JHooten

My wife and I will be in Maui for 7 days in mid-March. We enjoy outdoor sports on the islands....snorkling, surfing, hiking, etc. Based on comments about the potential for rough seas on the north shore, and maybe more rain, it seems that the south or west might be a better option. Does anyone have an opinion about which area(Lahaina/Ka'anapali Coast vs. Wailea Area) might be our best option for both good hotels and central location?? Thanks!

issy

I agree that you will be better off in Wailea or Kaanapali areas. As for which one of the two, I say it all depends on what your preferences are. The Kaanapali area is more vibrant and has more shops, restaurants, nightlife, activities, etc. Wailea is more upscale and more relaxing, IMO. We prefer to stay in Wailea and will usually make a trip up to Lahaina for the day. If you stay in Wailea, there are many excursions and activities based out of Kihea, which is just a few minutes away.

Snorkeling is fine in either place; surfing is accessible from either place, but I don't know anything about hiking in the area.

tcapp

I would definatly take the Lahaina/Ka'anapali Coast. You can always go to Wailea for a day trip.
My absolute favorite area is Kapalua.

Ag3046

I really prefer the Makena area, south of Wailea. I also really like the Maui Prince Hotel there. Not a super-duper active place, but wow what a beach. If you like snorkeling, kayaking, swimming, it is lovely. And I think it has the most beautiful sunsets, looking at Lanai, Molokini, an Kahaluawe. I think the hotel is reasonably priced and very relaxing. I'm not a big fan of the Kaanapali condo-hotel strip nor the Kapaula-Ritz Carlton atmosphere. One poster described Kaanapali as "lively", but I would just call it hugely overdeveloped and touristy. Kapalua Bay is a bit too safe and dull. There's about not chance you'll be able to surf there. Fleming Beach, which is connected to the Ritz Carlton, is a nice beach in the mornings, but more north facing, so it tends to get windier.

delor

I can guarantee if you want rain and wind in March, Kapalua-Ritz Carlton are the places! Kaanapali is iffi.
Farther south in Wailea is a better bet.It does rain there too, but not much.You are dealing with a wet month for all of Hawaii.
We always stay at the Prince and have tried others, including the 4 Seasons and Grand Wailea, etc, but the Prince has the best beach and not fru fru but so convenient and reasonable. Yes, it is scheduled for a re-hab, but it is fine for now (we were there 3 weeks ago) and the restaurants are great.