Hotel reviews for Island Surf 403

My first trip to Hawaii. I booked the plane tickets myself via Orbitz.com and called the cheapest hotel I could find (Maui Islander $99/night); from AAA travel agency (got a better rate than hotels.com);.

I stayed in Lahaina, which is a tourist trap. But with a rented car (trust me, get the convertible mustang);, we were off exploring every day. Tooks us 2 days to find that picturesque beach, but finally found it at Makena Beach. Also, others will tell you the Road to Hana is rough, but it isn't. Take a full day, and drive through the rainforests (extremely beautiful waterfalls and beaches);, and drive all the way around the island (the back dirt road is not as bad they tourists say. 4x4 is not necessary. Also, drive up to the top of the big volcano. We did all this in one day, and was the highlight of the trip. Again, I stress you get the convertible car, nothing beats it. I got a deal, something like $20/day extra for convertible through Budget rental.

The other highlight was the $90 dive trip (cheapest through Maui Dive Shop); to Molonkini reef. The water has 300 ft visibility, and is the bluest blue I have ever seen.

On a side note: the booths you see in Lahaina for $10 molinkin dives are bogus. You have to earn a certain income $85k > more.

The only thing I didn't do was a Loua (sp?);. However, if you eat at the Aloha Mixed Plate in Lahaina (cheap traditional Hawaiin food, with a sunset view);, you can sneak a peak at the over priced Loua at Old Lahaina Loua for free. I think normally it's like $100/person.

Bring snorkel, mask, and fins, and drive to the south side of the Island where the underwater preserve is (marked on tourist maps);. The name escapes me, but is free, and very beautiful. Lots and lots of fish, I even saw a few eels.