re: Hawaii trip- Oahu vs Maui Updated

February is the perfect time for whale watching in Maui. We’re planning on going back around Mardi Gras this year.

Thanks. I'll be going in January. My first time to the Big Island.

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Recs?

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Fly Alaska into Kona. Stay at Waikoloa Village area. Sunniest area, plus great central point with the newish cross island route. The trail system, beaches, and other amenities make this a great home spot.

In Kona area, do a coffee farm tour (Greenwell Farms is my favorite), and a chocolate tour at the “Original Hawaiian Chocolate Factory.” January is a great time to visit the coffee places, as it is end of harvest time. At the chocolate place, it’s harvest season every two weeks!

Buy the book “Hawaii The Big Island Revealed: The Ultimate Guidebook.” Great recommendations for entire island. It, and the series of other island guides are a good go to. Amazing resource! I notice most B&Bs, rental properties have this book on coffee table.

Do the full loop drive of island and be sure to stay one night at Volcanoes or Hilo, because it is a big island. Volcano House is amazing if affordable in your window. So be sure to see the park, east side waterfalls, black sand beaches, and south point (if a geography nerd) and the green sand beach nearby.

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Just booked a VRBO Condo in Kihei.

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Weve stayed in Kihei as well. Target is nearby for groceries, be sure to check out Maui Brewing.

What resort did you book?

Also, Yes it will be an early morning wake up but without question do the Sunrise at Haleakala and bike down tour. I suggest using a company that lets you bike down at your own pace and not with a group. Stop along the way for breakfast, beers, etc.

It's one of my favorite vacation memories anywhere in the world.

LINK

Be sure to check out Lanikai Beach and the Pill Box hike. I wouldn't spend much time around Honolulu/Waikiki except for Pearl Harbor.

Maybe rent a boat and go out on Kaneohe Bay. That was one of my favorite things.

Took this pic while on a sandbar in Kaneohe Bay

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Then we're heading to Maui for the remainder of the time. 10 total days. Our first time going. Following this thread closely...

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Go to Molokini crater on a snorkel trip. Afterwards they take you to what they call turtle town.

That area is Makena landing park. There's little protected turtle habitat beaches so they go in and out from Makena. Walk around before going in the water, you'll see them on land and in the water. I always go snorkel there on my own.

Makena Beach, Big Beach, is my favorite beach. Big swells crash on the beach, especially in one spot. Pay attention for whales, you'll see plenty in February. Your snorkeling trip will double as a whale watching trip too.

Road to Hana is cool, be prepared for lots of shitty drivers on narrow roads.

Best bbq I had on the island was at Braddah hutts bbq in Hana. Those ribs

I love swimming in the swells at Black sands Beach.

West Maui loop drive is mostly worth it.

If you like beer Maui Brewing and Kohola brewing are both great stops.

South Maui Fish company has amazing Poke. They can have a long line fyi. I tried the grilled Marlin my last time there and it's outstanding. Might be the best piece of fish I've ever had and I get my hands on a lot of fresh fish.

Drive around and explore, have patience. Locals don't move fast for anyone.

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Pay attention for whales, you'll see plenty in February

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This is what I thought. Glad to hear this. Also heard the sunset cruise is good for this. Just a little worried because, unfortunately, I get motion sickness.

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If you like beer Maui Brewing and Kohola brewing are both great stops.

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I’m glad you mentioned this. I was going to post and ask if anyone tried any of the beer. Maui brewing is one thing I ran across that I want to try out. We can’t get the beer here to try but I usually try to get some local beer any time I travel and Maui brewing looks well done.

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Also, just in case anyone has any experience with these things:
We’re staying at Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel and then Ka'anapali Beach Hotel. So far the only thing set in stone is that we’re going to the old Lahaina luau which we have heard is one of the best.

We stayed at Ka'anapali Beach Hotel last time we went. Older hotel and small pool. They were in the process of remodeling and I believe they still may be so it may a little nicer but our room was not impressive. They pride themselves on their authenticity so there are a lot of classes around making leis, hula dancing, etc. Good if you have a young kid that would enjoy that type of stuff. You are right on the beach and there is an open air mall next door so you have food/shopping options that are convenient. All in all we were fine with it and will probably book there when we go back in February.

We also had reservations at Old Lahaina Luau but it started raining about 10 minutes after we got seated so they ended up canceling and refunding our money. Parking lot is small so get there early. You can sit in regular chairs or you can sit up front on cushions at a lower table. Don’t remember the price difference but we were at the front row tables. Will book it again as well when we go back.

Definitely do a whale watching tour if you are there in February. You can actually see them fairly easily from the beach but it’s amazing to see them out on the water. Whale Tales is sometime in February and they have a lot of tours and other activities to raise money for whale research. We were able to go on a catamaran tour with Flip Nicklin during whale tales and it was very interesting. He’s a photographer for National Geographic and had a lot of stories/info. We had whales surface within a few yards of the boat and it’s one of the most amazing experiences I’ve ever had.

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How is the restaurant and food scene on Maui

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Mama's Fish House is pricey but their crab cake might be the single best bite of food I've ever had in my life