OT: Anyone been to Maui?

[ShanenLuvsDsny]

I want to plan a trip to Maui but have no idea where to start. Anyone have any recomendations on where to stay, what to do, etc....? I really want to find an affordable condo or vacation rental to stay at. Is a travel agent a good idea or can you save more money planning things yourself? Any ideas from anyone would help. Thanks!:veryconfu

 

[mightyduck]

Shanen-

If you know a good travel agent (go by recommendations of friends nearby) I would do that for someplace I've never been. Talk to people who've been there (sorry, not me). Check out the airfare specials (check out the websites like trip.com, hotwire, orbitz, Smarterliving.com and bestfares.com. Compare information and make the best decision for your needs. Some people like to know everything is taken care of and they hired a professional to do the job. I can't sit back and feel that a travel agent is as invested in my trip as I am, and I micromanage the booking of my vacations as a result. I select the hotel, the air carrier, the flight, etc. Check out lots of sites online that rate attractions in Maui and get an idea of what kind of vacation you're looking for. More take tours and see everything, or more explore on your own and risk not finding every nook and cranny? More wear yourself out or relax? That kind of thing.

Sorry I can't be more helpful....

Oh, and welcome to the forums! We're a pretty friendly bunch. Make yourself comfortable, hang out... And please consider joining us as a "premium member" to keep the site running.

Have a happy day!

 

[Tramp]

Originally posted by ShanenLuvsDsny
I want to plan a trip to Maui but have no idea where to start. Anyone have any recomendations on where to stay, what to do, etc....? I really want to find an affordable condo or vacation rental to stay at. Is a travel agent a good idea or can you save more money planning things yourself? Any ideas from anyone would help. Thanks!:veryconfu

I've been to Maui twice.....it's the best island in my opinion...not as commercial as Oahu and not as BORING as Kauai...

It's beautiful anywhere on the island but we stayed in Kihei...we always had great weather even when it was raining on the other side of the island...it has something or other to do with our position relative to the mountains and the trade winds....

There is so much sightseeing I don't have the time.....but make sure you drive up Haleakala....it's 10,000 feet high....your above the clouds.....you'll freeze.....and you'll have a hard time breathing....there are all kinds of tours down into the crater......bikes, horseback...etc.
Drive over to Hana.......long and narrow and curvy.....but breathtaking.....and lots of waterfalls and pools to swim....
Depending on when you go.....check out the whales....
Lahaina for shopping....
it just doesn't get any better than this place.....it's Paradise.