2023 Maui Invitational (on Oahu) Primer

[Benny B]

Although Benny’s self-imposed ban from Scoop remains in full force and effect, it was resolved by the Council of Bennies in a 18-15 vote (with 44 abstaining) that Benny’s Maui Primer was of “significant cultural value” exceeding Benny’s need for “significant cerebral sanity.”  So here goes:

Preamble/Disclaimers/Legal Notices/Release of Liability

Benny is not your travel agent, and he sure as hell ain’t your travel director.  This primer is on the specifics of Marquette and its participation in the Maui Invitational.  If you want travel tips or inside information on Maui that has nothing to do with the tournament, do yourself a Google.

Benny is also not affiliated with the Maui Invitational or Marquette University.  He simply enjoys #MUBB and is happy to share his experiences from 2012 and 2017 in the hopes that MU Nation turns out an even larger presence on the island in 2023.  In short, everything below that isn’t in Benny’s reasonable ability to control is subject to change.

Official Travel Package

Sold out, apparently.  Which might be why you’re reading this.

If you bought it, evidently you're getting a "substitute" package on Honolulu, whatever that means.  Since you paid for a Mercedes, let's hope they don't try to stick you in a Camry. 

Where to Stay

Team hotel is the Sheraton Waikiki.  There is a room block available for those who have purchased ticket-only packages for $504/nt.:
LINK TO HOTEL INFO

The vast majority of tournament fans opt for one of the Ka’anapali hotels, with Napili a distant second place.  All of the teams stay in one of the Ka’anapali hotels, which are all connected by a beachside promenade (some of us call it a sidewalk).  Like previous years, Marquette’s team hotel is the Hyatt Regency, which is at the southern end of Ka’anapali (closest to Lahaina).

Although all of the games are played at the Lahaina Civic Center (LCC), Lahaina proper doesn’t have any major hotels; however, there are vacation homes rentals in the city and surrounding vicinity.  If you’re like Benny and prefer renting a vacation home to staying in a hotel, anything between Launiupoko and Kapalua is a good option.

While I know that some tournament fans have stayed on the south part of the island (i.e., Kihei or Wailea), Benny does not recommend this.  With no traffic, it’s upwards of a 45-minute drive, but during rush hour (yes, there is a rush hour), it will take you over an hour.  Moreover, while accidents on HI-30 aren’t typical, they’re far from unheard of, especially during holiday weekends when there’s an influx of haoles… if HI-30 has to go down to one lane (or is shut down completely), unless you left with hours to spare, plan on missing the game.

[Benny B]

Tickets

Leaving up the below info as it will (hopefully) be valid again at the 2029 Maui Invitational.  In the meantime, there's a bunch of stuff at the TICKETS LINK for the tournament, most notably:

Single game tickets are not being sold this year... all twelve games are being divided into six sessions, so much like the NCAA tournament, if you have a single ticket to one game (or a booster ticket) you'll get a second game as a bonus.  The only modification is that if you have a booster ticket, you'll sit in the normal booster seats for your game (presumably lower level), and the other game you'll sit in a 200-level (upper) seat.  Booster seats are going to be on either side of Aisles 106 (Sections EE & FF) and 109 (HH & JJ) [there is no section II, because people would call it "Section 2"].

SEATING CHART HERE

ALL-TOURNAMENT and BOOSTER tickets are on sale now; however, MU's booster tickets are still sold out.

SINGLE DAY tickets go on sale October 25.

SINGLE SESSION tickets go on sale November 1st.

For those of you looking to purchase single session tickets, Benny's advice:

Obviously, you want to buy Session 2 for Monday.

However, for Tuesday's game, it gets a bit dicey... if MU wins Monday, they play in Game 8 (Session 4) on Tuesday, but if they lose to UCLA, they play in Game 6 (Session 3).  Here's the rub, you might be thinking "I'll buy Sessions 3 and 4, and I'll just sell the other session to the UCLA fans."  You're on the right track; however, keep in mind that UCLA still has booster tickets available, so you're not likely going to find a bunch of UCLA fans looking for tickets on the secondary market.  That being said, KU is 99.9999% going to advance against Chaminade, which means they'll be playing in Game 8 (Session 4), and Session 4 will also contain the winners of TN/Cuse and PU/Zags.  In other words, Session 4 will feature at least one team - and maybe two teams - whose booster tickets are sold out.  Moreover, Session 3 will feature the losers of those last two pairings plus Chaminade, which means those tickets will definitely be in lesser demand (i.e., better chance of seeing them at the box office Tuesday morning and/or maybe at least a bit cheaper on the secondary market).  In short, if you're buying Tuesday on speculation but only buying one session, buy Session 4.

Wednesday might look even more dicey, but the answer is obvious... you buy Session 5 when it goes on sale because that gets you the 3rd place and Championship game.  In other words, if MU wins on Monday, they're playing Session 5 on Wednesday, regardless.  And again, unless the Zags pull the minor upset on Purdue, Session 5 will feature at least two "sold-out" teams... which means both better resale opportunities and higher demand if you buy Session 5 tickets but MU loses on Monday.

TL;DR: If you want to maximize your chances of pre-buying tickets for all of MU's games, buy Session 2, Session 4 and Session 5.


At previous tournaments (and I have no reason to suspect it will be different this year), there have been several ticketing options.  By far, the most popular amongst fans traveling to the island is the “booster” ticket, which is one ticket to each of the three games Marquette plays, regardless of when/how they progress through the bracket.  “All-session” tickets are available for the hoops junkies as well as single-game tickets for the casual fan.  There have also been a limited number of courtside/floor seats in some years.

Booster tickets are general admission and are limited to the sections behind and adjacent to the team bench (from mid-court around to halfway through the end zone).  You can sit anywhere in your corner of the LCC, and yes, it is enforced (there are separate entrances depending on the type of ticket you have, and it sounds like they’re wristbanding this year).  Although it may not be conspicuous, be advised that the first 4-5 rows behind the benches are typically reserved seating for families, staff, etc. (Benny didn’t realize he had been sitting in Buzz’s in-laws’ seats until Corey’s mother sat down and started chatting us up halfway through the last game in 2012… after the game, when it was pointed out to Buzz whose seats we had usurped, he seemed rather pleased.)

The all-session and single-game tickets are located opposite the team benches and in the other half of the end zones.  If you want to sit behind MU’s bench (with most of the MU fans), you have to have a booster ticket.

[8/7 - Deleted a whole lot of text here that's no longer relevant or, at best, might be confusing.  Instead, I offer the seating chart:]



While Benny is not 100% certain, Benny seems to recall that the all-session and single tickets were a mix of general admission and reserved seating.  At the very least, the courtside/floor seats are reserved, and the non-booster seats in the end zones are general admission.

UPDATE (June 26): Tickets will go on sale the week of August 7th.  Notably, this is several weeks earlier than in the past... obviously, there is very strong demand for the tournament this year; however, only Arizona sold out of their booster tickets in the first day last year.  So while you may not have to start refreshing your browser right away at 9:00am (or whenever the tickets drop), if you're on the fence about going to the tournament, Benny strongly recommends that you make a decision on/before August 6th.

UPDATE (August 7):  Booster tickets for MU, Kansas, Gonzaga and Purdue are sold out through the travel packages.  According to Maui Invite website, "We are expecting no additional inventory to be available for ticket-only packages."  In 2012, hooster tickets were purchased via the Tournament Website, but in 2017, booster tickets were made available through the schools first (with MU's being allocated based on priority points).  So the "sold out" on the tournament website could be code for "we've given all of the tickets to the schools to dole out."

All other tickets go on sale August 8th at 10:00am HST.


That being said... if you do miss out on booster tickets, you still have options:

1) Full-Day & All-Session tickets.  Granted, you won't be seated in the Marquette section, but honestly, there are no bad seats at LCC, so if you really enjoy college hoops (or don't mind paying a few extra bucks for more games), this is a good option to have.  Although the budget-conscious need not give up either... if you do end up with tickets to more games than desired, there's a pretty good chance you can offload at least some of them to other schools' fans on the secondary market (see below).  Additionally, if you are staying in one of the Ka'anapali hotels, talk to your hotel's concierge... while they won't purchase them from you, leave them your room number / cell# so that if other guests inquire about tickets, they can reach you. 

     * All-Session tickets have typically gone on sale at the same time as booster tickets; i.e., they will likely also go on sale the week of August 7th. [8/7 Update: Not certain if/when all-tourney will be available.]

     * Full-Day tickets will go on sale in October, and those are tickets to all four games on either Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday.  Of course, you could buy all three days - effectively an all-session ticket - which you're probably going to do anyway, so the full-day tix should be considered a last-chance option. [8/7 Update: Not certain if/when full-day tickets will be available.]

2) Single game tickets.  If - after vacation packages, booster & all-session, kama'aina, and full-day tickets are sold - there are any tickets left, individual games will go on sale a couple weeks before the tournament November 17.

3) Secondary Market.  It looks like Epic Tickets is going to be the official secondary market/ticket reseller.  Since all original tickets will be delivered electronically, the secondary market should be a reliable option.  Of course, you can check with other resellers (e.g. StubHub) but Benny recommends you make sure that whatever tickets you're buying are being delivered instantly if you're already on the island.

I understand that without tickets, the whole exercise seems moot here, but I would not let the prospect of getting shut out from the box office turn anyone away from making the trip.  Whether you plan ahead or last minute, tickets will be available... although they may not be in the most ideal location (despite there being no bad locations) or at the most economical price, that's how EVERYTHING is described in Maui.

Moral of Story: Plan ahead, don't wait until the last minute, and don't whine to Benny because you didn't get courtside seats.

[Benny B]

MU/Alumni Activities

In previous tournaments, MU has organized a 5K run (or maybe it was a 10K, Benny isn’t sure because Benny believes feet are for working the gas pedal, not for running) on the Sat or Sun before the tournament as well as a luau on one of the evenings during the tournament (depending on their schedule).  Depending on the game times each day, there are also pre-game and post-game receptions at the team hotel.  For those who practice, not to be missed is a beachside mass Saturday evening (which has been known to attract a head coach from another team or two).  Apparently, there are also private receptions to which Benny is not invited, so those are highly recommended.

UPDATE 9/19: Not sure what, but I imagine Alumni Relations will pivot to hosting something else.

LCC Parking/Transportation

THERE IS NO ON-SITE PARKING AT THE STAN SHERIFF CENTER ON UH MANOA CAMPUS.

Shuttles will be provided from the Tournament host hotels and additional locations in Honolulu.

Other options are Uber/Lyft and public transportation, which they call "The Bus" (it's not just a clever name, folks).

TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION

From the Hyatt Regency, the LCC is a 5-minute drive or about 20-30 minutes on foot.  With the disclaimer that Benny has never actually walked the path (remember, gas pedal), it seems like it would be a decent constitutional for someone who’s in moderately good shape (there is a slight uphill component going to the LCC, and remember, it’s likely going to be 50-60 degrees warmer - and much more humid - than wherever you came from).

Benny can’t speak from experience on ride-share/taxi availability, but anecdotally, surge pricing is almost always in effect and wait times can be much longer than they are on the mainland.

Parking at the LCC is plentiful, and if you haven’t been to Maui before, rental cars are quite abundant.  Honestly, renting a car is highly recommended if you’re not staying in Ka’anapali especially if you’re spending more than 4-5 nights on the island.  If you are staying in Ka’anapali, then you have many options for shopping, dining, and recreation (golf) all within walking distance, so a rental car isn’t entirely necessary, but still something to consider if you want to explore more of the island.

UPDATE (June 26):

Other Stuff to do in Maui

Seriously?  I don't want to be that guy who answers questions with "Google," but you're really making it hard.  So I've put together two lists of non-MU stuff, and if you want more details, it's probably worth a Google.

The Haole List - (This is everything that everyone who's ever been to Maui says you have to do every time you go to Maui, forever.  In other words, tell someone who's been to Maui that you're going to Maui, and these will be their suggestions, usually prefaced with an "oh, my, God, you have got to do this..." or "I wish I wasn't so hung over on chi's-chi's when we did...")

1. Road to Hana - By far the most cited "thing to do" in Maui, but since it requires a car, so not everyone does it.  The "road" starts a little over an hour's drive from Lahaina, and then it's another 1.5 hours to Hana - if you drive straight through with no traffic.  But neither of those will happen, so if you go, plan a minimum of 8 hours for maximum enjoyment.  Frankly, the road itself is not dangerous if you take your time, which you will because even if you don't, you'll inevitably be stuck behind someone who is.

2. Mount Haleakala Sunrise - Probably the second most cited "thing to do" in Maui, but not only does it also require a car, it also requires waking up a few hours before dawn, so even fewer people do it.  Three things to remember: a) you need a reservation (with the park service), b) the earlier you get there, the better your viewing spot, and c) bring your Marquette hoodie, because it will be cold at the summit.  Benny highly recommends doing this the day after you arrive while you're still adjusting to the time difference.

3. Mama's Fish House - The most cited restaurant in Maui, but nearly impossible to get a reservation during the Invitational without extreme planning (and a little bit of luck).  Worst kept secret in Maui: Mama's gets their fish from the same place that nearly every other restaurant (and the Safeway) does... if you look close, you might be able to see it.

That said, evidently Mama's has a lunch sitting or maybe a takeout option that might be easier to access... but Benny can't help you here because Benny doesn't care about going to a restaurant just because Benny wants to tell all his friends he ate somewhere that was featured on the Travel Channel or Food Network.  (To be fair, maybe Benny would care if he actually had friends.)

4. Maluaka Beach - Snorkels, turtles, etc.  Can be grossly overrun with tourists and natives (as in those who have timeshares, not actually of Hawaii or polynesian ancestry), but there are turtles.  Which are protected, so don't get too close or Hawaii DNR will get you.

5. Whaler's Village - It's an outdoor mall.  Walking distance to Ka'anapali hotels.  Meh... not my thing, but I know a lot of people like to shop on vacation, even though many of the stores here are also at their local mall back home.

The Benny List - (This is the stuff that people like Benny - and those with friends - like to do... could be because it's a little off the beaten path, maybe because it's actually interesting, or perhaps it's just a good way to kill time without the pressure of having to post something on Instagram to make your friends jealous.)

1. Maui Brewing Company - It is so much more than Coconut Porter, but admittedly, this can be a tough one... it's located in Kihei, about a 35-45 min drive from Lahaina, but on the other hand, it's Maui Brewing Company; it's Maui Brewing Company.  In short, get yourself a designated driver.  While I think MBC is technically considered a taproom, it does have a restaurant onsite, so at least fill yourself up with food before beer. 

[Aside: BAC limit in HI is 0.08, but just to understand the landscape, know that there is a growing push to lower to 0.05.   
Additionally, I have heard that LEO's in HI may be more prone to slapping tourists with a DUI even if they're below 0.08 because they know no one is flying back to the island for a court date; however, this honestly seems more like urban legend to me.  Nevertheless, be smart about it... he roads in Maui are already challenging enough without a bunch of drunk Haole boomers swerving all over the place.]

1a. Kohola Brewing Company - A bit easier to get to (it's in Lahaina), and honestly, if you gave yourself a choice of one between MBC and Kohola, this isn't a bad choice to make.  Incidentally, Kohola actually occupies the space where MBC once was (before needing to expand).  There's no food service, but in Benny's opinion, the best food stand on the island (Ono's Tacos) is right out front.  [Victim of wildfire]

2. Julia's Banana Bread - I don't like saying something is the best in the entire world, but Julia's may very well be.  At the very least, it's the best in Maui... and that's actually saying something.  It's also near the Nakalele Blowhole, which is fun to say.

3. Huli Huli Chicken (Hana) - This is what makes sitting in a minivan with three disgruntled teens (and pre-teens) driving the Road to Hana worth every moment.  When you get to Hana, keep driving, go another two miles towards Koki Beach, turn on Haneoo Rd., and follow your nose from there.  This is the one place Benny recommends that has been on the Food Network (maybe MBC has, but Benny doesn't care), pretty much because the line is pretty much nil.

4. Costco - If there was a way to place a bet on which amongst both of these lists gets the most foot-traffic on an average day, my money's on Costco.  If you're going to be taking home gifts but don't know what to buy, go to Costco and buy a bunch of bags of chocolate-covered macadamia nuts; then buy a dozen bags for yourself.  Forego taking home a case of Coconut Porter... it's the same price at Binny's (no relation).

5. Maui Tropical Plantation - Just south of Kahalui, this is good place to visit if you have younger kids or want to take a few pictures on a fruit farm.  Notably, the gift shop sells the most reasonably priced Aloha Shirts (that are actually made in Hawaii) I've found on the entire island.  Benny's kids have aged-out of this place, but Benny will definitely make at least one stop here - probably on one of his several trips to Costco - to check out the new drip.

6. Lahaina Farms - Benny's preferred grocery store (although Benny does go to Safeway for a poke... mostly because you can see them hacking the fish in the back while you're ordering from the counter.  The Little Mermaid would have been so much better if they included a scene like this.).  Think of it as halfway between a Mariano's and a Whole Foods.  Best part: a whole deli counter filled with more than a dozen flavors of mochi ice cream.  [Survived wildfire]

[Benny B]

And with that, back to the regularly scheduled programming.

Since we're going outside the regular schedule here, Benny can no longer help you with the Maui invite this year.  That being said, for those of you still planning on attending the tournament, Benny can still help you in one very important area:

Benny's Rules for Not Being a Haole

Benny is not from Hawaii and has only been there twice.  While Benny does know a couple people who were born & raised in Hawaii, they’re not from Maui, so they’re no help.  But Benny did work several summers in a certain central Wisconsin tourist trap that were overrun every summer by a particular sub-species of haoles called FIBs.  So it goes without saying that Benny knows how to have a memorable experience as a tourist without offending the locals.

Also – just in case you weren’t already convinced – Benny’s avatar on his Disney+ account is Stitch, and for good reason… and not just because the first time Benny went to Hawaii Benny did so with the intent of taking it over; although in fairness to Benny, Benny did experience ohana and decide to abandon his plans of domination (just in Hawaii, no promises given anywhere else), so no harm, no foul.

“But Benny,” you say, “who’s Stitch?”  Seriously?  I can be tolerant of the whining, but you really need to be slapped.  Stitch is from – arguably – the best Disney movie ever made, Lilo and Stitch.  The character is an alien creation of a mad scientist who was designed for destruction and mayhem and escaped his intergalactic prison and headed straight for Earth, landing in Hawaii (which is good, because he isn’t buoyant and would have sunk to a horrifying death had he landed a couple miles in another direction).  Of course, being a Disney movie, the parenthetical wasn’t going to happen, even though it would have unequivocally made it the best Disney movie ever made.

Rule #1: You’re not a Native Hawaiian.

Look in the mirror… do you look like a UW-Madison basketball player?  Then guess what, I don’t care how many times your parents or grandparents or third cousins twice removed have visited the islands, or how long any of them have owned their timeshare on Kauai, you are a haole.  Don’t act like one.

Rule #2: Aloha Shirts are Made in Hawaii

Before you buy something that looks like a Hawaiian shirt, look at the tag… if it doesn’t say “Made in Hawaii/Honolulu” or “Made on Oahu,” put it back on the rack.  If you already have a Hawaiian shirt that’s made in Indonesia or Bangladesh, great… just don’t bring it to Hawaii.  Kahala, Reyn Spooner, Tori Richard, and David Shepard are some of the most popular Hawaiian clothiers; however, not everything they sell is MIH, so check labels or the website before buying.

And for God’s sake, don’t buy the shirt the MU Spirit Shop is selling that was probably made in an Asian sweat shop somewhere.  If you want an MU aloha shirt, go buy an authentic aloha shirt, and then hit up someone with an embroidery machine – or better yet, go buy one yourself and learn a new skill, haole.

Rule #3: Don’t Livestream Your Vacation

Being Instagram-famous doesn’t mean squat on the islands.  Even Oprah got excoriated when she showed up at Maui relief with her video crew, and she’s Oprah-famous.  Take your photos and videos discreetly, and don’t take pictures of the “locals” unless they tell you that you can.  Keep in mind that Hawaii is a very popular destination for tourists from Asia; I sincerely apologize for perpetuating stereotypes here, but maybe don’t be an inconsiderate haole and try giving the locals a break from the other indiscriminate amateur photogs.

Rule #4: Consider Staying on Maui

While I’m not exactly happy the tournament was moved to Oahu, I certainly understand why it had to be.  That being said, spending dollars on Oahu isn’t going to help Maui as much as spending those dollars on Maui.  And no offense to Oahu, but they don’t need the economic impact as much as Maui does.

Between Hawaiian Airlines and Southwest, there are a couple dozen flights each way between Maui and Oahu starting at 6:00am every day with the last flight departing HNL at 9:55pm, which if you’re not checking baggage – barring overtime(s) – is more than enough time to get from the Stan Sheriff Center to the airport after the 5:30p and 6:30p games (especially if you have TSA PreCheck).  Round-trip fares seem to be in the vicinity of $100 right now. 

Granted, Benny’s situation is atypical, but it turned out to be slightly cheaper to stay at a rental home on Maui and “commute” to Oahu for three days than it would have cost to get three hotel rooms in Wakiki with the other haoles.

Sorry... can't do this anymore.  Hawaiian Airlines moved its 9:55p flight up to 9:15p.  Not gonna work flying commercial.

[PVMagic]

Love Maui, though not going for the invitational. Have stayed at the Whaler before and would recommend. Quick walk along the water to Whaler Village for easy food/shopping, very close to Black Rock for snorkeling, great sunset views from the beach.

[Dr. Blackheart]

And with that, back to the regularly scheduled programming.

Left unsaid, Sir Benny of Maui will be buying me Coconut Hiwa at Maui Brewing.

[muwarrior69]

And with that, back to the regularly scheduled programming.

See you next Thanksgiving.

[Herman Cain]

Thanks Benny

[DoctorV]

Nice Benny, great insight.

Since you did such a nice job with it, hook us up with some nice spots/events/things to do on the island when we aren’t cheering on our beloved Marquette.

I’ve been once, loved road to Hana and proposed on Haleakala, milked some goats and had some cheese, but it was a short stay since we were doing a few islands. Also loved Maui Brewing and coconut hiwa as mentioned.

Any other suggested?

[brewcity77]

Although Benny’s self-imposed ban from Scoop remains in full force and effect, it was resolved by the Council of Bennies in a 18-15 vote (with 44 abstaining)

I see what you did there. 

[ATL MU Warrior]

Nice Benny, great insight.

Since you did such a nice job with it, hook us up with some nice spots/events/things to do on the island when we aren’t cheering on our beloved Marquette.

I’ve been once, loved road to Hana and proposed on Haleakala, milked some goats and had some cheese, but it was a short stay since we were doing a few islands. Also loved Maui Brewing and coconut hiwa as mentioned.

Any other suggested?

Hope the goats had more than one teat.

[DegenerateDish]

This is funny as I’m in Maui right now.

[ATL MU Warrior]

This is funny as I’m in Maui right now.

Don’t milk the single teat goats!

[Dr. Blackheart]

Don’t milk the single teat goats!

#uniteatsnomatta

[DegenerateDish]

I will say, just having had lunch at Waikiki Brewing Company, it’s just average (Wailea location). Worth skipping the location in Lahaina.

I LOVE Wailea, but Benny is right, the drive to Lahaina is brutal, speed traps (if there isn’t traffic or construction, which there always is), and it’s not very scenic.

We come here just about every late winter, and rental cars are usually cheap here. We have a minivan for 8 days at a little over $300.

[ZiggysFryBoy]

Benny, we hardly noticed you were gone, kin.

[WellsstreetWanderer]

Lahaina Grill is my favorite dinning spot when Maui. Merriman’s is second

[real chili 83]

Left unsaid, Sir Benny of Maui will be buying me Coconut Hiwa at Maui Brewing.

Me too.

Benny, let’s get a charter.  I’ll bring the crawlers.

[Dr. Blackheart]

Me too.

Benny, let’s get a charter.  I’ll bring the crawlers.

I'll bring the growlers

[real chili 83]

I'll bring the growlers

Underboard compound is secured for Maui.  Boat drinks ingredients and paper umbrellas are being procured and stockpiled. 

Working on backup blenders.

[Dr. Blackheart]

Underboard compound is secured for Maui.  Boat drinks ingredients and paper umbrellas are being procured and stockpiled. 

Working on backup blenders.

Guarded community, private pool, ocean front, a cadre of smokers

[real chili 83]

Guarded community, private pool, ocean front, a cadre of smokers

Benny says he bought a new speedo.

 

[21Jumpstreet]

Nice Benny, great insight.

Since you did such a nice job with it, hook us up with some nice spots/events/things to do on the island when we aren’t cheering on our beloved Marquette.

I’ve been once, loved road to Hana and proposed on Haleakala, milked some goats and had some cheese, but it was a short stay since we were doing a few islands. Also loved Maui Brewing and coconut hiwa as mentioned.

Any other suggested?

We love Star Noodle and Mala. Mamas is fun, both Lahaina Grill and Merriman’s mentioned elsewhere are very good, Sunrise Cafe for loco moco (it’s basically in a tree). Fish Market is good.

We did Feast at LeLe, which was super fun, road to Hana was amazing make sure to drive around the back of the island where they tell you not to, sunrise on Haleakala was a life changing experience for me. We did a helicopter ride, was beautiful and fun. We surfed, I’m terrible. Took a boat to Molokini, snorkeled and snubaed. It was whale season when we were there, wow, amazing photos from our boat. Maui brings me peace.

[Dr. Blackheart]

Benny says he bought a new speedo.

 

Mother of God.  I can deal with the speedo if I look uncomfortably to the side but the "Give me Projo or give me death" wife beater is hard to ignore.

[JakeBarnes]

Guarded community, private pool, ocean front, a cadre of smokers

I know you meant meat smoking, but if I can play my cards right and get down for the Maui tourney, cigars are on me for those who partake (I promise, it's a damn good selection from an island closer to the mainland than Hawaii).