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Maui, with kids

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Mad Birdman

Maui, with kids

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Posts: 1204

April 18, 2012 8:23 PM

Looking for recommendations from the 'Ville for Maui. We are staying in Kaanapali and will have our three kids (ages 8, 8, and 5), and we we'll be there 5 days in mid-May.

I'm figuring on lots of beach time/swimming/snorkeling of course, but anything else that we should do? I would be up for Dad of the year if I could show my daughters some dolphins swimming, so thinking about some kind of boat excursion for a day.

We'll have a sitter, so my wife and I are sneaking out for a dinner at Mama's Fish House, probably my favorite restaurant in the whole world. Taking the crew to the luau at the Sheraton one of the nights.

Anything else not to miss? Should we bother renting a car or just shuttle/cab it? My wife and I have done the road to Hana, and don't think it would be up the kids collective alleys. Haleakala volcano?

"It's a blessing to be in Madison, it's a blessing to be a Badger."--Russell Wilson

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AirRaley

#1

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Posts: 10941

April 18, 2012 8:45 PM

"Old Iron Taint"

I recommend not shitting all over the hotel.

"if I were in the habit of throwing away shirts I've puked on, I wouldn't have had any shirts left." - Timster96, 29 SEP 2010

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ThisCharmingFan

#2

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Posts: 14034

April 18, 2012 8:47 PM

The disputatious one

AirRaley wrote:
I recommend not shitting all over the hotel.

I think they are more accepting of this a non 5 star hotels.

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LeviBooth

#3

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Posts: 10992

April 18, 2012 8:56 PM

They really only frown upon that with action stars.

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ThisCharmingFan

#4

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Posts: 14034

April 18, 2012 8:58 PM

The disputatious one

Well, that sucks. Anyone calling themselves Mad Birdman is definitely an action star.

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Danofiveo

#5

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Posts: 12789

April 18, 2012 9:05 PM

Gobbz's biggest fan

Kaanapali is largely a golf resort, but if I were you, I would get MAUI REVEALED and scope it out. Plenty to do WITH kids, but I only know Upcountry and the South part of the Island. Kaanapali and me never really saw eye to eye, except the one beach near Napili. You may want to go on the NU board and ask EvanstonCat what he thinks? Wink

Edit...cab it? No, get a car and take the kids to the Banyon Tree in Lahaina, the Pineapple Plantation in Wailuku, IAO valley in Wailuku, and then to Big Beach in Makena for the best waves and sights and fish tacos in the land. Seriously, get the book.

Mamas is great, but my youngest hasn't eaten meat since her luau experience in 2008...ha

Minnesota is Native-American for BAD AT FOOTBALL...

Edited 1 time by Danofiveo April 18, 2012 9:09 PM.

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AKA TAW

#6

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Posts: 13397

April 18, 2012 9:06 PM

Den Mother

Taking kids under the age of 10 to Hawaii is a sign that you make too much money. Would you like to adopt a slacker 20-something?

On a serious note, I don't know Maui. However, most Hawaiian islands are a short jaunt apart and I think they would enjoy Pearl Harbor and Diamond Head. You may want to stagger down down and tourist time to not overload them and make your own vacation more enjoyable. We liked seeing the volcano fields on the Big Island, too.

There's only two things in life, but I forget what they are.
- John Hiatt, Buffalo River Home

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BadgerInMn

Maui

#7

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Posts: 103

April 18, 2012 9:24 PM

Wife and I stayed at the Kaanapali in February. Had an awesome time! 5-0 had very good advice - the book Maui Revealed has a TON of good info. Worth buying and taking with you.

Snorkeling isn't easy with kids, but at the resort you should try it around the rocky point right off the beach. It's literally right there and you can see fish and sea turtles right next to shore. Check it out first yourself to be sure of water depths and whether or not your kids could handle the conditions. They do rent snorkels and life jackets at the resort.

Not sure how the dolphin viewing is that time of year, but I would check out the Pacific Whale Foundation. We did the whale tour and had a great trip. Granted that time of year it's hard not to see whales, but their tours had really knowledgeable and friendly guides. Very pleased with the experience.

We tried the volcano and the weather was awful - clouds and driving mist. The occasional views were very cool, but that was limited. Also, it's a considerable drive up winding roads to get there, and even during summer the weather is windy and cold. I would probably stay clear of that one with kids as well.

Edited 1 time by BadgerInMn April 18, 2012 9:44 PM.

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Mad Birdman

#8

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Posts: 1204

April 18, 2012 10:20 PM

Well, TAW, we're going to be on Oahu for a couple of days before Maui, so we've got that figured out. The trip is for a work conference, so at least I get my flight and hotel paid for. Good suggestions on the book and the whales. The pineapple plantation is also an interesting idea. 5-0, I want hear the luau story about your daughter!

"It's a blessing to be in Madison, it's a blessing to be a Badger."--Russell Wilson

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BadgerInMn

Whales...

#9

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Posts: 103

April 18, 2012 10:46 PM

MB, just to be clear, the whales are probably gone by the time you get there in mid-May. But Pacific Whale Foundation does different things through the year, including dolphin cruises and some other things. Worth at least looking in to.

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4thngoal

#10

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Posts: 6248

April 19, 2012 8:44 AM

Denis Lemieux

Pacific Whale Foundation cruises are cheap, informational, relatively comfortable, etc. It's a well run operation. You'll probably get to see some pilot whales or some shit. It's 2 hours of pretty calm riding on the water.

The plantation tour is pretty cool. It's also fun to hop in the car and head past Kapalua and see the winding roads, steep drops, and shit. It's free (outside of gas), there's plenty of pull off points, etc.

Are you staying at Houna Kai (or however it's spelled)? If so I was there in November. it's really a nice place, but asked to move up in floors when you get there if so. We got moved from 2 to 6 and it was great. View was perfect. If that is in fact where you're staying, the fish market across the street has lunch that's fantastic.

I'll add the Maui Brewing pub as well as taking a tour of the main brewery/bottling facility/tasting room. It was $10 with a flight of samples. It's hidden (behind the UPS store in Lahaina). (as long as you're sneaking away from the kids).

<<She kind of looks like Vern Lundquist with a wig on.>>

>>Herschey 11-13-12

Edited 1 time by 4thngoal April 19, 2012 8:47 AM.

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Danofiveo

#11

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Posts: 12789

April 19, 2012 8:53 AM

Gobbz's biggest fan

We went to a Luau in Lahaina and, at the time, I was drinking...lots of rum as I recall...anyway, the pig was on the spit and my youngest began crying and crying. She had just seen BABE and didn't want to see that brutal display of carnage on the spit...I was clueless (am clueless, will always be clueless) and failed to understand it at the time, but my better 31/32 took care of it and it went away...except that she has never touched any cut of meat since then, except a bit of chicken back in 2008 or so.

Minnesota is Native-American for BAD AT FOOTBALL...

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MT24

#12

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Posts: 6129

April 19, 2012 9:14 AM

"Maui Revealed" is a must- I got my copy off Amazon. Good call on Mama's Fish House and did the Old Lahaina Luau and it was good. Whale watching season ends right about now so you will be out of luck there. Some of the best snorkeling on the island is at Black Rock near the Sheraton and also check out Napili Bay Beach as well, the place is beautiful but can get crowded. You can rent snorkeling gear for about $10 for the week or you can purchase at the Costco near the airport for about $30. Take the kids to the Grand Wailea, they will love the pool and water slide. Not sure how closely they monitor people walking in off the street.

Funny side story regarding the Grand Wailea:

Was there in 1998 for a company trip. Was in line at the waterslide with the girl I was with and in line with us was David Hasselhoff, his wife, some English chap from the TV show The Nanny and his wife. We were all chatting while in line and climbing the stairs to the slide and one of the women pointed out Maria Shriver lying in a chair in a roped off private area with her kids. She had no makeup on and saying she looked rough would be being charitable. David Hasselhoff took one look and turned around, looked at the group and said "yikes!". It was pretty funny.

Edited 1 time by MT24 April 19, 2012 9:47 AM.

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AirRaley

#13

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Posts: 10941

April 19, 2012 9:18 AM

"Old Iron Taint"

LeviBooth wrote:
They really only frown upon that with action stars.

Does Geena Davis count? She did do The Long Kiss Goodnight and some goofy swashbuckling number. I believe at the time that Arnold declared her the first female action star and that it was the future of the genre.

I laugh a little when I imagine Geena Davis shitting all over her hotel room.

I probably should have put this in that other thread. Sorry everybody.

"if I were in the habit of throwing away shirts I've puked on, I wouldn't have had any shirts left." - Timster96, 29 SEP 2010

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NumenLumen

#14

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Posts: 10521

April 19, 2012 10:48 AM

Shout, shout - let it all out. These are the things I can do without.

My advice is to listen to 5-0 on this topic. I got several paragraphs from him before my wife and I went and he was spot on with many things.

I will add the recommendation of Da Kitchen restaurant for good, somewhat inexpensive local eats.

We did a submarine ride out of Lahaina that was pretty cool. With little ones who probably wouldn't be snorkeling, this would be a good way to see the sea life.

With little ones I would do the drive up Haleakala...I wouldn't necessarily worry about sunrise if that messes with sleep schedules as it is pretty cool any time on a clear day. The Road to Hana, though, might be too much car time with repetitive scenery (no matter how beautiful for mom & dad) for them.

Watching the surfers & wind surfers by Paia could be a fun way to spend some time.

Iao valley is stunning visually and not difficult hiking. Easy to get to. All this combined makes it a must-do.

The pineapple plantation is worthwhile from a local culture perspective.

I think you'll be past whale season, which is unfortunate. A whale watching tour with kids would be very fun. We had some whales pop up around our snorkeling tour and it was spectacular.

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Dirte

#15

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Posts: 993

April 19, 2012 10:55 AM

Mad Birdman wrote:
Looking for recommendations from the 'Ville for Maui. We are staying in Kaanapali and will have our three kids (ages 8, 8, and 5), and we we'll be there 5 days in mid-May.

I'm figuring on lots of beach time/swimming/snorkeling of course, but anything else that we should do? I would be up for Dad of the year if I could show my daughters some dolphins swimming, so thinking about some kind of boat excursion for a day.

We'll have a sitter, so my wife and I are sneaking out for a dinner at Mama's Fish House, probably my favorite restaurant in the whole world. Taking the crew to the luau at the Sheraton one of the nights.

Anything else not to miss? Should we bother renting a car or just shuttle/cab it? My wife and I have done the road to Hana, and don't think it would be up the kids collective alleys. Haleakala volcano?

Definitely need a car if you're going to Mamas. Can probably just do a 1 day rental or something though. If you're hanging around Kaan./Lahaina won't need one. Need to check out the sunset torch lighting at Black Rock (Sheraton). Been a while but that Sheraton used to have awesome burger specials at their pool bar for lunch. There's a Bubba Gumps in Lahaina - kids usually enjoy those.

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uesbc

#16

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Posts: 2056

April 19, 2012 11:05 AM

I think Justin Bieber is hot

The only advice I can offer is that the pool at The Grand Wailea is the sickest, kid-friendly pool I have ever seen. There are several levels and a water elevator. You start at the top and float down a series of waterfall/slides, only to take the water elevator back up. My wife and I went there before we had kids and have wanted to take our brood there ever since. If you can figure out a way to get into The Grand Wailea pool, do it!

Edited 2 times by uesbc April 19, 2012 11:09 AM.

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Danofiveo

#17

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Posts: 12789

April 19, 2012 11:31 AM

Gobbz's biggest fan

1st day Haleakala is a grand idea! Reverse jet lag, kids up early!! Check out the excursions that allow you to ride bikes down all the way to the Kula Lodge, very awesome! Sunsets are better in Kihei/Wailea because there is less haze.

Minnesota is Native-American for BAD AT FOOTBALL...

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MT24

#18

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Posts: 6129

April 19, 2012 11:33 AM

Dirte wrote:
Mad Birdman wrote:
Looking for recommendations from the 'Ville for Maui. We are staying in Kaanapali and will have our three kids (ages 8, 8, and 5), and we we'll be there 5 days in mid-May.

I'm figuring on lots of beach time/swimming/snorkeling of course, but anything else that we should do? I would be up for Dad of the year if I could show my daughters some dolphins swimming, so thinking about some kind of boat excursion for a day.

We'll have a sitter, so my wife and I are sneaking out for a dinner at Mama's Fish House, probably my favorite restaurant in the whole world. Taking the crew to the luau at the Sheraton one of the nights.

Anything else not to miss? Should we bother renting a car or just shuttle/cab it? My wife and I have done the road to Hana, and don't think it would be up the kids collective alleys. Haleakala volcano?
Definitely need a car if you're going to Mamas. Can probably just do a 1 day rental or something though. If you're hanging around Kaan./Lahaina won't need one. Need to check out the sunset torch lighting at Black Rock (Sheraton). Been a while but that Sheraton used to have awesome burger specials at their pool bar for lunch. There's a Bubba Gumps in Lahaina - kids usually enjoy those.

Go on Hotwire for your car rental- you should be able to get one for around $20/day. Whoever mentioned Paia is right on- check out the windsurfers & kiteboarders from the cliffs, awesome scenery and only five minutes from Mama's Fish House. Paia Fish Market is very kickback with great food. The kids may also like Cheeseburger in Paradise as well, great views right on the water and a short walk to Banyan Tree Park

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SoCalBadger

#19

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Posts: 1941

April 19, 2012 12:00 PM

Concur with others about "Maui Revealed." They do these guidebooks for all of the islands, and Marvene and I have been using them for two decades. Great ideas on activities and very good info on restaurants.

I also vote for Haleakala during the day. I think the 8 year would like the drive and the view once they get to the summit. IKf it's a clear day, you can actually see a couple of the volcanos on the Big Island from the top.The kids will also like the Pacific Whale Foundation tours. There is also an aquarium between Kaanapali and Waialuku, right before the Kihei turn-off. Pretty good story of the islands and the reefs that surround them. Plus a big pool of sharks. Kids love sharks.

Mama's is a great place for a meal, but it's a hike from Kaanapali. We like Kimo's in Lahaina as well as David Paul. And then there's always Cheeseburger in Paradise right onthe water in Lahaina. Great view, good food but the place is a little dumpy these days.

We'll be there in a week. Have fun.

--------------
The Democrats are the party that says government will make you smarter, taller, richer, and remove the crabgrass on your lawn. The Republicans are the party that says government doesn't work and then they get elected and prove it.
P. J. O'Rourke

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CVBucky

#20

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Posts: 839

April 19, 2012 12:08 PM

Haleakala is good idea - though I might quibble with having kids that young ride the bikes down as it can get a little steep in some areas. It's definitely worth it to see the sun come up over the volcano.

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