Aloha from Wailea.
I wanted to post a few comments being that I have read and reviewed the board for quite a few months in preparation for this trip. Our trip will consist of 4 nights on Maui-Wailea and 5 nights on Kauai-Kapaa. One of things I wish Trip Advisor required for postings was your demographics (single, couple, family, age), based on the fact that everyone%26#39;s perspective and needs change based on those differences. So here%26#39;s mine; we are on our honeymoon, in our late 30%26#39;s, fairly well-traveled, and live in the Midwest.
Arriving to Maui (United from SFO) All of United%26#39;s flights to Maui are now on 767, 2 cabin aircrafts. We used points to fly 1st class, which had fairly friendly service(which is very uncommon for United these days) based on the fact that it is a Hawaii flight in my opinion.
A couple of heads up on arriving in Maui: Baggage will take some time probably 30-35 minutes after landing. One suggestion if you%26#39;d like to save some time is have 1 person go get your rental car and then pick up the other with the baggage.
RENTAL CAR
Rental car%26#39;s are all off-site which means shuttling. Some companies are really good about the frequency of the shuttles, National which our rental was through was very slow, and only had 1 shuttle running. One of the questions I posed on the board was the types of convertibles National has and never received a post, so know I so they currently have Mustangs and Sebrings. I%26#39;d suggest the Sebrings, I unfortunately have the Mustang, which runs very rough. Also National has very poor maps, and pre-printed directions, so I%26#39;d suggest having directions prior to your arrival.
HOTEL
We are staying at the Fairmont Kea Lani, which overall has met my expectations based on the TA reviews, so far. One thing that has exceeded my expectations is the service, it%26#39;s really friendly and outstanding. The valet staff is very good, check-in was extremely fast, and the bell staff was efficient and friendly. We also have made some requests from Housekeeping and Maintenance and both have been quick with the follow up, and very friendly.
We used AMEX points to book the room, and booked a Ocean View King. The room actually does have a pretty good ocean view from the Lanai if that is something important to you. Rooms are 2 room suites, not contemporary or new, but also not super worn down, like I%26#39;ve seen in some hotels. Hotel is in need of upgrading very soon although to compete with the other properties in this price bracket. Bathrooms are very nice with lots of Marble and lots of space, whirlpool tub and separate shower, I%26#39;d categorize them very upscale based on my stays at similar places.
Amazingly the biggest thing I was afraid of is the property being overrun and crowded with families, it%26#39;s not. So I recommend coming to this hotel this time of year, because I%26#39;m certain that makes a big difference.
Another plus for this hotel is the size, it%26#39;s not overwhelming like some resorts I%26#39;ve been to, it%26#39;s really a very good size, with 3 pools and it seems the kids at mainly one of them.
FOOD
Nick%26#39;s Fishmarket-
dinner is spot on! Location on the property is very cool, outdoor dining, which is great. Service was very good with a group serving concept (i.e. multiple servers throughout the meal). Wine List is very impressive and actually not that over-priced surprisingly. Food quality was very good. Ahi Tuna had excellent flavor, sauce, texture, and Fresh Catch-Snapper also very flavorful. Again all restaurants here are expensive, so just be prepared entrees are $32-65 at places like this. From a budget perspective just prepare to double for most high quality meals.
Kea Lani Restaurant-
breakfast. Very impressive buffet. $28 per person. But quality and unique items: benedicts, gourmet pancakes, miso soup, smoked salmon, great local fruits, fresh baked pastries, omelet’s of course, to name a few, just a ton of variety, and very good presentation.
Feast at Lele
First prepare for a drive 45-60 minutes if you are staying in Wailea, great scenery on the way of course. Location is understated in the advertisements; it%26#39;s literally on the beach in Lahanina, next to IO %26amp; Pacifico%26#39;s. Also service I found to be very, very good and also understated from what I%26#39;ve read from reviews. They are on it! No waiting for drinks and a really quick flow for a 3 hour experience. The dancing portion I was under whelmed, but my wife and I are not really big on touristy places. Food quality is pretty good as advertised, and FYI be careful you don%26#39;t fill up on the drinks and the first courses, it%26#39;s a lot of food. I%26#39;d classify the portions as a little larger than what you typically receive at Tapas restaurants. TIP-if you like being in the front row and you are a couple, I%26#39;d suggest requesting to sit there that when making your reservation, all the tables are 2 tops in the front. FYI, they don%26#39;t offer any discounts through anybody so it%26#39;s $105 per person. FYI, don’t worry if you aren%26#39;t exactly there at 6pm, they make you stand in line before sitting.
Looking forward to the remainder of the trip! Write more later
Branden
Trip Report - 6/3 %26amp; 6/4
Enjoy. Mahalo for thinking of us on your honeymoon.
Trip Report - 6/3 %26amp; 6/4
Enjoyed reading your post.
Did you get a chance to walk and explore Lahaina?
We will be looking forward to the follow ups.
Thanks for taking the time to write.
Good report. Also good advice about the rental car, I always hit the pavement to get ours while my husband stays behind to collect the luggage.
UPDATE
2 more days have passed and more fun and sun in Maui to report.
On a unfortunate note the sun has not been cooperating so far, far too many cloudy and overcast days here in Wailea.
One overall comment on booking activities. Do yourself a favor and book direct or over the internet with the actual companies, especially if you do research prior to coming here. You typically get a discount and/or their gtd. lowest rate. Most importantly you don%26#39;t have to hassle with the ';activities desk'; at the resorts or kiosks. We saw some people show up for activities and no one from the ';activity desk'; told the company about their reservation, lots of hassle and they had to reschedule.
ACTIVITIES
Sunset Cruise on the Kapalua Kai in Kaanapali Beach-
Again for those staying in Wailea the drive is about an hour from Wailea up to Kaanapali. The cruise was OK. If you are into sailing/boating this will be great for you. The Catamaran is really nice and has some great seating, and crew will put up the sail, turn off the motor and sail down the coast. The service was OK and the appetizers/pupu%26#39;s are average in food quality. Drink service on the boat as we%26#39;ve experienced in all of Maui is really steady. One thing is you%26#39;ll never go thirsty here!
Snorkeling Molokini/Turtles on the Kai Kanani -
This was a solid experience. The boat launch location is ideal for staying in Wailea. The boat takes off right from the beach at the Maui Prince hotel, so this cuts down on drive time and early wake up calls substantially. Also this trip leaves at 9:00am, so you don%26#39;t have to get up at the crack of dawn. They only take 40 people, so it%26#39;s a quick process to get on and get off the boat, plus it%26#39;s not so crowded on the boat. The staff is very good, friendly, helpful, and very accomodating. They supply everything, all you need is suncreen, swimsuit, and towels. (Speaking of sunscreen don%26#39;t put it on your face before snorkeling, burns bad when it gets in your eyes when you are in the water.) You can bring your own snorkel gear, but all the gear is included. The other plus location wise is this is the closest departure spot to Molokini, so 20 minutes moving slowly, and you are there. First snorkel stop Molokini, not sure how to describe the snokeling, it really depends on your experience and expectations. If you are an experienced snorkeler, I%26#39;d say you%26#39;d find it OK, because they aren%26#39;t that many fish. If you%26#39;ve never snorkeled before it will be a really great time, because it is very clear and very safe. The next snorkel stop was an area right in front of the Maui Prince Hotel where the Turtles are hanging out. That was a first time experience for me to see the Turtles, so that was very cool. The only part of the trip that was suspect was the food. It%26#39;s below average - bad potato chips, and weak sandwichs. Onto Mama%26#39;s Fish House tonight and then over to Kauai tomorrow. Mahalo
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