maui - first time looking for non-resort tips

My wife and I will be in Maui 10/10 - 10/18 (in Kauai the week before). First time on Maui. We%26#39;ll be staying in Napili Bay; looking for some insider tips. I%26#39;ve read other forums and reviews, so I%26#39;m really interested in NEW restaurants, places with a lot of local flavor that don%26#39;t market themselves to the run-of-the-mill mainlander. I%26#39;m getting into snorkeling (Kauai and Oahu in 2005), so I%26#39;d appreciate some detail on places to go and the innuendos of the spots (currents, best times, things to avoid, etc.) Also interested in places you might have to hike to for full appreciation of natural sights (I%26#39;m a young 57, so strenuous hiking might be a bit much). I love to fish, not planning on bringing my gear, so rental alternatives would be great along with a reputable charter boat if you know of any. Any tips regarding shore fishing would be appreciated. Planning on seeing the volcano, taking road to Hana (recommendations on this trip would be great saince it sounds like I could take 3 days if I explored everything I%26#39;ve heard about), aquarian ? I%26#39;m in love with the natural aspects of the islands as well as the local culture. I would NEVER spend a week in %26#39;resort%26#39; (no offense to those who would).

maui - first time looking for non-resort tips

Spend 15 bucks and get a copy of ';Maui Revealed'; the best book on Maui period, they also have books on Kauai, Oahu and the big Island. There is great snorkeling 5 minutes from Napili Bay at Honolua Marine preserve. The boat trips on Maui aren%26#39;t worth it unless you go on a boat trip to Lanai. Anyway get the book, you%26#39;ll be glad you did. There web-site is WWW.wizardpublications.com. Aloha

maui - first time looking for non-resort tips

Theres a place to fish from shore right off of the 30 that%26#39;s between BUzz%26#39;s Wharf and Lahaina. After the cliff edge ends on the way to Lahaina you will see stretches of rocky beaches. A little further down you will see a small rock outcropping that is cemented and goes out a few yards into the water. There%26#39;s some nice fishing here. You may see cars on the outcropping once in a while and other fishers.

You may or may not be able to snorkel Honolua Bay in Oct. That%26#39;s when the winter swells start rolling in. Honolua Bay then becomes a surfers paradise!! Napili Bay and Kapalua Bay are a bit more protected, but can still have some waves and visibility issues at this time of year. Kahekili Beach Park in Kaanapali is a great place to snorkel. Has a large parking lot, showers, restrooms and picnic tables.

If the surf is up, head down to south Maui. Ulua beach next to the Wailea Marriott is nice. Maluaka Beach, in front of the Maui Prince is one of my favorites. It also has parking, restrooms, shade and showers and turtles. Even further south in Makena is Ahihi Cove and Maonakala. Great snorkeling there!!

Best snorkeling will be in the morning hours. Not only will the water be calmer, you will also find more parking.

I would avoid Black Rock in Kaanapali. It is very crowded, parking is practically non-existant and the snorkeling is just OK.

Since you asked what to avoid I would say it is the Maui Revealed book. Do a search in the above search box to find out why most in Maui call it Maui Reviled!!

Here are a couple of suggestions for the immediate neighborhood where you are staying...

Snorkel Bob%26#39;s has a shop on the Lower Honoapiilani road in Napili. Great place for snorkel gear rental. The ';you get what you pay for'; rule appiles here. Upgrade to decent gear - you%26#39;ll be happy at the choice. Snorkeling should be decent in Napili Bay as well as next door in Kapalua Bay

Hiking - 2 or 3 years ago the Kapalua company closed the Village Golf course and have let it all grow back naturally. But they allow hikers and walkers in there to walk the old cart paths which are still there. It is a terrific hike with some stellar views. Check in at the Kapalua office on Office Road. They will shuttle you to the starting point as it is behind a gate.

Also on Office Road, just up the road and around the corner from Napili Bay is the old Honolua General Store. Go for an inexpensive breakfast or lunch with the locals.

Speaking of breakfast, of course there is the famous Gazebo on the south end of Napili Bay. But on the opposite end of the bay you%26#39;ll find the Seahouse Restaurant at the Napili Kai Beach Resort. Same sensational views, table service, as good if not better food selections, and no long line to stand in.

Can%26#39;t remember the name of the place (maybe someone else in here does) but on the far right end of the Napili Market there is a small local takeout place that sells a terrific rotisserie chicken.

On the south end of Kapalua Bay, and within walking distance, is the new restaurant, Merriman%26#39;s. More high end, but an awesome location for a sunset dinner.

Hope you have a marvelous trip. Be sure to come back in here afterwards and give us a report.

Pineapple Grill is just north of Napili Bay. We enjoyed it particularly for lunch - or for dinner in the bar/lounge.

They are a sustainable seafood restaurant, and also serve local Kula veggies and Maui Cattle Company Beef.

checking

If you want local flavor in Napili, you gotta find Maui Taco. It is nothing in atmosphere, so sit outside on the picnic tables and focus on the fish tacos!

Thanks to all who replied; always nice to get some fresh perspectives. Any other tips if taking a daytrip on the raod to Hana ?

Make sure when you drive the road to Hana, you leave early. Before 7:00am is best. Take your time and enjoy the ride. It is about the journey, not the destination. Invest in the best book about the sights. Hana Mile by Mile by JCDerrick. He is a Maui DE. You could also get a cd that will guide you , you can get in Maui almost anywhere.

I would recommend doing the trip to Hana at the beginning of your trip and leaving early-- maybe 5:30 or 6 if you can handle it (you%26#39;ll be waking up early anyway because of the time change as you know from your previous trip to Hawaii).

I like doing breakfast in Paia when we drive to Hana. I also recommend going to the Oheo Gulch, which is past Hana. A couple years ago we circumnavigated the south part of the island (kept driving past Hana, instead of turning around and coming back) which was amazing. Not sure if current road conditions allow you to do that still (there was an earthquake a few years back that I think closed that road for a while-- not sure if it is reopened).