Times Market near Longs which is large like Safeway and is also open 24 hours. The closest grocery store to the house is Foodland on lower Kihei Rd near the big humpback whale statue. Make sure you get their discount card called the Maikai Card which is handed out at the checkout stand. ABC stores as well as Whaler's Village General Store are good for fun island trinkets. The local tent kiosks on the side of road are your chance to get unique island made stuff. And the Swap Meet in Kahului on Sat mornings till 12:00 has the very best selection of island stuff from local artists. For best selection arrive early 7 am. What is the best restaurant on the island? In our opinion its Mama’s Fish House www.mamasfishhouse.com 808 579-8488. It is located on the other side of the island past the town of Paia. It is often described as the best dinner you will ever have…after saying that your expectations are probably too high…but we hear it time and time again…the big disadvantage is cost…it is by far one of the most expensive menus on the island but if money is not as important as the experience than your in for a real treat. The setting is one of the most beautiful anywhere and the food and service is usually impeccable. Several day advance reservations are required; if not weeks…if dinner isn’t working for you and you’re in the area…stop by for lunch or early bird dinner specials/appetizers and soak in the atmosphere…we just love it. Our favorite restaurants in Kihei are: - For the best sushi our favorite is Isana’s in North Kihei. Andy the owner and sushi chef prides himself on his fresh sushi in this family owned and operated restaurant. - Sensei’s Sushi and Seafood is also excellent ask what the chef’s special is, its likely you will be able to try something you have never had before! Certain days of the week can have early bird specials with ½ off sushi! Come Early the line to get in can start an hour before they open. - There are several excellent seafood restaurants at Maalaea Harbor North of Kihei about 15 minutes from our house. Denise’s favorite is the Waterfront restaurant just south of Maalaea Wharf. Lately they have been offering buy one meal get the second free which is an offer you just cant beat. - Sorrento’s on the water, walking distance from our house, experience exceptional service while you watch one of Maui's incredible sunsets...very pricey. - Five Palms on the water at the Mana Kai resort walking distance from house. We like to get the early bird specials or an appetizer, soak up the view and order our favorite tropical drink…mai tai! - Tommy Bahamas at the Shops of Wailea has all around cuisine…a bit pricey. Good Mohito's - Fred's is close to the house; don’t miss out on Taco Tuesday with fish taco specials, and as with many of the establishments, great beer on tap. It’s a fun Mexican flair restaurant with happy hour specials, our favorite drinks there are the horny grandma margarita (watch out) and Loren gets the Dos Equis amber on tap. Lately Fred’s has had a great buy one get one free breakfast special. Just grab the activities book at the entrance and find the coupon inside. Present it to the waitress before you order. - For breakfast our hands down favorite is Gannon's formally Sea Watch at the gold golf course in Wailea, incredible views, great prices, we go for eggs benedict and spicy tall bloody mary's with extra olives...mmm mm - Loren also frequents Kihei Café next to the 76 station in central Kihei. Kihei Café has large portion breakfast at a great price sitting is outside along lower Kihei rd. Walk in and order than find your seat. - Loren's favorite lunch is at the Irish Pub Mulligan's On The Blue golf course in Wailea, great view, good drinks. Loren orders Corn beef and cabbage or the Reuben sandwich. Denise's favorite is Shepard’s pie. - Café Ole on top of the narrow Rainbow Mall close to the house near Denny’s has great lunch and dinner and the prices are reasonable. Look for the fish special and plate lunch special. Denise favorite, if not the fish special, is crab club. They also serve sushi at dinner time. Maui is known for its incredible restaurants so don’t just rely on our list. Part of the fun is finding your own favorite. The resorts may be a bit pricey but likely you will have a very memorable dining experience at most of the restaurants at the major resorts in Wailea or Kaanapali plus its fun to go early and walk the incredibly well maintained grounds. If you don’t decide to actually have a dinner at one of the high end resorts than at least treat yourself to a cocktail. Don’t forget to ask what the bartender’s special is. You just might walk out with a new favorite drink only found in Hawaii! Bars and Happy Hour Specials Foodland grocery store is also across from what the locals call the bar triangle…it’s not a triangle shape and their more than 3 bars and restaurants but the triangle is the happening bar area in South Kihei. Although there are great family restaurants in this area, later at night there is a bit of the young crowd local flair with local bands playing later in the evening. This area is known for bars to come and go so don’t be surprised if a bar is mentioned here and its no longer in operation…its fun to hop from place to place and the taxi fare is not bad since it’s close to the house. Denise likes the $2 mai tais and $5 lunch specials at Life’s A Beach across from Foodland in the triangle area. Not in the triangle area but just a few blocks North on lower Kihei Rd where the movie theater is located in the Kakui Mall is Ocean’s Bar and Grill a new bar with good food and great fish tacos on Tuesday. There is a small dance floor area with the DJ music turned up at night. Again keep in mind that these bars and recommendations come and go as fast as I can type this but right now the best happy hour special on the island is walking distance to the house at Moose’s which is the restaurant above Fred’s. Take Ohina to Keonekai left to the beach turn right on lower Kihei Rd and it’s the first restaurants you see on the right. Between 4 and 7 pm is usually happy hour for most restaurants. Here are a few other places we frequent: Want it quick but don’t want typical fast food? Maui Tacos has everything fresh and at a great price! They have a small eating area but we usually order to go. It’s located on lower Kihei Rd in south Kihei real close to our home next to a bar called Sports Page. You guessed it Sports Page is the place to watch all the satellite TV games. We also like Jaws (named after a surf break on Maui) is also great for quick Mexican food located in the Azeka Market Place across from Longs Drugs and they have a great sitting area while you watch one of the biggest waves in the world being ridden on their TV’s. This wave breaks a couple times a year on the North Shore of Maui. Loren and his tow partner Jeremy owner of the private charter company www.lelewaamaui.com tow into these large waves during the winter months when its breaking. If your here during a big north west swell you might be able to see one of the larges waves being ridden from shore past the town of Paia ask Loren how to get there.. Ahh… you say you want local dishes made inexpensive, we have just the place, go to Da Kitchen on the right side, back area of the Rainbow Mall, near Denny’s for lunch or dinner. Good burger on Maui? The very best burgers voted # 1 every year is found in Lahaina called Cool Cats. For the Kihei area Loren recommends Lulu’s on the South part of the triangle near the 76 gas station. The atmosphere is fun and unique. Loren’s favorite burger is the Bearded Lady. Since it’s on the second level it’s a great place to soak up the trade winds while they blow through the palm trees with a view of the water, watch sports on one of the many TV’s, play pool or watch the kids (and adults) play on the new wave riding machine across the street called Da Rush. There is also Burgers In Paradise at The Shops of Wailea. There whole business is burgers and great atmosphere. Get the pineapple express burger…mmm mmm nothing like being in the islands. There are other great restaurants here including Tommy Bahamas and Longhis. Wednesday evening’s The Shops Of Wailea have music and artisan shows. (A word of caution the window shopping on your way in and out of The Shops Of Wailea might make that $50 lunch for two turn into a skies the limit shopping spree so be careful ) Want to have a pizza? Our favorite is Pizza Madness next to Maui Dive Shop on Lower South Kihei Rd in mid Kihei near Lipoa St.. One of our favorite things to order is the anti pasta salad! Another of our favorites is Round Table’s Maui Zaui…pizza with a Hawaiian twist. They deliver 808 874-8485. Or sit down and enjoy the scenery at Mateo’s in Wailea. General Q’s Where is the house located in the scheme of things? Our house is located on the South portion of the island in the town of Kihei (Kee hay). We are located in South Kihei. Further to the South is the resort area of Wailea (Why lay ah). South of Wailea is Makena (Ma ken ah) with its beautiful beaches. Wailea and Makena are only a few minutes away. All of this side of the island faces the West and is considered the leeward side. The airport and the town of Paia (Pie ee ah) and Hana (Hon ah) are on the windward side which typically has rougher seas. As you look at the ocean from the top deck of our house you are viewing the island of Lanai. (la nigh)To the left as you face the ocean is Wailea to the right is Maalaea (Ma ah lye ah) and than Lahaina (La hi nah ) which is called the West side. Maalaea is about 15 minutes away and Lahaina is 40 minutes to and hour depending on traffic. The mountains you see to your right are called West Maui Mountains. The huge mountain behind our house is Haleakala (Ha lee aka lah) Crater which you can drive to the top of 10,000 feet high. Maui is called the Valley Isle because of the valley between these two mountains which is mostly sugar cane crops. You passed through this valley to get to our house from the airport. As you face the ocean the stores and restaurants of Kihei are to the right of you heading to the North. There are two roads that run to North Kihei - upper Piilani Hwy behind you and probably the road you used to get to the house from the airport and lower South Kihei Rd that runs along the ocean. Lower Kihei Rd is what you use to see everything and drive at a slow pace. Upper Piilani Hwy (only goes 40 mph) is the faster way to get from one end of town to the other. Maps are provided in almost all the tourist brochures and magazines that are free of charge at the front of most shopping areas. There are also great coupons in these books so check them out before you go shopping or book activities. If spend your time searching you can often find ½ off specials (buy one get one free). What is the best Guide Book? Maui Revealed is the best in our opinion and is provided at our house but if you want to plan ahead, because there is so much to learn and do, we recommend you purchase one before your vacation. Go to www.wizardpub.com. There are many other specialty books depending on your interests such as hiking etc. If you haven’t done your reading ahead of time and want guide books, we recommend going to Borders book store near Safeway in Kihei or the large Borders store in the Lowe’s shopping center in Kahului town, near the airport. Check out Maui Dive Shop’s ‘Maui Dive and Surf Magazine for great tips and maps. What’s the most informative web site about Maui, activities, and great maps? www.mauiinfosource.com Also check out the free activity guide books in front of the shops and restaurants there are also great coupons in these books. What’s the cheapest way to book activities? First take a quick look in the tourist brochures and magazines located at the front of most shopping areas for coupons. Also you can call direct and ask for their direct booking discount. But by far the cheapest activities are when you agree to go to a timeshare presentation. This is how it works with almost every activities booking agency on Maui. They are there to provide activities at a discount. The way they do this is by convincing you to go to a timeshare presentation; there are many to choose from. In Maui these presentations can save in hundreds of dollars when you book activities which the timeshare pays for. This is why you will probably find the best prices through an activities booking agent because almost all of them are there to encourage you to view a timeshare. The reason people go this route is because of the savings on your activities which can be substantial but keep in mind it may be valuable time away from your vacation. We recommend Rob Robb 888 232-5235 Even if you decide not to do a timeshare presentation they can usually provide prices cheaper than the rack rate because of the special incentives given from the vendors for large volume. You can research different activates online and book with Rob by going to www.mauiinfosource.com make sure you tell Rob Loren sent you. Do I need to rent a car? In one word…YES The island has so much to offer even a few miles from our home…Look online for very reasonable rates by the week. We recommend you have a rental car for your entire stay. We recently heard of an unadvertised special at http://www.kiheirentacar.com/discount_cars.html where you can rent a older car cheap. Is it worth renting a moped or Harley for the day? One of the best things about Maui is all the variety it has to offer. It is definitely an island to drive and explore. Scenery changes, outer island views change and are discovered as you drive around the island. If you don’t mind driving and exploring you’re going to be in for a treat. Driving on a 2 wheel vehicle whether it is a bicycle, moped, or motorcycle is a bit of a different story. Since there are so many people visiting taking in the sights and everybody crossing the streets to get to the beach or their hotel… you get the picture it can be hazardous on a two wheel vehicle. Our only suggestion is if you decide to do these…be slow and careful. We love to rent a Harley for the weekend and go for a ride but we know the effort it takes to try to always drive safely. There has been a rise in motorcycle deaths and serious moped injuries in the last few years because of the high risk that is inherent to driving a 2 wheel vehicle on the island. So if you’re on two wheels be extra safe. Mopeds are allowed to use the bike lane and most moped accidents happen from a car driver turning into a driveway while the moped driver is passing traffic in the bike lane…This is a recipe for disaster. We have had friends with serious injuries from riding in this fashion. With regards to mopeds our advice is to never drive faster than ongoing traffic even if you can get away doing so in the bike lane and make sure you provide enough braking distance as a car can usually stop much faster. Where are the best beaches? The closest beach from the house, and not so known, is Keawekapu beach. Mornings are best especially in the summer when trade winds pick up in the afternoon and the beach sand may sand blast you. To get there from the house take Alaume St. to Ohina St turn right immediately turn left on Aukahi St. That dead ends into Kauhale St. turn left. That dead ends into Kilohana Dr. turn right. Just before it dead ends into Lower Kihei Rd. parking is on left. Walk across Lower Kihei Rd. and go right to public pathway to beach. A great grass park and beautiful sand beach with lava rocks jutting out, one of our favorites, is Kamaole III state beach and park straight down Keonekai Rd. from house. This is where we like to play bocce ball on the grass park. Call Denise cell at 808 250-1208 if the bocce ball set is not at the house and we will drop it off for you. Our favorite beach is Big Beach at Makena State Park which has got soft deep sand and the water is usually nice for swimming. Be careful if there is large surf. Even the small waves can sweep you off your feet and give you a good pounding due to the waves breaking in shallow water. One of the best views of any beach is a top the point to the North of big beach, all the way to the right as you face the water…if you don’t mind a little rock ascent to the point the view is tremendous, great for photos. Little beach is on the other side of this point and is swimming suit optional. ________________________________________________________________________ Below is some more great info about Maui from our dear friends Amos and Shari: Aloha: Everyone has heard the word "aloha" but many don't understand the meaning of the word. Few realize there is much more to the word than how Hawaiians say hello and good-bye. Literally, there are many more definitions to the word: Love, compassion, pity, charity, kindness, and lover to name a few. Distilled, "aloha" is the good spirit of the people. The positive spirit. When you see local bumper stickers that ask, "Got Aloha?" or read, "Live Aloha," it's not a tourist gimmick as some think. It's a plea for people to live by the Golden Rule. Crime: Maui has a very low crime rate. Like anywhere, there are a few bad guys running around. The main crime against tourists is breaking into their parked cars. Common sense will keep most people out trouble. If you must leave your car in an unpopulated area, don't leave any valuables in it. There are many languages and dialects on the Hawaiian Islands. This is truly a melting pot of cultures, races, and languages. The one common language to Locals is called Pidgin. This is a mix of Hawaiian, English, and languages of many of the other peoples that have settled here over the years. It came from the need for all of these people to communicate in one language. When you hear Locals talking in a way you can't understand, they are probably talking in Pidgin. While Pidgin may be impossible for a visitor to learn during a short visit, there are a few Hawaiian words that will be useful to understand and pronounce properly. Your first step may be to learn the proper pronunciation for the name of hotel or condo where you are staying as well as the town it is in. You may be asked this often as you rent things or book activities. Learning it isn't necessary but it will help things go smoother and make you a more "informed" tourist. Some common words used here: Aloha - Love, compassion, pity, charity, kindness, and lover to name a few. Distilled, "aloha" is the good spirit of the people. The positive spirit. When you see local bumper stickers that ask, "Got Aloha?" or read, "Live Aloha," it's not a tourist gimmick as some think. It's a plea for people to live by the Golden Rule. Mahalo - Thank you Makai - Toward the sea (as in directions) Mauka - Toward the inland (as in directions) Haole (how-lee) - White or Caucasian person Pupus - Snacks or appetizers Pau (pow)- Finished, done for the day Keiki (kay-kee)- Child or children Kiawe (kee-ah-vee) - Thorny tree from Australia found on many beaches Ono - Delicious, tasty, savory. also a type of fish Hale (Ha-lay)- House or building Driving Driving on Maui is a little different than most other places. There are no freeways on the island and 55 mph is that fastest speed limit. Most speed limits are slower than you would expect so watch them close. You will also notice that cars tend to pull out in front of you often. It may seem like they are not giving you enough time to stop safely, but before you cuss and blow your horn, take a look at the speed limit and your speedometer. You are likely driving too fast. Horns are decidedly uncool on Maui. Obviously, if you are in a parking lot and someone is backing into you, you need to let them know. But no matter how wrong someone is in traffic, blasting your horn to let them know what you think is frowned upon. Remember the "Aloha Spirit" and relax. You are on vacation and should leave the stress behind. You'll notice "most" drivers will leave plenty of space between cars in traffic. Please do the same. Local police do set up drunk driver checkpoints on a random basis for the safety of everyone on the island. To avoid tickets or accidents, take a cab if you plan to be out drinking. If you will attend a luau, remember there will be an open bar. For this reason, It’s always advised to those who drink to attend a luau that is close to where you are staying so you can take a cab home if you have no designated driver with you. Most of Maui's highways have bicycle lanes and there are lots of bike riders. To avoid a ticket or a tragedy, stay within your lane. Especially when going around curves. Performing Arts: Music and Theater The island performing art scene is small compared to the fine art one, but locals definitely give it their best effort. The Maui Symphony Orchestra and Chorus perform often throughout the year in venues large and small. They fly in guest artists from Honolulu and the mainland for all major events, including an always well-attended Handles Messiah at Christmas time. Voice, music and dance training are encouraged somewhat in Maui’s youth, and there are a number of events that give young artists a chance to shine. Not to be outdone, the older would-be artistes have organized several performing arts organizations that stage various shows throughout the year. The “Iao” Theater is the home of Maui Community Theater, a local company that presents several shows yearly. The Maui Academy of Performing Arts is a school and a troupe, performing when and where it can. Surprisingly, the Baldwin Theater Guild (of Baldwin High School) receives some of the largest audiences on the entire island, packing in the crowds for spirited performances of music theater classics. The newest show to hit Maui is wowing the crowds and winning the hearts of critics and locals. Called “Ulalena”, it is performed nightly in the grandiose new Myth & Magic Theater. Activity brokers enthusiastically compare it to the famous Cirque du Soleil. While people who have seen Cirque can find no comparison (except that both choreographers are from Quebec,) the show is inarguably the biggest theatrical spectacle ever to hit Maui. It uses dance, music, theater and a multi-million dollar lighting system to tell the story of Maui’s creation. Concert Halls When major acts come to Maui (which actually happens more often than one might think,) there is really only one place for them to perform: the Maui Art and Cultural Center. The outdoor amphitheater has a maximum capacity of 5,000--most of the seating being on the lawn. It has hosted acts such as Santana and Ziggy Marley. Also in the MACC is the Castle Theater. Its perfect for big-name dancers, lecturers or vocal acts that need an indoor stage. Smaller acts can perform practically anywhere in Maui. Every major hotel has thousands of square feet of conference space, and the three major malls (Whalers Village, Lahaina Cannery and Ka'ahumanu Center) all have main stages which regularly host all kinds of entertainers. Dining Dining in Maui is overwhelming. There are seemingly hundreds of restaurants, each better than the last, gracing every corner and nook on the island. Culinary styles hail from around the world, and some styles are unique to Maui alone. In one week--and in one town--a visitor can feast on Thai and French cuisine, fresh game and fresh fish, sandwiches, burritos, and of course, a few scoops of ridiculously decadent ice cream. Several "dining guides" or "activity magazines" claim to offer unbiased information, but nearly all of them are advertisements. Large restaurants all publish partial menus in these books, allowing tourists to make informed decisions about gourmet dining, while smaller ones rely on word-of-mouth or foot traffic to bring in the business. No matter how long a visit to this island lasts, its impossible to visit every place that sounds good. Ka'anapali: Amidst the five-star hotels and designer boutiques of this famous resort, one can find any number of fabulous restaurants. Most of them fall a bit short of world-class gastronomically, choosing to offer ambience and affordable prices in lieu of top-tier culinary masterpieces. Old favorites such as Leilanis on the Beach feature live music, drink specials and amazing views. The lovely Hula Grill can't be beat for ambience--and the fresh seafood wins local awards, if not international ones. If seafood and steak are beginning to seem unappealing, eateries such as Basil Tomatoes and the Sheratons pricy Japanese place, Teppan Yaki Dan, offer tasty alternatives. Buffets are big business in Ka'anapali. Unlike the ones found in Las Vegas, they are quite expensive, and the selection isn't as wide, but the quality of the food is much higher. The Westins Ko'Ala Barbecue & Seafood Buffet offers crab, fresh fish, sashimi and other delicacies. On the other end of the price spectrum, quick and cheap eats such as Jonnys Burger Joint and Mr Sub provide some relief for an overworked credit card. Kahana, Kapalua, Napili: Further along the coast the emphasis shifts from pleasing hungry crowds to pleasing educated palates. The people who visit the coast of West Maui are usually honeymooners, golfers or other discerning tourists seeking privacy and quality. Restaurants in these areas, especially in ritzy Kapalua, often earn four or five stars. Theres a cluster of good restaurants in the Kahana Gateway; namely Roys Nicolina, the Fish & Game Brewing Company and Rotisserie and for family dining, Outback Steakhouse. Two of the finest restaurants in the state of Hawai'i, the Plantation House and the Anuenue Room, are located in Kapalua, on the tip of the Western coast. As far as nightlife goes, there isn't much of it in any of these towns. All the hotels have cocktail lounges, often with live music. The bar in the Brewpub is a good spot to relax over a microbrew. Neighborhood favorites such as Dollies are popular at any time of day or night. Lahaina: Lahaina Town is Mauis undisputed dining and drinking hot spot. The towns layout can't be beat: All the best places are within a few short blocks of each other, meaning if one place isn't working, its easy to walk to another. The challenge in Lahaina is simply deciding where to eat each meal; the choices are endless. Upscale restaurants range from first-class French, served at Gerards, to the cutting-edge Pacific Rim creations found at David Pauls Lahaina Grill or I'o. The Feast at Lele, presented on the beach outside Pacific'o, wins awards for the best cuisine and entertainment in Maui. For exotic Asian cuisine, try Bamboo. Ruths Chris serves a great steak every time, while Longhis lobster is simply to die for. While not advertised as much, inexpensive options abound. Lahaina Coolers, a block down from Front Street, is popular with locals because of its food and its atmosphere. Cheeseburger in Paradise is a boisterous Front Street experience, as is Moose McGillycuddys. For a slice of pizza and a glass of Budweiser, head down to the Gabby's Pizzeria at the 505 Center, or try BJs Pizzeria a few blocks down. Each one of these places features live music most nights, and turns from a daytime restaurant to an after-hours bar. The most popular place for breakfast is Gazebos, but the wait can be outrageous. Compadres also serves a decent breakfast, and Cheeseburger in Paradise recently introduced a breakfast menu, served from 8 a.m. For the tastiest cinnamon buns in town, one must head down a few blocks to Buns of Maui, in the Lahaina Center. At least once, it is absolutely crucial to try an authentic local-style plate lunch at Aloha Mixed Plate. Ma'alaea: The largely undeveloped harbor town of Ma'alaea, located between Kihei and Lahaina, is developing a reputation among savvy tourists and affluent locals. There are only a few restaurants here, but they're all noteworthy. Buzzs is famous for its enormous, sweet Tahitian prawns and award-winning crème brulee. The Ma'alaea Waterfront is harder to find, but has earned rave reviews for its fresh fish, which are caught fresh daily and prepared nine different ways. Kihei Safeway shopping area has some great places to eat including Roy’s, a classic in the islands, has food with a Hawaiian flair and there is Outback Steakhouse for the whole family. Sensei’s for sushi and seafood specialties is one of our favorites in the Foodland shopping area. Wailea: The South Side equivalent of Ka'anapali boasts a wealth of fine dining options--and very little else. All of the hotels have at least two gourmet restaurants; some have more. Standouts include Humuhumu (Hawaii’s state fish) at the Grand Wailea has unique water features, try the lamb. Nicks Fishmarket in the Kea Lani. For Sunday Brunch, the Maui Prince puts on a fabulous spread. Less expensive options are few and far between. Joes Bar & Grill, owned by the creators of the Hailemaile General Store, promises to become a favorite right away. Kahului: Its not always easy to figure out where to eat in Kahului. The town is spread out, and except for the two major malls, restaurants aren't in any one location. Probably the best known restaurant in Kahului is Marcos, followed by Kohos--the quintessential family restaurant. Many small eateries are scattered throughout Kahului, but they are not distinctive in any way. If you happen to be in the neighborhood and are hungry, stop at any one of the locally owned taco shops, plate lunch stands or Thai places for a quick bite. Wailuku: Surprisingly, though Wailuku is as local and un-beautiful of a town as Kahului, it has a number of excellent restaurants, mostly ethnic. If you can find your way to either A Taste of Saigon or Saigon Café, you won't be disappointed. Saengs Thai is delicious and inexpensive--not to mention central. Pa'ia: Health food nuts should make Pa'ia their first, last and only stop for dining. The health-conscious restaurants far outnumber the unconcerned ones in this charming little town. Whether you're enjoying enormous breakfasts at Charleys, vegetarian curry at Bangkok Thai, or perhaps packing a picnic lunch at--where else? Picnics--you're sure to get something delicious, fresh and healthful. At dinnertime, the Pa'ia Fishmarket is a delicious and inexpensive option. Just outside of Pa'ia one will find a true Maui legend, and a must-visit for any self-respecting gourmand. This is Mamas Fish House. The cuisine, ambience and service are legendary--and deservedly so. A meal here is an unforgettable experience. Makawao, Kula, Pukalani: There are only a few destination restaurants in rural Upcountry Maui. On the road to Haleakala there are two standouts: the Hali'imaile General Store and the Kula Lodge. In Makawao Town, theres only one place to go for night time entertainment: the famous Casanovas. If its more of a peaceful occasion, make reservations at the Makawao Steak House. Last (but not least) is the Hana Restaurant. It is more than a two hour drive from Pa'ia or Kula, but for people who happen to be in that part of the rainforest, its not one to miss. Restaurants on Maui change constantly. The booming economy and optimistic attitudes of restaurateurs make the island dining scene entertaining, diverse, and very hard to keep up with! At the time of this article, several restaurants are planning to open, while several others are planning--more quietly--to close the doors. Dining in Maui is only as much of a science as you make it. If you're just looking for a good time, a quick bite, or a pretty meal, trust your own judgement. In the Beginning Approximately five million years ago, an undersea eruption created two volcanic mountains, Mauna Kahalawai and Haleakala. Mauna Kahalawai, now an extinct volcano, became the rugged West Maui Mountains. Majestic 10,023-foot Haleakala, meaning "house of the sun," last erupted in 1790 and is now considered a dormant volcano. Centuries of lava flows and erosion created an isthmus between the two mountains. This vale composed of rich volcanic soil gave Maui the nickname "Valley Isle." According to ancient legend, the Hawai'ian islands were created by Maui, the "god of a thousand tricks," who pulled the islands from the ocean with his magic fishhook. This mythical demigod also lassoed the sun god "La" from atop Haleakala, releasing it only after it promised to move slowly through the sky, thus providing abundant daylight and warmth for the islands. Maui County, now four islands, was originally one land mass called "Maui-Nui." During the polar ice age, the glaciers thawed and the oceans swelled to separate the mountain peaks into the islands of Maui, Molokai, Lanai and Kaho'olawe. The First Settlers According to legend, Hawai'i-loa and eight navigating seafarers from the Marquesa islands, 2,000 miles to the south, discovered the Hawai'ian islands in the eighth century A.D. The first inhabitants developed a simple agrarian culture, growing taro plant and grinding the root into their food staple, poi. They also built canoes and fished, constructed grass huts for dwelling, erected crude stone temples and wove tapa cloth. Around the twelfth century A.D, the Tahitians arrived in Maui. They were led by chiefs who became the ali'i, the Hawai'ian ruling class. The Tahitians established the "kapu" system, the rigid social order that became the foundation of ancient Hawaiian culture. Additionally, they introduced their religion with its many goddesses. Haleki'i and Pihana, two archeological sites in the Iao Valley, are religious structures built by Tahitian ali'i. The full name of Pihana is actually Pihanakalani, meaning "a gathering place of the ali'i." For several centuries, warfare raged among competing ali'i on Maui and between chieftains from the neighboring islands of Oahu and Hawai'i. In 1550 AD the Ali'i Pi'ilani unified all the Maui districts, and after he died his two sons battled for control of the island. With the help of warriors from Hawai'i, Kiha-a-pi'ilani prevailed to become the supreme ruler of Maui. Maui Becomes Part of the Monarchy During the late 1700s, Kamehameha I, ruler of the big island Hawai'i, invaded the adjacent islands to establish the Hawaiian Kingdom. One of his armies, led by Kalani'opu'u, attacked Maui in 1776. He was soundly defeated by the warriors of King Kahekili, who surprised the invaders by hiding behind the sand dunes at Maalaea Bay. However, in 1790, Kamehameha I invaded Maui once again, this time with a fleet of war canoes so large it is alleged to have filled the bay from Hana to Kahului. Kamehameha finally conquered Maui in the brutal battle of Wailuku, where after two days of intense fighting he unleashed a cannon operated by two European soldiers. The Maui army, commanded by Kalanikapule (King Kahekilis son), was forced to retreat into Iao Valley, where they tried to escape by scaling the steep cliffs. This historic battle is now known as Kauwaupali ("clawed off the cliff") and Kepaniwai ("the damming of the waters"). In 1802 Kamehameha I built the "brick palace" in Lahaina, where he lived for a year. The Influx of Westerners The British explorer Captain James Cook landed in Kahului Bay on November 26, 1778, an event that began the influx of Western influence. French explorer Captain Jean-Francois La Pérouse, the first Westerner to settle on Maui, established a village in 1786. Probably the most significant influence was that of the Christian missionaries, who founded the first mission under Reverend Richards in Lahaina in 1823. In 1824 Kaahumanu, Mauis regent under Kamehameha II, issued a code of laws based on the Ten Commandments. During this time, whaling had begun to boom in Lahaina, a development that swiftly introduced some of the more unsavory Western elements to the port town. A riot broke out in 1825 when a law was passed prohibiting the sale of alcohol. Whalers attacked the Richards' home, but were unsuccessful in squelching the Christian presence. Meanwhile, the missionaries established their instrumental role in educating the local population. Since the Hawaiians had no written language, the missionaries developed a written language based on a twelve-letter alphabet. The Lahainaluna Mission School was opened in 1831 and a seminary for girls was founded in 1836. In 1835, the governor of Maui ordered all children over four to attend school. Missionaries taught reading, writing and Bible studies in Hawaiian, and by 1850, Hawaii had the worlds highest literacy rate! Unfortunately, the Westerners also brought diseases that over the next century would obliterate the native Hawaiian population. Viruses such as measles that were endemic in Westerners had a devastating effect on the previously unexposed Hawaiians. Soon the ratio of Hawaiians to immigrants began to drastically decrease. Commercial Growth and the Advent of Tourism As Western traders and seafarers flocked to Maui, commercial growth expanded. Lahaina became a major port during the whaling era, and by the 1840s, hundreds of ships anchored there. Merchants, prostitutes, saloons, and gambling establishments prospered, although tensions between the whalers and missionaries created social unrest. The discovery of oil in 1850 signified the decline of whaling. Agriculture also flourished because of foreign influence. In 1828, Kamehameha III built the first sugar mill in Maui, a water-powered mill designed by two Chinese technicians. George Wilfong, an entrepreneurial whaler, established Mauis first sugar plantation in Hana. During 1853-1854, a smallpox epidemic killed many native Hawaiians, resulting in a depleted work force. Immigrants from China, Japan, the Philippines, and even Europe flocked to Maui to work in the sugar cane fields. American businessmen began to invest in pineapple and sugar plantations, and in 1875 negotiated a reciprocity treaty with the governor of Maui to protect their investments. The expansion of foreign power and influence ultimately led to the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy in 1893. In 1894, American pineapple tycoon Dole became the governor of the Republic of Hawaii, which was annexed to the United States in 1898 and made a U.S. territory in 1890. During the early 1900s, Japanese immigration swelled; Mauis population was forty percent Japanese by 1925. The American military presence in Hawaii was also expanding during this time, and the U.S. Navy established its Pacific headquarters in Pearl Harbor. The opening of the Pioneer Hotel in 1901 signaled the beginning of tourism in Lahaina. Visitors Mark Twain and Robert Lewis Stevenson praised Maui, and Lahaina became a vacation hot spot for the rich and famous. After World War II, sugar production declined and tourism experienced phenomenal growth. Mauis first resort hotel, Hotel Hana, was opened in 1946. After Hawaii became the 50th state in 1959, investment capitol poured in for development of vacation resorts. Kaanapali, dubbed the worlds first "master planned resort," and site of such mega-resorts as the Ka'anapali Beach Hotel and the Hyatt Regency, was built in 1961, followed by the development of the Ritz Carlton and Kapalua Bay resorts in West Maui. In the 1970s, sunny South Maui, with its great snorkeling beaches and constant sunshine, was discovered. Over the next few years, several plush resorts and championship golf courses were developed in Wailea. The Maui Prince being the latest resort, now called Makena Beach and Golf Resort which is the last resort heading South. Hope this helps, we look forward to your visit to Maui and hope you get to experience the wonderful Aloha spirit so unique to the islands. Loren and Denise