Hi : How can we go Waikele Premium Outlets if we did not take the Waikiki trolley and limousine tour ?

Aside from taking the Waikele Trolley and the limousine service from All Occasion, you can also take theBus. The only downside to taking theBus is that it might take you longer than expected to get to Waikele. For more information about theBus, please visit http://www.thebus.org.

However, there are other Waikele shuttle services that you can consider:

AMT Transportation offers a shuttle service from Waikiki-based hotels to Waikele at both one-way and round-trip rates. In addition to being more affordable than the Waikele Trolley, they also have more flexible return times. Visit them at http://www.amthawaii.com/eng/waikele_shuttle.html.

Reliable Shuttle also offers a similar service, priced at $25.00 per person, round-trip. For more information, please visit http://www.reliableshuttle.com/waikele.html.

Just saw something interesting while at work today:

The building is located near Waikiki, so I’m sure a few tourists can see it from their hotels.

Apparently, the fire is more visible on the other side of the building. I’m a bit lazy to go there so this’ll have to do for now.

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.