We’re thinking about a trip to Hawaii in a few months, and trying to pick an island. I’d love to go back to the Big Island if only to bother Carl, but that’s not on the itinerary this time.
So - which island (Oahu or Maui) is better for beer? And are there any beer events around 3/30-4/7 that would be fun? Festival, judging, something else?
My personal opinion, Maui. It also depends what you want. Although it was a long time ago, I grew up on Oahu and left just before middle school. My wife and I got married in Maui five years ago and spent the honeymoon on Oahu. We’ve been back to Maui each of the last 4 years and plan on buying a condo there this year.
Maui seems to be the island that has a little of each island and has the most amount of great beaches. Especially in south Maui from south Kihei to Makena, the best stretch of beaches anywhere. Starting with the three Kamaole Beaches, it’s just one great beach after another. This time of year, the surf will be up more, which is great for body boarding, but may make it a little more cloudy for snorkeling. We always go this time of year, and some years the snorkeling has been ok, and others it has been great! It will be near the peak of whale season, so definitely book a tour with the Pacific Whale Foundation, which has tours leaving from Lahaina and Maalaea. (If you become a memeber then the tours are cheaper and you get a free one.)
To keep this short, I’ll just say my vote is for Maui. If you would like any more info regarding Maui, send me a PM and I’d be glad to give you a full rundown on each area, places to stay, places to eat, things to do,how to save $$$, etc… My wife and I love Maui and enjoy sharing our experiences.
Oh, as for beer, can’t say much about that. I’ve had many a brew at the Maui Brewing Co. up in Kahana. The wife really liked their pineapple wheat, and their coconut porter was good. I remember the bar tender telling me that they also sold homebrew supplies and grains. Wouldn’t it be great to be in Maui long enough to brew some beer!
FWIW the Kona Brewers’ Festival is March 8 - 10. Now this is at the peak of tsunami season, but if you become a member of the Pacific Tsunami Museum you get discounted priority evacuation parking mauka of the inundation zone.
Hey Tom, we have a place in Kihei. Not sure if you have already made your reservations, but we’d be happy to share it with you and give you our friends & family rate of $60/nt. Our place is in the Kihei Kai Nani, which is directly across from Kamaole II beach. Shoot me a PM and I’ll be happy to give you a ton of tips, what to do, where to eat, etc…
Oahu is too touristy, although Pearl Harbor is must see. My wife and I love The Big Island, even though it isn’t in the mix for you. You got a volcano on one side and Kona Brewing on the other. I’d love to retire to Hilo.