When I went, I did the following:

* The Old Lahaina Luau
* Toured the Hana Highway on a small bus to the end, but took a helicopter ride back
* Snuba-diving (like scuba diving, but your air-tank floats on a raft above you, so you can only dive down as far as the length of your air hose--about 15 feet)
* Horseback riding at Haleakala Crater



What I wish I had done, but didn't:

Sunrise at the top of Haleakala, followed by an all downhill bike ride coasting all the way to the bottom. (Don't know if they do this anymore, since I read about 2 fatal accidents a few years back and they were talking about banning this activity)

Personally, I didn't like the Hana tour. Too much time in a bus, and not enough time exploring.

I loved going kayaking and snorkeling. You can get to great snorkeling spots in a kayak. If you do the Molokini snorkeling (which I don't think is as good as other spots), do it in the morning, not the afternoon. IF you don't want to kayak, then just be sure to try snorkeling at various spots around the island. You can get information at the dive shops.

A nice relaxing picnic spot is the Heritage Park near the Iao Vally Road. Also, going to the swap meet in Wailuku on Saturday is fun. Local crafts at great prices.

I would not miss the Haleakala experience even if you do have to wake up at 2 a.m. for the drive in. Makes for more snuggling up together time in the dark and cold while you wait for the sun to make an appearance. The drive down is beautiful as well. Hana is a nice, quaint place but the drive will make you queasy. Another alternative for "cruise" around the island is to visit my Auntie Lorraine (not really my aunt, but that's just Hawaiian style) at her shave ice (translation: snow cone) stand out in Kahakuloa. It's way out past Wailuku or past Kaanapali if you go the other way around--pretty much where the rental car companies tell you not to drive (but there IS a road all the way) so why not? Just go for a drive and enjoy the scenery then stop by and have a cool shave ice treat, maybe some banana or mango bread and relax on her back porch on the bay.

Maui is beautiful, but is getting way to urban for my tastes... although I live on Oahu and grew up here, we used to go to Maui to get away from the hustle and bustle....but not anymore. Still, it's a nice place to visit. The Maui Ocean center is pretty nice if you just want to see marine life up close and personal as well. A 1/2 day trip on a catamaran to go snorkeling at Molokini is great too. You can even get a video of the event. Some captains have crew that will fish right off the boat and catch your lunch--fresh mahi mahi anyone? :hun:

Goin in August and I can't wait to try everything!!! I think we'll spend the first 4 days doing the tour and last 3 days relaxing :) I can't wait!!!

Hope you have fun. Maui is where I did really discover my love for snorkeling and was one of the best places I've ever snorkeled. The big island though was my favorite spot to visit. Partially because I love turtles and the hotel I stayed at had a turtle reserve right at the hotel. When I went snorkeling, turtles were swimming between my legs, it was crazy. I doubt I'll ever go back to Hawaii but it was fun. Part of my disappointment in my trip was I think I expected visiting Hawaii to be different than visiting any other city in the US and it really wasn't other than it is one of the few places in the US with decent snorkeling.

(Although I later was told that my mistake was not visiting Kaui, which if I do ever happen to make it back, I'd do)