Destination Maui: “It was a dream trip!”

An interview with Joanna Gromadzka, Holiday Research Department.

Where did you stay and how did you like it?

We stayed at Maui Lea at Maui Hill Resort. The resort on its own is an attraction, designed in an old colonial style. It’s also very well maintained and surrounded by flowering trees and bushes. There’s a nice swimming pool with hot tub on the side and an expanse of trees, which provide much needed shade. The pool area was a great place for a peaceful break at any time of the day. I especially enjoyed the sunsets, which were unforgettable. And the smell of the Plumeria trees, with the beauty of the hibiscus flowers were like cherries on the top!

We had a two-bedroom unit that was very spacious, with high ceilings and great air-conditioning. Even though the units were a bit older, they were very clean. Through living room, as well as through the master bedroom doors, you could enter a very big lanai that provided magnificent views of the Haleakala volcano and a bit of the ocean. It was my favorite breakfast place. The lanai in the other bedroom faced the tennis courts, shuffle board, and gas grill, which are located along the resort’s walking path.

We loved the resort’s location, just across the street from Kihei Boat Ramp and near public beaches like Kam I, II and III, which are the best snorkeling places! And our favorite white sand beach, Big Beach at Makena, was just a few minutes’ drive.

What are some fun things to do on Maui?

Maui has so many things to do that everyone will find something for themselves. A Luau party is a must. But it’s like with beaches–you need to choose according to your needs. We have younger kids so we chose the Royal Lahaina Luau.  Not only will you see traditional dances, which took our breath away, but also dancers playing with fire. You’ll also be able to participate in the show, learn to hula, and dance and laugh a lot. The whole event is Hawaiian style and takes place during sunset, right next to the beach and surrounded by exotic dancers. For food enthusiasts, there was a buffet with a variety of local fish in signature dishes, as well as a show on how locals are prepare their famous kalua pig. The food was outstanding!

Molokini is the pride of Maui. This is an ancient underwater volcano where only part of the crater is above the surface. Thanks to its “C” shape there are no waves, and it makes for an outstanding place to snorkel. The coral reef is full of exotic fish. Being under the water was like visiting a different world. We took a catamaran tour to this magnificent place. We even trained for few days with our kids for this visit, so that they could be ready for the “Big Day.”

I was also very excited to visit the Maui Tropical Plantation, where I finally was able to see such tropical plants as coffee, avocado, guava, banana, orange, lemon, pineapple, etc. The little green train takes you all around so you can get a good view of the fruit trees, the nursery, and all the exotic plants. You can even participate in a little “coconut show,” where your guide will show you not only how coconut is grown, but how to open one. You’ll also learn other ways the Polynesians used coconut on a daily basis.   

Any recommendations or tips for travelers?

You can save some money by choosing trips, tours, and events that include meals. If you need souvenirs, you may want to visit the local K-mart.

Don’t go to Kam Beach to see the sunrise. You are on the wrong side of the island! The best view is from the top of Haleakala. We took an escorted bike tour. They picked us up at our resort, gave us all the necessary gear, and took us all the way to the top of the “House of Sun” before sunrise! This was a moment I will remember forever. We were above the clouds watching the beginning of a new day! It was also very cold and windy, so we couldn’t even hold our camera still. After that we rode our bikes down to the ocean. Every few minutes you could smell different island breezes. We stopped for the breakfast at the Maui Flower Plantation where you could see the unique Maui proteas. What an experience! 

You’ll also want to get up early. There are almost no waves in the morning, so conditions are perfect for snorkeling or diving. Just go across the street to Kamaole I, II, or III and you might be lucky enough to swim with turtles. But don’t touch them–it’s a $10,000 fine!

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