Westin Ocean Resort Villas in 1/7 - 1/20

Can anyone tell me if we will see whales during this time and as my husband and I have never been to Hawaii (and are on a budget - not a tight budget, but need to keep it reasonable) some MUST DO%26#39;S. We will be renting a car for the 2 weeks any suggestions to sights to see, places to eat, etc... would be GREATLY APPRECIATED. Thanks Everyone, Kristin

Westin Ocean Resort Villas in 1/7 - 1/20

We%26#39;ve stayed at the Westin Kaanapali Ocean Resort Villas in the past (Feb %26#39;05) and had a great time. You%26#39;re going to love it. You should definitely see whales on your trip. Some of our favorite things to do were:

- road to Hana - we loved the seven pools at the end, as well as the hike up the mountain, through the bamboo forest to the huge waterfall. I don%26#39;t remember what the trail was called (I think it started with a P), but it was a great hike.

- sunrise and bike ride down the Haleakala

- Snorkeling at the ';Fishbowl'; (get the ';Maui Revealed'; book - it will tell you how to find the trail. This book was invaluable to us on our trip)

- Warren and Annabelle%26#39;s magic show (fun thing to do in the evening )

- Mama%26#39;s Fish House - best meal on the island!

Westin Ocean Resort Villas in 1/7 - 1/20

You should see whales that time of year. Would recommend taking one of the rafting whale watching tours. Small rafts ~ 15-20 people at most. You get a much better view of the whales. Last year we had 5-6 whales swimming all around us.

Also recommend picking up Maui revealed book. Lots of fun things you can just drive to. Recommend the Olivie pools, blow hole, black sand beach, Io state park...all free except for the car ride.

enjoy

Well I must agree with the others, the ';Maui Revealed'; book is a must-have throughout your trip.

MUST DOS:

- road to Hana (takes all day so leave early)

- sunrise OR sunset at Haleakala (I did the sunset because I didnt feel like getting up at 3AM for the sunrise!)....the sunset is awesome

- supper at Mamas Fish House in Paia (best meal I had in Maui)

- Warren %26amp; Annabelles Magic Show in Lahaina......simply an amazing show

- snorkelling at Honolua Bay (its great because you dont have to take a boattrip to get there.....simply drive and you will see tons of fish, turtles, eels, etc. for alot less money!)

- if you wanna see a Luau, go see the ';Old Lahaina Luau'; in Lahaina.....it was great!!! Good food, drinks and hula dancing!

Hello Kristin,

You are going to love Maui! My first trip, six years ago, was followed by five straight Kaanapali vacations and two timeshare purchases (essentially next door to each other)...first the Embassy (the Pink Pyramid) and then the Westin Resort Ocean Villas. We%26#39;re leaving next Saturday for our sixth annual sojurn.

My only concern about the Westin is the ongoing construction. I do hope that the construction that kept me away from the pool (noise only) for the last two years has finished up enough. Otherwise, the Westin can%26#39;t be nicer. Incredible beach right out front, beautiful decor and oh, those Heavenly Beds!

At the Star Market (close to the Westin) you%26#39;ll find Melon and Strawberry pops in the freezer section. I believe they are made in Korea, not quite ice cream, not quite yoghurt. Great for the freezer in your room when you come in from the beach, so refreshing...

My favorite pastimes: early morning snorkeling at Kapalua Bay, dinner at Mama%26#39;s Fishhouse, the Old Lahaina Luau (I know...touristy, but high quality tourist), fish tacos at the little place in Kahana Center and the dinner show at Mulligans on the Blue. The Blue is one of the golf courses around Wialea. Good food and wonderful music (Willie K last year) for under $60/person with a sunset view to die for.

Mama%26#39;s Fishhouse is truly a miracle. Be sure to make your reservation well ahead of time (like before you leave) so that you can get there before sunset. The restaurant itself is on a piece of property that is beyond description, and the design of the restaurant is very open It is very expensive, but oh, so worth it.

We always have at least one lunch at Kimo%26#39;s in Lahaina and one dinner at Hula Grill (in Whalers Village). Both are great locations.

Be sure to get Up Country. We loved Makawao. Lot%26#39;s of art. Additionally, Paia is fun. Just bring your slippah%26#39;s, lift up a bit off the gas peddle and you%26#39;re going to have a wonderful time.

Aloha--Carole

Thank you everyone who has responded - KEEP THEM COMING. Just reading about everything I should do is keeping me so BEYOND EXCITED.

I do have one question - about the rafting whale watching excursions - do the whales get REALLY CLOSE to the raft? Has one ever tipped over a raft :} - Kinda scared of REALLY BIG FISH in the middle of the ocean but I cannot even think of passing on seeing whales so close.

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