Sunday's postcard from Maui

beach tree on Maui (c) 2018 by David Ourisman, all rights reserved

There is a path along the beach in the Wailea area of Maui. It begins at the Fairmont Kea Lani at its most southern point, passes the Four Seasons Maui and Grand Wailea, and ends at the Andaz Maui at its northernmost point. Walking this path is a great thing to do in the early morning while it's relatively cool — either before or after breakfast.

There are so many excellent places to eat and drink (we had dinner last night at Duo at the Four Seasons), so this is a good way to get some needed exercise and burn off those calories. Lots of couples were jogging the trail ... good for them! The trail is about 2 miles in length.

copyright  (c)  2018 by Ourisman Travel LLC.  All rights reserved. We provide Virtuoso and other Preferred Partner amenities as an affiliate of Brownell, a Virtuoso® member. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit our website.

reservations for a sunrise | Haleakala Crater

Haleakalā Crater - Credit: NPS Photo

You have to get up really early to catch this view from atop Haleakala National Park on the island of Maui. In my experience, the most dramatic moments of a sunrise occur well before the crack of dawn. The gradual lightening of the eastern skies is an inspiring experience, one I've enjoyed many times. As it will take more than 90 minutes to drive to the National Park from Wailea, and more than 2 hours from the Napili area of Maui, this will give you an idea of when to set your alarm.

But you'll have to make reservations for the sunrise starting February 1, 2017. To quote from the National Park Service website:

Planning to see sunrise at Haleakala National Park?

Reserve before you go! 

Starting on February 1, 2017, sunrise viewing reservations are required and are only available at www.recreation.gov. The cost is $1.50 per car. You can make reservations up to 60 days before your sunrise visit. 

To enter the Summit District between 3 a.m. and 7 a.m., the reservation holder must be present and show both the one-day sunrise reservation receipt and a photo ID. The park entrance fee is separate and payable by credit card on the day of your visit. The entrance fee is good for three days — please keep your receipt.

Our favorite resorts in the Wailea area of Maui are the Four Seasons, Andaz Maui, Fairmont Kea Lani, and Hotel Wailea. Email for complete information about the Preferred Partner and Virtuoso amenities we can provide, including free breakfasts and hotel credits.

Oh, and be sure to bring warm clothes! Haleakala Crater is 10,000 feet above sea level, and it's cold up there ... even in Hawaii.

copyright (c) 2017 by Ourisman Travel LLC. All rights reserved. We provide Virtuoso and other Preferred Partner amenities as an affiliate of Brownell Travel. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.

more online hotel booking pitfalls

I am frequently contacted with questions about "online deals" for luxury hotels and resorts. Today's email brought the following enquiry:

I see a rate of $599 per night for a Deluxe Ocean View [at Fairmont Kea Lani Maui] for our dates [Jan. 7-15, 2011] on hotelclub.com. Can you please see if you can get this rate with Virtuoso amenities? Please let me know ASAP as I think it's a pretty good rate and don't want it to go away.

Is this a good deal? I had my doubts, so I phoned the Sales Manager in Maui and also did a mock booking on the wholesaler's website. Here's what I learned.

(1) The rate quoted was the Suite Ocean Aloha 25% Discount promotion. The sales manager informed me that this package expires Dec. 17, 2009. Checking Fairmont's website, I found that this was absolutely the case. The quoted rate is not available for the requested dates next January.

So what happens when you book an invalid rate on a third-party website? Here's the fine print in HotelClub's terms and conditions:

"HotelClub cannot and will not guarantee our website from inaccuracies caused by error or fault. HotelClub will not accept liability for any errors or omissions contained on the HotelClub website..."

The booking probably won't go through - leaving you with the hassle of finding out if your card was charged and, if necessary, getting your money back.

But that's nothing compared to the next two unpleasant surprises...

(2) This rate is 100% prepaid at time of booking. No hint of this whatsoever until you click through to make a booking. I always advise my clients to avoid prepaid rates. Why should your money be in the hands of a wholesaler or hotel for nine months? What happens if the wholesaler goes bankrupt? [Answer: you have to file a claim with your credit card company and trust that you have enough documentation - and filed your claim within the legal deadline - to get your money back.]

(3) This rate is non-cancellable, non-refundable, and non-changeable. Ouch! Again, this information needs to be provided upfront, not at the very end of a multi-page booking process.

There are genuine bargains to be found online if you're an educated consumer, but there are also innumerable pitfalls that can trap the unsuspecting into a "deal" that turns out to be a nightmare. Sometimes it pays to call a neighborhood travel consultant, or email a web-based travel consultant; our job is to get you the best value possible.


Virtuoso amenities (search here on Google)

copyright (c) 2010 by David Ourisman LLC. All rights reserved. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.
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Fairmont Kea Lani | Maui

An all-suite resort, the Fairmont Kea Lani offers incredible value for your dollar in a luxurious setting. Suites provide a spacious 840 square feet of living space with a separate bedroom and living room, huge bathroom, and your own private lanai. For families wanting even more space, consider a two- or three-bedroom oceanfront villa with a full kitchen and your own private plunge pool.

Kids will love the beach, not to mention the new 140-foot waterslide connecting two of the resort's swimming pools. Parents will appreciate washers and dryers available for guests on a complimentary basis. Kea Lani offers a children's program, and kids aged 5 & under can eat free off the Children's Menu when dining with an adult.

For the best possible value, book through your Virtuoso travel consultant to receive the most competitive pricing along with complimentary daily buffet breakfasts for two guests per room and an upgrade on arrival subject to availability. Also be sure to ask about special promotions that include free nights with your multi-night stay at the Kea Lani.


Fairmont Kea Lani (search here on Google)

copyright (c) 2008 by David J. Ourisman. All rights reserved. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.
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