Friday, March 30, 2012

Maui trip report

Our trip was a 5 night stay at the Sheraton Maui. A great property that was spacious enough to be comfortable despite the fact that it was a major hotel and resort. It was chosen for the pool and the beach. Lots of room where the kids and families could be on one side and adults on the other of the pool area. We upgraded our room to a suite on Black Rock and it was beautiful. The downside: it overlook the handy man%26#39;s workyard and guest parking lot. And had the stench of a dumpster. We didn%26#39;t use the balcony so it didn%26#39;t matter. The room was spacious and gorgeous anyway.





Day 1: Sunset Dinner Cruise with Pacific Whale Foundation. We signed up for the Premier seating on the upper deck but maybe that wasn%26#39;t a good idea because it made for a rough ride everytime we turned away from the harbor. The food wasn%26#39;t great either. The food%26#39;s temp was warm and not tasty at all. The only good thing about the dinner cruise was that some of the proceeds of the price of the cruise goes to the Foundation%26#39;s whale conversatory.





Day 2: Took the advice from all the books that I read and TA posters and planned our trip to see the Sunrise at Haleakala on the day after our arrival (since we haven%26#39;t adjusted to the time zone). Still 2am is early. I booked with Maui Mountain cruisers. A good company that is always concerned about the safety of the riders. It was a clear morning and the sunrise was beautiful. Which I hear is rare. Really? Anyway, the ride downhill was fun and all riders arrived at sea level without a scratch. After a little rest, we headed to dinner at the hotel%26#39;s teppanaki restaurant. Which was probably the best meal we had there.





Day 3: Pool day! We had breakfast at the hotel%26#39;s buffet breakfast. I don%26#39;t recommend. I am from San Diego so maybe I am used to the spice and heat in my foods. The food that we had been eating was so bland. That night we headed to Lahaina for the Old Lahaina Luau. The hotel offers a shuttle into Lahaina so that we could drink up at the open bar and not worry about driving. We arrived early so we headed to the mexican food restuarant at the Cannery Mall, Los Pelones for some drinks. Ronnie is a great bartender with great stories and awesome tropical shot concoctions, he set up the night for us! The luau was great! Great show. Food...I enjoyed the pork but everything else was not so tasty. I need to bring a bottle of Tapito. I am not faulting anyone, I just think the cuisine of Hawaii is not made with a lot of spice.





Day 4: The road to Hana! We started the morning early and went to breakfast at the Gazebo. What a great meal! Classic cafe food. So yummy and the staff was very friendly. Go early, there is always a line. After breakfast, we filled up the gas tank and headed out on the day%26#39;s adventure. I was a little nervous about the possibly of driving this notorious road with my BF. We argue about stop lights when he is driving at home. I couldn%26#39;t imagine driving this road together. But it was alright. The one lane bridges were a little hairy with oncoming traffic but the drivers were all courteous and cautious. We drove all they way around the island, but it is not recommended for passenger cars. The mostly unpaved road is closed on and off and not recommended for tourists. We had an insider tip so we did it, but it takes a 4 x 4 and a great driver. (yes he did great for that part of the road.) We made it back to the hotel after 6p and ate dinner at the hotel.





Day 5: Shopping in Lahaina on Front street. That night for dinner we headed back to our favorite mexican food restuarant hoping our bartender would be there. We ate at the bar so we could watch the NBA playoffs and hear those great stories from Ronnie. The meal was good. I had warned my BF since we are from San Diego with so many great Mexican food places that we shouldn%26#39;t eat mexican while we were in Maui. But I had a really tasty meal. We closed the place...not saying much since everything is closed by 10p.





The weather was clear and beautiful with no wind. We left for Maui a few days after Easter Sunday and except for the convention of Insurance employees at the hotel, we felt we missed the crowds of Spring Break. We enjoyed our trip to Maui and are looking forward to more adventures on the other islands in the future. Bring Tapatio.



Maui trip report


Thanks for the report. The upgrade didn%26#39;t sound like one, especially for those of us who love to use our lanai.



Maui trip report


Journeyme,





I appreciate the trip report. It is always good to everyone%26#39;s perspective on things. I%26#39;m glad the weather held out for you. I guess some upgrades aren%26#39;t as good as they sound but it sounds like it bother you too much. Thanks for sharing with us!!




Very helpful report. My sister and 3 daughters (16, 18, 21) will be in Maui for 7 nights end of July. Are there any stops along the road to Hana you recommend or any you don%26#39;t recommend. Thanks.




Thanks for sharing. Some good info for my next trip to Maui.




journeyme - Appreciate you taking the time to write your trip report, sounds like a good vacation.



Funny isn%26#39;t it, amazing when you get used to spicy foods how some milder things just taste bland - %26#39;have tobasco will travel%26#39;.




Thanks for the trip report! I%26#39;m headed to Maui in less than a week. How did you dress for the sunrise at Haleakala? Were you warm enough?





Julie




For the Luau, I wore a sun dress with a light wrap for my shoulders. I was very comfortable.




For the sunrise, I was layered. I was in jeans, tennis shoes, and 2 shirts and 2 pull overs. In addition, the downhill company gave us wind breaker suits and gloves! It was cold up there!

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