Maui 2022

Did a trip to Maui last week and thought I'd share our experience for other travelers.

Got a Mustang convertible, it was fun. Sixt rental car is substantially less expensive than anyone else (but still $1,000+ for the week). The Mustang from Sixt was the same price as a pregnant roller skate from Avis. Did AirBnB condo in Kihei on the south west coast. Nice location with plenty of restaurants within walking distance. Pretty hard to find a decently balanced Tiki cocktail on the island, I think that is common with most tourist areas. We stopped at the South Shore Tiki Lounge in Kihei - more of a beach bar than a classic Tiki bar but still fun.

Sights and activities - We were able to cover most of the major sights of the island in a week, we didn't make it to the Haleakula volcano summit. La Perouse Bay in the far south west is the site of the last lava flow about 800 years ago. Very rugged and remote with not many people. Kayaking and snorkeling at Makena Landing. Maui Ocean Center aquarium was nice. Lahaina on the north west for shopping and a sunset dinner cruise with whale watching (November-April). Drove up to Nakalele Blowhole on the rugged north coast. Horseback riding at Mendes Ranch also on the north coast. Visited Iao Valley, site of a major battle in the unification of the Hawaiian Islands. The "Road to Hana" drive is amazing. about 40 miles of hairpin turns through some of the wettest climate on earth. Lush vegetation with another waterfall around every turn. 50 something one-lane bridges to cross - if you are a nervous passenger you might want to take a Xanax first LOL Lots of places to stop - botanical gardens, waterfalls and swimming holes, roadside food and fruit stands, lava tubes, etc. Did the Luau at Aldaz, it was nicely done and offered a variety of great food.

I highly recommend the GyPSy Guide app for your phone. Guided audio tour that pairs with the GPS and your stereo. Give directions, tells you sights to see, and plenty of history of the island. Well worth the 14 bucks

I won't bore you with all the pics but here are a select few. Beach in Kehei across from our condo

Road to Hana

One of the many waterfalls

Ruggedly beautiful north coast

Lava Tube

Picked up a little rum there ;)

[ Edited by MadDogMike on 2022-04-05 11:45:46 ]

Thanks for the tips & pics. Some day I'll have to venture back to that island.

Mike, very nice!

Was supposed to go to Hawaii this February, but between a COVID surge and my father passing, my mother and I obviously cancelled.

I'm glad someone got to go. More pictures, please, Mike!

Kat, I'm sorry to hear about your Dad :( I'm not much of a picture taker but I will look when I get home and see what else I can find.

kat, here's a few more pics for you

Aldaz Luau

Iao Valley

Nakalele Blowhole

Huli Huli Stand

Lava Tube

Turtle Town/Makena Beach

Mike,

Thank you for the pictures, and thank you for your condolences. It has been... a lot to deal with.

My mother and I spoke last night about the possibility of Hawaii this year, but decided the logistics were too complicated.

She has a surgery coming up in the early fall so we're thinking I'll go back to help her, then she will come back to Japan with me and we'll go to Okinawa instead.

Maybe 2023?

[ Edited by SouthSeasKat on 2022-04-26 18:02:29 ]

I hear Okinawa is beautiful too. Best wishes Kat

I really enjoyed seeing your trip to Maui. You planned it so well. Time to save up for your next adventure! Keep them coming. Wendy