britomart

Hello,

We are going to Maui at the end of October for 9 nights and we're thinking of splitting up our time between Hana and elsewhere, and we need help deciding where to stay. Do you think with only 8 full days it's worth it to split up where we stay?

Our first trip to Maui was in Feb and we did the Hana highway in one day and loved the area... It felt so secluded and peaceful and we think we'd like to stay there for at least a few nights, or maybe longer...? We like to eat out but also don't mind cooking some meals. Our priorities on the trip are lots of R&R where we have a few days of doing nothing but reading and sunning on a beach. I am also a swimmer and like to swim laps in the ocean. However, we don't know if there are any good beaches along Hana for these activities... Where is a good place to stay along Hana that has good access to the beaches? How many nights should we stay in Hana? Will we be able to swim at the end of Oct?

We're also confused about where to base ourselves for the non-Hana segment of our trip... Last time we stayed in Hale Ono Loa in Lahaina and although we liked the condo, we often found ourselves driving to other beaches like Napili Bay since the beach in front of our condo was rocky. Staying somewhere where we could walk to the beach (a beach with shade!) is our first priority. Our other favorite activity is snorkeling. We didn't care for Kaanapali and the high-rises. The smaller the complex, the better... We are looking at the following places but are open to other suggestions:

- Napili Bay (out of our price range but considering splurging)

- Waiohuli Beach Hale in Kihei - I love the pool and the reviews seem to indicate it's adult-oriented, "quiet" is a definite plus!

- Maui Vista - close to Kamaole beaches, how are they in Oct? Safe for swimming? Which is best, I, II or III?

We prefer oceanfront i.e. nothing where there is a road between the condo and the beach. And we need a beach with trees for shade... Thanks in advance for any input! Our budget is $100-$120 per night.

sf7307

I know nothing about this place -- I found it by googling "napili condos", but it seems to fit all your criteria!!

http://www.napilisurf.com/rates.html

montereybob

Did you check the room rates in Hana? They are a lot higher than the nightly budget you mentioned?

iamq

I have often stayed several nights in Hana mostly in rentals, sometimes at the hotel. Look at vrbo.com for choices in the area. Prices have gone up over the years. The little cottage on a flower farm I rented for $85 a night about 15 yeara ago is now around $225. Most of the renatls that I know of are out of town a few miles. Hana Kai Condos (in town) would be a good choice. They have non water view units that are less expensive and in October, I bet you could negotiate price a bit. Most, if not all of the rentals in Hana are not beach front. Even the Hotel Hana Maui that charges $400 and up a night has no beach, but they will shuttle you to Hamoa Beach. People don't come here for the beach.

There are really no swimming beaches that I know of in this area. Hamoa Beach does have its calm days, but in October I would not bet on it. Hamoa Beach is gorgeous with some shady areas and you can get into the water, but it is not like Hanalei Bay in summer where you can swim laps like in a swimming pool.

Your budget is low with your wish list. You might be able to find a "garden view" unit in an ocean/beachfront property for around $120 to $150 as in the rates that sf7307 posted.

We prefer the Wailea/Makena area. There are some low priced units (under $150 a night) up from the beaches a half mile or so (Grand Champoins) in your price range, but you'd have to walk aways to the beaches or take a short drive. You might be able to find a studio unit at Wailes Ekahi in your range, but it would not be beachfront and would probably have a view of the road.

Start googling yer ass off and you will probably find something that satisfies most of your wants.

britomart

For Hana, we would rent a cottage, I've found many on VRBO in our price range. But, it is sounding like staying there would not meet our needs... For the other locations, with the exception of Napili, I have found at least a dozen condos that meet our requirements and are in our price range. Just need help narrowing it down... We're wondering if we should just "splurge" on Napili, we have found a really nice unit right on the beach for $140 a night.

sf7307

Although we usually stay in Kaanapali, we have been to the beach and around in Napili, and given your "needs", I'd say splurge on Napili. It's just so beautiful and low-key. I have a picture of the beach in Napili taken on a trip we took many years ago (30+) that I still love to look at.

montereybob

Napili Bay is a wonderful beach as is the nearby Kapalua Bay.

britomart

Thanks for the replies... Our trip might be canceled due to a minor injury but hopefully we will be able to go.

GuyLEA

Waiohule Beach Hale is a wonderful place especially for the more mature quiet individuals. Units are individually owned and operated usually through a property management company. Best read reviews on each unit as some have been recently renovated while others haven't or have no air conditioning.