Maui is the island to visit!
Written: Dec 29 '08 (Updated Dec 29 '08)
|
Product Rating:
|
|
|
Pros: Warm, tropical, mostly sunny, very few people, views, water water water, trade winds
Cons: Sometimes traffic, Kona weather is hot, not much to do at night.
The Bottom Line: It's paradise here on earth.
|
|
|
| jivetalkin808's Full Review: Hawaii |
I have had the great pleasure of being able to visit Maui over the years, and I can't say enough good things about my trips. Each one is different, and each one has been a unique adventure. Without getting into too much detail, I have spent time in each of the various sub-regions, from Hana to Kaupo, from Kihei to La Perouse, from Lahaina to Kapalua, from Paia to Haiku. Each area has something special - the remote rainforest setting of East Maui takes you back to a time when nature ruled. Camping at state parks and hiking waterfalls are a must, as is sunbathing - perhaps nude - at a red, grey or black sand beach. Kihei has all matter of modern convenience though it rings slightly of the cement sprawl of LA; I really liked the accessibility to the beaches and the great views of Molokini and Lanai. I've stayed at the Four Seasons in Wailea and loved the experience of being pampered by the best in the business, particularly the comfort of the poolside cabanas and the spritz and Otterpops offered regularly by the staff. Lahaina has some amazing self-guided historical walks which help to transport you to a time when the Hawaiians used canoe to get around the waterways of the area (now all re-irrigated to water sugarcane in upper elevation). Learning about post-contact missionaries was interesting as well. I've stayed at some of the resorts in Kaanapali, and they were nice though quite crowded and a bit generic. I enjoyed my few nights at the Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua. But I think some of the best times I've had on the island, and where I most frequently choose to return, is Paia. There is so much happening in such a small town - it's got the fun and verve of a bigger city contained in a downtown area of a few blocks. There's a new hotel I found there last time I visited called the Paia Inn, and I had a great time because it's perfectly synchronized to the casual vibe of the beach and the scene on the street of Hana Highway. The interior of the inn is super chic for such a small spot, and I was stoked to be able to access the bay from their location. Of course surfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, and any and all other water sports that you can imagine are the major draw for visiting the north shore of the island. At the inn you can store all your gear, an added plus.
Recommended:
Yes
Best Suited For: Families
Best Time to Travel Here: Anytime
|
|
|
|
Epinions.com ID:
jivetalkin808
|
|
Reviews written: 1
Trusted by: 0 members
|
|
|
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.