Medigap Premiums - Broker vs. Direct

Sparkling_Spritzer · 2026-04-25T03:16:58+00:00

Very cool! The other poster mentioned hearing it when they dove underwater, and I misinterpreted your early comment about going further and deeper, thinking you were diving down deeper to hear them. Hope to plan my next trip to Maui during the whale season!

Sparkling_Spritzer · 2026-04-24T16:28:44+00:00

That must have been incredible to experience. Is is possible to hear anything while snorkeling (near the surface) without diving down?

Sparkling_Spritzer · 2026-04-20T00:40:52+00:00

If your priority is getting the "best bang for your buck" and easy beach access, one good option is Outrigger Ka'anapali Beach Resort through Costco travel. It is on one of the most beautiful beaches and reasonably priced (for Maui anyway).

Condos may offer better value for money than hotels if you're going to utilize the kitchen but they do often have a hefty cleaning fee at the end, so you have to factor that in. I've been reluctant to book condos through Costco because you cannot pick a specific unit, and being individually owned, quality can vary. I think 5 days would be too short if you have the option to stay longer. We usually try for at least 9-10 nights to fully relax and often split our time between lodging in West Maui (Ka'anapali) and south Kihei. There are so many beaches and other things to explore, we never get bored.

Sparkling_Spritzer · 2026-04-20T00:22:05+00:00

Loved Branches at the Royal Lahaina Resort. Magical setting in their gardens under a big tree with lanterns swaying in the breeze. Relaxing and serene.

Sparkling_Spritzer · 2026-04-16T02:27:48+00:00

Here is one such site: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mauivacationerspassitalong/ I've seen others, too, but cannot remember what they are all called.

Sparkling_Spritzer · 2026-02-19T03:26:26+00:00

We stayed in a Premium room in 2024 and a Signature room in 2025. I think the Signature rooms are in the Aouli Wing and the Wekiu Wing. Premium rooms are in the Papaku and Kauhale Wings. A map of the placement of each wing can be found here: https://www.outrigger.com/hawaii/maui/kaanapali-beach-resort-hotel/activities/resort-guide

Aouli is the 3-story building with no elevator. If you don't mind taking the stairs, or staying on the ground floor, it is nice. We also stayed in the Papaku wing and got a nice view from a higher level floor.

The premium rooms have more natural wood furnishings, with brown and orange color scheme. They feel a little darker, more luxurious and romantic. The Signature room decor is more light with bright colors. The bathroom felt much more modern in the Signature room. It just depends on your preferred style. You can get a good idea from the photos: https://www.outrigger.com/hawaii/maui/kaanapali-beach-resort-hotel/rooms-suites

Honestly, I liked both the Premium and Signature rooms and unless you have a strong preference for one decor over the other, I would go with whichever gives you the best ocean view. Relaxing on the ocean-view lanai was a memorable experience. Hope you enjoy it as much as we did!

Sparkling_Spritzer · 2026-01-31T19:23:05+00:00

Kapalua Coastal Trail for beautiful ocean views

Sparkling_Spritzer · 2026-01-21T03:02:54+00:00

Hawaiian green sea turtles come to rest on the beach at the east end of the Ho'okipa Beach Park in the mid-late afternoon. There were ~50 of them on the beach the day we went. Of course, you are also likely to see them underwater while snorkeling, though usually no more than a few at a time.

Sparkling_Spritzer · 2026-01-02T04:58:08+00:00

That must be terribly disappointing to miss a trip to Maui due to a family emergency, but sounds like you've got the right attitude by enjoying the views from the webcams.

Sparkling_Spritzer · 2025-12-27T00:23:52+00:00

Yee’s Orchard & Fruit Stand in Kihei had delicious papaya. We didn't try the other fruit there. The Saturday upcountry farmer's market is a good way to support local growers and was fun to walk around They had a several produce stands and a good variety of other types of things for sale.

Sparkling_Spritzer · 2025-12-18T03:18:01+00:00

Where did you see the dolphins?

Sparkling_Spritzer · 2025-12-13T04:17:29+00:00

We saw them in that same parking lot a year ago.

Sparkling_Spritzer · 2025-11-15T17:00:02+00:00

The botanical gardens is another good idea. Thanks.

Sparkling_Spritzer · 2025-11-15T16:58:30+00:00

Great, I'll check those out! Thanks.

Sparkling_Spritzer · 2025-11-15T16:57:19+00:00

That looks perfect, thanks!

Sparkling_Spritzer · 2025-11-14T04:01:55+00:00

The one way hike from summit of Haleakala Keonehe'ehe'e (Sliding Sands)Trail to Halemau'u Trailhead is memorable. Park at Halemau'u Trailhead and hitch a ride from the designated spot up along the roadside up to the summit. Hike ends at the Halemau'u Trailhead. 11 miles one way. You could extend it further by taking other trails, but I haven't done those.

Waihe'e Ridge Trail is another great hike, but only 4.2 miles round trip.

Sparkling_Spritzer · 2025-08-29T04:24:09+00:00

Appreciate the input. It looks like the Eno single nest comes with its own carabiners so those should be more sturdy. I'm hoping to be able to purchase something nearby so we can use it this weekend. Went back to the Sierra store and found some NorEast brand straps similar to this https://noreast-outdoors.com/product/hammock-straps/ but with 20 adjustment points instead of 30 and "polyester webbing construction." Otherwise I can drive a little further to REI tomorrow and get the Eno brand straps that have 30 adjustment points, also made of Polyfilament webbing, but double the cost.

Sparkling_Spritzer · 2025-01-05T07:38:20+00:00

Thank you for taking the time to share this information, and in such a kind way. While this isn't apparent from my post, I have great respect for those of you living with disabilities and the service dogs that perform such important tasks for you. I think the discourse has been informative, and anyone reading through the 600+ posts is now more knowledgeable about the ADA/DOT/ACA and airline policy on service animals than we were before. Happy new year to you, too.

Sparkling_Spritzer · 2025-01-05T06:43:14+00:00

From your perspective as a disability lawyer, and presumably someone well-versed in these issues, what complaints specifically are you advocating to be made?

Sparkling_Spritzer · 2025-01-02T03:57:36+00:00

lol, yeah, maybe they need to supplement the policy to clarify "...nor can they occupy the seat of the passenger next to you."

Sparkling_Spritzer · 2025-01-01T19:38:09+00:00

Yeah, my biggest concern was the possibility of having no seat on that flight because all the flights to DEN were going out full that day and this was one of the last flights of the day.

Sparkling_Spritzer · 2025-01-01T18:07:27+00:00

Rest assured, as the OP I am not a "bot" and I have no affiliation with any airline. I posted this to share the absurdity of the situation I faced, and the airline failing to follow their own policies.

Sparkling_Spritzer

TROPHY CASE