Going to Maui!

[Lyta]

 

Well, on a more positive note ... we are finalizing our plans to go to Maui at the end of the summer. I made reservations with my timeshare last year not knowing that we might move. I had debated if we could afford to move and go on vacation and my husband and I decided ... HELL YA! More than anything, we really need a break. It's too bad we can't just go now but oh well. August will be good too. Plus the other great thing is that we talked my best friend and her family into joining us too. Then there is another friend of ours who is going to be on the island at the same time so we will likely get together with them as well. Who else wants to come?

Also, if anyone has any tips for things to do in Maui let me know. We will be staying at Kehei for 2 weeks and there will be 5 adults (we are bringing our babysitter) and 4 kids ages 1, 2.5, 3.5, and almost 6 years old.

[Sparkalin]

Yea for you Lyta!!  I've been lucky enough to visit three times and it's so far my favorite place.  I've never been there in August nor have I been there with "keikis".  If that's you in the pic, then you already know how awesome the beaches are.  We usually start way south at Big Beach or Makena (the beach by the Westin Maui Prince) then as the day goes on, travel up and stay at Kama'ole Beach 1.  Snorkeling at Makena is the best in the a.m.   Kama'ole has parking by the ABC store where we stock up on ice and beverage and lunch or snacks.  Great people watching, a little busy, but lifeguards there for the kids.  Late afternoon we hit some of the outdoor shops, then shower, eat and back to the beach in the evening just to sit and listen and enjoy the sometimes full moon over the water.  'Iao Valley is a nice place to visit and do some gentle hiking.  I love the history of 'Iao and the various gardens are interesting.  Hana might be too much with young ones, but it is a place everyone should try to visit at least once. Wai'anapanapa Park is a nice place to stop for a packed lunch and some beautiful cliff and ocean views.  A day trip to Lahaina is fun for shopping and of course the Banyan Tree Park.  I hope you have a great time.  I dream of Maui almost as much as I dream of diamonds!

            Linda

[saqsay1]

 

[saqsay1]

oops, don't know how the reindeer got on there. i am just showing my jealousy. don't take it personally. i am actually very happy for you. maybe we should start a where are you going on vacation thread??? i have been debating china, but am waiting to see what my tax man says. either way, hawaii sounds exciting. i say, good for you!!!!

[sherylsbuys]

I want to go to Maui, too!  I've got enough frequent flier miles for a free ticket and there's got to be a Marriott somewhere that I can stay at for free.  And I LOVE BABYSITTING (David - will you put a good word in for me regarding how I love little ones?). 

I'll have to wait and see how our trip to Italy goes in mid-May.  It's the 4 of us, plus the BOYFRIEND.  Daughter can't live without him for 2 weeks, so he's coming.  (For those that are wondering, the boyfriend is sharing a room with my son!). 

So, if I don't spend any money in Italy, I'm coming to Maui!  At least the exchange rate is a lot better in Maui.

[titania]

Hi Sherylbuys, where in Italy are you going? That's our destination in June - from Rome to the Amalfi, inc. Capri. Dreamy, have always wanted to go there. Anyway, I love all of Italy...including the food and wine!
Of course, Hawaii sounds wonderful, too....

[Diamondsbylauren]

Wow- Maui is amazing!

I would recommend the 'Road to Hana" which is about 40 miles, but takes all day.

But for me the highlight of the trip- and a highlight of my life, it was that remarkable, was a bicycle trip down Haleakela.
It's a volcano in the middle of Maui.

You start before dawn. They take you up to the to in a van which is towing a trailer filled with specially equipped bikes.
The road down this volcano is the steepest in the world.
Going from about 10,000 feet to sea level in about 20 miles.
The special equipment is mainly heavy duty brakes.

At the top, it's like you're on the moon- and it was cold! Probably in the '40's

By the time you get to the bottom it's a sunny hot day at the beach!

[Trinkette]

Oh gosh, that's cool...

[sherylsbuys]

Hi Sherylbuys, where in Italy are you going? That's our destination in June - from Rome to the Amalfi, inc. Capri. Dreamy, have always wanted to go there. Anyway, I love all of Italy...including the food and wine!
Of course, Hawaii sounds wonderful, too....

We are doing Insight's 10 day Best of Italy tour - Rome, Venice, Tuscany, Florence, Pompei, Isle of Capri,etc.  And we'll be in Rome an extra 4 days.  Can't wait!

[saqsay1]

if you have time in capri, go to the blue grotto. it is beautiful on a sunny day. while your not allowed to swim, you can fall out of the boat by accident ( other people did). anyway, if you don't know already the blue grotto is a cave on the side of a cliff on capri where the water is deep but the sand is white and when the sun shines, it turns the water an irredescent shade of blue. your skin sparkles like it has silver dust on it. in a word....... breathtaking.

[saqsay1]

i found this pic online.............

[titania]

that's gorgeous. can't wait....

[ebedner]

Wow!  Have fun on your vacations guys!  I can't wait to see all your beautiful pictures!

David - that experience sounds AMAZING!

[Lyta]

Yea for you Lyta!!  I've been lucky enough to visit three times and it's so far my favorite place.  I've never been there in August nor have I been there with "keikis".  If that's you in the pic, then you already know how awesome the beaches are.

I have been to Maui once or twice when I was little as my grandparents used to live on the Islands. Then I went with my husband before we had kids and that was fun but we weren't there for very long. Plus, I don't think we had very much money to spend either. We stayed in Lahaina last time but never been to Kehei. That is just a photo I pulled from the web so it is not me in the picture.

Ooooh, Kama'ole Beach 1 is right where our resort is located so we will be spending a LOT of time there.

'Iao Valley sounds like my kind of hiking. We are going with friends who are a lot more active than we are and want to go hiking so this sounds like a great thing for all of us to do. I am not sure I would want to do the road to Hana with all the kids so it might have to wait for another visit to the island. Thanks for all the tips!!

I want to go to Maui, too!  I've got enough frequent flier miles for a free ticket and there's got to be a Marriott somewhere that I can stay at for free.  And I LOVE BABYSITTING (David - will you put a good word in for me regarding how I love little ones?).

I say the more the merrier! Another couple is going to be in Maui at the same time so we will be sure to get together with them. We are bringing our own sitter but that doesn't mean she won't need a break. As long as you sit for free. LOL!

But for me the highlight of the trip- and a highlight of my life, it was that remarkable, was a bicycle trip down Haleakela.
It's a volcano in the middle of Maui.

That is not my cup of tea but it is something I bet my friend's husband would LOVE!