Is a week too long to stay upcountry in Maui?

[Mermaidwannabe]

I have booked a week at Hoomana spa upcountry and was thinking of a week in Kihei or Lahaina. We don't like resorts, want to experience the Island. We have a car rented. Never been to Maui. I am a diver but my husband only snorkles so might just snorkle. Thoughts?

 

[diversteve]

Both areas are kind of touristy but Kihei hides it better. Lahaina (Kaanapali) is what you Don't want - the big beachfront comdos/resorts dump a lot of people on the beach daily. Even Lahaina itself is a nice place to visit (shops, restaurants, art galleries) but I wouldn't stay there.

Kihei is a lot of condos in one area but north or south is pretty quiet. The north end is "old" Maui but it's a lot of guest houses next to the owners house, on VRBO if interested. All the Kihei boats go to Molokini and are smaller since they leave from the Kihie Ramp nearby. Just south of Kihei is Wailea - although there are some big waterfront resorts you hardly notice - our condo was around the point from one and I didn't notice it for a few days,

Practically Every beach in Kihei/Wailea is a shallow shore dive, Most have good snorkeling also, usually at either end of the bay where the sand ends and the lava takes over,

One more "Old Maui" area is Napili Bay to the north. Lots of smaller, older condos beachfront - at some you step off your patio onto the beach. Not a lot of food options for that and the dive boats you have to drive down to Lahaina - about 20 mins. Good snorkeling along the north point of Napili Bay - we stayed narby once,

Just don't rent anything in Kaanapali or Kahana and you'll do OK. Why you don't want the Kaanapali area:
http://www.luxuryrealestatemaui.com/uploads/Kaanapali-Maui.75.jpg

Although Black Rock - the rounded point seen to the left is both a good snorkel and shallow dive. Tiny Bubbles dives in the area if you need a buddy.

 

[Mermaidwannabe]

Thanks for the information. So a week up around the north shore isn't too long? Paia, road to Ha na, watching the surfers. I just don't want to spend all our time driving and not sure of distances

 

[diversteve]

It's not clear from your post but I assumed you booked a week at the Spa and were looking for a second week. I

f the Spa is upcountry and you are staying there that's a longer drive to the water - you might plan a couple days to skip the spa and drive down, .
Depending on where it is the road is 2 lanes and in sone areas you run into the volcano bikers with escort vehicles so it slows you down, I don't know upcountry well enough to estimate distances.

The drive between Lahina and Kihie runs about 35-45 minutes. It's actually busiest rarly mornings when the resort employees go to work. Or if it's whale season as people pull off to watch them.

If you do get to Paia - Mama's Fish House is a lot better than the name implies. While waiting for your table watch the Kitesurfers in the bay out front.

Across the island from Kahului airport to Lahina about 45+ mins. Earky mornings tourbuses can be a factor - most are going to the volcano for sunrise or the day to Hana.

 

[RogueClimber]

If you go to Mama's, make reservations!

 

[diversteve]

^ Definitely ^

Thought of two more things - what's the Elevation at the Spa? In a few limited areas you could be driving to elevations close to the no-fly limit so may want to off-gas for the day first. Although that's a bigger problem on Kona,

Something you might both enjoy is a day on the Pride of Maui out of Maalea - it's a big snorkel powered cat that also offers diving but it's more expensive - there's also a waterslide andd BBQ lunch.

Trilogy Sailing Charters does also plus you can help sail the boat. I be;ieve thy still offer dives and they also have SNUBA.

If there's time when you get back, the Maui Ocean Center nearby is worth a look. Sometimes they have a small Tiger Shark in the big tank - or dive Olawalu Brach with his parents...lol Try hard to not look like a turtle.

If you need a guide in the Kihei area contact Doug at Shaka Divers. There's also Maui Dreams Dive Co - mostly they do local shore dives.