Maui

[twodko]

Hey gang,

We'd like some input from you all about what's the best side of Maui to vacation on, where you've stayed etc. We understand the west side is the most pleasant/not so windy area. We've looked at the Kaanapali Shores area but its a 45 minute drive from the airport and other than the resort/golf course there's not much else out there. Suggestions?

[johnnycharger]

I don't care what side we go to. when are we leaving?

[charge69]

hello,

We went to Maui for our 30th anniversary and had been saving for years just to go on our anniversary and have a special time. We stayed at the Fairmont Hotel on the southwest part of Maui and would love to go back there. Every room is a suite of about 900 sq.ft. or bigger and we had a beautiful view of the ocean from our suite. We rented a car at the airport (about 30 to 40 minutes away) and you probably will need to do it too as Maui is a lot bigger than you think and need a car to get around.

We ended up staying there for 10 days and booked it all thru a service that does that except the airfare that I got a pretty good deal on myself. We ate out every meal we had as we had no kitchen and ended up spending about 10k for the complete vacation but you can do it for quite a bit less if you shop around for a cheaper hotel. The Fairmont Kea Lani however, kicks azz!!!

All said and done, we still were not ready yo come home!

[Richard Cranium]

No doubt that the Kumoniwannalaya is something every guy wants to experience while on the island.

[twodko]

Thanks for chiming in here folks and especially Dave - Hi to Linda too! The Mrs. has decided we're taking our daughter, son-in-law and 2 grandkids with us. We're leaning towards Papakea or Kaanapali Shores, which ever will help us avoid having to eat Raman noodles for the rest of our lives upon our return. 
John, please don't let Di know you all wanna go too..........I'll be screwed AND no Raman noodles. 

[bull]

Are you going to do any island hopping while there? Staying in one spot might get a little boring so I'd suggest a hop to Oahu for the Pearl Harbor tour and a day trip to the Big Island. I lived in Kailua Kona for about a year and it was nice but the absolute best part of Hawaii I saw was the northern part of the Big Island around Kamuela Waimea. Parker Ranch is there and it's higher elevation (2,500-2,600 ft) so it's cooler. There are stunning views over the ocean and many deserted beaches along the way up there. Some of the best surf I saw in Hawaii was crashing on shores with not a soul in sight.

[twodko]

Hey Bull,

I hear you about the big island, Kailua Kona and Waimea were our favorites too. Been to every island except Maui so Maui it is! We did Honolulu a few years back with another couple.....the guy is also former Navy. The wimmens went shopping - big surprise there - and my buddy and I were all over Pearl the entire day....Arizona Memorial. Mighty Mo, sub museum the works. The next day we took this "Hummer" tour deep into the valley where they shot Jurassic Park. The guy who owns the Hummer Tour Company is a retired devildog Master Gunnery Sargent. When we told him we were both former Navy it was like all 3 of us were back in and trading stories, lies and jabs too. Great fun, however the wimmens felt a bit left out until he brought us back to our hotel and gave us $75 cash back on the tour "even though we were just lowly squids!".  Give a couple wives an unexpected $75 and all is well.

[bull]

Oh, I didn't realize that you'd been all over the place there. Maui is my 2nd favorite after the Big Island. I've also been to Kauai and Oahu. I don't care much for Oahu. Too much city there.