Originally Posted by Bentley1

Does anyone have a preference between Oahu vs. Maui? My bf and I have never been and are planning a trip for this December, but we're trying to figure out which island would be best for us. So far, I understand that Maui is more relaxed and less crowded whereas Oahu is very active & touristy.

Oahu has more to do. More attractions, more restaurants, etc. The beaches are more crowded. Maui, for the most part, is slower paced. It is lovely though. I prefer Maui slightly over Oahu, but we enjoyed both.

Originally Posted by Bentley1

We did talk about that, but I keep hearing and reading that it's very commercialized and that we wouldn't get the full Hawaii experience. Not sure if you can agree to that or not? We're also planning to go in December, and we've been reading that Big Island is a bit colder and has more possibility rain.

No, I think the Big Island is less commercialized. Maybe you are thinking of Oahu, where Waikiki is? The Big Island (Hawaii Island) has Kona, Waimea, Hilo, the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. the Kohala Coast on the Big Island has lots of resorts, but its nothing like Waikiki or parts of Maui.

Originally Posted by Bentley1

Does anyone have a preference between Oahu vs. Maui? My bf and I have never been and are planning a trip for this December, but we're trying to figure out which island would be best for us. So far, I understand that Maui is more relaxed and less crowded whereas Oahu is very active & touristy.

Bentley, dh's comments (Honolulu is Cleveland with palm trees) aren't exactly true for everyone. Honolulu is a large city with a wonderful, often crowded beach, but Oahu has lots of different places to see and go that aren't urban. Maui has some built-up areas; for example Kahului looks suburban with a lot of chain stores! Kihei is a bunch of strip malls. But you're still surrounded by incredible beauty and lovely people. Oahu is worth a visit just to see the USS Arizona Memorial, IMO.

~Wedding dinner~
I am in need of opinions on a great dinner place.
I am getting married on Maui soon..have made all arrangements so far..but wanted to make reservations somewhere soon for our dinner.
It will just be him and I.
We have been to Maui before and usually do the local thing..Sansei's..etc..so I'm unfamilar with where to go as far as a more upscale dinner, and was wondering if anyone has had an amazing meal somewhere they want to share.
We are staying in Kihei as usual so something on the South side would be nice so we can go there fairly soon after our sunset ceremony.
Suggestions I have heard from different people(not on here) have been Gannon's,Four Season, Sarento's, Five Palms, Capische. We LOVE any seafood..steak,etc...but might prefer some amazing seafood.
Probably something that isn't crazy OTT pretentious..but somewhere still very,very nice
Any ideas?

Thanks!

Originally Posted by klj

~Wedding dinner~ I am in need of opinions on a great dinner place. I am getting married on Maui soon..have made all arrangements so far..but wanted to make reservations somewhere soon for our dinner. It will just be him and I. We have been to Maui before and usually do the local thing..Sansei's..etc..so I'm unfamilar with where to go as far as a more upscale dinner, and was wondering if anyone has had an amazing meal somewhere they want to share. We are staying in Kihei as usual so something on the South side would be nice so we can go there fairly soon after our sunset ceremony. Suggestions I have heard from different people(not on here) have been Gannon's,Four Season, Sarento's, Five Palms, Capische. We LOVE any seafood..steak,etc...but might prefer some amazing seafood. Probably something that isn't crazy OTT pretentious..but somewhere still very,very nice Any ideas? Thanks!

**Oh just thought of a couple of other places too..that we could make it to..Mama's Fish House..(is this just super busy and loud or could it be a bit romantic?..have never been)
Lahaina Grill?

Originally Posted by klj

**Oh just thought of a couple of other places too..that we could make it to..Mama's Fish House..(is this just super busy and loud or could it be a bit romantic?..have never been) Lahaina Grill?

You ABSOLUTELY need to go to Mama's Fish House! The food is amazing, the views are amazing, and overall it is a fantastic experience! Highly recommended! Been there 3 times already and every time is just as amazing! Make sure to make reservations around 6:30 or 7:00 so you can see the sunset. Absolutely breathtaking!

I agree about Mama's but it's on the North Shore.
It's a very quaint restaurant, definitely would be fab for any type of wedding dinner!

Originally Posted by Swanky Mama Of Three

I agree about Mama's but it's on the North Shore. It's a very quaint restaurant, definitely would be fab for any type of wedding dinner!

Thanks, ladies...after thinking about it, Mama's, I think, will be too far away for dinner since we are getting married at sunset. I wish it wasn't though..it sound great!

Has anyone been to one of Bev Gannon's restaurant?
I'm kind of after something outside, a bit romantic..but I'm totally not super picky and would be up for anything...the meal is the most important part

I haven't. Spago at Four Seasons is exceptional though- location within resort/views, service, food, etc. . . EXCEPTIONAL.

Originally Posted by Swanky Mama Of Three

I haven't. Spago at Four Seasons is exceptional though- location within resort/views, service, food, etc. . . EXCEPTIONAL.

Thanks, I'll check it out

My trip is finally coming together!! Even though I started booking activities late I think I've set up a pretty sweet itinerary for my family. Anything else I missed or any other must-dos? Also food suggestions would be great as I haven't gotten around to those yet!

We're staying at the Honua Kai (right on the beach)
1st day: chill around/explore
2nd day: 5 hour snorkeling/snuba boat cruise out to molokini/turtle arches in the morning, and the Old Lahaina Luau for dinner
3rd day: Drive out to the south end of maui and spend the whole morning exploring trails/mountains on horseback, then explore all of Haleakala park after before going home for dinner
4th day: another chill out/free time day... perhaps a little parasailing, or a full day of rest if I feel like waking up at 2am to drive out to Haleakala for sunrise that night!
5th day: Flyin' Hawaiian zipline in the morning (longest, highest, fastest zipline in Hawaii! so excited!!) and pack/rest for flight home :)

I agree I also got married in Maui Mama's fish house is out of this world, since it is just you too we had a private dinner on the beach for our wedding night (I would check into that) and do Mama's as part of your Honeymoon

Originally Posted by miss_ritz

My trip is finally coming together!! Even though I started booking activities late I think I've set up a pretty sweet itinerary for my family. Anything else I missed or any other must-dos? Also food suggestions would be great as I haven't gotten around to those yet! We're staying at the Honua Kai (right on the beach) 1st day: chill around/explore 2nd day: 5 hour snorkeling/snuba boat cruise out to molokini/turtle arches in the morning, and the Old Lahaina Luau for dinner 3rd day: Drive out to the south end of maui and spend the whole morning exploring trails/mountains on horseback, then explore all of Haleakala park after before going home for dinner 4th day: another chill out/free time day... perhaps a little parasailing, or a full day of rest if I feel like waking up at 2am to drive out to Haleakala for sunrise that night! 5th day: Flyin' Hawaiian zipline in the morning (longest, highest, fastest zipline in Hawaii! so excited!!) and pack/rest for flight home :)

It is good that you are leaving a day or two to relax. The jet lag can be a bear. The sunrise is soooo worth it. We always try to do it the first day or two there because we are always up so early before we adjust to the time zone.

We try to leave the Kaanapali area around 3 hrs before the sunrise time. You always want to get about 1 hr before the sunrise because the colors are really vivid before the acutal sunrise.

Originally Posted by miss_ritz

My trip is finally coming together!! Even though I started booking activities late I think I've set up a pretty sweet itinerary for my family. Anything else I missed or any other must-dos? Also food suggestions would be great as I haven't gotten around to those yet! We're staying at the Honua Kai (right on the beach) 1st day: chill around/explore 2nd day: 5 hour snorkeling/snuba boat cruise out to molokini/turtle arches in the morning, and the Old Lahaina Luau for dinner 3rd day: Drive out to the south end of maui and spend the whole morning exploring trails/mountains on horseback, then explore all of Haleakala park after before going home for dinner 4th day: another chill out/free time day... perhaps a little parasailing, or a full day of rest if I feel like waking up at 2am to drive out to Haleakala for sunrise that night! 5th day: Flyin' Hawaiian zipline in the morning (longest, highest, fastest zipline in Hawaii! so excited!!) and pack/rest for flight home :)

Originally Posted by jiffer

It is good that you are leaving a day or two to relax. The jet lag can be a bear. The sunrise is soooo worth it. We always try to do it the first day or two there because we are always up so early before we adjust to the time zone. We try to leave the Kaanapali area around 3 hrs before the sunrise time. You always want to get about 1 hr before the sunrise because the colors are really vivid before the acutal sunrise.

Agree with jiffer - get there early because there will be a crowd. It is 10000% worth it and just spectacular. Truly nothing compares to it. Wear jeans/pants and a jacket - it was freezing when we went in October. We did it our first day in HI (we are from the East Coast) and had no issues waking up/staying awake.

My avatar picture is actually from the sunrise at Haleakala... beautiful, but still doesn't do it justice!

Hello,
We received a package deal from our Starwoods membership that we couldn't pass up. So we're headed to this resort. Has anyone stayed here? If so, please let me know what you thought of the resort.

Also, any family-style restaurant and spa that you would recommend? I will be traveling with DH and DD. Thank you in advance!