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A traveler asks about things to do for her older parents and friends who will be visiting Maui and staying in Ka'anapali.

Mark Says:

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Open Eye Tours - This is a one-man show, and Barry (the tour guide) really knows the island and, since it is such a personalized operation he can (and actually specializes in) catering to the specific needs of his customers. He will talk to your folks and determine what it is they like, and their hiking/walking ability and take them to appropriate places. There are many places where you can do mostly driving tours if your folks don't like to or can’t walk distances. His tours really are perfect for really just about anyone because he designs each tour around the needs and wants of his customers!

Reef Dancer - This is a good choice if your folks won't/can't snorkel. If they will snorkel, then I suggest renting gear at Boss Frogs - it's cheaper and, frankly I think you see more snorkeling - but if they're not the snorkeling type, then the Reef Dancer's a great chance to see the underwater world that they would otherwise miss.

Pacific Whale Foundation - I think you said they were coming before whale season (December is the start) - if I'm wrong, a whale watch is mandatory! Otherwise a sunset cruise is a really great thing to do - and they have one that leaves from Lahaina which is close to Ka'anapali. They have a couple different ones - including a dinner cruise. Everything the PWF does comes highly recommended. Plus ALL of the profits go towards marine conservation projects.

Down to Earth - If your folks like to eat health food, Down to Earth should be a mandatory stop - they will pass it when they come from the airport. It's on Dairy Rd. right after they pass the intersection with Hana Hwy, on the right-hand side. They should stop in there and get some groceries for the condo and get the free smoothie (they're REALLY good!) Now, on the other hand, if health food isn't their deal, they should skip Down To Earth because it's kind of pricey and there are mainstream supermarkets on the way to and just past Ka'anapali. They won’t be quite as expensive, but if they’ve never grocery shopped on Maui, well…[prices here] more closely resemble the Disneyland concession pricing structure!

Bada Bing - They'll probably make it down to South Maui at least a couple times. Bada Bing comes highly recommended if they like Italian food.

CJ's Deli - This is in Ka'anapali, as the name suggests it's casual, but the food is great, and it can't be beat for a bite after the beach, or to grab the "Hana box lunch" (which they can take anywhere...not just Hana!)

David Paul's - In Lahanai. This is one of the best restaurants on Maui. [It was voted "The Best In Maui" for more years in a row than I'm counting!] The best restaurants don't have to (and usually won't) give discounts - we're really fortunate to have David Paul's in the guide. [Your folks] should definitely check them out!

Royal Ocean Terrace at the Royal Lahaina Resort - I haven't eaten here yet, but I have heard nice things about them. I've also heard rave reviews about the Luau there. The discount they have given is EXTREMELY generous - so I don't think this should be missed. Your folks should let me know what they think! It is also in Lahaina.

Surfing Goat Dairy - If they like Goat cheese, or would just like to tour a real gourmet goat-cheese dairy, this is an awesome place to go. The discounts in the book honestly won't knock their socks off, but mainly it's because getting a tour of this place isn't very expensive in the first place! I know touring a goat dairy doesn't exactly sound like “top of the list” on vacation – especially a tropical Hawaiian vacation, but, trust me, there is a reason this place is so popular! While your folks are upcountry, they may want to continue up the mountain and go to one of the lavender farms (if they like sipping tea and smelling all kinds of Lavender products) and I would really suggest the Kula Botanical Gardens on Kekaulike Rd. in Kula. (Make sure they don't mistake Enchanting Floral Gardens on the Kula Highway for Kula Botanical Gardens. Kula Botanical is maintained much more nicely, the staff is friendly, and they have couple neat ponds with koi and different exotic birds located about.) No discount for them, but I think it's only $5 to get in there - I've gone there many, many times with friends and family. You can’teven buy a gallon and a half of gas for $5 here, and the place is really nice!

[added in a later reply: Oh, and Tedeschi Vineyards in Ulupalakua could be a good thing to do during the Upcountry visit if wine tasting is something they like. I've heard lots of great reviews from tourists absolutely wowed by the scenery (Ulupalakua is breathtaking.) I don't know squat about wine myself, but I have heard through the grapevine (!) that this winery won't pass the scrutiny of the snobbiest of wine-tasters...perhaps Napa Valley would be a better vacation spot for them! Or maybe the folks I heard that from don't know squat about wine either!]

Cold Stone Creamery - Mmmmm...Ice Cream... In Lahaina.

Cool Cat Cafe - GREAT burgers and casual dining. In Lahaina.

Glass Mango Designs - Really cool custom jewelry that won't break the bank. Another one we're fortunate to have in the book - I think we're the only place you can get any discount for them. Thank my friend Amy who is friends with the owner! (It pays to know people! ;-)

Mr. Wine - If they drink wine this is the absolute, without a doubt, best place with the most selection to buy wine on all of Maui. They've also got great prices. How the heck we got them to offer a discount over the already very reasonable prices, I'll never know (maybe the owner was sampling too many of his wares that day!) Also in Lahaina.

Oasis Massage - If they like to get a massage, Oasis is a great choice. I know Cody personally, and he comes highly recommended. He will come to them, and has a vast knowledge of different massage techniques. He will also give them a great deal if they mention the card, and if more than one person is getting a massage he’ll even make the discount sweeter. Try to call at least a few days in advance, Cody is in high demand!

Reiki training - If anyone in the party is interested in learning to give energy work, Kira is a must. She is a very gifted woman and will spend whatever time it takes (I believe typically it only takes her 2-3 hours to pass her knowledge and technique.) She gives the client a Reiki healing session and then trains them so that when they leave they’re able to practice Reiki themselves. Talk about a unique thing to do on Maui! Kira really is an absolute gem of a person whose first priority is sharing her gift and enabling others to do the same. As such, when financial circumstances are tight, she also offers discounts beyond that listed in the guide (for those that truly can’t afford the regular rates.)

A trip to Hana is also a must. Maui Cave Adventures is a really neat thing to do there (they're listed as "Downunder Hawaii LLC" in the discount guide) - I have not done it [yet], but I have a friend who is a professional naturalist and guide who says it is a great thing to do. In fact, she insists that I should do it! Obviously your folks can also skim through the listings and see if there is anything else that interests them. Oh, and take a look back just before they visit, there are several more discounts which will be added shortly. If you have any more questions, please don't hesitate to ask!

Mahalo, and with much Aloha,

Mark

Smart Maui Traveler PO Box 791443 Paia, Maui, Hawaii 96779 info@smartmaui.com

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