Well last time we did Maui, we were on a cruise, so we went from the port to Hana and back in a day. (I get carsick too, took half a “less drowsy” Dramamine and was fine.) We did it and got back right at dusk, but I didn’t get nearly enough time on the black beach and Oheo Gulch was closed due to a mudslide, so it’d be tight if you want to see that too. And I want to hike the bamboo trail this time too. So we decided to stay two nights in Hana this time, at Hana Kai Maui. I don’t love condos, but I’m gonna make it work!
Then we’re staying in Wailea the rest of the time. I think it’s a good base and plenty of good snorkeling in that area right from the beach. Wanted to do Maui and Kauai again this trip, but the accommodations on Kauai, plus the time and potential hassle of getting over there, just made me decide I’d rather just soak up Maui. Now my friend is going to Kauai for a week in June, and she may have me itching to go back!!! But that’s my plan for now!
Oh yeah, Haleakala....I just couldn’t see dragging my family out of bed at 3am to do sunrise, so we just went when we got up one morning. It was still awesome!! But seriously take a hoodie (don’t leave them in your room...like I did!!!)—it was like 50 with a stiff wind, so it felt subzero. It was gorgeous. Not really planning to do it again, although we might try for sunset one night. But the road is superb, so don’t go expecting “Hana redux.” It’s wide and well-paved and -marked. There are plenty of hairpins, but its nothing like the Hana highway—easy driving. And there’s literally nothing from the time you go in the gates as far as provisions, although there are toilets at the base station and the top.
So, we are still in the early planning phases right now, b/c we changed our plans from Kauai to Maui--we are traveling end of June/beginning of July and were worried Kauai wouldn't ease up on the stricter quarantine rules soon enough (and also preferred not to sit and stress about it in the meantime). That said, we def want to snorkel and kayak. Possibly Haleakala, possibly Road to Hana, though my son gets car sick, so leaning towards not doing that--but there's so much to see!!!! Sound like our fams are similar--we've got a graduating senior daughter this year. We're also considering a luau--we've done the Aulani one a few years ago, and I did one when I traveled to Maui in high school, but we're thinking we might do it this year again. When are you all going, and where are you staying? We're trying out Kaanapali Shores, for which I've seen somewhat mixed (though mostly positive) reviews, but I think it will work well for our needs.
