Thought I'd even out the 'doom and gloom' OT threads with trip report from Maui. We had a great 6-night stay at the Aston at the Whaler in Kaanapali. Would def recommend for the price point. Was somewhere around 350$ per night with ocean view and all fees included. Did a car rental through all-save, and other than the shuttle inconvenience, we got a 2017 Mazda CX5 for ~300$ for the trip. Before the trip Used Walgreens ID now test. Our flight was on the 31st at 7am, we got our test done about 10am on Monday, results by 2pm. Three days before Monday, I was on the Walgreens site refreshing to make sure that I was able to get booked for Monday, even though this was Christmas Eve. They dropped timeslots around 4pm PST Day1 Arrived in Kahalui, picked up car, went to Costco, then to KaanapaliAte at Hula Grill, right in Whalers Village. Decent first meal, went back later in the trip. Didn't really have a plan for NYE, so we went to Cat Cafe? in Lahaina, and there was Kareoke and live music. We just ended up chilling there for a couple hours, did not go into the restaurant since the line was SUPER long and probably wouldn't have made it in anyways. Around 11pm, ended up going to the Lahaina sports bar, and was able to get in and celebrate there a bit. Day2 Went and did the Waihee Ridge Trail which was a great start to our trip. Ended up driving the north shore way to get to Nakalele Blowhole. This drive was quite the adventure, but as long as you go slow and you're considerate, it should be fine. The blowhole itself was pretty cool, but conditions were pretty rough, so we didn't get in or anything. Had dinner at Duke's, which we walked to and from, from whalers village, on the boardwalk. Had a great! meal there, and went back later in the trip. Day3 We went down to Wailea and did our first ever dive, using the Airbnb Experience with our guide Charles. It was awesome, and would def recommended. After, checked out big beach in Makena, which was ok, nothing spectacular. I ended up really preferring our beach in Kaanapali, as our trip progressed. Had dinner at Leilani's which is in Whalers village as well. Nothing spectacular Day4 Drove to Paia and went to the airport beach for a couple hours, forgot the name. Great beach for surfing, but not for sunlounging, given the winds etc. Afterwards, we went up to Haleakala. I wanted to do as much of the sliding sands trail up at Haleakala as we could before getting a glimpse of sunset. We ended up doing about 4 miles in under 2 hours. If you are a hiker or trail runner, this would be the highlight of your trip. I absolutely LOVED the scenery. Stayed for sunset as well which was pretty good, lotta clouds that day. Got back into town in time for dinner and did Dukes again, which was great! Day5 We went up to Napili Bay Beach, and walked the trails around Kapalua. Pretty nice beaches. Another highlight of the trip was later that day, we did the sunset cruise with Trilogy, which picks you up right from the Kaanapali beach. This was a GREAT experience and highly recommended. for 100$ pp, you get some apps, a few drinks, and a ride on a brand new sail boat. Dinner that night was at Merrimans, and their pre-fixed dinner of 85$ pp. This was slightly underwhelming...would pass next time. Day6 Road to Hana day. Got the Gypsy app for the trip, which was 7$, but it was a great investment. Def recommended. Highlight of the day was doing the 4mile loop trail of Pipiwai at Haleakala National Park. Wanted to drive the road the back way, but quickly realized it wasn't worth the risk. There were rocks falling from the cliffside before we even got to Kaupo. FYI, I did the backroad just fine back in 2012. Day7 Did our morning run/walk around the boardwalk, checked out at 11am, and had a great lunch at Tin Roof in Kahului. Def recommend for those arriving/departing. All in all, Hawaii was, well Hawaii. Truly amazing and we felt fortunate to be able to come. Everyone was so friendly and welcoming, we can't wait to come back.
we just had to cancel our Feb plans to Kauai. Might rebook to Maui but will probably just wait till we get the vaccine now.
The thing I don't like about Maui is that the beaches are rougher, sand isn't as good, the water is rougher. Its more about hikes and waterfalls and shit like that. Plus the island is pretty quiet, which i'm not really a fan of. Was gonna do Oahu again around the same time that you went, but I heard half of it was closed still along with the surge, didn't really want to get on a plane.
Funny story is, last year, I was in Honolulu. I was walking at the Royal Hawaiian Center and @OSUBlazerfan walked past me. I thought it was him, but then saw it on IG story he was there. I guess he was rushing to go to the airport.
Haha Yup, it was our last day and I had quite a crew behind me to get them on their way. Think we had some pretty good coffee at a shop there though.
I like Maui. Been there twice stayed at Whalers village one time and can’t remember the other place but it was in Lahaina. I’m planning a trip to Cabo in late March for my girlfriends 30th. Mexico is my jam. Half the price of Hawaii and more of a party atmosphere which we like. Hawaii is more like family oriented get to bed by 9 type feel. All inclusive is what’s up. Last time I went to Mexico was the first time I never did the all inclusive and I missed it. Went Isla Majures which was dope.
Been on the Big Island for ten days now. We come here every year for the last 6-7 years. Love it. Sharing a great townhouse rental from Vacasa with some friends this year. We’ll likely be back in 6-8 weeks for another 5 nights. Plus, all my work travel and what not has us upgraded to first class for our flights home tomorrow.
Sounds like a great trip. We love Maui - kind of magical. The road to Hana is indeed great, if crowded, but the road from Hana is even better. I did it during the summer though. Would never attempt it in the winter.
Cabo is aight. Mexican food is good, prob best reason to hit it up and its at least better than PV. Its been a while since I've been though. But the crowds are white trash and the ocean water (temp and clarity) sucks. Too many mexican kids selling chiclets on the beach. Resorts may be better, but the pics I saw seemed kinda trashy still. I would always go to Hawaii over Cabo. My girl is trying to go to Cabo sometime, but I'm always shooting it down. I wouldn't want to be there, if you catch COVID there you are fucked.
Did you have to mask up in Maui? I know in Oahu they make you wear masks on the beach. How serious are they taking it? Were most things open? Crowded?
I'd say 50% mask usage on beach and boardwalk. I went running every day, didnt wear mask. Didn't wear mask when i was walking either, unless i was entering a shopping area etc. Every restaurant in Kaanapali was open. There were some other restaurants we wanted to go too that were indeed closed, but i'd say overall 80% of stuff was open. Not that crowded, but there were def more people than i expected i guess.
Used to feel the same, then like THAT, we changed. Bro you have kids, and you just want to get away to some peace and quiet. Thats why Kauai is our jam. No buildings taller than a coconut tree is the rule there..... Chill vibe, empty beaches. Last time were there for 9 days and we honestly had to go out of our way to try and find other people. It was perfect. You'll get like that one day son.
^. We’ve been trying to buy a second place on the OR coast. Plans to come out this way were 5-10 years out. Current times have us thinking otherwise. If it doesn’t happen, it’s cuz other investments got in the way, short-term, but... it’s going to happen.
