Maui Travel Answers

Aloha nui Mickey, and welcome to VT......d:o) I can certainly see the attraction, but as a past resident of Lahaina, I would think tht the Lahaina Luau woukld be just too commercial for such a special occasion. Grantet, I am a bit biased, when it comes to tourist oriented shows like the Lahaina Luau, but that is just me. How about looking to more traditional Hawaiina wedding in a place a bit off the beaten path, like this one. I will give you a response thatr I gave to another member that wanted to know about the Maui Mills for a wedding. Take a look and then come bacdk and tell me what you think. I also added a ton of stuff that you folks can do while on Maui. Take a close look at the Maui Mills, located in what we locals refer to as "up country". I think that something like this is far better than the plain old Luau stuff. Bear in mind that there are other choices on Maui as well, that I can give you if you want. The guy who asked me, was worried about weather and all the things that could go wrong. (he was the best man...). Considering what you are willing to spend, i just think tht you can do better than a touristy Luau for such a special occasion. Don't get me rong here, - the Lahaina Luau does not do a bad job at all, but to me, a more traditional place for a more real Hawaiian wedding is more my style. Pay attention to my comments regarding the wedding attire as well. If you have questions, let me know. There are other places that can acomodate you as well. In case you are wondering, none of these places know me. I am just a VT member that gets a kick out of making people's travels a memorable experience. Click on my name above my photo and you will find out who I am. I lived in Lahaina for several years, while working as a tour director. ********************************************************* There is a saying in Hawaii, "If it rain brah, just move down the road a bit." Showers maybe. Rain, - not really. Still, keep tellin' 'em to chill, and say "Shaka brah"...... en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shaka_... I do have concerns however over the "cocktail attire". In Hawaii such attire is not even close to what it is on the mainland. The whole idea of a Hawaiian wedding, is to go local. http://www.haikumill.com/ google.com/images?um=1&hl=en... google.com/images?um=1&hl=en... It is and should be an informal casual elegant affair. No tuxedos or men in jackets and such. Shoes are optional. Really. Leis are good, not the usual flower leis, but ones made of leaves. Like these. cache3.asset-cache.net/xc/92... Haiku Mills is located in Haiku on the lower slopes of Haleakala volcano, in a beautiful setting, also known on Maui as "up country". Here is a bunch of stuff that you may use to dazzle them with your knowledge of Maui. It is fairly geared towards "other" tourists, but you can use a lot of the information. Perhaps they can find stuff to do that they enjoy, and you will be the hero....d:o) Used to live there, in Lahaina for a number of years, and have been back fairly regular. Would choose Kaanapali hotel circle over Wailea in Kihei, mainly as Kaanapali is only three miles from Lahaina. However also due to the frequent sugarcane field dust that tends to blow over the Kihei area. Some folks do not notice it but having been there for as long as I have, it is noticable. There are also many condo properties to consider most on the stretch between Kaanapali and Napili. There is also a nice one right in Lahaina, where I usually stay when I return there. Here is a look: http://www.lahainashores.com/ Right next door is the 505 Front Street Shops, an outdoor mall area, and walk past that and you are on historic Front Street. Check out the Whaling Museum at the historic Pioneer Inn, down the street as well as the Whaling Ship at the pier. http://www.bestlahaina.com/history.php Many activities available ocean related, - or not. A tour/trip to the top of the mighty Haleakala Volcano which rises 10.000 feet from the ocean. May want to consider one of several bike trips from the top. You are driven to the top and then you bike all the way down the mountain. Here are two but there are others as well. http://www.mauidownhill.com/ http://www.bikemaui.com/ If you are up to it, catching the sunrise from the top of Haleakala is a special experience, but you need to get there before sunrise of course. A full day trip/tour to Hana is an absolute must. A windy road on the coast most of it high in the cliffs above the ocean and the beach land. Just look at these..... images.google.com/images?hl=... Here is Heavenly Hana in all its glory. Make sure to go a little further to the Seven Sacred Pools. http://www.hanamaui.com/ hawaiiweb.com/maui/html/site... destination360.com/north-ame... There are many other things to do on Maui, one would include a tour/trip to the Iao Needle, In Iao Nat'l State Park, where you can see the famous profile of John F Kennedy in the rock. gohawaii.com/maui/plan/thing... wurlington-bros.com/Museum/F... Do you fancy going horseback riding on Maui, - several ranches where you can do that. Hawaii is a rich cattle country, which most people are not aware of. Explore paniolo (cowboy) country on Maui. Here just two of many ranches that can make you a paniolo. http://www.mendesranch.com/index.htm http://www.makenastables.com/ Diving is spectacular on Maui, of which diving around the halfmoon island of Molokini is my favorite. Here is a look: images.google.com/images?hl=... Of course the nightlife on Maui is legendary. I could wax poetic on the wonders of my Maui, but once you do some reaserch you will find much more. I will leave you with this look at Maui no ka oi. (Maui is the best) paradisemaui.com/island_imag... Aloha nui loa.....d:o) ***********************************************************88 Now, take the time to check the websites I gave you, so you will know, as the father of the bride, that you are all knowing all seeing guru for your daughter. (Bear in mind that I have a 23 year old daughter that I dread having to look forward to this same scenario........) Here is another place on Maui that is unsurpassed for weddings. Just to give you some alrernatives. This is like ly the most romantic wedding location on the bloody planet. Hana is the ultimate Hawaiian location for any occasion. I remember being in Hana roaming the hills picking mushrooms from the fresh overnight cowpatties...........'nuff said....! http://hotelhanamaui.com/romance/ Point being, this is the most memorable day in your daughters life. Make the right choice. Have fun planning, and let me know if you need any further information. I don't care where you have the wedding. I do care about your daughter having the best day of her life. Remember, I have to go through this as well one day soon......d:o) Aloha nui loa......d:o)

WOW -- Thank you for spending the time to give us so much wonderful info. We have been to Maui before, so we are fairly familiar. The Haiku Mill is gorgeous, but even just booking the location (without anything else) is crazy expensive. (believe me, we already checked that one out). We are staying in Kaanapali, so anything around Hana would be too far to go. The reason Courtney was looking at the Old Lahaina Luau is that we could do the wedding and the reception all in one place. It's also close enough to cab if people wanted to partake in the open bar, champagne toast, etc. It's not the cost so much as the wedding itself does not blow us away. She really wanted to do something different than stand in the sand. Her brother just got married last year in Mexico and did the beach wedding as well as nearly everyone she knows. She just thought it would be nice to do something a little different. Since my last email however, we did find a really beautiful private site which is gorgeous and simplistic. It has beautiful views and you can walk down stairs to be the beach to take pictures. It's totally private and half the price of the Old Lahaina Luau wedding. Take a peak -- here is the website: http://mauiweddinghouse.com/ How beautiful is this? Thanks again for all of your info and your advice. Really appreciate it. Aloha and Mahalo, Mickey

Well Mickey, the Cliff House is certainly a viable alternative, and a good one I might add. The main thing is that your daughter is happy, so if the Cliff House does the job, - all is good you would agree....d:o) Perhaps some of the information regarding possible activities on Maui, are helpful in making the whole experience a memorable one. Congratulations on the upcoming nuptials and all the best wishes for your daughter. Any furter information you may need, will be readily dispensed at your leisure. All the best to you and your family......d;o) There is a traditional Hawaiian wedding vow that says "ho'ao pa'a," literally meaning "to stay until the dawn." - truly in the Polynesian spirit. Before the vows are spoken, the bride and groom often exchange leis--Hawaiian necklaces made of flowers strung together. The couple vow to let the fragrance of the lei linger in their hearts as a reminder of the sweetness of true love. Those leis should hoewever be of the leaf variety rather than than the tradititional flower leis. Good fortune to your daugther my makamaka (friend). Respek Erik

Just dropping in here to say WOW - makes me wish I could tie the knot again! Great job, makamaka Erik - hope you created a tip out of this? OP, congratulations on your daughter's upcoming "I do's"!

Kate my icorregibe friend, you know I lovb you more than just a makamaka, you pupule houle girl. Original Poster, we have many long lasting friendships here on VT, and Kate is one of my bestestestests, pardon my English, it is after all my fourth language.........well close enough......d:o)