Michael Gallup practices in Maui and he offers the following ideas for activities. Please note, these are his personal recommendations:
Most of the big Wailea hotels have a luau, and the one at the Marriott is one of the best, just a walk from your room.
The ocean activities there will mostly be leaving from Kihei boat ramp (snorkel trips) and Maalaea harbor (whale watches).
For the best morning Molokini crater snorkel trip, I'd recommend the SEAFIRE,
(808 879-2201 www.molokinisnorkeling.com ) out of the Kihei boat ramp.
The departure point is much closer to the hotel than those leaving from Maalaea,
and its a really fun ride on a nice big safe but very fast dual jet drive inflatable.
The whale watches are out of Maalaea, and there are lots to choose from, running several times a day, including sunset cruises.
You can choose lots of boats, from sleek sexy catamarans like Paragon (808 244-2087 www.sailmaui.com ),
Alii Nui (808 875-0333) and Trilogy (808 874-5649),
to the big stable bleacher-style Eco-adventure boats of the Pacific Whale Foundation (808 249-8811).
Right there at the Maalaea Harbor, is the Maui Ocean Center, our lovely aquarium (808 270-7070),
with lots of wonderful reef tanks, and a huge shark tank with awesome ceiling high windows and a walk-through plexiglas tunnel!
Down below, facing the harbor, is Maui's only genuine mesquite barbecue spot, Beach Bums Bar and Grill ( 808 243-2286).
Also right at the harbor is the longtime local seafood favorite, Buzz's Wharf (808 244-5426).
And remember, for desert, far and away the best cookies on Maui and creamy Roselani ice cream by the scoop,
are found at Hula Cookies and Ice Cream (808 243-2271), up in the shops above Beach Bums, next to the Ocean Center.
More elegant seaside dining is also right nearby at 50 Hauoli street at the Waterfront (808 244-9028).
Of course, back in Wailea, there are many lovely restaurants.
Just pick up a copy of the free Dining and Shopping mazagine (white cover) for the area,
found in racks at the door at many island stores.
The best tip for a Road to Hana bus trip is with Valley Isle Excursions (808 661-8687).
They stop at the best places, and have the most entertaining drivers.
They fill up faster than the other buses, so book early!
They will pick you up at all big hotels and most condos.
For helicopter rides, its Blue Hawaiian (808 871-8844 or 1 800 745-BLUE).
They are simply the best, hands down. The bigger EcoStar is their most roomy and comfy helo.
And finally, for the more daring in the crowd, it's just a short drive south to Makena's (in)famous clothing optional spot, "Little" Beach!
Park at the first Makena Beach parking lot, and walk down the (BIG) beach to the right, up over the lava outcrop. Don't forget sunscreen!