MUScoop
MUScoop => The Superbar => Topic started by: JTBMU7 on April 10, 2016, 11:05:21 PM
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Taking the wife and kids, (6, 4 & 2 at the time) to he Maui Classic in 2017... Also going with in laws who are Michigan grads with kids as well. Looking for any tips on travel, rentals, other events that would be worth checking out while there with the fam. Been to Maui in 2007 on our honeymoon but not since.
I'm sure there will some MU sponsored events as well which we will attend but am more interested on travel and other tips to make the whole week fun.
Thanks!
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Still a little too far out, but as the date gets closer, several of us (who went in 2012 or 2007) post plenty of tips, tricks, hacks, etc. But for now, here are a couple threads with some tidbits of info.
http://www.muscoop.com/index.php?topic=49184
http://www.muscoop.com/index.php?topic=33012
Generally speaking, however....
The tournament is always held Mon-Tue-Wed before Thanksgiving... unlike other tourneys, there is no off day before the final round... unless you're travelling with the team, most fans stay arrive Sat/Sun, stay through Fri/Sat.
The "official" travel packages are usually announced in Spring... packages for the schools with larger travel parties (i.e. fans) typically go on sale before the schools who don't travel as well (or in large numbers).
MU's team hotel in 2012 was the Hyatt Regency... teams are usually spread out between the Hyatt, Westin, and Sheraton, all of which are located in Ka'anapali. The Lahaina Civic Center (where games are held) are not exactly walking distance from the hotels (unless you're used to walking several miles a day).
Athletics (Blue & Gold) usually puts on at least one reception/cocktail hour at a local establishment; the HI Alumni club will probably put on another. There's usually a send-off for the team before the game, and there's also a Luau on Thursday that's put on by the travel company. Other than that, you're pretty much on your own for entertainment outside of the games.
Tickets go on sale to the general public in late summer (late-Aug/early-Sep). Before that, the only way to secure tickets is through the travel packages. Most every ticket available through the travel package or the public sale are general admission (except courtside seats). Unless you're a hoops junkie and want the all-session ticket, the most popular choice is the "Booster" ticket which gets you into the games only for your team and seats all the fans from a school together behind the team's respective bench (you must have a "Booster" ticket to get into these sections, as I heard they were pretty tight on enforcing this in 2012).
Foodland Farms (which is the "fresh" alternative to the Safeway) sells mochi ice cream in bulk. Ask for a hotel room with a freezer... otherwise, buy a foam cooler and go get some dry ice at Airgas in Kahului unless you want to be driving to FF three times a day.
Plenty of golf courses... there are two championship courses in Ka'anapali, and the Plantation Course (that hosts the tour-opening Hyundai every January) is only a couple miles north.
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Still a little too far out, but as the date gets closer, several of us (who went in 2012 or 2007) post plenty of tips, tricks, hacks, etc. But for now, here are a couple threads with some tidbits of info.
http://www.muscoop.com/index.php?topic=49184
http://www.muscoop.com/index.php?topic=33012
Generally speaking, however....
The tournament is always held Mon-Tue-Wed before Thanksgiving... unlike other tourneys, there is no off day before the final round... unless you're travelling with the team, most fans stay arrive Sat/Sun, stay through Fri/Sat.
The "official" travel packages are usually announced in Spring... packages for the schools with larger travel parties (i.e. fans) typically go on sale before the schools who don't travel as well (or in large numbers).
MU's team hotel in 2012 was the Hyatt Regency... teams are usually spread out between the Hyatt, Westin, and Sheraton, all of which are located in Ka'anapali. The Lahright Civic Center (where games are held) are not exactly walking distance from the hotels (unless you're used to walking several miles a day).
Athletics (Blue & Gold) usually puts on at least one reception/cocktail hour at a local establishment; the HI Alumni club will probably put on another. There's usually a send-off for the team before the game, and there's also a Luau on Thursday that's put on by the travel company. Other than that, you're pretty much on your own for entertainment outside of the games.
Tickets go on sale to the general public in late summer (late-Aug/early-Sep). Before that, the only way to secure tickets is through the travel packages. Most every ticket available through the travel package or the public sale are general admission (except courtside seats). Unless you're a hoops junkie and want the all-session ticket, the most popular choice is the "Booster" ticket which gets you into the games only for your team and seats all the fans from a school together behind the team's respective bench (you must have a "Booster" ticket to get into these sections, as I heard they were pretty tight on enforcing this in 2012).
Foodland Farms (which is the "fresh" alternative to the Safeway) sells mochi ice cream in bulk. Ask for a hotel room with a freezer... otherwise, buy a foam cooler and go get some dry ice at Airgas in Kahului unless you want to be driving to FF three times a day.
Plenty of golf courses... there are two championship courses in Ka'anapali, and the Plantation Course (that hosts the tour-opening Hyundai every January) is only a couple miles north.
....then there is always the beach!
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Still a little too far out, but as the date gets closer, several of us (who went in 2012 or 2007) post plenty of tips, tricks, hacks, etc. But for now, here are a couple threads with some tidbits of info.
http://www.muscoop.com/index.php?topic=49184
http://www.muscoop.com/index.php?topic=33012
Generally speaking, however....
The tournament is always held Mon-Tue-Wed before Thanksgiving... unlike other tourneys, there is no off day before the final round... unless you're travelling with the team, most fans stay arrive Sat/Sun, stay through Fri/Sat.
The "official" travel packages are usually announced in Spring... packages for the schools with larger travel parties (i.e. fans) typically go on sale before the schools who don't travel as well (or in large numbers).
MU's team hotel in 2012 was the Hyatt Regency... teams are usually spread out between the Hyatt, Westin, and Sheraton, all of which are located in Ka'anapali. The Lahright Civic Center (where games are held) are not exactly walking distance from the hotels (unless you're used to walking several miles a day).
Athletics (Blue & Gold) usually puts on at least one reception/cocktail hour at a local establishment; the HI Alumni club will probably put on another. There's usually a send-off for the team before the game, and there's also a Luau on Thursday that's put on by the travel company. Other than that, you're pretty much on your own for entertainment outside of the games.
Tickets go on sale to the general public in late summer (late-Aug/early-Sep). Before that, the only way to secure tickets is through the travel packages. Most every ticket available through the travel package or the public sale are general admission (except courtside seats). Unless you're a hoops junkie and want the all-session ticket, the most popular choice is the "Booster" ticket which gets you into the games only for your team and seats all the fans from a school together behind the team's respective bench (you must have a "Booster" ticket to get into these sections, as I heard they were pretty tight on enforcing this in 2012).
Foodland Farms (which is the "fresh" alternative to the Safeway) sells mochi ice cream in bulk. Ask for a hotel room with a freezer... otherwise, buy a foam cooler and go get some dry ice at Airgas in Kahului unless you want to be driving to FF three times a day.
Plenty of golf courses... there are two championship courses in Ka'anapali, and the Plantation Course (that hosts the tour-opening Hyundai every January) is only a couple miles north.
Excellent work mods!
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Excellent work mods!
Ha. I just tried to change twice before I realized it wasn't the autocorrect on my computer.
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UPDATE 2/9/17 - LINK TO MARQUETTE ATHLETICS MAUI INVITE HOME PAGE (http://www.gomarquette.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/2017-maui-invite.html)
Now that the 2016 holiday tourneys are over, it's A'ight for Lahright (damn autocorrect).
As promised, the pages following will contain Benny's Ultimate Guide to the Maui Invitational. This will be augmented, updated, etc. as the tourney approaches, announcements are made, I find more time, etc.
Chapter 1 - Making Plans & Booking
***If you are planning on booking an official travel package, please skip ahead to Chapter 2
1. Where to Stay - The Kaanapali resort (made up of four hotels and the vacation property complexes where "natives" stay) is home base for all of the teams and the majority of fans throughout the tourney. As mentioned, teams typically stay at either the Hyatt Regency, Marriott, Sheraton or Westin properties, and the official packages include accommodations at your team's hotel. Now, some people opt for a rental property in Laha|na, some exchange timeshares, some camp out on the beach... but generally, everything happens in/around Laha|na and Kaanapali (northwest coast). I know some people stay in Kihei and Wailea (southwest coast), the former of which has various "economical" (by Hawaii standards) options and the latter of which is home to several high-end rentals and resorts, but personally, I would suggest giving a second look to Napili and Kapalua (further north of Kaanapali) - either of which have similar economical and high-end offerings - before looking southwest. Don't waste your vacation in the car... the drive from Wailea to Laha|na is pretty pretty, but once you've done it, you probably don't need to do it again.
UPDATE 2/9/17 - As was the case in 2012, MU's team hotel will be the Hyatt Regency in 2017.
2. Book Early - Hotel prices Maui, like most every resort property in the world, will inevitably rise as the date approaches... as a matter of example/comparison, Benny booked a rental car (convertible) for $500 and 6 nights at the Hyatt for $287/night in May 2012. In early October 2012, the same reservations priced out over $1100 and $450/nt, respectively (all prices before taxes/fees). If you're so inclined, once you have booked, check back every so often, and if the price does happen to drop, make a new reservation and cancel your old one (typically only works if you book a refundable reservation).
UPDATE 2/9/17 - If booked direct through the hotel, rooms at the Hyatt Regency are as low as $323 right now (Hyatt Gold Passport rate) or $379 at standard rates if you're staying more than 5 nights.
3. Exception to booking early: Airfare - The only people who should ever make a flight reservation 335 days ahead of time are those hoping to use miles to upgrade. Strictly as a benchmark, $1200 isn't bad for R/T from ORD to OGG; if you can score something under a $1,000, that's awesome. But don't try to anticipate the market... best advice I can give is as soon you find a reasonable and acceptable airfare, book it and don't look back.
UPDATE 2/9/17 - Not sure about UAL or DAL; however, AAL from ORD to OGG (mid-week departure, Fri return) is running $1006-1105 and $1231-1470 (Fri to Fri) right now depending on schedule/connection. [Dammit... I looked back (Benny booked at $1275 last month in order to ensure his priority on the upgrade list).]
4. Upgrayyed - Do you have hotel points, airline miles, Avios, credit card rewards, etc. to use up? This is as good a time as any, and upgrading flights/hotels on a Hawaiian vacation usually yields a pretty good return on your rewards.
5. Status - As soon as you've identified a hotel, get their credit card or stay however many nights necessary next year to get status with the hotel. Even if you're a lowly silver-status traveler, you stand a much better shot at a nominal upgrade... this is because resort properties like the ones in Kaanapali typically have up to 20 different floorplans, even if they are only grouped into 10-12 categories. So while you're likely not going to get upgraded to the Honeymoon Suite, silver status could mean the difference between a 250 SF king room in the middle of the ground floor and a 400 SF corner king room on the top floor.
6. Game Tickets (subject to change, info here is based primarily on 2012 experience) - Short Answer is you have four choices: Single-Game, All-Day (four games), All-Session (twelve games), and Booster (three games, team specific).
Don't be deterred by the whole "the only way to guarantee tickets is to buy the official travel package" spiel. Tickets will go on sale in Aug/Sep and there will be plenty available. Benny's Recommendation: Buy yourself a "booster" ticket... you need to specify the school and then you get a ticket for all three of that school's games in the "booster section," which is essentially the south bleachers behind the team's bench (baseline to half-court). Even though booster seats are general admission, they do keep you to your section, i.e. the only way to sit with your fellow MU fans in the booster section is to buy a booster ticket (i.e. you can't buy a single-game ticket and mosey over to the south bleachers with the Warrior faithful)... otherwise, Single-game, All-Tournament, and All-Day tickets will seat you elsewhere... you'll either be assigned to a section like "baseline-west" (all-tournament reserved seats), "baseline-east" (single game general admission) "sideline-north" (all-day reserved and GA), "dumpster," "behind JayBee," etc. or you'll simply have a GA ticket for a bleacher seat anywhere except the booster sections.
Courtside seats are also available in three areas: home, away and general. The home and away function like the booster seats in that you have to specify which team and you'll get tickets to all three of that team's games. I'm not 100%, but I believe courtside-general are sold on an all-day and/or all-session basis only.
Ticket Prices: 2012 Pricing here --- http://www.muscoop.com/index.php?topic=33369.0 Rumblings from Chaminade are that booster seats will be $390 this year. That's right... expect to pay upwards of $130 (i.e. a $60-70 premium) PER GAME just for the privilege of sitting amongst the Warrior faithful (it's probably worth it, by the way... but maybe not).
Single-game tickets will be made available for online purchase sometime in mid-November (a week or two before the tournament), and those will vary in price from around $80 for first round and third-place games, $100 for semi-final and championship games, and $30 all other loser's bracket games. "Kama'a|na" tickets are usually available locally (i.e. in-person purchases only) starting in September. Kama'a|na is basically code for residents-only discount, which last year amounted to $5-10 savings per game; however, my sources tell me they don't actually check your ID when you purchase or try to use those tickets, so if you know someone on the island, you can always go this route.
UPDATE 2/9/17 - Booster tickets ARE being offered through the MU ticket office or on the web at https://oss.ticketmaster.com/aps/marquette/EN/link/buy/details/17maui They are not being called "booster tickets" at this time, but $390 will get you a ticket to each of MU's games (3 total) in the MU section. Be sure you are logged into your My Marquette account when you purchase (this may be required) as you will have the option to be "wait-listed" for upgraded/reserved seats for an additional $30 each based on your past giving history (i.e. priority points).
7. Transportation - Airport to Laha|na/Kaanapali is about a 30 minute drive. Downtown Laha|na to Kaanapali is about 2.5 miles and Laha|na Civic Center (LCC) is halfway in between the two. It's a constitutional from wherever you stay, so a rental car is helpful. Can't speak to cab service, Uber, Lyft, etc. on the island... but public transportation isn't going to be much help.
8. Food - Hawaii is actually part of America... I know some people forget this, but it's true. So the offerings are going to be the very same as you'll find anywhere else, with obvious leanings towards seafood and local cuisine (Kalua pig, poi, etc.). Don't expect fresh-picked pineapple everywhere you turn, however. Imagine my surprise in 2012 walking into Safeway and picking up a Dole pineapple with a tag that said "Product of Costa Rica." However, if you make your way back to the Poke counter at said Safeway, you may see a guy with a big knife hacking away at a big fish (that's still wiggling).
Updated 2/15/17:
9. A la Carte or Package - This is pretty easy... let's assume two people arriving Sunday for 5 nights traveling a la carte wanting to duplicate the package offerings:
"Resort View" King Room at Hyatt: $2,475 ($408/night* + resort fees & taxes)
Tickets: $580 ($390 x 2)
Uber/Taxi to games: $60 ($20 R/T x 3) estimated
Banquet/Luau: $228 ($114 x 2)
Gift bag/Swag: $100 ($50 x 2)
Maui Jim Sunglasses: $400 ($200 x 2)
Total: $3,843 vs. Package Price of $4,718
*Gold Passport Member rate (free sign-up)
So as of today (2/15), it's about an $875 difference, which will diminish over time as hotel rates go up. Nevertheless, there's something to be said for the customer service that a travel agency offers, especially if something goes awry. The last thing you want is to have a vacation - especially a Hawaiian vacation - completely ruined by a SNAFU in ticketing/reservations, so having a professional on-site and on your side who can fix the situation for you quickly and painlessly could be invaluable. So the question is what price do you put on peace of mind... for seasoned travelers like myself, that price is $0; however, for others - especially first-timers to the island - it could be priceless.
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Chapter 2 - What to Expect When You're Expecting (to go to Maui)
It's all about the hoops, baby. Three games, guaranteed, win or lose, one each day Mon-Wed. Start times can be as early as 8:00a and as late as 7:00p. Unlike some holiday tournaments and the dance, there are no "sessions." Games are spaced out pretty evenly and one ticket is good for one game, i.e. they shuffle everyone out when it's over, and queue up everyone waiting to get into the next game. So unless you have an all-session pass, don't plan on staying around to watch the next game (or get there early to watch the end of the previous game).
LCC Seating. The arena only seats 2,400, and there's only about 15 rows on the sidelines (and about half as many in the end zones), so unless you're one of those who sits in row BBB at the BC, you're not going to be disappointed wherever you sit. But to reiterate, you have three choices: Booster, Non-Booster and Courtside. As mentioned, the booster section consists of one side of the arena, with each team getting the half behind their respective bench. All booster seating is general admission with two exceptions: courtside tickets and the first 3-4 rows of the booster sections have specific seat assignments; however, reserved seating in the booster sections cannot be purchased and is typically allocated to the team staff, families, admin, etc. [I didn't actually figure this out until the third game in 2012... all three games, we sat in the same seats right next to one of the player's parents (who were unexpectedly hilarious, by the way) but vs. USC, a lady sat down on the other side of us introduced herself as Corey's mother... turns out that Mrs. Benny and I were actually sitting in the seats that were given to Buzz's family. Fortunately, she was very gracious and there was still enough room around us that everyone could sit without having to ask anyone else (i.e. us) to move. Not sure if I'll have as much luck with Wojo's mother-in-law this time.]
UPDATE 2/9/17 - MU is offering some of the reserved seating to the general public for $30 additional with allocation based on past giving to B&G (priority points). No idea how many will be available, but unless they're going to more than three rows of reserved, it probably won't be much.
How many MU fans make the trip? Hard to say exactly... at the games, the MU booster section was 65-75% filled, so I would estimate that MU's contingent was around 300-350 in 2012. Now a good portion of that was staff & families, who - aside from the B&G and Alumni relations folks - didn't really mingle with the alums/fans. At the MU alumni/booster events, there couldn't have been more than a hundred of us at any given one, although not all of the fans (particularly those with kids) would show up. I only counted a few "local" MU alums/fans, of whom only one couple actually lived on Maui, so most people make the trip.... shot in the dark, but I would bet not more than 250 actual fans/alums make the trip. (Doc.... help me out here; what do you think?)
Do We Get to Hang Out With the Team? The short answer falls into the category of "if you have to ask the question, then the answer is no." That said, there is a pep-rally/send-off prior to the games where you might be able to snap a picture or two with a player. If you stay at the team hotel, you might run into a player or coach in the lobby, on the elevator, in the pool, in the brunch line, etc. If you want to be a PITA, you could bother them during the luau. But for the most part, the teams are kept pretty busy, and generally, there are no public events with the players & coaching staff.
UPDATE 2/9/17 - There is a "Evening With the Coaches" banquet on the Sunday before the tournament that seems like you might be able to have some formal interaction with the team. See Chapter 4 below for details. This may or may not be in lieu of the Thanksgiving luau this year... the travel package is advertising a "Private Thanksgiving/Welcome Banquet" but I'm not sure if this is the same as the Evening w/Coaches.
What Is Included in the Travel Package In years past, travel packages have been team-specific but usually entail accommodations during the tournament (Sun-Fri), booster tickets to the games, dinner/luau on one of the nights, transportation between the hotel and LCC on gameday, and a "welcome gift." Anthony Travel will occasionally charter a fan flight from the university's home airport for teams with larger followings (UNC, Duke, KU, UK, etc.) and include that in their team's package, but I wouldn't expect that for Marquette.
UPDATE 2/9/17 - Travel packages have been announced. See link in previous post for more info or click HERE (http://www.anthonytravel.com/marquette-maui/)to go directly to the Anthony Travel website; otherwise, here's a quick rundown from MU's website:
Travel Packages
Travel packages are available through Marquette's official travel partner, Anthony Travel.
For more information and to purchase a travel package, please visit here or call 888-632-6951
Each travel package includes:
- 5 nights' accommodations at the team hotel, The Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa
- General admission tickets to each of Marquette's three games (donors who qualify for an upgrade into reserved seats will be contacted)
- Transportation to all three Marquette games at the Lahright Civic Center
- Private welcome/Thanksgiving Banquet (This was going to be one or the other, it's a Turkey banquet as of 5/26)
- Maui Jim Maui Invitational Souvenir items
- Anthony Travel on site assistance
- and much more
*Upgraded rooms are available
**Additional nights are available
5-Night Land Package (11/19-11/24)
Single Occupancy: $3,409/person
Double Occupancy: $2,359/person
Triple Occupancy: $2,189/person
Quadruple Occupancy: $2,105/person
Child Rate: $1,199/child
Additional Nights: $395
Note the above rates are "Resort View" rooms, which typically means "overlooking the parking lot or highway." Ocean "View" rooms, translated as "you can see the ocean if you can look over the pool & past the trees without being distracted by Benny's kids who are taunting the security guards on the playground outside your room") range from $3,815 for a single and $2,209 add'l for quad occupancy ($475 add'l nights). Ocean "Front" rooms which are on the wings closest to the ocean, but still a good 40-50 yards away, range from $4,119 single to $2,285 quad ($525 add'l nights).
What to Wear I'm not your mother/wife, so look somewhere else on this one, but I will say this: for God's sake... whatever schlocky "Hawaiian Shirt" they whip together and peddle at the Spirit Shop, DON'T BUY IT. Seriously, there's no better way to say "I'm an obnoxious Haole" than buying some made in China t-shirt with flowers and an MU logo on it. If you must, buy a vintage (or new) Reyn Spooner, Tori Richard or Kahala shirt off the interwebs, take it to a custom embroidery shop, and have them slap an MU logo on it.
Is the Tournament/Maui Kid-Friendly? Yes, but the real question is whether your kids are Maui-friendly, i.e. it's a long damn plane ride, it's not cheap, and especially with jet lag, things can go south pretty quickly. My suggestion if you're traveling with kids... add a buffer to the front end of your trip; in other words, consider coming in on Thursday or Friday and give your entire family a day to "reset."
Or do what Benny and the Mrs. are contemplating... request a hotel room that has french doors on the closet with looped handles and bring a bicycle lock. As soon as you get to your room, show them how "cool" the insides of closets are in Hawaii, and once they're in, close the doors, pull out the lock and demonstrate to them what happens if they misbehave; then after your 20 second lecture, make it seem like you lost the key and spend 10 minutes pretending to search for it before "resigning yourselves" to the fact you must have left the key on the kitchen counter at home. Then tell them to stay calm, go in the other room (just within earshot), and fake a call to the airline about that plane "that's leaving in one hour." Hurriedly, tell the kids you'll be back "soon" then go out into the hallway in front of the room for a couple minutes and congratulate each other on an Oscar-worthy performance that has now assured a peaceful, enjoyable tournament. Or just leave the kids at home, your call.
But yes, just about everything is kid-friendly, and there's no shortage of kids at the resorts. After all, they don't build these adventure-pool-waterslide-lazy-river-watch-me-jump-off-this-fake-cliff-monstrosities at the resorts for the boomers and drunk Millenials.
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Chapter 3 - Mahalo Rewards: How to Act Like a Native
Required Watching: South Park, Season 16, Episode 11 - "Going Native"
Allow me to reiterate... if you don't have Hulu, pull up iTunes, pay the damn $2.99 and watch the episode. You have almost a year to do this. Even if you've never watched South Park before, watch just this one episode. I promise you there are parts about bodily functions, nobody gets disemboweled, there are no Mormon jokes, just good, old-fashioned, American satire. Now, remembering that the point of satire is to inspire people to reflect upon themselves... you can either be a Haole, try not to be a Haole or you can make fun of Haoles. My suggestion is the latter, because guess what... you're a Haole, and the only thing worse than being a Haole is trying to pretend like you're not a Haole. If you insist on saying "damn Haole" or "f---in' Haole," do it with fortitude and conviction, but don't ever say it in public.
Now that we got that out of the way...
What to Wear Yes, I'm actually going to repeat myself here, not because I'm trying to fill space, but because this is important: For God's sake... whatever schlocky "Hawaiian Shirt" they whip together and peddle at the Spirit Shop, DON'T BUY IT. Seriously, there's no better way to say "I'm an obnoxious Haole" than buying some made in China t-shirt with flowers and an MU logo on it. If you must, buy a vintage (or new) Reyn Spooner, Tori Richard or Kahala shirt off the interwebs, take it to a custom embroidery shop, and have them slap an MU logo on it.
That's it. Seriously. If you want to blend in, you can do so seamlessly by not acting like a moron and not wearing that wretched creation that the Spirit Shop will - undoubtedly - put out on the racks sometime this summer.
Chapter 3-A What Else To Do (if you have a rental car, or you wish to hire Benny as your personal chauffeur*)
Road to Hana Despite my earlier sentiments, it's actually a nice drive from what I hear. No, Benny and the Mrs. didn't do Hana last time due to unexpected travel SNAFUs, but we're doing it this time. The interwebs have no shortage of info on tips, tricks, secrets, etc., but plan on this taking a whole day. My suggestion is Thursday since you probably won't see a lot of people on the road that day. Or you might. I don't know.
Haleakala Drive up to the observatory of the highest peak on the island to watch the sunrise. Again, travel SNAFUs prevented this last time, but the general consensus is to do this the night (early morning) after your arrival when your body is still 5-6 hours ahead, because you won't make it up there by sunrise unless you leave around 2:00-2:30a HST.
Maui Brewing Company Unlike 2012, they now do public tours every day of the week. However, they also do private tours for groups of 1-16 (min. age 10 years old)... check back here in October; on the likely chance that my kids have taken up residence with DCFS by mid-November (or we can find a babysitter), Benny and the Mrs. will be organizing a private tour of the Maui Brewing Company.
* $100 for the first 1/10th mile, $100 each mile thereafter. Unless you have lots of really good beer back at your place, then we'll work something out.
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Chapter 4 - Official Marquette and Tournament Events & Announcements:
"An Evening with the Coaches" Banquet
Sunday, November 19
Join the coaches, players, and fellow fans of the 2017 Maui Jim Maui Invitational on Sunday, November 19 for an unforgettable evening. Enjoy a traditional Hawaiian buffet and get a sneak peek at the teams before they hit the hardwood.
Tickets are $165.00 each and can be purchased by clicking here (https://oss.ticketmaster.com/aps/marquette/EN/link/buy/details/17coach).
Benny's Recommendation: Indifferent. I don't know if I just missed it in 2012 or they didn't have it, but it seems like your best chance to get up close with the team... heck, if the kids are able to get a few autographs and mom and dad can get a selfie with TD, $165 might be money well-spent.
Stadium Club Hospitality All-Tournament Pass
The Stadium Club Hospitality All-Tournament Pass offers a place to go all day during each day of the tournament. This pass does not allow access to the arena for any games (a separate game ticket is required).
Amenities include:
- Shaded, lounge setup with ample seating
- Live television feed of the Maui Jim Maui Invitational
- Complimentary food (snacks and meals) and non-alcoholic beverages (beer and wine available at additional charge)
Tickets are $315.00 each and can be purchased by clicking here (https://oss.ticketmaster.com/aps/marquette/EN/link/buy/details/17hosp).
Benny's Recommendation: For $315, the beer and chi-chi's damn well should be complementary. Save the coin for the hotel bar, download the WatchESPN app for your phone, and wait in line (also in the shade) with the rest of us.
Questions on the above
Please contact the Marquette Athletic Ticket Office at 414.288.4668 or athletics@marquette.edu.
For more information on the 2017 Maui Jim Maui Invitational, please visit mauiinvitational.com.
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Feel free to post additional questions on Scoop and either myself, Doc Black, or others will be happy to respond.
Travel Package Events & Announcements
Maui Jim Maui Golf Classic $150
Sunday, Nov. 19
The Maui Jim Maui Classic will take place at the Ka’anapali Kai Golf Course on the morning of Sunday, Nov. 19. Kick off the pre-tournament festivities with a golf experience in paradise! Registration includes 18 holes of golf, cart fees, commemorative gifts and a post-round luncheon. Bring a team of four, or get paired up with fellow fans! For the non-golfers, lunch only options are also available. Winning players will receive a Tournament prize pack.
See more at: http://www.anthonytravel.com/marquette-maui/#upgrades
Benny's Recommendation: The golf outing is only being sold as an upgrade to the travel package at this time. It speaking with Anthony Travel, it sounds like they might allow some "non-package" guests to register, but it would probably be a good idea to not count on playing in the Classic if you're travelling a la carte (and hope that they open it up to the public at a later date).
Private Thanksgiving/Welcome Banquet
Thursday, Nov. 23
Guests on the Anthony package will be treated to a banquet sometime during the week, but date is TBD at this point. Anthony is waiting to see when the majority of their customers are departing. In 2012, the banquet took place Thursday evening since most people departed Friday or Saturday (the team charter left Thursday night after the banquet... gotta love NCAA travel rules). However, if it turns out that many people opt to leave on Thursday (not sure why you would other than you're driving straight from the airport to stand in line at Wal-Mart the next morning), they may wait for the bracket and schedule the banquet earlier in the week if MU wouldn't have an evening game on Mon or Tues.
Update 5/26 - According to the Anthony Travel website, the luau is being held Thanksgiving Day at the Hyatt. They are no longer advertising it as a welcome banquet, but that's probably to be expected since welcoming guests the day after the tournament ends isn't exactly hospitable.
Benny's Recommendation: If this banquet is held on the luau grounds of the Hyatt (Drums of the Pacific Luau), it's a must-see; the food isn't spectacular, but it's like the Tommy Bartlett show in Wisconsin Dells... it may be kitschy & touristy but it is at least mildly entertaining and something you have to do once, if never again. Anyone can buy tickets for the luau, so it would not be restricted to package-travelers; however, Anthony does have a large block of tickets, so it might sell out to the public, although Anthony did sell the banquet a la carte to non-package travelers in 2012 (and I would assume they would again in this year). However, if the banquet is held elsewhere, all bets are off unless you're buying the package.
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Chapter 5 - HERE FISHY, FISHY, FISHY....
I'm flying blind here, so if someone else has input, please let me know. I've never fished Maui, so I'm just going on what I've learned from the Interwebs here... but Benny and the kids are definitely going to do some shorefishing while in Maui. At this point, I have no idea if we're going to bring our own gear, use the stuff at our rental, or pick something up on the island. But so far, the best info site I've found (that isn't blatantly trying to sell you something) is https://fishmaui.com/
There are no licensing requirements for marine fishing in Hawaii for residents or guests. There are some regulated areas of the state where certain fishing activities are restricted and there are closed seasons for some species, but for the most part, it seems that you can cast from most anywhere for just about anything.
http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dar/fishing/fishing-regulations/
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There are some excellent business class deals out of Toronto to Hawaii, including to OGG, for about $1,000 (example: https://www.google.com/flights/#search;f=YYZ;t=OGG;d=2017-10-19;r=2017-10-23;sc=b). The schedule doesn't go as far as Thanksgiving yet but will in a few weeks. Biz class straight out of ORD is still a reasonable ~$1600.
Lie-flat "pod" seats, 3-course meal, and unlimited premium cocktails for the 9 hour journey from ORD-OGG. Well worth it.
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Lie-flat "pod" seats, 3-course meal, and unlimited premium cocktails for the 9 hour journey from ORD-OGG. Well worth it.
Does American fly pod seats? If they do, it is to HNL and you connect.
United flies garbage to Hawaii. Its 777s are domestic config, which includes old style domestic first class. You may see a 757 from the west coast. Those have been reconfiged with United's business first product.
All in all, the experience isn't nearly what it used to be and is no where close to Business or First to Europe or Asia. Spend the coin and go to YYZ!
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Does American fly pod seats? If they do, it is to HNL and you connect.
United flies garbage to Hawaii. Its 777s are domestic config, which includes old style domestic first class. You may see a 757 from the west coast. Those have been reconfiged with United's business first product.
All in all, the experience isn't nearly what it used to be and is no where close to Business or First to Europe or Asia. Spend the coin and go to YYZ!
Spoken like a FlyerTalker!
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Reserved for jokes and fishing tips.
What about smoked meats??????
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Mama's Fish House. The End.
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UA doesn't offer many lie flats to OGG or HNL from ORD because it doesn't make them any $. They know people will upgrade, and they keep pounding the EWR to west coast markets with Polaris. I went from ORD to OGG via LAX last year, had a dinosaur 757. I was on a Pres. Club trip, and had a first class ticket. I'll sound like a snob, but if you're flying UA, save the upgrade, it wasn't worth it, and LAX to OGG isn't a terrible leg. I think they still have a once a day 777 direct out of ORD. I had heard HAL was upgrading to lie flats for 2017 though.
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.I went from ORD to OGG via LAX last year, had a dinosaur 757.
Had a reconfigured 757 about a year ago from LAX to ORD. Interior wall panel had insulation hanging out from the cracks and the interior walls were held together with duct tape. I wrote United about it and Commander Jeff (Smisek) and his minions were offended that I would question their commitment to safety (something about if duct tape held together what I could see, what does it say about what I can't see).
The 757-300s are the worst of all. Crappy seats and every one of them is a shop hog. They tend to have more maintenance delays than any three other airplanes combined. Either fix 'em or scrap 'em!
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Benny flies the transcon 767 from DFW. Pods up front lie flat, though they're the ones angled at 20-30 degrees. But because the transcon is only two-class, first class is a single upgrade.
Haven't checked the metal via LAX or PHX, though pretty sure it's either a 757 (yuck that) or some Airbus garbage.
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Benny flies the transcon 767 from DFW.
Precisely why Dgies doesn't fly American. We see no heavy metal out of ORD.
Just the crapjets.
Incidentally, is Benny geographically challenged? Didn't know you could fly transcon from DFW?
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Precisely why Dgies doesn't fly American. We see no heavy metal out of ORD.
Just the crapjets.
Incidentally, is Benny geographically challenged? Didn't know you could fly transcon from DFW?
American flies two versions of the 767: both go 2-3-2 in the main cabin but the main difference is in business (first) class... the "transcon" configuration is 2-2-2 with the angled-flat seats; the "int'l" configuration is 1-2-1 with flat seats. Even though both versions can be used for long-haul and international flights, AAL uses the transcon config for their flights to Hawaii from DFW.
That said 767 is horrid in the main cabin unless you get the first row (which is, strangely, in front of the bulkhead - i.e. unlimited legroom - but separated from Main Cabin Extra by the bathrooms) or second exit row.
United still has the q.d. to OGG on a 777 as Dish mentioned, but that's the only direct flight from Chicago. AAL doesn't even fly the ORD-HNL route anymore... and yet they cancelled their partnership with HAL for anything between HI and the mainland.
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Mama's Fish House. The End.
I agree with this analysis
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Ok, most covered just about everything; but consider taking a short flight to the big island and do a little skiing.
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2016/12/02/up-foot-snow-forecast-summits-hawaiis-big-island/94800450/
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Thanks for all the info, Benny. Appreciate it. Great to know about the "booster" seats.
Question - not sure if I will want to go to any games besides the MU games, but if MU doesn't make it to the championship and you want to catch it - are you able to buy a couple seats to get in while there, or is it pretty much you buy the booster seats, or seats to the whole tourney if you may want to catch another game or two while there?
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Don't be afraid to stray away from hotels and look for an Airbnb as well. You can find some real steals on Airbnb.
I don't know the situation in Hawaii, but I'm going to Rome over Christmas and there was a lovely place a block away from the Vatican that me and my friend paid about $50 (each) for two nights.
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Thanks for all the info, Benny. Appreciate it. Great to know about the "booster" seats.
Question - not sure if I will want to go to any games besides the MU games, but if MU doesn't make it to the championship and you want to catch it - are you able to buy a couple seats to get in while there, or is it pretty much you buy the booster seats, or seats to the whole tourney if you may want to catch another game or two while there?
Individual tickets to the games are available, even day of game.
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Don't be afraid to stray away from hotels and look for an Airbnb as well. You can find some real steals on Airbnb.
I don't know the situation in Hawaii, but I'm going to Rome over Christmas and there was a lovely place a block away from the Vatican that me and my friend paid about $50 (each) for two nights.
FWIW There are a few more risks associated with Airbnb as well. I've had good luck in our few stays at Airbnb locations, but they don't have the same requirements for smoke and CO alarms or insurance that hotels do.
It can work out fine, we had good luck with a full house in New Orleans, but if something goes wrong, you aren't necessarily protected like you would be at a licensed hotel.
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FWIW There are a few more risks associated with Airbnb as well. I've had good luck in our few stays at Airbnb locations, but they don't have the same requirements for smoke and CO alarms or insurance that hotels do.
It can work out fine, we had good luck with a full house in New Orleans, but if something goes wrong, you aren't necessarily protected like you would be at a licensed hotel.
+1
Hawaii's tourism dept. takes their job very seriously, and I would not advise going off their radar. Keep in mind that outside the tourist areas and private villas, the locals live very modestly (i.e. poor) and don't always have the standard amenities we take for granted. It's nowhere near as bad as the USVI where it actually is third-world in some parts, but I would exercise extreme caution with Airbnb on Maui and do your diligence starting with inquiring as to whether the host is licensed with the State as a transient/rental property. And if you see an Airbnb at a property that looks amazing, it may be a weekly/monthly vacation rental, in which case, be careful... I have heard of cases where someone rents a larger vacation property and then sub-rents beds on Airbnb... up until the owner/manager finds out and shuts the whole thing down.
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I can't go to Hawaii next November, so I'm doing the next-best thing ... I'm going in Feb/March for 2 weeks.
Aloha, baby!
It'll be fun crawling out of bed and watching that Creighton game on March 4. Can't beat 9 a.m. MU hoops!!
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Marquette posted an information page for Maui online yesterday: http://www.gomarquette.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/2017-maui-invite.html and I have updated the guide (http://www.muscoop.com/index.php?topic=51480.msg875475#msg875475)above accordingly.
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Marquette posted an information page for Maui online yesterday: http://www.gomarquette.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/2017-maui-invite.html and I have updated the guide (http://www.muscoop.com/index.php?topic=51480.msg875475#msg875475)above accordingly.
Chick got our email yesterday I think. Her response to me, "Maybe this would have been better timed just after the Nova game."
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Marquette posted an information page for Maui online yesterday: http://www.gomarquette.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/2017-maui-invite.html and I have updated the guide (http://www.muscoop.com/index.php?topic=51480.msg875475#msg875475)above accordingly.
Benny, Thanks a ton for the Maui intel. My wife and I just booked our airfare and hotel. Perfect timing as we're celebrating her 40th birthday. We're staying at the team hotel, the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa.
Based on your recommendations and updates today, curious as to whether you feel our best option is to buy our tickets through the team (Booster tix) or should we buy them via one of the other channels you previously recommended.
Also, if you want to go to other games can you just buy them on the island?
Thanks again.
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Benny, Thanks a ton for the Maui intel. My wife and I just booked our airfare and hotel. Perfect timing as we're celebrating her 40th birthday. We're staying at the team hotel, the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa.
Based on your recommendations and updates today, curious as to whether you feel our best option is to buy our tickets through the team (Booster tix) or should we buy them via one of the other channels you previously recommended.
Also, if you want to go to other games can you just buy them on the island?
Thanks again.
Depends on how much you have donated to the Blue and Gold fund. ;)
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Depends on how much you have donated to the Blue and Gold fund. ;)
Not enough for it to make an impact. :D
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Benny, Thanks a ton for the Maui intel. My wife and I just booked our airfare and hotel. Perfect timing as we're celebrating her 40th birthday. We're staying at the team hotel, the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa.
Based on your recommendations and updates today, curious as to whether you feel our best option is to buy our tickets through the team (Booster tix) or should we buy them via one of the other channels you previously recommended.
Also, if you want to go to other games can you just buy them on the island?
Thanks again.
Buy your tickets for MU games through MU.... that's probably going to be the only way to ensure you're sitting in the MU section unless they re-release them on the tourney website in Aug/Sep.
Any other games, buy them on the island.
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+1
Hawaii's tourism dept. takes their job very seriously, and I would not advise going off their radar. Keep in mind that outside the tourist areas and private villas, the locals live very modestly (i.e. poor) and don't always have the standard amenities we take for granted. It's nowhere near as bad as the USVI where it actually is third-world in some parts, but I would exercise extreme caution with Airbnb on Maui and do your diligence starting with inquiring as to whether the host is licensed with the State as a transient/rental property. And if you see an Airbnb at a property that looks amazing, it may be a weekly/monthly vacation rental, in which case, be careful... I have heard of cases where someone rents a larger vacation property and then sub-rents beds on Airbnb... up until the owner/manager finds out and shuts the whole thing down.
Benny, I'm impressed. Sounds like you and Ms. Benny have been there quite a few times.
Ms. Dgies and I -- in our pre-children days -- spent a week on Maui at the Hotel Hana Maui. Arrived there early evening and either could do the drive to Hana after a nine hour flight from ORD, spend the night at a hotel near the airport or charter an airplane to Maui.
We chartered the airplane for a 22 minute trip.
Hotel Hana probably was the best hotel ever for us. Cabanas we were in were incredible and the price -- and with pre-2000 Mileage Plus hotel coupons we stayed there for almost nothing. Loved the area around Hana. Highly recommend it but it is not cheap!
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Benny, I'm impressed. Sounds like you and Ms. Benny have been there quite a few times.
Ms. Dgies and I -- in our pre-children days -- spent a week on Maui at the Hotel Hana Maui. Arrived there early evening and either could do the drive to Hana after a nine hour flight from ORD, spend the night at a hotel near the airport or charter an airplane to Maui.
We chartered the airplane for a 22 minute trip.
Hotel Hana probably was the best hotel ever for us. Cabanas we were in were incredible and the price -- and with pre-2000 Mileage Plus hotel coupons we stayed there for almost nothing. Loved the area around Hana. Highly recommend it but it is not cheap!
Actually, only once. But if there's a scam somewhere and I haven't heard of it, I'll be impressed.
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Buy your tickets for MU games through MU.... that's probably going to be the only way to ensure you're sitting in the MU section unless they re-release them on the tourney website in Aug/Sep.
Any other games, buy them on the island.
Thanks, again.
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Who is planning on going to Maui? Ticket and travel packet info is going out. Curious to hear tips or advice from those who went in 2007
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Im going. Benny had a pretty good summary over in the super bar. Pretty sure you can't buy game tickets for another few months.
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Man, every time MU goes to Maui, I check into this.
Airfare is just so wildly expensive, it's prohibitive for a family to get there, especially over Thanksgiving with the cheapest rate around $1300-1600 round trip.
In conclusion, does some 1%er have room on their private jet for a party of 4? The kids are well behaved.
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Im going. Benny had a pretty good summary over in the super bar. Pretty sure you can't buy game tickets for another few months.
You get a flight out of MSP already?
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So jealous of all those planning to go.
Then again, Mrs. 82 and I head to Hawaii in 2 weeks - first week on Kauai, second on Big Island. Stoked!
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You get a flight out of MSP already?
Not yet, no. But hotel is booked.
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Marquette posted an information page for Maui online yesterday: http://www.gomarquette.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/2017-maui-invite.html and I have updated the guide (http://www.muscoop.com/index.php?topic=51480.msg875475#msg875475)above accordingly.
Should I buy the tickets now? I assume they won't be getting any cheaper as we get closer...
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Chapter 3 - Mahalo Rewards: How to Act Like a Native
Required Watching: South Park, Season 16, Episode 11 - "Going Native"
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Road to Hana Despite my earlier sentiments, it's actually a nice drive from what I hear. No, Benny and the Mrs. didn't do Hana last time due to unexpected travel SNAFUs, but we're doing it this time. The interwebs have no shortage of info on tips, tricks, secrets, etc., but plan on this taking a whole day. My suggestion is Thursday since you probably won't see a lot of people on the road that day. Or you might. I don't know.
Haleakala Drive up to the observatory of the highest peak on the island to watch the sunrise. Again, travel SNAFUs prevented this last time, but the general consensus is to do this the night (early morning) after your arrival when your body is still 5-6 hours ahead, because you won't make it up there by sunrise unless you leave around 2:00-2:30a HST.
Maui Brewing Company Unlike 2012, they now do public tours every day of the week. However, they also do private tours for groups of 1-16 (min. age 10 years old)... check back here in October; on the likely chance that my kids have taken up residence with DCFS by mid-November (or we can find a babysitter), Benny and the Mrs. will be organizing a private tour of the Maui Brewing Company.
* $100 for the first 1/10th mile, $100 each mile thereafter. Unless you have lots of really good beer back at your place, then we'll work something out.
Just got back from the honeymoon in Hawaii, part of which was on Maui.
1. Road to Hana, very cool, takes a long time, and don't be a coward, take it all the way around. Don't believe the rental car companies that you can't go past 7 Sacred Pools. Protip, on the far side is a winery with a burger joint that serves locally raised beef/lamb/venison/elk burgers. Wine is okay, nice but not special. Get the lamb burger; it is special.
2. Haleakala is surreal. We didn't do sunrise and it was still surreal. IF YOU DO DO SUNRISE GET A RESERVATION FROM THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE. This literally just started on 2/1/17 and it would really be unfortunate to get turned away from the road up at like 3:30 a.m.
We went in the afternoon and basically had the mountain to ourselves, which was still awesome. I read that going at sunset can be cool. If the light is right I guess you can look at your shadow and see it ringed with a rainbow. Plus stars probably look pretty slick up there.
3. Maui Brewing was good. That's what we did after we landed before we could check into the resort. Again, unspectacular (kinda pricey) but solid offerings and unless you're a grade A beer snob, there'll be a few you'll like.
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If you want a classy meal, with a price to match, hit the Lahaina Grill. That was the best meal of our vacation and one of the best of my life.
Lastly, stay on the leeward side of the island. It's gorgeous.
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Just got back from the honeymoon in Hawaii, part of which was on Maui.
1. Road to Hana, very cool, takes a long time, and don't be a coward, take it all the way around. Don't believe the rental car companies that you can't go past 7 Sacred Pools. Protip, on the far side is a winery with a burger joint that serves locally raised beef/lamb/venison/elk burgers. Wine is okay, nice but not special. Get the lamb burger; it is special.
2. Haleakala is surreal. We didn't do sunrise and it was still surreal. IF YOU DO DO SUNRISE GET A RESERVATION FROM THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE. This literally just started on 2/1/17 and it would really be unfortunate to get turned away from the road up at like 3:30 a.m.
We went in the afternoon and basically had the mountain to ourselves, which was still awesome. I read that going at sunset can be cool. If the light is right I guess you can look at your shadow and see it ringed with a rainbow. Plus stars probably look pretty slick up there.
3. Maui Brewing was good. That's what we did after we landed before we could check into the resort. Again, unspectacular (kinda pricey) but solid offerings and unless you're a grade A beer snob, there'll be a few you'll like.
What other islands did you go to? If Kauai and/or Big Island, do you have any tips? We've been to Kauai many times but always appreciate hearing about things we might have missed. We haven't been to the B.I. since 1993, so it's probably changed a ton.
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It's been 4 long months of convincing, but after going to DC for Vandy and MSG for the 2K Classic, I finally convinced Mrs. brew to submit her PTO request so we can go to Maui to watch Marquette. Just starting to delve into details, whether I should plan it myself or go through Marquette, but thinking around 10 days in Maui would be a nice way to spend Thanksgiving.
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A few questions...
1) Is a car necessary? We generally like beach time and do get into excursion (hiking, biking, snorkeling) type stuff. Getting to and from the hotels to games, checking out the island, is it better to just rent a car for the whole time, for a few days, or is it a waste of money?
2) What's an ideal duration? I feel like 5 days (the MU package) isn't long enough. One friend told me 10, but man that seems like it will be very costly. I did find some very affordable (by Maui standards) flights going Thursday to Thursday.
3) For the $30 "priority seat" fee, will that be refunded if you aren't awarded those rows? Or should I direct that to Mike Worzalla?
4) Rough distance from team hotel to the arena?
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A few questions...
1) Is a car necessary? We generally like beach time and do get into excursion (hiking, biking, snorkeling) type stuff. Getting to and from the hotels to games, checking out the island, is it better to just rent a car for the whole time, for a few days, or is it a waste of money?
2) What's an ideal duration? I feel like 5 days (the MU package) isn't long enough. One friend told me 10, but man that seems like it will be very costly. I did find some very affordable (by Maui standards) flights going Thursday to Thursday.
3) For the $30 "priority seat" fee, will that be refunded if you aren't awarded those rows? Or should I direct that to Mike Worzalla?
4) Rough distance from team hotel to the gym?
I have not visited Hawaii previously, but when I was researching I found that a lot of the hotels have car rental places adjacent where you can just rent a car the day you need one.
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A few questions...
1) Is a car necessary? We generally like beach time and do get into excursion (hiking, biking, snorkeling) type stuff. Getting to and from the hotels to games, checking out the island, is it better to just rent a car for the whole time, for a few days, or is it a waste of money?
2) What's an ideal duration? I feel like 5 days (the MU package) isn't long enough. One friend told me 10, but man that seems like it will be very costly. I did find some very affordable (by Maui standards) flights going Thursday to Thursday.
3) For the $30 "priority seat" fee, will that be refunded if you aren't awarded those rows? Or should I direct that to Mike Worzalla?
4) Rough distance from team hotel to the gym?
I've never been to Maui for the tourney, but have vacationed in Laha-ina several times.
1) It is probably necessary, honestly.
2) Definitely more than 5 days. At least a week. The flight alone is brutal. 7 or 8 days is probably best.
3) My guess is a donation to the blue and gold fund.
4) Not comfortable walking distance. Would guesstimate about 2 miles. Not sure if Maui has Uber's yet, but thats my preliminary plan. Then again, my travel partners will have a car and they won't be attending the tourney, so I'll have a back up plan.
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What other islands did you go to? If Kauai and/or Big Island, do you have any tips? We've been to Kauai many times but always appreciate hearing about things we might have missed. We haven't been to the B.I. since 1993, so it's probably changed a ton.
We were on Oahu for a night (landed late, got a room, got up, did Pearl Harbor, and gone).
We were on Kauai for 5 nights and Maui for 4 nights. Kauai is incredible in a totally different way. First, its far less sunny/resort-y. We got drizzle every single day for a few minutes at least, but it never really *rained*. It's a much quieter, make-your-own adventure kind of a place. Plus, I guess in winter the surf is more violent and the beaches are less inviting. Not sure about what it's like in November though.
We drove up into the Waimea Canyon, which is awesome. Hiked the Awe'awepuhi Trail, which is mostly unremarkable until the end... holy cow the payoff views of the Na Pali coast are to die for. We did a luau (Smith's Family Paradise), which was fun. If you go, eat nothing but the Kalua pork, trust me. So good. We went to Kauai Brewing, also good. Koloa Rum Co. fun 30 minute free tasting. Lots of people do the helicopter thing on Kauai, we didn't because it's pricey per person ($175-250 per person). We tried to eat at a few smaller joints (Tiki Tacos is stellar). Relaxed a bit by the beach near Poipu. Drove up to Ke'e beach on the north side of the island and hiked to Hanakapai Beach (more of a wave-tortured hellscape of rocks in the winter, but still cool).
Some of our pictures are up here, just scroll back a bit and you'll find the Kauai ones:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/131264395@N03/
Let me know if you want any more specifics.
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Where you cats planning to stay in Maui, Kauai, the Big Island? General areas. What do you like to do? Hike, fish, golf, lounge at beach/pool, scuba, paddle board, snorkel, eat, drink, volcanos, water falls, rain forests, go local or resort life, spas, whales, near nightlife or family time?
Air fares are ridiculous right now. Especially since this is prime time. I would wait personally on the gamble and book your stay as you can always cancel that with no penalty or a little.
Ways to save money:
Use your credit car now to get airline hotel, flight points. Food, gas, travel. Build up those points to subsidize. Pay off every month.
The team hotels are very expensive right now as they have holds for the tournament. Do you really want to rub elbows, or only want a resort vacation? If so it is cool and convenient to stay there, and plenty of cabs to take you local. If not, a condo is a better deal. You can save a lot of money. On an island, the ocean is only a few blocks away. Kihei can be a good deal as can condos north of the resorts (beware the dookie plant).
This is a busy time in Maui and Kauai. Make dinner reservations way in advance, including Thanksgiving. You can always cancel. Poipu and Kaalapani Beach/La'hai'na especially. Kauai traffic can suck.
TBI: All the other islands fit into a third of Hawaii. Vast with many ecosystems. More local. 82, where you staying? You need a car.
The La'hai'na Civic Center has the best parking lot view in the world. It is a high school gym. Buy general Admission as it is open seating. They sell VIP seats that aren't worth it. No donations needed. It is bleachers. They schedule the games in the morning or night so you don't miss the beaches, tours, etc. It is cozy and fun, and they clear fans out after games so the next game fans can have seats.
Time of year. Can be windy, rainy, rough. At the same time, the whales are just starting their migration back. A pool is reliable, the ocean may not be. Be flexible.
Drives to Hana or the volcano are 10-12 hours. Instead of driving yourself, take a tour that picks you up, feeds you, and drops you off. They know the stops, provide food, and can take the scare out of a long day on unfamiliar roads with jet lag. Also know, if you are staying 7 days, these trips take one of these.
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Should I buy the tickets now? I assume they won't be getting any cheaper as we get closer...
Get tickets now. Prices aren't going to drop on the MU tickets. You might score cheaper tix on the island or via StubHub, but you won't be sitting in the MU section. A few questions...
1) Is a car necessary? We generally like beach time and do get into excursion (hiking, biking, snorkeling) type stuff. Getting to and from the hotels to games, checking out the island, is it better to just rent a car for the whole time, for a few days, or is it a waste of money?
2) What's an ideal duration? I feel like 5 days (the MU package) isn't long enough. One friend told me 10, but man that seems like it will be very costly. I did find some very affordable (by Maui standards) flights going Thursday to Thursday.
3) For the $30 "priority seat" fee, will that be refunded if you aren't awarded those rows? Or should I direct that to Mike Worzalla?
4) Rough distance from team hotel to the arena?
1) A car isn't necessary if you buy the travel package; you can get by with just airport transportation if you're staying in Kaanapali, but if you want to really experience the island, get a car for the week or a day.
2) Benny and the Wife went Sat-Fri (6 nts) in 2012. We're doing Wed-Fri (9 nts) this time... with the kids in tow this time, Thursday is going to be a "rest/recovery" day. So we'all effectively have a 7 night vacation. 5 is way short but doable if you're on the west coast; otherwise I would recommend at least 6 or 7 nights coming from the Midwest.
3) You're not charged the $30 now... only if you win the Priority Point "lottery."
4) It's about a 25-30 minute walk.
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You get a flight out of MSP already?
Have you?
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Man, every time MU goes to Maui, I check into this.
Airfare is just so wildly expensive, it's prohibitive for a family to get there, especially over Thanksgiving with the cheapest rate around $1300-1600 round trip.
In conclusion, does some 1%er have room on their private jet for a party of 4? The kids are well behaved.
Not sure if we're schlepping along my mom or an au pair, but either way, if you do happen to get there, I might at least be able to help you save a few bucks on babysitting costs if you and Mrs. Topper need a night on your own.
Only thing I ask In return is to see the kids' tickets for the return flight in advance.
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Have you?
I'm toying with the idea... need to find out what the food spread is like there for media.
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A few questions...
1) Is a car necessary? We generally like beach time and do get into excursion (hiking, biking, snorkeling) type stuff. Getting to and from the hotels to games, checking out the island, is it better to just rent a car for the whole time, for a few days, or is it a waste of money?
2) What's an ideal duration? I feel like 5 days (the MU package) isn't long enough. One friend told me 10, but man that seems like it will be very costly. I did find some very affordable (by Maui standards) flights going Thursday to Thursday.
3) For the $30 "priority seat" fee, will that be refunded if you aren't awarded those rows? Or should I direct that to Mike Worzalla?
4) Rough distance from team hotel to the arena?
I absolutely would get a car. Maui (and all of the islands, actually) is very fun to explore.
As for duration, I like to spend a minimum of 10 days in the state because it is so far to go that it seems a shame to spend less. When we have 10+ days, we like to go to more than one island. You can get from Maui to any other island on a Hawaiian Air puddle-jumper for about $100. Flight time is about 20 minutes. Each island is so different that it's worth it, IMHO.
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We were on Oahu for a night (landed late, got a room, got up, did Pearl Harbor, and gone).
We were on Kauai for 5 nights and Maui for 4 nights. Kauai is incredible in a totally different way. First, its far less sunny/resort-y. We got drizzle every single day for a few minutes at least, but it never really *rained*. It's a much quieter, make-your-own adventure kind of a place. Plus, I guess in winter the surf is more violent and the beaches are less inviting. Not sure about what it's like in November though.
We drove up into the Waimea Canyon, which is awesome. Hiked the Awe'awepuhi Trail, which is mostly unremarkable until the end... holy cow the payoff views of the Na Pali coast are to die for. We did a luau (Smith's Family Paradise), which was fun. If you go, eat nothing but the Kalua pork, trust me. So good. We went to Kauai Brewing, also good. Koloa Rum Co. fun 30 minute free tasting. Lots of people do the helicopter thing on Kauai, we didn't because it's pricey per person ($175-250 per person). We tried to eat at a few smaller joints (Tiki Tacos is stellar). Relaxed a bit by the beach near Poipu. Drove up to Ke'e beach on the north side of the island and hiked to Hanakapai Beach (more of a wave-tortured hellscape of rocks in the winter, but still cool).
Some of our pictures are up here, just scroll back a bit and you'll find the Kauai ones:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/131264395@N03/
Let me know if you want any more specifics.
Thanks for this list. We have been to Kauai a number of times and have done most of this stuff and agree with your many great assessments. We are big hiking fans, and Waimea Canyon, Ke'e, etc, were great highlights. I love Queen's Bath; that's where I want my ashes spread when I die; my heirs can spend some of their future inheritance to all go there for the ceremony and remember the good times!
One of the fun things about this upcoming trip is that my daughter and her man are meeting us there. They live in Seattle and are spending the entire time with us, so that will be great. Our daughter has only been once and her guy has never been, so we get to be tour guides while also checking out some new stuff.
We haven't done the brewery or the rum place, and we're a bunch of inveterate drunks (not really, but I like that term), so I'm guessing we'll find our way there - so thanks for the suggestions!
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Where you cats planning to stay in Maui, Kauai, the Big Island? General areas. What do you like to do? Hike, fish, golf, lounge at beach/pool, scuba, paddle board, snorkel, eat, drink, volcanos, water falls, rain forests, go local or resort life, spas, whales, near nightlife or family time?
Air fares are ridiculous right now. Especially since this is prime time. I would wait personally on the gamble and book your stay as you can always cancel that with no penalty or a little.
Ways to save money:
Use your credit car now to get airline hotel, flight points. Food, gas, travel. Build up those points to subsidize. Pay off every month.
The team hotels are very expensive right now as they have holds for the tournament. Do you really want to rub elbows, or only want a resort vacation? If so it is cool and convenient to stay there, and plenty of cabs to take you local. If not, a condo is a better deal. You can save a lot of money. On an island, the ocean is only a few blocks away. Kihei can be a good deal as can condos north of the resorts (beware the dookie plant).
This is a busy time in Maui and Kauai. Make dinner reservations way in advance, including Thanksgiving. You can always cancel. Poipu and Kaalapani Beach/La'hai'na especially. Kauai traffic can suck.
TBI: All the other islands fit into a third of Hawaii. Vast with many ecosystems. More local. 82, where you staying? You need a car.
The La'hai'na Civic Center has the best parking lot view in the world. It is a high school gym. Buy general Admission as it is open seating. They sell VIP seats that aren't worth it. No donations needed. It is bleachers. They schedule the games in the morning or night so you don't miss the beaches, tours, etc. It is cozy and fun, and they clear fans out after games so the next game fans can have seats.
Time of year. Can be windy, rainy, rough. At the same time, the whales are just starting their migration back. A pool is reliable, the ocean may not be. Be flexible.
Drives to Hana or the volcano are 10-12 hours. Instead of driving yourself, take a tour that picks you up, feeds you, and drops you off. They know the stops, provide food, and can take the scare out of a long day on unfamiliar roads with jet lag. Also know, if you are staying 7 days, these trips take one of these.
On Kauai, we are staying across from Kalapaki Beach at a place called The Garden Island Inn. We have their 2-BR suite (because they are 4 of us). It's kind of centrally located, not right near Poipu or Princeville, but not all that hellacious a drive to either. I agree about traffic sucking sometimes, but hey, we're on vacation. We're not gonna sweat it!
On the Big Island, we are staying in the Waikoloa area. I thought we might stay a few nights on the Hilo side but my wife vetoed that when she saw the rain totals - about 10x more on that side of the island than the West side. That's OK ... we'll do a day trip to Hilo and definitely will go to Volcanoes Natl Park.
Mostly when we go to Hawaii, we just like hiking, snorkeling and hanging at the beaches. What's not to love?
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On Kauai, we are staying across from Kalapaki Beach at a place called The Garden Island Inn. We have their 2-BR suite (because they are 4 of us). It's kind of centrally located, not right near Poipu or Princeville, but not all that hellacious a drive to either. I agree about traffic sucking sometimes, but hey, we're on vacation. We're not gonna sweat it!
On the Big Island, we are staying in the Waikoloa area. I thought we might stay a few nights on the Hilo side but my wife vetoed that when she saw the rain totals - about 10x more on that side of the island than the West side. That's OK ... we'll do a day trip to Hilo and definitely will go to Volcanoes Natl Park.
Mostly when we go to Hawaii, we just like hiking, snorkeling and hanging at the beaches. What's not to love?
Kalapaki is a nice protected beach, especially in the winter. The airport is right there and so is the shipping and cruise ship harbor, but it is a laid back area. Convenient for driving to and fro.
In Waikoloa, you staying up the mountain in Waikoloa Village or in Waikoloa Beach? Condo or resort? I can give you some favorites. I assume it is just you and your wife, no kids?
Besides Walmart, Target, Costco, the biggest change since you were there last is the Saddle Road is fully paved so getting to Hilo and the volcano is more quicker (and open to rental cars).
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Kalapaki is a nice protected beach, especially in the winter. The airport is right there and so is the shipping and cruise ship harbor, but it is a laid back area. Convenient for driving to and fro.
In Waikoloa, you staying up the mountain in Waikoloa Village or in Waikoloa Beach? Condo or resort? I can give you some favorites. I assume it is just you and your wife, no kids?
Besides Walmart, Target, Costco, the biggest change since you were there last is the Saddle Road is fully paved so getting to Hilo and the volcano is more quicker (and open to rental cars).
On the BI, we are staying at the Paniolo Greens Resort at Waikoloa Village. We can cancel 72 hours in advance, so I might be on the lookout for something nicer and cheaper that opens up, but I expect to not find anything else.
We have 4 adults - my wife and I, our grown daughter and her fiance. All 4 of us are very active and outdoorsy. We'll be doing lots of hiking and snorkeling. My daughter and her man are into scuba so they're planning a couple of outings for themselves.
Great to hear about easier access to the other side of the island and the volcanoes. We'll definitely be taking advantage of that.
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On the BI, we are staying at the Paniolo Greens Resort at Waikoloa Village. We can cancel 72 hours in advance, so I might be on the lookout for something nicer and cheaper that opens up, but I expect to not find anything else.
We have 4 adults - my wife and I, our grown daughter and her fiance. All 4 of us are very active and outdoorsy. We'll be doing lots of hiking and snorkeling. My daughter and her man are into scuba so they're planning a couple of outings for themselves.
Great to hear about easier access to the other side of the island and the volcanoes. We'll definitely be taking advantage of that.
Here is a nice site to get started. The Pololu Valley is a beautiful one at the end of the road in Kohola. Try to go if not raining as it is a bit slick at the top. Get there early before the rest of the tourists as it has limited parking. Grab walking sticks at the top. Also, hike to the end of the beach and take the trail up to the next valley to the bench. Well worth it. For lunch, hit Sushi Rock in Hawi, a quaint little town, for lunch (opens at noon).
http://www.bigislandhikes.com
Definitely do the night manta ray dive or snorkel. Lots of underwater caves along that coast for scuba.
I will update more later.
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Here is a nice site to get started. The Pololu Valley is a beautiful one at the end of the road in Kohola. Try to go if not raining as it is a bit slick at the top. PGet there early before the rest are of the tourists as it has limited parking. Grab walking sticks at the top. Also, hike to the end of the beach and take the trail up to the next valley to the bench. Well worth it. PFor lunch, hit Sushi Rock in Hawi, a quaint little town, for lunch (opens at noon).
http://www.bigislandhikes.com
Definitely do the night manta ray dive or snorkel. Lots of underwater caves along that coast for scuba.
I will update more later.
Good stuff, Doc. Thanks.
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All the dive, some tours and fishing boats go out of Honokohau Harbor near the airport. The Harbor House is a great local spot--open air, good food, good value for being on an island, good people watching. Best of all they have frosted schooners of beer.
http://www.harborhouserestaurantkona.com
If you are up for an "adventure", try the White Road hike up the mountain from you out of Waimea.
https://whiteroadhike.wordpress.com
https://youtu.be/qM3LdQBk97o
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Definitely hit Kona Brewing for lunch or happy hour. Brewery tour is only twice a day and not worth it if you can't get in. The beer samplers and pizza (made out of their spent grain) is. Big fan.
http://konabrewingco.com/blog/pubs/kona-pub-brewery/?mobile=desktop
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If down in Kealakekua for hiking to Captain Cook, snorkeling in the bay or at a coffee tour at Greenwell Farms, try Annie's for burgers, located in a strip mall of the highway. A bit pricey, but cold draft and a top burger choice rivaling Sobelman's. Garlic basil friends and rings are awesome. For dessert, go to Gypsea next door for gelato.
http://www.anniesislandfreshburgers.com
Coffee tours:
http://www.greenwellfarms.com
https://mtnthundercoffee.com
http://www.huladaddy.com
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Thanks for all of this, Doc.
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Gonna be my first year out of school for good. (hopefully) Maybe ill treat myself.
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The coastline in Kohola is very rocky. Hapuna is the best beach.
In Waikoloa Beach, there is Anaeho'omalu Bay or A Bay. There is a big free beach parking area behind the shops (south). Good snorkeling way out on the reef, especially to the north. Can rent paddle boards or take a boat cruise out of there. Hit the Lava Lava for drinks and pretty good food right on the beach. This is behind the Marriott by the resorts but doesn't get too crowded.
The resort restaurants are very pricey and not always the best. Kawaihae has some of the best local grub. All of these are good. I like the Seafood Bar for lunch and beers over a MU game. The town isn't so scenic as it is a harbor, but the food is the best in this town. Check the Blue Dragon's Facebook as they have been closed for rehab, but it is a cool place for music and happy hour.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurants-g60942-Kawaihae_Island_of_Hawaii_Hawaii.html
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The coastline in Kohola is very rocky. Hapuna is the best beach.
In Waikoloa Beach, there is Anaeho'omalu Bay or A Bay. There is a big free beach parking area behind the shops (south). Good snorkeling way out on the reef, especially to the north. Can rent paddle boards or take a boat cruise out of there. Hit the Lava Lava for drinks and pretty good food right on the beach. This is behind the Marriott by the resorts but doesn't get too crowded.
The resort restaurants are very pricey and not always the best. Kawaihae has some of the best local grub. All of these are good. I like the Seafood Bar for lunch and beers over a MU game. The town isn't so scenic as it is a harbor, but the food is the best in this town. Check the Blue Dragon's Facebook as they have been closed for rehab, but it is a cool place for music and happy hour.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurants-g60942-Kawaihae_Island_of_Hawaii_Hawaii.html
More thanks, Doc.
On our one and only trip to the Big Island back in 1993, we spent the better part of 3 days at Hapuna. It was an amazing beach. We went boogie boarding and had a blast. The first day, we later learned the waves were at the absolute perfect intensity and consistency and that kind of lulled us into complacency. Our second day, they were quite violent - they picked us up and slammed us down repeatedly. Same with the third day. We were lucky none of us suffered a serious injury! I will be more cautious this time ... but not too cautious - what fun would that be?!?!?!?
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On Kauai, we are staying across from Kalapaki Beach at a place called The Garden Island Inn. ...
If that's a Hilton property, then that's where we stayed on Kauai. Not a show-stopper, but if you're planning on being other places than your hotel room, who cares?
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If that's a Hilton property, then that's where we stayed on Kauai. Not a show-stopper, but if you're planning on being other places than your hotel room, who cares?
Nope, it's an independent property, not a Hilton. But I do know it is not a high-frills enterprise. And, as you say, that's just fine. I like the location, very familiar with it, and the accommodations will be just fine.
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More thanks, Doc.
On our one and only trip to the Big Island back in 1993, we spent the better part of 3 days at Hapuna. It was an amazing beach. We went boogie boarding and had a blast. The first day, we later learned the waves were at the absolute perfect intensity and consistency and that kind of lulled us into complacency. Our second day, they were quite violent - they picked us up and slammed us down repeatedly. Same with the third day. We were lucky none of us suffered a serious injury! I will be more cautious this time ... but not too cautious - what fun would that be?!?!?!?
Hapuna is awesome. They did open a state park beach north of the airport with a paved road, right across from the Veterens Cementary (GPS takes you down a rutted lava road). Usually morevprotected.
Packers bar in Kona
http://www.quinnsalmostbythesea.com/Pages/default.aspx
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Hapuna is awesome. They did open a state park beach north of the airport with a paved road, right across from the Veterens Cementary (GPS takes you down a rutted lava road). Usually morevprotected.
Packers bar in Kona
http://www.quinnsalmostbythesea.com/Pages/default.aspx
Well, I won't be in Kona during football season. And if I were, I wouldn't go to a Packers bar - ha!
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I forgot to add the Kona Brewers Festival is going on March 11. I forgot when you will be in Kona but buy your tix quick if in town. I doubt there are umbrellas involved.
https://beerfests.com/events/kona-brewers-festival
http://konabrewersfestival.com
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I forgot to add the Kona Brewers Festival is going on March 11. I forgot when you will be in Kona but buy your tix quick if in town. I doubt there are umbrellas involved.
https://beerfests.com/events/kona-brewers-festival
http://konabrewersfestival.com
We leave the day before, darn it.
Just did Hapuna today - heavenly! Going to Volcanoes Natl Park tomorrow.
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We leave the day before, darn it.
Just did Hapuna today - heavenly! Going to Volcanoes Natl Park tomorrow.
How was the rest of the trip?
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How was the rest of the trip?
Had a blast, Doc. Did and saw lots of great stuff, plus got some plain ol' relaxing in too. Trip was capped off by my daughter's boyfriend proposing to her while they were scuba diving!
Appreciate all your tips.
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Had a blast, Doc. Did and saw lots of great stuff, plus got some plain ol' relaxing in too. Trip was capped off by my daughter's boyfriend proposing to her while they were scuba diving!
Appreciate all your tips.
Wow. Congrats. That is a trip to remember. He proposed underwater?
Better sell that Apple stock to pay for the wedding.
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Wow. Congrats. That is a trip to remember. He proposed underwater?
Better sell that Apple stock to pay for the wedding.
Yep. The photo of him trying to get on one knee was pretty hilarious. He said he was nervous the whole time - not because he thought she'd say no but because he didn't want to drop the ring!
I'll wait till AAPL gets to $200 to sell - ha!
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Yep. The photo of him trying to get on one knee was pretty hilarious. He said he was nervous the whole time - not because he thought she'd say no but because he didn't want to drop the ring!
I'll wait till AAPL gets to $200 to sell - ha!
We did our honeymoon in Hawaii and within the first 10 minutes in the water snorkeling, my wedding ring slid off my finger. Thank god the water was only about 12 feet deep and crystal clear.
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My apologies if this has been mentioned already...
Does anybody know when the Maui Invitational organizers will announce the schedule of game times?
I just booked our hotel and flight and we are trying to make some plans around the Marquette games.
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My apologies if this has been mentioned already...
Does anybody know when the Maui Invitational organizers will announce the schedule of game times?
I just booked our hotel and flight and we are trying to make some plans around the Marquette games.
Here are the 2016 bracket times...seeding will come closer to the season, IIRC.
http://mauiinvitational.com/sports/2014/8/6/2014Bracket.aspx
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2012 bracket was announced four months in advance (July 26th). So game times will likely be known late July.
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Hey Benny...
I purchased the "Booster Seats" for the Maui Invite. Do you have an idea of when MU will distribute the tickets?
Thanks in advance.
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In 2012, the tickets (if you didn't buy the travel package) were purchased directly from Kemper, the tournament promoter, and if I recall, we got the tickets via FedEx late October or early November.
Since tickets are being purchased through MU this time around, I don't know if MU is also distributing and if so, when they'll be sent out, or even if they will be sent out for that matter (i.e. they may will-call everyone's tickets on the island like they do for the NCAA tourneys).
Might be worth a call or email to athletics... then again, they may not know the answer yet either.
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In 2012, the tickets (if you didn't buy the travel package) were purchased directly from Kemper, the tournament promoter, and if I recall, we got the tickets via FedEx late October or early November.
Since tickets are being purchased through MU this time around, I don't know if MU is also distributing and if so, when they'll be sent out, or even if they will be sent out for that matter (i.e. they may will-call everyone's tickets on the island like they do for the NCAA tourneys).
Might be worth a call or email to athletics... then again, they may not know the answer yet either.
Cool, I appreciate the info. I had a reminder in my calendar about the tickets today, so I feel like when I purchased it must have said something about early July...or maybe not. I will reach out to athletics in a few weeks.
Thanks again.
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2017 Maui Invitational schedule to be released this morning per @MauiInv on Twitter
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(http://mauiinvitational.com/common/controls/image_handler.aspx?thumb_id=15&image_path=/images/2017/7/18/FOR_WEB_STORY_cropped_bracket.jpg)
Marquette opens the tournament against VCU in the first slot on the first day, then plays either Cal or Wichita State on the second day.
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(http://mauiinvitational.com/common/controls/image_handler.aspx?thumb_id=15&image_path=/images/2017/7/18/FOR_WEB_STORY_cropped_bracket.jpg)
Marquette opens the tournament against VCU in the first slot on the first day, then plays either Cal or Wichita State on the second day.
Shaka Smart's 2 former schools facing off in Round 1. That'll make for great TV!
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Shaka Smart's 2 former schools facing off in Round 1. That'll make for great TV!
#donedeal
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Shaka Smart's 2 former schools facing off in Round 1. That'll make for great TV!
VCU also has a chance to play their former coach Will Wade in the third round. Could see it easily happening too.
1. VCU loses to Marquette
2. LSU loses to Michigan
3. VCU beats Cal
4. LSU beats Chaminade
=VCU vs. LSU in 5th place game
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VCU also has a chance to play their former coach Will Wade in the third round. Could see it easily happening too.
1. VCU loses to Marquette
2. LSU loses to Michigan
3. VCU beats Cal
4. LSU beats Chaminade
=VCU vs. LSU in 5th place game
I was thinking that earlier today. Seems fairly likely, actually.
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I was thinking that earlier today. Seems fairly likely, actually.
Especially the "VCU loses to Marquette" part in Shaka Bowl I!!
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BTW ... why isn't wades or somebody else screamin' to move this to The Al board?
It belongs there more than most of the stuff that's on there.
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(http://mauiinvitational.com/common/controls/image_handler.aspx?thumb_id=15&image_path=/images/2017/7/18/FOR_WEB_STORY_cropped_bracket.jpg)
Marquette opens the tournament against VCU in the first slot on the first day, then plays either Cal or Wichita State on the second day.
Difficult to not like this bracket from both a fan's and spectator's perspective. Granted, from an RPI standpoint it might have been better to not have to face (potentially) both of the mid-majors in the field, but if RPI is your alpha and omega, avoiding Chaminade completely >>>>>> having to face one or both of VCU and WSU.
From a spectator's standpoint, getting the games out of the way early is a big deal on the island. It's like going to 7:00a mass... to have a completely unencumbered day in front of you before Soul Train hits the airwaves opens up a world of possibilities. Win Monday, and you essentially have two (almost) full days on the island at your disposal for excursions, drinking, fishing, drinking, paddleboarding/surfing, drinking, Maui Brewery Tour (where there's more drinking), etc. On the contrary, the Domers have games between 3:00-5:30p on the first two days... by the time they wake up (the crack of noon), they barely have enough time for their Old Spice shower and vegan lunch before they have to hop over to LCC for the games; and afterwards, they only have a couple hours to eat dinner, throw back a couple shots of Titos, and polish their class ring for the next day before their 9:00p bedtimes.
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Difficult to not like this bracket from both a fan's and spectator's perspective. Granted, from an RPI standpoint it might have been better to not have to face (potentially) both of the mid-majors in the field, but if RPI is your alpha and omega, avoiding Chaminade completely >>>>>> having to face one or both of VCU and WSU.
From a spectator's standpoint, getting the games out of the way early is a big deal on the island. It's like going to 7:00a mass... to have a completely unencumbered day in front of you before Soul Train hits the airwaves opens up a world of possibilities. Win Monday, and you essentially have two (almost) full days on the island at your disposal for excursions, drinking, fishing, drinking, paddleboarding/surfing, drinking, Maui Brewery Tour (where there's more drinking), etc. On the contrary, the Domers have games between 3:00-5:30p on the first two days... by the time they wake up (the crack of noon), they barely have enough time for their Old Spice shower and vegan lunch before they have to hop over to LCC for the games; and afterwards, they only have a couple hours to eat dinner, throw back a couple shots of Titos, and polish their class ring for the next day before their 9:00p bedtimes.
From an RPI perspective, facing VCU and WSU is perfect. Both of those teams are going to rack up a TON of wins, especially WSU
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Just to note the General Admission Maui Jim tickets are now on sale...MU packages still available.
http://mauiinvitational.com/sports/2014/8/6/GEN_0806144303.aspx
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Just to note the General Admission Maui Jim tickets are now on sale...MU packages still available.
http://mauiinvitational.com/sports/2014/8/6/GEN_0806144303.aspx
Booster Courtside ....................................................... $700 for all 3 games
A general admission seat in either the Home or Visitor section of the Booster Courtside section (located in the northwest corner of the court).
SOLD OUT: Marquette
Booster -- South Grandstands (Reserved).................. $420 for all 3 games
Reserved seating in either the Home or Visitor section of the South Grandstands, behind the team benches. Seats are reserved until tipoff.
SOLD OUT: California, LSU, Marquette, Michigan, Notre Dame, VCU, Wichita State
Excellent job everyone... this is how we ensure that we'll never have to suffer through another Blue and Gold Classic (or whatever that quarter-ass contest at the Sears was) ever again.
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Excellent job everyone... this is how we ensure that we'll never have to suffer through another Blue and Gold Classic (or whatever that quarter-ass contest at the Sears was) ever again.
Here is what is available...for MU games. So in the same bleacher section as above, which are high school bleachers.
#marketingploy
Booster – General Admission…………………………… $390 for all 3 games
South Grandstands – General admission bleacher seating in either the Home or Visitor section of the South Grandstands, behind the team benches.
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For those that may be wondering, tickets will be mailed out in early November.
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So what did you all end up doing in terms of lodging?
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Condo
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Vacation rental Just outside Laha|na.
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Less than two months away, Scoop... airfare prices haven't really dropped much, so might as well book your seats on the plane if you haven't already.
For anyone planning on arriving to the island early, PM me if you're interested in touring Maui Brewing Co. (the brewery in Kihei, not the restaurant up the road in Kahana) on either Friday or Saturday (17th/18th). Also, I'm still gaining insight on shorefishing, i.e. hot spots and such, around the island for a possible Friday and/or Saturday morning excursion(s) (depending on what I come up with).
Blue and Gold will likely have pre- and post-game activities planned for all of the games (and maybe something for Monday night as well), so depending on schedule, I'm also gauging feasibility of a daytime foodie-type tour or gathering during the week.
If anyone has suggestions, etc., I certainly welcome others' input. Doesn't matter whether it's just me and the wife/kids or an ad hoc gathering of a few dozen MU faithful, if you want to get out of the hotel and explore a little bit of the island, everyone is more than welcome to join us.
Mahalo, Haoles (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haole)... and thank you for your continued interest in Benny's Island Tours, Inc., the unofficial unlicensed Maui tour operator of MUScoop.
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Less than two months away, Scoop... airfare prices haven't really dropped much, so might as well book your seats on the plane if you haven't already.
For anyone planning on arriving to the island early, PM me if you're interested in touring Maui Brewing Co. (the brewery in Kihei, not the restaurant up the road in Kahana) on either Friday or Saturday (17th/18th). Also, I'm still gaining insight on shorefishing, i.e. hot spots and such, around the island for a possible Friday and/or Saturday morning excursion(s) (depending on what I come up with).
Blue and Gold will likely have pre- and post-game activities planned for all of the games (and maybe something for Monday night as well), so depending on schedule, I'm also gauging feasibility of a daytime foodie-type tour or gathering during the week.
If anyone has suggestions, etc., I certainly welcome others' input. Doesn't matter whether it's just me and the wife/kids or an ad hoc gathering of a few dozen MU faithful, if you want to get out of the hotel and explore a little bit of the island, everyone is more than welcome to join us.
Mahalo, Haoles (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haole)... and thank you for your continued interest in Benny's Island Tours, Inc., the unofficial unlicensed Maui tour operator of MUScoop.
So this is where the Scoop membership fees have been going. 'Bout damn time they've paid off.
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SWA flying to HI but not in time for this year’s tournament. Good news for future travels.
https://www.yahoo.com/finance/news/apos-official-southwest-airlines-coming-121000051.html
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Gearing up for MAUI! So, I'm considering buying the package to attend all 3 MUBB games. My wife and our travel buddies only want to go to the first game. Would we be able to sit together if I buy the package and they just buy a ticket the day of the game? Is it hard to get individual tickets at the box office the day of? For some reason they find it more appealing to be outside than watch basketball when in Hawaii.
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So I saw in my Facebook feed that MarquetteStyle has just come out with a bunch of Hawaiian-print clothing in Marquette colors:
https://marquettestyle.com/builder#/products/Marquette-Hawaiian-Shop?basketIndex=36
They promise delivery in time for the Maui tournament if you order by October 31.
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Gearing up for MAUI! So, I'm considering buying the package to attend all 3 MUBB games. My wife and our travel buddies only want to go to the first game. Would we be able to sit together if I buy the package and they just buy a ticket the day of the game? Is it hard to get individual tickets at the box office the day of? For some reason they find it more appealing to be outside than watch basketball when in Hawaii.
Generally speaking, no and no. The seats in the ticket package will put you in different sections than the single game, all-day and all-tourney tickets.
So I saw in my Facebook feed that MarquetteStyle has just come out with a bunch of Hawaiian-print clothing in Marquette colors:
https://marquettestyle.com/builder#/products/Marquette-Hawaiian-Shop?basketIndex=36
They promise delivery in time for the Maui tournament if you order by October 31.
This is exactly what I was talking about several months ago. If you're going to buy this schlock, please please please don't wear it on the island.
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This is exactly what I was talking about several months ago. If you're going to buy this schlock, please please please don't wear it on the island.
Chillax, bro. It's displaying school spirit, not trying to be the sharpest-dressed person on the island. I wear lots of stuff to Marquette games I wouldn't wear out in public.
And I think anyone who is such a Hawaiian-shirt purist as yourself would shudder of the thought of slapping a logo on an authentic one.
And this clothing is handmade to order in Milwaukee. You got something against American jobs?
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Chillax, bro. It's displaying school spirit, not trying to be the sharpest-dressed person on the island. I wear lots of stuff to Marquette games I wouldn't wear out in public.
And I think anyone who is such a Hawaiian-shirt purist as yourself would shudder of the thought of slapping a logo on an authentic one.
And this clothing is handmade to order in Milwaukee. You got something against American jobs?
I'm far from a Hawaiian shirt purist, but one of the benefits of Maui this year is going to be watching what the ND fans are wearing. Take for instance:
(https://d2ydh70d4b5xgv.cloudfront.net/images/4/5/vtg-reyn-spooner-notre-dame-size-xl-short-sleeve-button-down-hawaiian-shirt-2b8ce7add01e689135285658e173a4ba.jpg)
This actually looks kind of tame compared to the Marquette Style offerings. Not so easy to crack a chuckle at the Domers' expense when our own fans are wearing this: (https://kbapiwecloudserviceep.azureedge.net/Api/file/47660328?width=300&height=300&distributorId=22321808) or this: (https://kbapiwecloudserviceep.azureedge.net/Api/file/47593060?width=300&height=300&distributorId=22321808)
That said, the women's dress and the men's pattern tops from M-Style are actually quite passable. It was the two above examples and the panel leggings that triggered my initial reaction.
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I guess you will have a good conversation starter with Jimmy Mac, then, because I promise you he will be wearing those pants.
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I guess you will have a good conversation starter with Jimmy Mac, then, because I promise you he will be wearing those pants.
Isn't Mac gowne? Or is this going to be is last year?
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Isn't Mac gowne? Or is this going to be is last year?
Pretty sure this is his last year. If he gowne, we'd already know who his replacement is by now.
Plus, free trip to Hawaii.
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Chillax, bro. It's displaying school spirit, not trying to be the sharpest-dressed person on the island. I wear lots of stuff to Marquette games I wouldn't wear out in public.
And I think anyone who is such a Hawaiian-shirt purist as yourself would shudder of the thought of slapping a logo on an authentic one.
And this clothing is handmade to order in Milwaukee. You got something against American jobs?
Seriously. The shirts are ridiculous and I wouldn't be caught dead wearing one outside of a Marquette game, but they're kind of fun. Would be way better if the actual Hawaiian shirt had an MU logo on it somewhere. The polo one is pretty awful.
edit: holy sh*t, those shirts are $100. Wow...no chance.
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Got my Maui tickets today from MU
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To any Scoopers (including friends, family and well-wishers) heading to Maui next week, Benny has the 3:15p tour at Maui Brewing Company blocked off on Sunday Nov 19.
Group is limited to 16, no children under the age of 10, and minors must be accompanied by an adult. Tour is at the Kihei Brewery location, 605 Lipoa Pkwy, Kihei, HI (you will need a car or Uber as it's about a 30-45 minute drive from the team hotel).
PM me if interested.
EDIT: We can also do this on Saturday 11/18... let me know if either (or both) days would work.
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To any Scoopers (including friends, family and well-wishers) heading to Maui next week, Benny has the 3:15p tour at Maui Brewing Company blocked off on Sunday Nov 19.
Group is limited to 16, no children under the age of 10, and minors must be accompanied by an adult. Tour is at the Kihei Brewery location, 605 Lipoa Pkwy, Kihei, HI (you will need a car or Uber as it's about a 30-45 minute drive from the team hotel).
PM me if interested.
Thanks Benjamin. We share the love of their Coconut Porter. On a boat on Sunday, but hope to meet up with your gang this trip. MBC is a fine tour.
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Thanks Benjamin. We share the love of their Coconut Porter. On a boat on Sunday, but hope to meet up with your gang this trip. MBC is a fine tour.
A couple people have said they'd be up for it on Saturday, too. I know many are arriving OGG that day, but if there's more interest for Saturday, I have no problem moving it up a day... simply trying to maximize opportunities for all.
Sport fishing or pleasure cruise? Was contemplating renting a boat myself one of the days, but still trying to get my wife on board (pun intended) with the idea.
In any event, won't be hard to spot me... I'll be the one schlepping three young kids and an au pair around.
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A couple people have said they'd be up for it on Saturday, too. I know many are arriving OGG that day, but if there's more interest for Saturday, I have no problem moving it up a day... simply trying to maximize opportunities for all.
Sport fishing or pleasure cruise? Was contemplating renting a boat myself one of the days, but still trying to get my wife on board (pun intended) with the idea.
In any event, won't be hard to spot me... I'll be the one schlepping three young kids and an au pair around.
Pleasure cruise. I think I have a couple’s message scheduled Saturday for me before “it’s all basketball all the time”.