Maui trip

[palmer gang]

hi guys the two senior members of the palmer gang are going to Maui in March to celebrate 25 years married any tips and ideas would be gratefully received we have an overnight in Los Angeles on the way any suggestions for eating?

[Simon Veness]

Not so sure about where to eat for an overnight stay in LA (you'll probably be too tired to venture any further than the hotel lobby!), but Maui is a fabulous place to enjoy the Hawaiian scenery, chill out and relax.

The beaches are some of the best in the world, and there is still a volcanic national park (Haleakala) to visit, as well as caverns, botanical gardens and the 'Sugar Cane Train,' for an island overview. A lot of the beach resorts are fairly well built up (there is a lot of condo development here), but it is not too intrusive and the people are all just SO friendly it is a real pleasure to be anywhere in Hawaii. You should certainly also try a proper Hawaiian Luau while you're there, and the Hawaii Nature Center on Maui is also well worth a visit.

Look up more here:

http://www.alohaislandtravel.com/attractions/

and

http://www.gohawaii.com/maui/

You may even be there at the right time of the year to go whale-watching, as a huge number of humpback whales start to head north in the spring, and they are an awesome sight :happy-thumb

[Highlander]

Hi guys, I was in Maui a few yrs back in February and managed to see some whales just off the beach. I was staying on Kaanapali Beach, so there's a good chance you'll see some whales in March.

In regards to LA.....well LA is a very big place. Do you know whereabouts you're staying?

[Susan Veness]

Hi Highlander! Welcome to the ATD forums! Great to have another 'voice of experience' here! :)

[palmer gang]

hi guys we are staying in Sheraton Delfina Hotel (Santa Monica) in LA and at the Royal Lahaina resort in Maui if thats any help.

[Highlander]

Thanks for the welcome Susan!

pg – correct me if I’m wrong however I think the Royal Lahaina has just completed a full renovation so the resort should be looking really nice and it’s on Kaanapali Beach, so hopefully you might see some whales. If you’re staying in the main hotel, I recommend a high-floor ocean view room. You may also see some whales off the coast as you drive around the island. Keep an eye out (not if you’re driving though!).

So you’re out on Santa Monica Beach, very nice. The Sheraton Delfina is a nice place. It’s a few blocks back from the beach, but still not far. I’m sure there are some nice local restaurants not far from the hotel. Have a look along 3rd Street Promenade. Check out the Santa Monica CVB website, I’m sure that will help.

Have a great trip.

[palmer gang]

thanks for the info we are staying in main hotel and we have asked for ocean view room so fingers crossed. There website states that they have just under gone extensive refurbishment.We dont usually indulge like this but it is our 25th wedding anniversary but still feel a bit guilty about leaving the family behind

[Simon Veness]

Can't say I know the Santa Monica area very well (was there just once, for half a day in 1987!!), so restaurants for that area would be a bit of a mystery to me. However, the tourist website http://www.santamonica.com/ has a big Dining section and it lists a long selection of restaurant choice for your area :happy-thumb

And, if you're on Kaanapali Beach, you are in prime territory for some of the best scenery on the island as the long coastline hereabouts is just superb (cruise ships even steer by here to give passengers a better vuew!). Check out more here: http://www.bestofmauiguide.com/Kaanapali.html