1st time visit to Maui..what to do? (Lahaina, Pukalani: to rent, mall)

[jxn3000]

I will be in Maui Sept 17-22 for the Maui Marathon. Have never visited Hawaii before, and would welcome any suggestions of must-see or must-do attractions. Thanks.

[hothulamaui]

in front of almost every ABC store are free publications with all the activities. pick one up on your first day and skim through it. we also have a visitor channel on tv that will give you the lay of the land. for me I would rent snorkel gear and hit the snorkel spots. we have great golf, art and food. depends on what you like the publications will help narrow it down for you

[whynot?]

Would be helpful to know the kinds of things/places you enjoy -- beaches, water sports, scenic drives, walking/hiking, arts, history, etc. The marathon route is on the ocean, but there's a whole other world upcountry and under the water.

E komo mai.

[96753-aloha]

Iao Valley, Maui Tropical Plantation ( was much better, but still nice ), ROAD to Hana, Upcountry, Paia, Front Street ( later in afternoon & into night ) any of over 40 Great beaches. . . Enjoy

[elaineo]

A trip to the top of Haleakala.

[Jungjohann]

Well, you could run out to Lahaina, stumble for a bit on Front Street, jog over to the Pioneer Inn for a quick cold one, then sprint over to Kaanapali, of course a liesurely paced trot out to Hana would more than likely be in order, as well as a short dash out to the Seven Sacred Pools, (or are they down to six now?? time of year, drought?,,), than a race out to Wailea to catch the sunset and maybe a quick bite to eat. Should put you in the proper mood for a marathon.

Aloha and, uuuurrrrpppp, scuze me, okolemaluna

[KoaKine]

Originally Posted by Jungjohann

Well, you could run out to Lahaina, stumble for a bit on Front Street, jog over to the Pioneer Inn for a quick cold one, then sprint over to Kaanapali, of course a liesurely paced trot out to Hana would more than likely be in order, as well as a short dash out to the Seven Sacred Pools, (or are they down to six now?? time of year, drought?,,), than a race out to Wailea to catch the sunset and maybe a quick bite to eat. Should put you in the proper mood for a marathon.

Aloha and, uuuurrrrpppp, scuze me, okolemaluna

Capt Freitis is that you? Doing Maui tours now I see.

[stan4]

1. Go snorkel Black Rock. It's by the Sheraton, but anyone can go. My fave. Go all the way around the rock to the back.

2. Get a bike trip down from the volcano. Number of companies offer this. They take you up early in the morning (in a van), and then they suit you up and you bike down 20 miles.

3. Get a charter trip to Molokini - try to get a smaller boat that will also take you to Turtle Town. You'll wind up snorkeling with sea turtles and there were even reef sharks at Molokini.

4. A day trip to Lanai to snorkel, play in the tide pools, and have lunch.

5. Several golf courses to try out.

6. Stroll around the mall in Wailea...we wound up having a cheeseburger in paradise as well as picking up a Guy Buffet painting from Lahaina Galleries (they deal in his art).


I think the Hana stuff is highly overrated, but you will see some nice tropical rainforest. I hear Blue Helicopters tour of the island is way better for that, anyway.

[iskray917]

Maui is my favorite island.

Definitely go up to Haleakala.

If you enjoy snorkeling the two best places in my opinion are Molokini and Honolua Bay. There are other good spots as well. Snorkeling is really fun if you've never done it before I recommend giving it a go. It's not hard.

Maybe drive out to Hana. There's not much out there, but the highway is scenic and there's some waterfalls and valleys to see. It's quite tranquil out there.

Or maybe if you don't want to drive, you can take a helicopter tour instead.

I like golf myself and have played Kaanapali, Dunes at Maui Lani, Pukalani. Dunes is the best course. Kapalua is a must play if you have the money. But of course if you don't play golf disregard this option.

[Pilgrim21784]

Definitely do a snorkeling trip to Molokini (try to rent a polarized mask, its much better for colors) and Turtle Town; do a dawn visit to Haleakala (take warm clothing); tour upcountry and have a burger lunch at the Stopwatch in Makawao, visit the lavendar farm; visit the winery (Tedeschi Vineyards) and then drive out into the lava area; everyone should drive to Hana at least once; drive around the West end (if you're brave). In general, Maui is incredibly beautiful and has some exceptionally friendly people, just be respectful and enjoy your visit.