ems

Hello!! Hello!!Looking to travel to Maui in late December.Please provide your tips on whether we should: - rent a car in our vacation package or rent locally? - where to stay - what beaches to visit - natural wonders to see - tourisy sites to experience - restaurantsAny recommendations would be fabulous!Thank you!!

lrbee0904

I would recommend renting as part of your package so you can simply pick the car up at the airport. We returned from Maui after 10 days in late June. We stayed at the Koa Lagoon condo's in South Kihei. Very nice, comfortable, affordable. In December you are going to be watching whales, if you choose to do so. Also, I would highly recommend, if you have no physical limitations, the bike ride down Haleakala. There are several tour companies. Do your research and pick one you will feel comfortable with for your journey.If you take on the Road to Hana be sure to prepare for a long day and very narrow and curvy roads. They are not kidding when you see the t-shirts that say "I survived the Road to Hana". However, you will experience some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.Don't forget to snorkel Molikini. As for restaraunts, I like Stella Blues and Freds in Kihei.

BillyD

Your need to start looking now. The holiday season is our busiest time of the year. Look for some condos in Kihei, Wailea, Makena or kapalua. You can't be too picky as time passes.You should do a combo car/flight. Get the vip or membership. You just need to fill out their form ahead of time and avoid the car line which can be over a hour! Must big beach, but becareful many people get hurt there(same with the bike ride) My wife works at the hospital and they get people from each place often. You should try Momma's Fish House for dinner$$$$$-but worth it.I always tell people to rent a condo for the "home away from home" feel. Read the guest comment book when you get there to see what people with similar budgets have done and what they thought of it. You'll generally know that the people that stayed in the same condo as you a week before paid the same for their vacation, so you should be somewhat in the same budget universe.

flea

For a good resource try... www.hawaii.com.package the car.we like the Kaanapali area..Mahana at Kaanapali .Ho'okipa Beach Park surfing beach&the windsurfing capital of Hawai'i. Some of the world's best come here annually to compete the Islands' biggest surf breaks during the winter surf season.Road to HanaHaleakala sunrise... Largest dormant volcano crater in the world 10,023 feet ..... If your there bike down...you'll glide 38 miles down to sea level, pedaling less than 500 yards of the way

SunnyMoon

I've been to Hawaii several times. I've found the best prices on rental cars through Travelocity. Check back often because prices change daily (even from the same company). My favorite places are Big Beach on Maui and Waikiki Beach. The big island is limited on beaches, but Volcanoes National Park is really neat. If you visit Maui go to the town of Lahaina for shops and restaurants. In Waikiki, try Kobe Steak House near the Hilton and Treetop lounge upstairs in the International Market place (also a good place to find bargain souvenirs).