TravelDiva

Hi All,

As many of you who've responded to my many posts over the last couple months know, I've been planning every detail of our trip to Maui for my brother's wedding mid-Feb.

I've been preparing to go ahead and book our activities online (Blue Hawaiian Helicopter ride, Haleakala crater horseback ride, scuba diving, snorkel boat trip, etc.), and while this secure our spots, we're also giving up the luxury to be flexible and change plans.

Can anyone tell me how crucial it is to book these in advance or if any of the tour providers allow you to change days (if you do book in advance) as long as you don't cancel completely?

My "planner" nature wants to get everything booked and over with, but my adventurous side is having trouble with getting locked in to a rigid schedule.

Appreciate the advice!

Patty

Have you checked their cancellation policies? Most will allow you to cancel with 24-48 hours notice.
I've booked a few activities in advance although I don't know if it was really necessary. I've also made many bookings after I arrived.

tpatricco

I don't think it's necessary to book before you get there. As I recall, in Maui there were activity brokers hawking us at every turn to do a snorkle cruise or helicopter ride, etc. Maybe a better price can be had once you're there...it seems quite competitive.

kamahinaohoku

Yes, but mid February is also high season, so if you wait til you get there, activities that you definitely want to do may be sold out. If you're planning to do the Old Lahaina Luau, and haven't made reservations yet, I'd call immediately.

KVR

We booked everything on-line prior to our trip. We went the week of Valentines and was cautioned that the more popular activites will fill up fast. I am pretty strict on setting an iteniary and sticking to to it, leaving available space for things that happen to come up or didn't fall in to place as I expected. Just check the companies cancellation polices before booking. I've not yet had a problem with rescheduling the day I booked to another day. Fortunatley, I haven't had to cancel anything.

ajcolorado

We booked our Luau early and it was full. We also booked our scuba dive early - it also filled up. We were looking at two dive companies that were recommended as the best: Ed Robinson's Diving adventure and I can't remember the other. We booked our Atlantis Sub tour and the surf lesson at Goofy Foot. I don't remember about the sub but there would've been plenty of room in the surf class so it wasn't really necessary. We were there in June '04.

We used the Hawaii Entertainment Book (www.entertainmentbook.com)& the Activity & Attractions association cards to save money on our (www.aoagoldcard.com) excursions.

I also want to recommend the most fantastic spot for snorkeling: Honolua Bay in Maui. It is north of Lahaina and is a marine preserve so there are lots of fish who are not too worried about people. We saw turtles, eels, and even squid/octopi (I don't know the difference). It is a cove so there was not a strong current when we were there (June 2004). My guidebook says the snorkeling is best in the morning and calm spring, summer, & fall. The snorkeling was easy enough for my children, as well as my 60-ish mother and in-laws. My family all agreed that it was like being in a National Geographic special. Take hwy 30 north of Lahaina past D.T. Fleming Beach Park. You'll see a Mokuleia-Honolua Marine Reserve sign near a parking area. Go past this just a little ways and watch for a tiny dirt side road on the left. There will probably be other cars parked there. Park by the road and take the trail/dirt road in. The trail is an easy walk and absolutely lovely. The Snorkel Bob shops may even have a free print out map. We felt so pleased with ourselves for droving there and walked in for free when we saw those snorkel tour catamarans that people pay to go on.