Answer: Seeing the sunrise at Haleakala is a breathtaking experience, but it can definitely be challenging to adjust to the timing, especially when you're coming from a different time zone. Since you'll be flying into Maui in the afternoon, and given the 2:00 a.m. pick-up time for the sunrise tours, here's how you can plan for this:

Answer: As of the most recent updates, the fires on Maui have caused widespread damage, especially in areas like Lahaina, but the Kapalua Bay Villas were not directly affected by the fires. Kapalua is located on the northwestern tip of the island, and while the region has seen smoke and air quality issues, the villas themselves were not in the path of the fires that devastated parts of Maui.

Answer: Visiting Maui in December is wonderful, and since you’re staying at the Ritz-Carlton in Kapalua, you’ll have a more serene setting away from the busiest tourist hubs. For a family of three with a 10-year-old who can get overwhelmed in large groups, the key is to balance sightseeing with relaxation and avoid overloading your itinerary.