I have heard that there are many nice Bed and Breakfast spots on Maui. Do you know of any nice, and inexpensive, places a couple could stay for a few nights on Maui?

You’ve definitely heard right. Maui does have a lot of beautiful bed and breakfast spots. All of them are definitely nice, but only a few can be considered as inexpensive. Here are a few recommendations:

Peace of Maui

We’ve asked a few friends on Maui about your question and this bed and breakfast place keeps getting mentioned. Obviously, if the locals say it’s good, then there must be something to it! Located in Haliimaile, Peace of Maui is more of an up-country type of location while still being close to everything that you might need or want. It’s close to the airport, beaches, and shopping & dining spots that Maui has to offer.

Haliimaile General Store, a popular dining venue, is also close by.

On top of all that, the location boasts of stunning views of Mt. Haleakala — Maui’s famous peak.

Peace of Maui almost works like a hostel, with common areas and shared amenities. However, separate cottages are available as well.

From their website:

Aside from our affordability, the best thing about Peace of Maui is our location. We have a secluded country setting and yet are central to everything. We are situated halfway between Paia and Makawao in a place called Haliimaile. Great beaches, windsurfing, shopping, dining and the airport are all less than 15 minutes away. Few spots on the island can claim that. In addition, we have incredible views of Mt. Haleakala and the north shore of Maui. The weather in Haliimaile is perfectly moderated by the trades. It’s drier than Haiku, and cooler than Kihei or Lahaina. You’ll love it. We are recommended in virtually every major guide book. Lonely Planet, Frommer’s, Foder’s, Let’s Go, and Maui Revealed to name a few. We have been a member of the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau since 1998.

Another one that you might wat to check out is the Old Lahaina House.

The good thing about the Old Lahaina House is that Lahaina is just an easy walk from the property and of course, a short walk from the beach. This is exceptionally an advantage since parking rates in Lahaina can be quite expensive. The rooms are, according to some sources, above average, with TV, telephone, A/C and even telephone services–not a bad thing considering that their starting price is around $70.00.

The property is elegantly furnished, and the rooms are neat and impeccably clean in addition to being very comfortable. You won’t have problems with the staff either, as they leave you to your privacy (unless you need something, of course).

Visit Old Lahaina House at http://www.oldlahaina.com.

Dale - In the past when we flew into Honolulu we were unable to take the public bus into town because we had luggage which they wouldn’t allow on the bus. Is this still true?

 That still holds true (at least in part). The public bus system will allow you to bring aboard one luggage measuring 24 x 18 x 12 inches. In addition, you are also allowed to bring along carry-on luggage such as a smaller bag.

Where’s the best plate lunch near Waikiki?  - Linda

Aloha Linda,

 The best plate lunch place near Waikiki would most likely be Rainbow Drive-Inn, located along Kapahulu Avenue. It’s actually on the corner of Martha and Campbell Avenues, but it’s easier to get there if you just follow Kapahulu Avenue from Wakiki.

Another good plate lunch place is Diamond Head Grille located on the corner of Diamond Head Road and Camble Avenue.

Both places are actually frequented by locals and visitors alike. However, Rainbow Drive-Inn is by far the more popular one out of the two.

There are also other plate lunch places in Waikiki that you might want to check out. The Food Court inside the International Marketplace is of worthy note, and of course, you can’t forget the ubiquitous L&L Drive-Inn (also known as L&L Hawaiian Barbecue). Check out http://www.hawaiianbarbecue.com/oahu.html for location information. 

Does the Queen K… Hotel have a transport from the airport?

 The Queen Kapiolani Hotel does not have its own transportation that takes clients to and from the airport. However, there are several shuttle companies that can take you to the Queen Kapiolani Hotel from the airport and vice-versa.

One of them would be VIP Trans, which offers shuttle services to and from the airport to any hotel in the Waikiki area. They even have shuttle services to and from the cruise ship ports.

Of course, there are other alternatives to VIP Trans. We’ve written about some of them here.

You can also take a cab or get on TheBus, but in our opinion, getting on a shuttle service such as VIP Trans is the best compromise between cost and efficiency.

I need to get from the airport to Makaha Valley Towers. Does the Bus stop at the airport> If not what is the most economical priced transportaion for one person.

Aloha Donna!

 Getting to Makaha Valley Towers from the Honolulu Airport is actually possible. It’s also the most economically-priced transportation option for one person or more.

From the airport, get on either the #19 (Airport-Hickam/Downtown-Aala Park to Waikiki Beach and Hotels) or #20 (Airport-Pearlridge to Waikiki Beach and Hotels). It doesn’t matter which one you choose, since both will stop along Nimitz Highway. Make sure that you get a bus transfer when you initially board the bus.

Once the bus is along Nimitz Highway, get off at the first stop. Cross Nimitz Highway and get on the #40 or #40a (Makaha Beach/Makaha Towers - Honolulu/Ala Moana). Present your transfer to the bus driver.

Total cost: $2.00 per adult, $1.00 per youth (17 years old and under).

 For more information (and to get printable routes and schedules, visit theBus website at http://www.thebus.org/Route/Routes.asp