To-do half day in kihei (Kahului, Lahaina: rental car, rental, condo)

[PriaP]

Hi,
We are planning a vacation to Maui. We will be reaching kahuli by 1.30pm on Dec 5, and then to rent a car and to check-in condo at kihei will almost take around 4pm. We thought of heading to Halekala after that to see the sunset in the crater. Will it be a good idea to start by 4.30pm? will we be able to cover the park and see the sunset which is at 5.47 pm?

If not could you give us a better idea on what else to do that day?

Thanks
Pria

[sayulita]

It shouldn't take 2½ hours to get from Kahului to Kihei. More like an hour or 90 minutes including the time spent picking up the rental car. That said, I don't know where you are flying in from, but when I fly in from Portland (5 hour flight), I'm kind of cranky and tired when I get there. I can't imagine having the will or the energy to do the Haleakala thing immediately upon arriving. Be kind to yourself and spend that first afternoon settling in, getting groceries or dinner and then go to the beach to watch the sunset. Or go to a beachfront restaurant to watch the sunset from there. Do Haleakala the next day.

[Kayekaye]

I travel from MN and when we land, usually around 1 pm, we hit the ground running. I push myself to acclimate to the time change by grabbing the rental car and going to the beach for the sunset then off to the lodging to check in and then out to shopping or eating till 9 pm.

"kahuli"? I am guessing you mean Kahului? If so:

Maquest shows only 18 minutes, 10 miles, to get from Kahului to Kihei
So land 1:30
take an hour (hopefully less) to get the car it's 2:30
18 minutes to get to Kihei it's near 3 pm, give yourself a half hour to check in
take an hour to get to the volcano it's 4:30
You have an hour till sunset.

It's a very short amount of time to spend at Haleakala, but if it's what you want to do go for it. You might want to go back there another day and spend more time there if you like hiking or biking.

[davephan]

I recommend driving west of the airport on 32, then further west on Iao Valley Road and see the Iao Needle. The Iao Needle is a very beautiful area and its an easy drive from the airport. Along the way there or back you can also stop by the Tropical Gardens of Maui and the Kepaniwai Heritage Gardens Park.

I'd reserve another day for the Haleakala Crater and the Kula and Pilani highways. A whole day is needed for the road to Hana. Some people stay overnight there, but we drove the road to Hana in one day, timed for a nice lunch in Hana and back to Kahului before it was dark. Lahaina is a nice area to see. It's a little touristy, like Kona on the Big Island, times two.

You'll need to find the right area to watch the sunset. On the west side of Maui, the sunset is blocked by Lana'i and Kaho'olawe.

[hothulamaui]

most folks do the crater for the sunrise not the sunset. have you been to the crater before? if you google map directions for kihei to the crater it's a good 45 miles and will take 2 plus hours to get there. lots of good shopping, food and places to see the sunset in kihei for a first night. have fun.

[TwoByFour]

This time of year Haleakala is often stuck in the clouds so be prepared for that. You would be better off to pick a good day to go after you get here.

[PriaP]

Thanks guys. I think i'll just visit kamole beach park that day.

[sayulita]

I think you'll be really glad you did, rather than go to Haleakala, Have a great time! I'm going in January, Can't wait!

[maui-intoxicated]

As far as cool experiences, Mt. Haleakala is worth the experience. I went at sunrise and it was like being at the first place on earth to me. I suppose that is how it feels 10,000' atop most mountains during sunrise.

Kamole beach is a good beach, but I would drive further south to Mekena Beach State Park to maximize your time in the sun. There are some food trucks on the way if you are into that type of thing.

I was taking the corners pretty fast up the Mountain and I think it took me just under 2hrs from Kihei and I BARELY made it to see the sunrise. I would allow 2.5hrs to ensure you make it if it is important to see the sunrise or sunset.

Also take a drive around the west side to get a good thrill. My ole man was personally thrilled to watch me drive that stretch of road.

[TwoByFour]

And please take your time on the road up/down from Haleakala. People speed on that road and yesterday some tourist ran over a couple of Nene, which is an endangered bird that only lives up Haleakala.