Maui and Kauai Suggestions?

[BrianVarick]

I am going to Maui and Kauai for my honeymoon next month, and I am compiling a list of fun things to do at each place. If you have any suggestions like a great restaurant, or a tour that you really enjoyed I would love to hear them!

 

[phreak]

If you enjoy doing outdoorsy stuff, I strongly recommend the Kalalau Trail along the Napali Coast (11 miles one way). It will take all day (and night if you go that route) but the views are spectacular. Really great hike especially if you are on a budget.

And find a reef to snorkel/scuba

 

[tattersall]

Helicopter tours of Napali are well worth it. There are some nice private sail charters to see that part of the coast too - it is equally spectacular from the water as the air.

Restaurants on the south shore of Kauai that are worth a visit are The Beach House; Merriman's; Roy's; and Red Salt. None are formal but for this island it is as good as it gets. Nice dining and accomodation on the north shore at the St Regis Princeville. Some very good golf courses on the island too.

 

[LandoCal]

Some cool things to check out/ do in Maui...

Tour - Downhill Bike tour of Haleakala. Make sure to do the sunrise tour. There are a ton of different companies that do the tours. I have done it two or three times but cannot recall an of the companies names.

Beaches - Makena "Big Beach" is really great to spend a day at. Beach goes on forever and is white sand. Water is really clear buf the waves crash right onto the edge if it is rough out. Also, if you want to go to an incredible beach to check out windsurfing (Pro Status), go to Hookipa Beack Park. You can even just pull off on the side of the road and watch from the cliffs as many do. For food, make sure to go to Mama's Fish House!

Towns - Stay away from Lahaina and other such areas (read touristy). Everything is overpriced and dumbed down. Sort of the Waikiki strip in Maui. Cool for a morning or afternoon, but it only goes downhill at night. My favorite place to spend a day is Paia. Old Hippie town. There is a great Fish Taco spot on the corner of the main street (Paia Fish Market). For dinner around that area definitely go to Haliimaile general store. Make sure to get reservations prior.

There is so much more but I need to get to bed. Hope this was a helpful "first" post. Enjoy your honeymoon and congrats!

 

[SureShopApparel]

Congradulations!!!!! i just got married 4 months ago and you have SO much to look forward to. the wedding day was the best day of my life. My wife and I just went to Maui for Valentines day and loved it.

The road to Hanna was long and annoying but worth it. the 7 sacred pools and the waterfall at the top was AMAZING! there is also a stop before Hanna that has black sand beaches, caves you can swim in and blow holes. really cool.

There alot of shaved ice shops that are really fun and good. they put ice cream, then shaved ice and then they pour juice over the top. REAlly good and they are all over.

And of course snorkle with the turtles!!! We went to Pollo beach and saw tons of them.

Unfortunatly not much night life.

(Napali coast in Kauai is a must!!!!)
Have an amazing wedding and an incredible honeymoon

 

[BrianVarick]

Thanks guys, I have written down everything that you guys have suggested. So for the nicer restaurants like Red Salt, do I need a jacket or could I get away with a button down and pants?

 

[meister]

That colonial restaurant on Kauai near the Sheraton holds fond memories for me from my honeymoon. Great food and service too. The Waimea Canyon should aslo not be missed in the afternoon. Get a video of "from Here to Eternity" for other ideas...

 

[trd6478]

polihale state park on kauai-easily the best beach ive ever been to, crystal cleae, massive, fine sand, huge waves and very much undiscovered by tourists. you have to take a dirt road to get there and it is adjacent to a military base and the na pali coast

 

[Ambulance Chaser]

Here's my old thread on this topic. Lot of good suggestions that I put to use. I particularly recommend sunrise at Haleakala, driving the Hana Highway, snorkeling, and a pig roast/luau. Dining is very casual, a button down and slacks will make you better dressed than most men.

 

[tattersall]

Originally Posted by BrianVarick

Thanks guys, I have written down everything that you guys have suggested. So for the nicer restaurants like Red Salt, do I need a jacket or could I get away with a button down and pants?

shirt and pants are fine - I wore a linen coat to Beach House but it was not necessary.

Originally Posted by meister

That colonial restaurant on Kauai near the Sheraton holds fond memories for me from my honeymoon. Great food and service too. The Waimea Canyon should aslo not be missed in the afternoon. Get a video of "from Here to Eternity" for other ideas...

+1 The canyon is an easy drive with some great views on a clear day

Originally Posted by trd6478

polihale state park on kauai-easily the best beach ive ever been to, crystal cleae, massive, fine sand, huge waves and very much undiscovered by tourists. you have to take a dirt road to get there and it is adjacent to a military base and the na pali coast

Polihale is nice, but we preferred Mahaulepu - down a dirt cane road past the Grand Hyatt...

Here is my boy fighting the crowds...

 

[BrianVarick]

Does anyone have experience with a good Luau to attend? Thanks for the suggestions so far! I am getting really excited, I have always wanted to go to Hawaii.

 

[phreak]

I went to the smith family luau and it was supposedly the best on the island. The food was good, not great, but everything besides that was not good imo. It was only $75 per person so that really isn't really that expensive. Let's see what everyone else says before you go to smiths

 

[phreak]

Double

 

[mintyfresh]

For snorkeling in Maui, I highly recommend going with Ed Robinson's Diving Adventures.

They take you to a fine spot where the coral is lively and fish abound. My wife isn't the best with water but she ended up having a blast. Great instructors and small groups too.

If you are into hiking, the trails in Kauai are great - but make sure you bring hiking boots and a poncho. Lots of mud and some rain. Get some Saimin noodles by the airport.

 

[bigbadbuff]

Good idea for a honeymoon, I did the exact same thing- 1 week in Kauai and 1 in Maui.

I highly, highly recommend getting the 'Kauai Revealed' book- cliche but absolutely invaluable. Kauai is unbelievable, and absolutely a place to get off the beaten path. Those books will give you more than you could ever do.