My husband and I are trying to decide where to go on our "babymoon" in September and Maui is shaping up to be the leading contender.
For anyone who has been to Maui, what area is best to stay in? I want somewhere with a really nice beach as my plan is basically to relax on the beach and really take it easy, (I'll be 23 weeks at that point.)
Any specific hotel recommendations? Any and all input and advice is welcome.
Thanks ladies!
grapefruit / 4545 posts
We honeymooned in Maui...
We choose the Grand Wailea Resort...it was amazing.
We did drive up to Lahaina/Kapalua twice but otherwise enjoyed the Wailea area.
We did a snorkle expedition with turtles - it was pretty cool.
For food - loved the Italian place at the four seasons, Merrimans (Kapalua) and Maui Taco (nice and CHEAP!).
pomegranate / 3768 posts
Maui is one of my favorite places! We stayed in Kaanapali and we loved snorkeling by Black Rock and we got to see giant seat turtles there. You MUST go to the Grand Wailea Spa!!
honeydew / 7917 posts
http://boards.hellobee.com/topic/recommendations-for-places-to-visit-in-maui
I went last year for my babymoon, and Maui was amazing! I will come back and write more later when I have more time.
pomegranate / 3032 posts
We went on our honeymoon in 2010 we stayed at the royal lahaina it was wonderful, quiet and they had a great breakfast that was included in our package. They also do a nightly luau, a little cheesy but a classic.
The road to hana was long but a lot of fun.
The town of lahaina is a great place to walk around and do some shopping. Lahaina Grill was a fantastic dinner out.
In kapalua there's a great restaurant Sensei and its also where you can pick up the tours for pineapple picking
honeydew / 7463 posts
Nice! That's a great babymoon, Love Maui!
Agree with 2 places that were already mentioned - Lahaina Grill and Merrimans. 2 of the best meals we've ever had (and we live in NYC and eat out weekly!) Lahaina is also a nice drive and nice to walk around.
Also liked Mamas Fish House a lot. Try to make a reservation well before you go and ask for a table with a view at sunset 
We stayed at the Four Seasons which was wonderful, but heard that the Grand Wailea next door was great too, I just heard its a bit more kid friendly. So not sure if that's what you want on babymoon 
We did Road to Hana but only did halfway. It was a long day NOT pregnant, so I would think the full thing would be really tough while pregnant. I am 25 weeks now and wouldn't want to do it personally. Plus there's hiking and slightly dangerous stuff along the way. I'm a scaredy cat though. There was some amazing homemade banana bread along the way though
I'll post again if I remember more.
pineapple / 12053 posts
maui is awesome! we have stayed in paia and kihei at rentals, not hotels. big beach is fun and kaanapali is good for just lounging.
go to sensei for the early bird specials and get dynamite shrimp. yum.
hostess / papaya / 10540 posts
You HAVE to get this book: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0971727996?pc_redir=1402462057&robot_redir=1
Dude knows what he's talking about for everything, food, hotels, you name it! You might want to even see if your local library has a copy.
cherry / 148 posts
I've been to Maui about a dozen times. For a relaxing time on a nice beach(es) I'd say the Wailea-Makena area can't be beat. Obviously the nicest hotel in that area is the Four Seasons if budget allows. Then there is Fairmont Kea Lani and Grand Wailea (the latter is not for me - too big and resort-y). I also like the Marriott there because it's probably the cheapest resort option in Wailea aside from Makena Beach & Golf Resort.
The Ritz in the Kapalua area is beautiful! I fell in love with the resort grounds when I made a day trip to the area but the beaches are not as nice as the ones found in Wailea (still really pretty but not as big or sandy and harder to swim in). Also, Kapalua is kinda far from everything.. but if your plan is to just relax, there is nothing wrong with Kapalua.
Personally I'd stay away from The Westin, Hyatt and Sheraton in Kaanapali because it's a lot more crowded and touristy in that area. Many people do love it though.
Boogs is right on with her book rec. I've been to every major Hawaiian island and have his guide book for each island.
As for Road to Hana.. As some posters have mentioned... it is a must do, but I'm not sure if you were pregnant.. when I took my girlfriends there, all four of us got motion sick at some point just due to the sheer number of curves and bends in the road (something like 600+ in a 50 mile stretch of road?) That was the first time in my life that I got motion sick as the driver. It certainly is beautiful but maybe take it easy with the drive if you were to go through with it.
kiwi / 533 posts
Westin; second to none !!!! amazing. Not busy at all when we went in October. The pool/beach area is the best out there!!
Road to Hana, Old Lahani luau, Haleakala sunrise...
We are thinking about going back again this year, same spot, same everything.
nectarine / 2636 posts
@mrs bunchy: we stayed at the Westin too! Great pool areas! Loved being close to Whaler's Village and Black Rock.
Great snorkeling at black Rock and honolua bay. Get you gear at Snorkel Bobs for the whole time your there. We upgraded our equipment and it was totally worth it.
grapefruit / 4903 posts
@Boogs: That's the same book I read before going! Seconded!
I stayed at the Grand Wailea and really enjoyed it, but if I were going for a babymoon, I think I'd look at the Four Seasons too. I loved a helicopter tour we did of the island, and I agree with Lahaina Grill suggestions.
apricot / 398 posts
We went to Maui for our honeymoon and stayed at the Ritz Carlton. I absolutely loved it! It's a beautiful hotel and the service is outstanding. I also highly recommend Mama's Fish House!
hostess / papaya / 10540 posts
@rattles: We used an older version, but it was still crazy helpful!
Mmm I just thought, you must get pie from Leoda's! And eat at Star Noodle, especially the dessert. Oh and The Fish Market in Lahaina, grab something to have for lunch on the beach. As for where to stay, we actually went the condo route.
apricot / 403 posts
We also honeymooned in Maui and stayed at the Four Seasons in Wailea. It was beautiful and soooo nice but probably hard to do if you're on a budget.
Old Lahaina Luau was a fun experience. Other stuff to do.. previous posters already mentioned. No matter what you do, I think you'll really enjoy it. Hard to go wrong in Hawaii!
kiwi / 600 posts
@Chillybear: yes! Sensei is a fabulous recommendation. Ate one of the best meals of my honeymoon there!!
I'd also recommend a helicopter tour and catamaran sunset cruise. Both were breathtaking and the highlights of our honeymoon.
bananas / 9227 posts
Dang, more pictures, please. I'm way too far away from anything tropical to go anytime soon 
cantaloupe / 6634 posts
DH and I are going in July for a belated honeymoon (we got married in July.) You must go get pancakes at the gazebo. They make macadamia nut pancakes with coconut whipped cream. Order to go as the line is nuts and eat by the pool. Oh, and if you are feeling especially adventurous, don't turn around in Hana but go all the way around the island. You will see so many ecosystems (ones you wouldn't even imagine in Hawaii.) It will take the whole day. Oh and the banana bread sold on the side of the road in Hana is amazing.
grapefruit / 4584 posts
The Four Seasons was fantastic! The Road to Hana was breathtaking - worth it to go to the end; just be sure you're back before dark as the drive gets more difficult at night. I did the little hikes along the way with a 10 wk old strapped to me so think you could also manage it pregnant
I did a helicopter tour on Kauai rather than Maui but I'm sure it's equally amazing there. If you want to take photos, doors off is the way to go!
nectarine / 2031 posts
Perfect timing going maui tomorrow a.m.! Staying at the westin this time!
honeydew / 7235 posts
We loved Wailea - stayed at the Fairmount Kea Lani and I thought it was fantastic!!
Check out the Paia Fish Market for the best fish tacos ever!!!!
wonderful pomelo / 30692 posts
@Boogs: Totally concur! That books is AMAZING!!! And it has a bunch of "off the beaten path" type of things to visit! Our favorite favorite favorite spot was the twin tide pools that was a small hike to get to and no one else was there! It was AMAZING!
We did the sunrise bike tour at Haleakala which was AMAZING, a luau, a helicoptor ride (which was our favorite), ziplining (which I dont' think you can do pregnant, haha), the road to Hana, and then just a bunch of beach days! Have fun!!!
honeydew / 7463 posts
@Meowkers: I thought of something else -
Kihei Cafe was great for breakfast. It's sort of divey but it's let's of locals and one of our favorite memories in Hawaii. Excellent breakfast and they have these cold/frozen coffee drinks in flavors like Hawaiian snickers, almond Joy, etc. We were dying when we drank them. Heaven in a glass.
There is a line but it moves quickly. Tables are all outside under a covered area and is across the street from a beach (Kalama Beach I think). So we walked over there after and sat on rocks and read the paper and watched all of the surfers and paddle boarders...the water was full of them.
Really cool morning!
grapefruit / 4545 posts
Just a couple more comments on activities...
We did the road to hana (all the way around) and I had previously done the early morning bike ride down haleakala, both were amazing experiences but I am not so sure I would have enjoyed them pregnant.
The road to hana is amazing but incredible tense and stressful. Like handle gripping for 8 hours straight. The back side was more relaxed but the first 3-4 hours were nail biters!
Haleakala was awesome - but my balances was sub par when pregnant and I am not sure I would have been comfortable riding for so long.
Also - both these activities had limited restroom resources...which would have been an issue for PG me! Just my two cents!
persimmon / 1404 posts
We stayed at the Hyatt in Ka'anapali for a week, then the Ritz Carlton for a second one. Both were amazing options! The Ritz was very relaxing.
persimmon / 1364 posts
Ladies you are all AWESOME! I sooo appreciate all of these suggestions and comments.
I'm guessing a car rental is an absolute must? Did you all find that you spent more time on the beach or by the pool. Some of the hotels have kind of unimpressive pools but I figure it doesn't matter much since the beaches are amazing. right?
@yin: did you end up doing the road to Hana while pregnant?
My husband is super adventurous and normally I am pretty adventrrous as well so I would hate to prevent us from doing something we would otherwise love to do, especially if it's doable. I don't want to be a baby about stuff. I've already told him though that while I'm up for small, easy hikes, anything that's strenuous, up hill or in the open sun is out.
wonderful pomelo / 30692 posts
@Meowkers: Get a convertible if you can! We did priceline's name your price and got a great deal on a convertible!
We spent more time at the beach. I don't think I spent anytime at a pool!
persimmon / 1404 posts
@Meowkers: Definitely rent a car while on Maui.. You will need it! We rented a convertible Jeep and it was so much fun! We spent more time at a pools than at the beach because the loungers were more comfortable and we could get served drinks & food poolside.
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