My sister and brother-in-law were celebrating their wedding anniversary with a trip to Hawaii - and very graciously invited me along. Not that we didn't have a good time together (we always do) but to me, Hawaii was one of those "OK I've seen it. Cross it off my bucket list but have no desire to return" trips.
To be honest, my enthusiasm was dampened by the fact I was in an immobilizer walking cast which was very heavy and tiring to be walking in. My sister had planned quite a few activities that involved a lot of walking so I was forced to sit out of them. Which was perfectly OK with me as I've never had a problem with entertaining myself while the two of them did what they wanted to.
Hi, I'm Pat and welcome to my blog, Life's A Trip!
I love traveling, food and getting a great deal on anything - which is what this blog is about.
I'll share not only my travel destinations including accommodations, dining hot spots, and top (and weird!) travel attractions with you - but how to make any trip more budget friendly.
It was their anniversary trip after all and I also wanted them to be able to have some alone time together without me being a third wheel.
Don't get me wrong...Hawaii and its scenery and people are beautiful. But it's uber expensive to visit. A gallon of milk back then (2012) cost $8! Understandable in that everything has to be brought in, the Hawaiian Islands being islands. But the exorbitant prices for everything was somewhat off putting to me as well.
My sister did an excellent job of saving us $$ where she could as she's even more of a globetrotter than I am and a travel discount diva like I am so did a great job in planning the trip with cost savings in mind.
flying into hawaii
We flew into Seattle the night before our flight to Maui so had a chance to explore Seattle a bit. To get to Hawaii, we flew Hawaiian Airlines into Maui. Hands down the classiest airline I've ever flown on.
Unlike our mainland airlines, the flight attendants were friendly and bent over backwards to give passengers top notch service, the seats were comfortable and passengers weren't treated like cattle. I highly recommend flying Hawaiian Airlines.
Maui has three airports, but only one, Kahului Airport (OGG), has facilities to accommodate direct flights from the U.S. mainland.
Kahului Airport is located between Haleakala and the West Maui Mountains, three miles east of the town of Kahului. The airport services domestic overseas and interisland commercial service, and commuter/air taxi and general aviation operations, including helicopter operations.
Kahului Airport
Flying into Kahului can be a bit overwhelming if it's your first time there, so I'll walk you through it.
The airport features two terminals: the main terminal, where the majority of commercial flights depart and arrive; and the smaller commuter terminal with just two gates for local flight.
Luckily, Kahului Airport isn’t a maze like other larger airports.
When you get off your plane, follow the signs to baggage claim.
If you need to change or use the restroom, facilities are available along the way to baggage claim. The terminals are open air, so you’ll feel the change in weather temperature and humidity immediately after deboarding the plane. Also, do not be surprised to see birds flying overhead in the airport...or sitting in various spots...or just wandering around like lost tourists. Hawaiians don't mind birds being in their airport.
You're in Hawaii now... just relax and take up birdwatching while you're waiting for your luggage to slide down the baggage carousel.
From your gate, you’ll eventually reach the airport’s central building. Look for a circular, open air room (rotunda). You’ll find Starbucks and several gift shops in this space.
Main terminal rotunda
After you reach the central building, take the escalator, stairs, or elevator down one level to the baggage claim area.
Just before you reach baggage claim, you’ll pass the airport greeting area. If you’ve arranged a lei greeting or car service that meets you at the baggage claim, you’ll find them either here or in the baggage claim area.
Find your bags on the luggage conveyor belt that displays your flight number. There’s no need to rush — it can take a while for luggage to start coming out of the baggage claim chute. Hopefully not long enough that the birds start nesting in it.
Once you’ve collected your bags, head to the designated spot for your chosen mode of transportation.
AGRICULTURAL ITEMS
Airline passengers are prohibited from entering or departing from OGG with certain agricultural items, which may harbor pests or disease. As such, passengers may be subject to inspection prior to landing at or departing from Kahului Airport.
Incoming airline passengers arriving at OGG airport must declare plants, animals, and agricultural items prior to leaving airport grounds. Your airline will distribute and collect the required declaration form while in-flight, prior to landing on the island. It only takes a couple of minutes to fill the form out.
HERE'S WHERE TO GO TO FIND YOUR RIDE
Rideshare: If you’re booking a ride with a rideshare company such as Uber, Lyft, or locally based holoholo, Kahului Airport has set aside a designated zone for such pickups. From the baggage claim area, walk to the curbside pickup area and turn right. Look for the rideshare pickup signs. You’ll find the rideshare pickup area where the road bends.
Rental car: To pick up a car rental from an onsite rental car agency, you’ll need to make your way to CONRAC — Kahului Airport’s Consolidated Rent-A-Car Facility. It’s an 8-minute walk to the center, but most visitors find taking the tram more convenient. From the baggage claim area, walk across the road to the tram pickup area. Step aboard the green airport tram to make the short journey to the CONRAC building and pick up your car.
Green trolly to Rent-A-Car center
Curbside pickup: If you’ve arranged for a friend or car service to pick you up curbside, simply walk out of the baggage claim area and onto the sidewalk. Curbside pickup lies directly outside of the baggage claim area.
Shuttle and taxi service: Both the Maui Airport Shuttle Service counter and taxi booth are located at the baggage claim area.
INTERNET ACCESS
The airport offers free WiFi access when using your own device. Connect to the network OGG Free
Wi-Fi.
LUGGAGE CARTS
If you weren't paying attention in my Travel Tips section *WINK* and need a luggage cart, they're available near the baggage claim area for a fee.
BIRDS
The airport is open air, meaning expect to see birds sharing the airport with you. In fact, the Hawaiians seem to have a thing for their birds roaming freely anywhere. More than once we had to stop the car as flocks of chickens and other fowl crossed the road and even sat in the middle of it.
ACCOMMODATIONS
My sister was on the ball when she booked our accommodations, booking condo units directly from the owners of the units vs. hotels. We stayed in the Kaanapali area.
The first condo was an upstairs/downstairs arrangement with full kitchens in both units and laundry facilities.
Both units were very nice.
The second set of condos were in a resort-type complex set amidst gorgeous tropical gardens.
There was a walkway that lead to a swimming pool, tennis court, large lawn area with lounge chairs where you had a distant view of the ocean and a restaurant.
Neither were oceanfront which saved us a few bucks and since they too had full kitchens, we saved a bundle doing most of our cooking ourselves.
Depending on where you stay in Hawaii, the price of a hotel room currently starts around $200 per night and increases from there - so the condos were much more economical.
dining
Feast at Lele Luau
If you’re looking for an upscale Maui luau, then the Feast at Lele is one of the best choices. For starters, you will get a mai tai in your hands and a lei of Kukui tree nuts around your neck as soon as you arrive. Plus, instead of a typical buffet, it features a five-course, sit-down dinner - each entree from a different culture: Samoa, Polynesia, etc.
You'll also see the traditional costumes and dances from those same cultures.
The food was delicious, the drinks to die for and every minute of the luau itself was captivating. The luau is held on a beach at sunset which makes it even more spectacular.
Situated just off Front Street, behind the shops at 505 at the southern end of the town. The Luau is literally down on the beach. It is the sister Luau to the highly rated Old Lahaina Luau and offers a slightly different take on the Luau experience. It still has most of the various elements, just mixed up in a different order.
Here the focus is on the food and drink. A 5-course meal is served at the table and handcrafted cocktails, craft beers, or wine is brought to you from the open bar. The show runs through the meal with different dance presentations from various Polynesian Cultures that match the differing courses.
It’s an interesting take and the food is very high-end, making this a pretty unique experience and one that really suits people who have been to a Luau before and are looking for a different experience. It also appeals to adventurous food lovers, those looking for something different from pretty bland buffet food served up at most Luaus.
Of course, the fire dance finale was the highlight of the luau. One of the young fire dancers came over to say hello to us. (He had scarring from a huge burn almost all the way down one leg.) Turns out, this kid was an actual PRINCE and had begun learning to fire dance at the age of 5. He was very interesting to talk to.
But if you want the best luau in Maui, then attend the Feast at Lele.
Reservations are a must.
UPDATE: The Feast at Lele building was destroyed in the Maui fires. However, they are hoping to rebuild but as of this writing it doesn't look as though they have.
Old Lahaina Luau Fire Update
Mama's Fish House
We celebrated Barb and Dave's anniversary at Mama's Fish House. This is a once-in-a-lifetime, over the top dining experience. Very pricey, long wait for reservations (3 to 6 months) but the food and service is out of this world.
(It's the only restaurant I've been in that as soon as I laid my napkin on the table, a server was right there to refold it!)
Everything was so fresh that if you order seafood they even tell you when it was caught and who caught it. But we'll start with the appetizer...Tahitian Ceviche (Ono marinated in lime and coconut milk in a fresh coconut - and you know how much I love ceviche!).
Ceviche
Stuffed Mahimahi
EUPHORIA in a coconut shell. If that was the only thing I ate at Mama's that night I would've left happy.
Flavors that were mind boggling. Bravo!
Mama’s famous Stuffed Mahimahi (stuffed with lobster, crab, and baked in a macadamia nut crust) is what put Mama's on the map so of course, I had to try it.
Normally I'm not a big fan of fish but the stuffed Mahimahi was out of this world. Our waiter told me that my Mahimahi was caught fresh that morning by local fisherman Kamaki Everett outside his homeport of Hana Bay.
(My undying gratitude to you, Kamaki Everett!)
The Mahimahi is stuffed with lobster, crab, and baked in a macadamia nut crust.
It's served with rice, and a couple spears of asparagus as well as a lemon wedge.
It was so good it actually
encouraged me to become more of a fish eater.
The chef even sent out complimentary dessert to Barb and Dave in honor of their anniversary!
The stunning views of Kū‘au Bay on the North Shore invite you into the restaurant. It's more like an oasis than beachfront restaurant. There's an upscale inn connected to the restaurant as well.
Mama's Fish House is a definite MUST DO if you're visiting Maui.
The Branches
I wasn't sure whether to put The Branches under dining or attractions because in a sense, it's both!
Kind of...
Enjoy live music and alfresco experience nightly with refreshing cocktails and delicious grazing boards set under the branches of iconic 100 year old tree. It's technically not a restaurant, it's a nightly entertainment hot spot that serves great charcuterie boards.
The Branches is part of the Royal Lahaina Resort. Shows are live from 6 to 9 p.m.
You do need reservations.
2780 Kekaa Dr, Lahaina, HI
Duke's Beach House
If you're hanging out on Kaanapali Beach, give Duke's Beach House a try for breakfast or lunch.
Duke's Eggs Benedict
I'm an Eggs Benedict afficianado so ordered Duke's Eggs Benedict.
It was good enough that I cleaned my plate! Or maybe it was that ocean air, sitting in the open air portion of the restaurant?
Either way, the Eggs Benedict were good as was the view.
Duke's specializes in locally sourced, contemporary island flavors and handcrafted cocktails.
Food Truck Parks
Don't forget food trucks, especially if you're a family visiting Maui and want good food of different cuisines for an average price of $18 per plate.
Fellow bloggers, Jordan and Erica Fromholz did a very informative blog post: 5 Best Maui Food Truck Parks and the following video:
attractions
Trilogy's Discover Ka'anapali Tour
The highlight of the trip for me was the Trilogy SNUBA and snorkeling half day tour - although due to a chest injury they forbid me from doing SNUBA at the last minute and my sister had a cold so she couldn't go either. But it was my bro-in-law that I wanted to get the chance to try it since he'd never done it or any scuba diving like I had. (He was pretty reluctant at first)
But by the time he surfaced, he was like "WAHOO! I LOVED IT!" and the instructor made him feel right at ease.
I bought him a special T shirt to commemorate his first SNUBA experience. I was so proud of him for overcoming his fear and giving it a shot.
While he was doing the SNUBA thing, my sister and I contented ourselves with snorkeling, which was fantastic in itself - plenty of different fish to see, sea turtles, sea urchins, even a moray eel.
The Trilogy boats are large catamarans with 2 decks, upper and lower. Yes, they have restrooms.
The catamarans look brand new and guests are invited to help the crew raise the sails.
A homemade breakfast of cinnamon rolls was served as soon as we got aboard and enroute. After snorkeling a really delicious lunch was served - grilled chicken, rice, salad and bread.
My one criticism of Trilogy was that they had months to tell me they wouldn't allow me to dive as I'd informed them that I was recovering from a chest wall injury but that I'd been scuba diving since the injury. They waited until I was standing on the dock ready to board the catamaran to tell me they wouldn't aloow me to dive. They could have and should have told me months earlier when I inquired if that injury would prevent me from diving. I thought that was pretty underhanded of them.
Trilogy offers a variety of different tours that aren't just snorkeling or SNUBA either. They have a sunset dinner sail, a whale watching trip, a sunset sail and more.
Check out their website
The Road to Hana
RULE #1 - DO NOT BE AN IDIOT AND ATTEMPT TO DRIVE THE ROAD TO HANA YOURSELF! BOOK A GUIDED TOUR WITH AN EXPERIENCED DRIVER! (Unless you have a serious death wish...)
Much of the Road to Hana is ONE LANE (including one lane bridges) with room for one vehicle and often there are steep drop off's to the water. If you don't know what you're doing, you'll have to BACK all the way down the road until you find a spot where you and the other vehicle can pass each other. Do yourself a huge favor and take the Road to Hana with a tour company.
The trip is an all day trip and you want to start early morning to complete the trail by dark. It takes around 7 hours to complete the Road to Hana. If you're going to drive the Road yourself, you don't want to plan too many stops. If you want to do a lot of stops plan on spending the night in Hana and completing the trip the next day.
We booked a tour company that served us a very good breakfast and then we were on our way in a large passenger van. The tour guide was skillful at navigating the road while giving us information about the different things we were seeing.
There are a few stops you do want to make. One of them is at Aunty Sandy's for some fresh baked, hot banana bread.
Palapala Ho'omau Church is another stop you want to make. It's the site of Charles Lindbergh's grave and a quaint little church. The flowers alone in the adjacent park were breathtaking and you can picnic there.
For DIY drivers: To get there, drive eight miles south of Hana just past the 41 mile marker and turn left when you see a sign for Maui Stables. Stay to the left and you'll see the church a little further down the road. When you arrive, make sure to take a look at the window painting inside the church, which shows a Polynesian Christ dressed in feather capes that were normally reserved for Hawaii's highest chiefs.
If you're on a guided tour, your tour vehicle will most likely stop at this church.
Waterfalls you can swim in
Set amidst lush bamboo forests, there are several waterfalls on the Road to Hana that you can swim in. The top 3 favorites are:
Seven Sacred Pools (‘Ohe’o Gulch)
The Seven Sacred Pools, also known as the ‘Ohe’o Gulch, is a wonderful spot to explore. Located at the heart of Maui’s Haleakala National Park, the Seven Sacred Pools are a series of waterfalls that are truly magical. Hike on the 2-mile Pipiwai Trail and witness a breathtaking bamboo jungle and dramatic cliffs. Then, bathe in the two lower pools and find a nice spot to share a picnic with your loved ones!
Tip: Obey the signs and avoid swimming if you don’t see any other swimmers in the water!
Upper Puohokamoa Falls
Located near mile marker 12 on the Road to Hana, Upper Puohokamoa Falls is a real gem worth a stop. The falls are just two minutes from the road, so you can take a break from your road trip and go for a nice swim. If you have more time and are feeling adventurous, make your way up the left side of the falls and hike to some other hidden pools. If you visit during the high season, you will even see gorgeous ginger blooms!
Waikamoi Stream and Waterfalls
If you are on a quest to discover the most stunning places on the island of Maui, then Waikamoi Stream should be on your list! The scenery is out of this world, with black rock walls covered in exotic plants. Also located on the Road to Hana, Waikamoi Stream is a popular spot you don’t want to miss. It’s the second-largest waterfall and pool on the island! You can easily find this heavenly place near marker 10. Swim to the cave or sit on the rocks right under the waterfall and let the stream fall over you!
Waiʻānapanapa State Park
Thanks to its stunning scenery, Wai’anapanapa State Park is one of the most famous Road to Hana Stops. Here, you’ll find a lava tube, a black sand beach, sea arches, a blow hole, camping sites, and hiking trails with panoramic views of the East Maui coast.
There are plenty of little unique places to stop and eat along the Road to Hana.
I don't remember the exact name of where our tour stopped for lunch but I think it was the
Garden Grove Cafe?
You'll also see the locations of the mansions of Hollywood celebs on the Road to Hana - Woody Harrelson, Oprah Winfrey, etc.
Lahaina
Lahaina is famous for its picturesque waterfront, charming historic buildings, and lively Front Street, which is lined with shops, restaurants, and galleries. The town offers an exciting mix of history and natural beauty.
Sadly this beautiful little historic town was burned to the ground when the cabal hit it with DEW in a land grab for Maui land.
In addition to reducing much of the region to rubble, the blaze also scorched the town’s beloved banyan tree, which had just turned 150 years old.
Lahaina's 150 year old Banyan tree
Thankfully in the years since the fire, the tree is healing and sprouting new growth.
The Lahaina Historic District is a treasure trove of history.
This district played a significant role in Hawaii’s whaling industry during the 19th century. You can take guided tours that provide deeper insights into the life of early settlers. Knowledgeable guides share interesting anecdotes that bring the history to life.
The historical monuments that were preserved are an excellent opportunity for photo ops.
EXPLORE THE OLD LAHAINA PRISON
Hale Pa'ahao, loosely translated as "stuck in irons house", was built in Lahaina in 1853 to lock up troublesome sailors who did not return to their ships at sundown. Built partially of coral and enforcing punishments like "flogging, food reduction or head shaving" for violating the rules, the prison is now open for tours to visitors and residents alike.
Click here for tour information and more history on the prison.
Address: 183 Prison St, Lahaina, HI
BLACK ROCK TORCH LIGHTING & CLIFF DIVING CEREMONY
Each night, The Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa in Kaanapali shares a treasured piece of Hawaiian history with the island—a traditional cliff dive or lele kawa - an elusive ceremony.
The Hawaiians were the first people to do cliff diving. Chief Kahekili, a monumental king of Maui and Oahu during the 1700s, popularized lele kawa and gained respect from his warriors by being one of the first to jump off the lava flow just outside of the resort’s 23-acre property of present-day.
Legend said he dove heights of 200 to 300 feet, but his dive at Puu Kekaa, commonly called Black Rock, was significant because others were afraid to jump at this eerie location. Why eerie?
Hawaiians believe Black Rock is a portal to the ancestral realm, that the deceased jump into the afterlife there.
During the 18th century, only royalty could step onto the pristine area of beach adjacent to Puu Kekaa. Today the significance of the 16-foot dive from here is obscured by the throngs of visitors who frequent the area to indulge in some of the best snorkeling the island has to offer. However, Kainalu the divers strive to keep the history alive each night by recreating Chief Kahekili’s famous actions.
Twice a week, a cliff diver begins the ceremony by blowing the conch shell to the four directions of the earth. Then he imagines himself making the offering to the gods as he sprints barefoot up the jagged, volcanic rock, lights the torches that trace the westernmost point of lava flow on Maui, and ultimately dives headfirst into the abyss.
The Sheraton provides live music at the Cliff Dive Grill before and after the ceremony, with guided historical narration in between. The sunset ceremony lasts 10 minutes and costs nothing to attend.
2605 Kaanapali Parkway, Lahaina, Maui
VISIT THE FARMER'S MARKET
Take a stroll through the Napili Farmers Market.
The Napili Farmers Market offers fresh Maui-grown produce, as well as locally-made, unique products, such as Hawaiian honey, fresh juices, cultured macadamia nut spreads and dressing…along with handmade jewelry, artisan crafted organic kombucha, baked goodies, essential oils, organic and naturally leavened bread, locally sourced hot sauce, and live Hawaiian music.
Hours of operation: 8 am-12 noon Wednesday & Saturdays
4900 Honoapiilani Hwy. Lahaina
EXPERIENCE ALI'L MAUI OUTRIGGER CANOES
I had to sit this one out due to my leg being in an immobilizer but I watched my sister and brother-in-law go outrigger canoeing. We'd stopped just to look at this little beach and came across 2 Hawaiian guys who were on the beach with their outrigger. When they learned it was my sister and brother-in-law's anniversary they very kindly offered to take them out in their canoe.
They thoroughly enjoyed the ride.
Join an outrigger canoe tour with Ali’i Maui Outrigger Canoes for a taste of authentic Hawaiian culture. This fun activity combines exciting paddling with stunning ocean views. It’s suitable for all ages and skill levels.
You’ll not only paddle, but also learn about the ocean’s significance to the Hawaiian people.
Safety is a priority, and life jackets are provided. Each canoe holds a small group.
Address: Ali’i Maui Outrigger Canoe, Lahaina
MAUI OCEAN CENTER
I've seen a lot of aquariums in my day but the Maui Ocean Center was definitely one of the best of them.
When you enter the aquarium building you'll come upon the LIving Reef exhibit which is phenomenal and includes just about any type of tropical fish, coral, anemones, etc.
The Open Ocean Exhibit features over 50 species of fish, including various sharks and rays, with a regularly updated population. A unique underwater tunnel allows visitors a 360-degree view, providing a close encounter with the ocean’s biodiversity. The exhibit includes Hawaiian broad stingrays, known as “lupe,” and diverse shark and fish species.
This was my favorite part of the aquarium.
The Ocean Center also offers a variety of immersive experiences like diving with sharks, a behind the scenes tour, Aquar-Om yoga, Hawaiian culture and plant tour, snorkeling tours and a sleepover with sharks experience.
Visit their website for more information
oahu & pearl harbor
I'm about to give a very objective review of Pearl Harbor here that is in no way meant to disrespect our veterans that lost their lives there. I had an uncle (one of the doctors) that was stationed at Pearl Harbor the day it was attacked and who treated many of the injured. So no disrespect intended.
When you arrive at the front entrance to Pearl Harbor you will go through a ridiculous amount of security.
Once inside, walk nearly straight ahead to the Ticket & Information booth. You will pay for your admission there and will get a wristband that shows you've paid your admission so you can go in and out of Pearl without having to go through security every time.
At the Audio Tour booth right next door to the Ticket & Information booth pick up an audio tour of Pearl because there are no tour guides at Pearl unless you've privately hired your own tour guide. (With the adio tour available you don't need to do that.)
Then walk to your left to the Exhibits Gallery. There are two large galleries containing a ton of WWII exhibits, most pertaining to Pearl Harbot itself. Explanations of them are included in the audio tour.
After you've toured the exhibits, walk over to the Memorial Theater. You'll be required to watch a short movie about the bombing of Pearl Harbor before you can board the ferry to take you to the Arizona Memorial.
As I said before, no disrespect intended but if you like being overwhelmed by the smell of fuel/oil while
seeing nothing more than this...
For me, the experience was in a word, underwhelming.
I got far more out of hearing my uncle's firsthand stories of being there at the time the attack took place than viewing a rusty whatever that thing is.
(You see none of the actual ship itself.)
Apart from that, there's a stone wall with the names of those who died etched into it...but that's it.
I got much more out of watching the video below of the interior of the ship being explored...
After visiting the Arizona, we headed over to the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum. This video will give you a better tour than me describing the Bowfin to you and will give you a visual of what the Bowfin interior looked like.
Then we headed over to the USS Missouri. I was still in my leg immobilizer and touring the Bowfin had pretty much worn me out so I sat out the tour of the Missouri because so much climbing up and down was involved.
While my sister and a couple of her friends who'd joined us toured the Missouri, I grabbed some lunch at more of a snack tent than an actual restaurant.
I did go outside the main entrance where I spoke to some of the military personnel stationed at Pearl. They gave me a good tip - don't leave valuables in your car at Pearl when you park it as cars in the lots have been being burglarized.
There are lockers to the right of the main entrance where you can store your stuff for a minimal rental fee.
Would I visit Pearl Harbor a second time? No. Once you've seen it, you've seen it and it sounded like there were a lot more interesting things to see in Honolulu.
It will take you a full day to get through Pearl Harbor and see everything.
