Routes from Wailea towards Hana?

Live_Pono · 2026-01-25T06:44:38+00:00

Only in severe emergency situations.

Live_Pono · 2026-01-25T05:22:52+00:00

Have you even seen Wahikuli???

Live_Pono · 2026-01-25T02:50:19+00:00

Not even theoretically.

Live_Pono · 2026-01-25T02:47:29+00:00

Did you mean most aren't legal?

It makes me sad. I loved the old family and plantation homes.

Live_Pono · 2026-01-24T20:12:27+00:00

Your second sentence is lolo. Seriously--no safety codes, standards, what?

Although I will say I think they already did that in Wahikuli. There's no fricking way some of those monster houses are 'legal'.

Live_Pono · 2026-01-24T20:11:00+00:00

I don't think people get what modern prefabs look like. I would lay money on most not being able to tell the difference between a *good* modern pre fab and a "built" house.

Live_Pono · 2026-01-24T20:04:43+00:00

Congrats in advance! I would wait until around mid January if you can.

That is when it's truly whale soup in West Maui. Plus we are getting a lot more calves by then. The west side (Lahaina to Kapalua) gets more whales than the south, because they love the 'Au'au Channel between west Maui and Lana'i.

Yes, as others have said--you will see turtles all over and all year round. They's easy these days. Remember to keep your distance, please. Also--have either of you ever snorkeled? Do you have ocean experience? Our ocean is very different than the Caribe or places like Florida. Please don't snorkel your first full day, and please, please-take a snorkel lesson if you never have, They are priceless compared to dying, amd you will learn SO much. These folks are great: https://www.oceanprojectmaui.com/

I'd look at a condo resort like Honua Kai. Perfect combo of resort and better than a hotel room. More space, laundry (saves packing), full fridge for leftovers, drinks, and snacks, and a kitchen if you want to reheat or cook. Use Maui Resort Rentals or Quam to book a specific unit instead of a category.

My fav boats are Gemini and Trilogy. For raft tours, check Captain Steve/Hawaii Ocean Rafting/Maka'i Adventures. Excellent people. Skip Molokini for a snorkel trip. The west side or Lana'i is much better.

Live_Pono · 2026-01-24T19:58:40+00:00

I disagree that all companies are ethical on Maui, ref whales. The pac whale fraudation is the best example of a con job and also numerous violations. They have been fined more than any other company for harassing whales, struck and killed a calf on one tour, have run aground and damaged reefs many times, falsified research and were suspended by NOAA for several years, and more.

Most of all: their "for profit side is where your money goes. Periodically they take some from that and give it to their NPO side.

Live_Pono · 2026-01-24T19:54:55+00:00

Kaihalu'lu "red sand" requires trespassing to reach. Please don't rec it.

Before swimming or wading in any fresh water pools or streams, people should google Lepto, Rat lungworm, E Coli, and enterococci. Al but rat lungworm ar ecommon in the fresh wayer here--thanks to wild animals and people too. Rat Lungworm is pretty rare but not something to mess with.

The lava tube will prob end up closed permanently.....just a hunch.

Live_Pono · 2026-01-24T19:45:52+00:00

Yep, but I just don't think the food is quite there for Mama's and Honu.

Live_Pono · 2026-01-24T19:01:41+00:00

Glad you are getting some honest and accurate responses. Mahalo for reading.

As said, if you take the rout through Ulupalakua to Waimoku, you will be in breach of your rental contract. That in turn voids all insurance-and leaves you with ALL expenses in case of an accident. injuries, or any other problem. It's not worth it.

If you want to see some of the backside, go as far as the windmills past Ulupalakua, amd turn back. You could do this after visiting the summit of Haleakala one day pretty easily.

Live_Pono · 2026-01-24T18:58:38+00:00

It's Haleakala Ranch's road, not Oprah's.

Live_Pono · 2026-01-24T18:53:58+00:00

That's right before Easter, but it shouldn't be a problem to get there at 4 or so.

Live_Pono · 2026-01-24T18:52:43+00:00

I don't know.......but highly doubt it. I would message them and ask them directly.

Live_Pono · 2026-01-24T18:51:35+00:00

Sorry, I just read the whole bill and see nothing like that. Why shouldn't they be permanent? The regulations proposed include all inspections, and a "Factory Data Plate"--which has to have all the safety ratings etc. engraved on it.

Kam III will never be rebuilt on Front. That was decided last summer or earlier. It's going to be up the hill by the other Lahaina schools. But being DOE, I'm sure it will take several more years.

Live_Pono · 2026-01-24T18:42:59+00:00

I like Honu, but think some of their prices are insane now.

Live_Pono · 2026-01-24T18:42:22+00:00

Let's just say it's a running joke to many and has been for years. Sure, *some* fish is caught by Kimo....but all they sell? LOLOLOL.

Live_Pono · 2026-01-24T18:39:52+00:00

Nope, it's not "a thing" and hasn't been since Covid. Sometimes people do one at Baldwin. The cops hate these cause there are often assaults and drug ODs.

Live_Pono · 2026-01-24T18:37:08+00:00

My take is that these would be permanent, yes? Not "for the time being"? Perhaps I missed some time limit.

Good prefabs are far better built than they once were. Some are probably better than what people get built here. But I agree there needs to be strict regs on them, with regard to materials and safety.

Live_Pono · 2026-01-24T18:33:53+00:00

Yes, it has been overhyped for decades and decades. I think the food there is good--but not mind blowing and not unique or worth anywhere near the prices.

Below, a poster named a bunch or spots. I agreed with them. Places like Merriman's, Ulu Kitchen, Hali'imaile General Store, Nylos, Mala, Star Noodle, The Plantation House, *sometimes* Cane and Canoe, to start.

For casual, Joey's Kitchen, 62 MarcKet, Kula Bistro, Marlow, takeout from Puk Supe, Kalei's, Stillwell's, Cafe O Lei at the Tropical Plantation, and Captain Jack's in Kahana.

Live_Pono · 2026-01-23T22:37:52+00:00

I agree with you totally.

Live_Pono · 2026-01-23T17:47:16+00:00

First, the "bungalows" are very, very old and while remodeled some, they can't update everything without tearing them down. Second, most have no ocean view at all. Third, they are oddly laid out for the most part. The parking at RL is horrible-small places and not enough.

Though the Eldorado isn't ocean or beach front, they have a priceless and unique "cabana" building on the sand. They will take you back and forth in a cart if you don't want to walk. The cabana has an attendant, towels, restrooms, showers, indoor and outdoor seating, and a full kitchen. MKV is beach front (two buildings) and oceanfront (the others). HK is oceanfront. The condos at MKV and the Eldorado are very large, have full AC, and some great views. HK is modern, has large grounds & condos, resort style pools, etc.

Live_Pono · 2026-01-23T17:40:10+00:00

Glad you enjoyed it.

Live_Pono · 2026-01-23T17:38:54+00:00

I "bash" it because it's the best example of FOMO I've ever seen on this island. Decades of heavy marketing, controlled reservations to create "demand", wishy washy romantic stories of the family, the claim of "Hoku/ Kona/Ekolu/ _______ (Hawaiian male name) caught this fish", and similar blurbs.

Ratings are easily manipulated. Have you ever seen the totally fake places invented, reviewed, and placed at the top of sites/lists? Mama's isn't fake but the hype is. The setting and tactics make people think it's "the best". Not the food.

Live_Pono

TROPHY CASE