monicapileggi

My husband and I are planning to return to Hawaii in May for 8 to 10 days. I figured it would be fun to celebrate (early) my 5-0 on “Hawaii 5-0”

We typically start our trips on Oahu for a few nights to spend time with friends and then head to a second island. We’ve been to Kauai and the BI and now considering Maui.

I’m still reading my Maui Revealed book to see what we’d like to do. It’s not really hitting me like Kauai and the BI did, but it could be because I just can’t seem to find a hotel that would be good for us. We’re on a budget, about $150-$170/night. I’ve been looking at package deals and they seem to be very expensive. The other thing is that “where to stay” is confusing. I’ve been reading fodorites comments and they vary so widely compared to other places when I research my trips.

I think I just need a boost from fellow fodorites to get me going in the right direction. So, for “where to stay” we’d like easy access to beautiful beaches, snorkling opportunities, and being able to see other parts of the island for day trips along with any historical sights.

Also looking to be near restaurants that cater more to the budget minded, local foods, rather than 5-star dining.

Any suggestions is greatly appreciated and hopefully will get me going in the right direction.

Mahalo!

Monica

PS: Is May still the season for whale watching? We'll probably be in Hawaii the 9-20th.

PPS: Would love to set up a Fodorite GTG too!

monicapileggi

Just found a package deal but not sure if it’s worth the additional cost compared to booking just a hotel and car on our own.

At the Ka’anapali Beach Hotel, there’s a 5-night package that includes an ocean view room, daily compact rental car, buffet breakfast for 2, 1 dinner or brunch in their restaurant, choice of an optional activity for 2 (luau, dinner cruise, dinner theater, or surfing lessions), and a 25 minute body massage or facial for 2, picnic lunch, and 2 bottles of water per day for $1,899 (plus taxes).

Without this deal and our own booking, an ocean view room and rental car from Dollar for 5 nights is $1,472 (or $1,152 with a garden view room and rental car), plus taxes.

I tried to find a dinner menu and prices for their Tiki Terrace restaurant and their champagne buffet to see what these extras actually cost to see if the package is a good deal.

Has anyone booked this hotel along with this package?

Thanks,

Monica

FrankS

Ka'anapali Beach Club has a $179 special w/breakfast
http://www.travelzoo.com/hotels/hawaii/950701/

other ideas would be Kahana or Kihei area condos, with Kihei offering the most budget meal options

Placename

May is too late for whale watching.

montereybob

Another property worth checking is Outrigger Maui Eldorado. Their studio units are big enough for 2 and sometimes have a very reasonable rate. You can eat at reasonably priced places in Maui if you follow Maui Revealed's recommendations on lower priced options. Most economical is to rent a condo and do your own cooking most of the time. Maui Eldorado are condos and have a full kitchen.
Also check out vrbo.com for reasonably priced condos in the Kaanapali or Kihei areas.

monicapileggi

Thanks! I'll check the links out.

Monica

monicapileggi

I checked the Outrigger Eldorado and the Aina Nalu in Lahaina. I can get good rates using the government employee discount rates. I also checked thhe Outrigger Aina Nalu, which is better priced.

Totals for 5 nights (taxes included):

1 bedroom partial oceanveiw at the Eldorado $1,015.05
1 bedroom gardenview at the Eldorado $958.35

2 bedroom garden view at Aina Nalu $907.35
1 bedroom garden view at Aina Nalu $793.90

I checked prices for the 2 bedroom at Aina Nalu because Tony snores, so this is a plus (but I do wear earplugs).

Since the price difference is not substantial from the highest to the lowest, location is most important for us.

If you had to choose between the Eldorado in Ka’anapali or the Aina Nalu in Lahaina, which would you pick? I do like convenience of parking, getting around, restaurant opportunties.

Thanks!

Monica

monicapileggi

PS: How about the Outrigger Palms at Wailea as far as location, restaurants, getting around?

Monica

montereybob

The El Dorado is 100 times better than Aina Nalu in terms of location, quality of units, views, surrounding landscaping. In short, it is WAY better in every sense. There is no comparison.
Once you saw the two properties in person, you would regret having chosen the Aina Nalu.
Sorry. I can't offer any info on the Palms at Wailea as I have not seen that property.

monicapileggi

Thanks montereybob. I did some research and scratched Aina Nalu off my list of choices.

Monica

iamq

The Palms at Wailea is a nice property on the border of Kihei and Wailea. It it not oceanfront/beachfront, but many of the units have nice water views. Location is close to restaurants in Wailea and Kihei. It is also close to the many nice beaches in the Wailea/Makena area.

I much prefer the Wailea/Makena area to Kaanapali as I think the beaches and snorkeling are better, even though significantly developed, it seems quieter than Kaanapali, and the weather tends to be a tad bit sunnier in the south, however my first half dozen or so trips to Maui were Kaanapali-centric and I loved it there. It took me many years to even drive down to south Maui.

I have stayed at the Kaanapali Beach Hotel twice and love the location. It was the first hotel built when they started developing Kaanapali in the early 60s and it has what I think is the best location on the beach. The hotel is a bit funky, but they have kept it up in good condition over the years and it remains one of the best values in the area. A luxury property it is not. They have a lovely beachfront lawn area dotted with palm trees and lounge chairs that is a great place to hang out.

Another area that I like which is north of Kaanapali is the Napili Bay area. It is a gorgeous little bay with mostly low rise older (60s and 70s era) condos right on the beach. The Napili Kai Beach Club is a full service hotel off to one end of the beach that can offer good deals from time to time.

monicapileggi

I just reviewed the cancelation of the Palms at Wailea. Hefty cancellation fee. We're going to fly stand-by to Hawaii, so this place is out.

I think I've decided on the Kaanapali Beach Hotel. We can get an airline discount, so the total/night (garden view but with complimentary upgrade if available) is $157/night.

Monica

iamq

Good choice! That is a great price. It's always been a good value.

Try to get a room in the buildings to the left as your facing the beach. They are a little newer and seem to be a bit larger. If they upgrade you to a partial ocean view you will be on the second level looking into the lawn area with a small view of the ocean.

monicapileggi

Well, since we're flying standby, I can't book my hotel. Bummer! They have a 3-day cancellation policy. So, we'll just fly out with my list of hotels/prices and reserve when we get there. Hopefully we can get the same discount price since it's low season.

Monica