An Online Update for Frommer's Maui

Already one of the most popular islands on the planet, Maui's popularity soared in 2005. The end of 2005 expects a record breaking 2.3 million tourists, and even more visitors are predicted in 2006. Occupancy rates in hotels are running 87 percent, and during peak periods, in the high 90's. What this means to visitors is book in advance, especially the very popular summer months and Christmas vacation. Don't expect "deals" during these months, but with a little advanced planning, you can find plenty of bargains during the rest of the year.

Here's a roundup of the changes that have occurred in Hawaii since the publication of Frommer's Hawaii 2006.

With more visitors coming to Maui, the airlines have increased the number of flights, and in some cases, added new flights. Low-cost carrier American West (tel. 800/327-7810; www.americanwest.com), which currently has flights from Phoenix to Maui through its code-share partner, Hawaiian Airlines, will begin its own nonstop service Maui on December 16, 2005. Nonstop service between Maui and Las Vegas will be added in March 2006.

Hawaiian Airlines (tel. 800/367-5320; www.hawaiianair.com) has nonstop flights to Seattle and Portland. Aloha Airlines (tel. 800/367-5250; www.alohaairlines.com) added a direct fight from Maui to San Diego to compliment their other nonstop flights to Sacramento, Oakland, and Orange County.

A new airline start up, FlyHawaii Airlines (tel. 808/599-5588; www.flyhi.com) claims it is still on target to have its low-cost, interisland turboprop planes up and running by the first quarter of 2006. The ATR72 aircrafts, which seat 68 passengers, will start with daily flights between Honolulu and Maui. Chris Parsons, FlyHawaii's Vice President of Administration, says that tickets will cost about $50 one-way (currently Hawaiian and Aloha Airlines offer tickets starting at $79 one-way).

Beginning in early 2007, the Hawaii Superferry (www.hawaiisuperferry.com) will provide interisland ferry service between the islands at an estimated cost of $42-$70 each way. In addition to carrying 900 passengers, the 385-foot, wave-piercing catamaran will also carry 282 vehicles and travel up to 45 miles an hour (a three hour travel time from Honolulu to Maui). The $75 million vessel is currently under construction.

The Norwegian Cruise Line (tel. 800/327-7030; www.ncl.com) has added the 2,144-passenger ship, Pride of America, to join the Pride of Aloha, in 7-day cruises around the Hawaiian Islands, stopping on Kauai, Oahu, Maui, and both sides of the Big Island.

The biggest change in accommodations is Aston Resorts, which managed nine different hotels and condominiums on Maui, will be re-branded this month as ResortQuest properties (tel. 877/ 997-6667; www.resortquesthawaii.com).

Destination Resorts Hawaii (tel. 800/367-5246; www.drhmaui.com) is now offering the terrific amenity of free long distances calls (yes, you can call New York City or Abu Dhabi for free) at all their condominium properties in Wailea and Makena (Wailea Ekolu Village, Wailea Grand Champions Villas, Wailea Ekahi Village, Wailea Elua Village, Polo Beach Club, and Makena Surf). In other news, all their properties have high speed Internet access, free parking, and the Polo Beach Club is completely non-smoking (no smoking on the lanais, units, pool or even the Jacuzzi).

Even if you can't make it to Maui this year, the Hale Pau Hana Resort (tel. 800/367-6036; www.hphresort.com), in Kihei, has a live web-cam covering Kamaole Beach Park II, so you can lust over the terrific weather and the tropical setting.

In Kaanapali, the Sheraton Maui Resort (tel. 800/782-9466; www.sheraton.com/maui) is continuing renovations to the 510-unit property with new carpeting, wallpaper, furniture upholstery, and the new Sheraton "Sweet Sleeper Bed" (with dreamy pillow top mattress, high coil count, and "Stay True Foam" to guarantee you will sleep in absolute comfort). In addition, all the rooms are now wired for high-speed Internet access. Unlimited access is part of the daily resort amenity charge ($17 a day). For children, the resort has just started a "Bubble Makers" Junior Scuba Class designed for kids ages eight and up, where they learn scuba skills and underwater safety while hunting for sea treasures. Fee is $49 per child.

Just down the Kaanapali Beach, the Royal Lahaina Resort (tel. 800/44-ROYAL; www.hawaiihotels.com) has re-opened the Don the Beachcomber Mai Tai Bar, outfitted in tropical decor and serving a variety of Polynesian liquid libations from 6pm to midnight daily.

Additional entertainment is available at the Royal Lahaina Luau, every Sunday, and Tuesday to Friday evenings, cost is $77 for adults and $38 for children 12 and under.

Speaking of luau, the best luau in the state, The Old Lahaina Luau (tel. 800/248-5828; www.oldlahainaluau.com) is adding a new day program, Ho'omana'o, on Wednesday and Friday, 8:30 to 11am, which serves a huge breakfast (frittata, island-stuffed French toast, Kalua pork hash, haupia oatmeal, scrambled eggs, potatoes, bacon, sausage, fruit, assorted pastries as well as coffee, tea, and juice), provides Hawaiian entertainment, and offers interactive cultural experiences centered around hula, warfare, agriculture and fishing. Tickets are $69 for adults, $49 for children 12 and under. They suggest that children seven and older are more appropriate because of the emphasis on education.

The latest restaurant to open on Maui is the Pineapple Grill at Kapalua Resort (200 Kapalua Dr., Kapalua; tel. 808/66909600; www.pineapplekapalua.com), where Chef Joey Macadangdang (former protege of Roy Yamaguchi and executive chef at Roy's Kihei) has created a new twist on Pacific Islands cuisine with such Asian/Filipino dishes as Asian-style bouillabaisse (with lemongrass) or Lehua honey-cured pork chops. Entrees range from $26-$32. The restaurant sits atop Pineapple Hill overlooking the Bay Golf Course and the ocean. If you can tear your eyes away from that view, an exhibition kitchen at the entry is worth a look, with a black-marble bar with plasma-screen TVs and a dining room subdivided into themed mini-rooms.

If you are headed to Haleakala National Park, a new 2,800 square foot store/deli has just opened, Kula Marketplace (tel. 808/878-2135), next door to the Kula Lodge on Kekauleke Highway. A great place to stop to pick up lunch, the open beam market has everything from gourmet food to fine art (plus Maui-made products, women and children's clothes, jewelry, local produce, and an assortment of foods to go). The market is divided into various themes: the Upcountry Garden, Wine Cellar, Favorite Things, Local Flavors, Health is Wealth, and Must Haves. Open daily from 8 am to 7 pm.

Now you can whip up your favorite Maui Taco dishes at home with Maui Tacos Cookbook (www.mauitacoscookbook.com) by Maui Taco restaurant founder, Chef Mark Ellman, and writer Barbara Santos. The great dishes served in the seven Maui Tacos restaurants in Hawaii and 14 on the mainland are detailed in the 80 different recipes.

The Pacific Whale Foundation (tel. 800/942-5311; www.pacificwhale.org) has opened a new Interpretive Center in their Ocean Science Discovery Center, in the Harbor Shops at Maalaea. The free center has displays on whales, dolphins, sea turtles, and other ocean critters, video showings, and a tide pool with live animals. Open daily 10 am to 3pm.

The Sunset Jazz Show, every Sunday from 5 to 8 pm, joins the lineup of free entertainment at the Whalers Village (tel. 808/661-4567; www.whalersvillage.com), in Kaanapali. Center stage features the who's who of the jazz world, from George Benson to Paul Marchetti to John Zangrado. Other free entertainment at the Whaler's Village include: the Drums of Tahiti with Polynesian Dancers; a Polynesian Hula Show; and a Tahitian Dance.

The popular Maui Swap Meet (tel. 808/877-3100), located next door to the Kahului Post Office on S. Puunene Ave. for the past 15 years, now has one year to find a new home. Maui County wants the property to build affordable senior housing, so the 200 plus vendors are searching for a new location. Some 3,200 shoppers attend the Saturday Swap Meet, making the options limited. Will Wong, who heads up the Swap Meet, said he is negotiating with Maui Community College for space, as well as looking at other locations.

On the Island of Molokai

Until December 25, 2005, The Lodge and Beach Villas at Molokai Ranch (tel. 888/627-8082; www.molokairanch.com) is offering a Spirit of Molokai Package, which includes accommodations, breakfast, and a choice of either 18 holes of golf, 50 minute massage, or horseback riding for $138 for the Beach Village (rack rates are $268-$358, without breakfast or activity) or $178 at the Lodge (rack rates are $398-$478, without breakfast or activity).

On the Island of Lanai

After $40 million in extensive renovations to include the addition of a new 1,734-square foot fitness center and a 688-square foot "indoor movement studio," the Manele Bay Hotel (tel. 800/321-4664; www.lanai-resorts.com) will be re-branded the Four Seasons Resort-Lanai at Manele Bay on October 1, 2005. The hotel will be closed from Aug. 16 to Sept. 16 for the completion of the work. The staff will go through the rigorous Four Seasons training in service. The current 800-phone number for reservations will remain, along with the Four Seasons' reservations number, tel. 800/ 819-5053. Rates for 2006 will be $375-$925 and suites will start at $800. The sister hotel, located in Lanai City, The Lodge at Koele, will begin renovations next year to bring it up to the famous Four Seasons standards and will be re-branded in late 2006.

A new outdoor film series has begun on Lanai called Stars Under the Stars. Presented by the Lanai Art Center (tel. 808/565-7503; www.lanaiart.org), a film from the American Film Institute's "All-Time Top 100-Films" list will be shown on a 16-foot screen in the Dole Park in Lanai City every first Wednesday of the month. The free film begins at sunset and is preceded by live entertainment.

Talk with other travelers on our Hawaii Message Boards today.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip