Maui is great and you'll have a terrific time. We stay at Kaanapali whichhas a great walk that stretches from the Hyatt on the south to the Sheraton on the north. All the hotels have restaurants plus there is Whalers Vilage which has both shpping and restaurants. We have stayed at the Mariott Ocean Resort and the Hyatt.

If you decide on Lahaina you will be able to walk to dining and shopping as well.

I don't know what your budget is but there are great prices on VRBO for The Whaler on Ka'anapali where you will get an ocean view and a kitchen.

Maui is a great place to just chill. If you get bored you can drive up to Haleakala a 10,000 foot extinct volcano or take a drive to beautiful Hana, or just lay on the beach. The whales will be there in January / February but have gone north by May.

We have had good luck with condo rentals in Kihei which is not as nice as Lahaina but is cheaper. Prepare for sticker shock on the groceries.

On our first visit to Maui, we were rather shocked at how built up it was and did not like Ka'anapali at all, which is a long line of hotel after hotel, on a rather splendid beach. However, the next day we drove to Hana and it put the island into perspective. Once we were away from Ka'anapali and the other purpose built areas, we found Maui to be very beautiful and have been back 3 times.

I would advise having a car, then you can stay anywhere and drive into Lahaina for groceries or restaurants. Parking can be difficult but there are designated car parks. We usually stay in Napili since it's not far from Lahaina and is on a beautiful beach and there are several condos & hotels to choose from.

I didn't notice roosters in Maui, but did in Kauai.

Kihei might be more convenient without a car, but IMO the area is not as nice as Napili/Lahaina and even Ka'anapali.

If you want to be just by the pool and not have a car and not see the island, you could probably choose something else.

May will be a nice time to go. We went late May til early June last year (around Memorial day time for 12 days) and the weather was nice with no real crowds. The whales are gone and kids are still in school at that time, so families usually wait til summer.

I am a car rental person and stayed just north of Kaanapali Beach. But if I were to do Maui without a car, I would stay on Kaanapali Beach. There is a shuttle you can take to get there from the airport. Once there, there is the Kaanapali Resort shuttle to get you around within the resort area. It runs from around 9 AM to about 9 PM. It goes all over the entire K'pali Resort development-from Maui Kaanapali Villas (and Castaway's Cafe, good food) at the north end to the Hyatt at the south. It stops at the Royal Lahaina, up by the Fairways Shops (Cj's Deli, good spot), down to the Sheraton, Kaanapali Beach Hotel, Whaler's Village, then on to the Westin etc. It loops out to the golf course clubhouse and then does it all over again. To get to Lahaina you can take the bus, or if you stay at a Starwood property there is a free shuttle. You can lounge to your heart's content, or if you decide you would like to check out the Road to Hana, you can do a van tour of the Road to Hana. We really enjoyed Valley Isle's tour, still relaxing because we were not doing the driving. http://www.tourmaui.com/

FYI Toucan,

Haleakala is not an "extinct" volcano. Although it is considered to be in a dormant state, it is also considered to be an active volcano and is monitored as such. The last eruption was about 500 years ago, and you can see the flow by driving past Makena.

Deyanu, Maui without a car is tough to imagine for me. I think the suggestion of Kaanapali is the best to consider. We've done many May trips to the islands and love it. The above post seems to give some good advice for car free living on Maui.

Thank you all! I've checked out a few websites, but never got such a clear explanation.

And in one of reviews of a condo somebody complained a rooster woke them up, this is why I've added this as a smile.

The bus to Lahaina departs from Whaler's Village and the route you would take is the Kaanapali Islander route. Cost is $2. Here is the route map: http://www.co.maui.hi.us/documents/21/520/Kaanapali_Islander20111208.PDF

And here is the schedule: http://www.mauicounty.gov/documents/21/BusFixRouteSchedule_201212281341180673.pdf

Your resort should have a schedule for the Kaanapali Resort Shuttle.

P.S. You'll have a great time!

Oh, and here is the schedule for the complimentary shuttle to Lahaina for those staying at a Starwood property: http://www.westinkaanapali.com/resortoverview/shuttle

The path that Suzie mentioned actually now continues north of Black Rock, although you do have to circle through the Sheraton to pick it up on the other side. It goes as far as Honua Kai.

Thank you all! Printing out to go over each word, to check out each link.

Oh sf7307 I know it continues past Black Rock. But the path after that is less rich with dining and shopping than the main walk along Ka'anapali.

When I travel solo and just want to read by the pool, I head to Waikiki. It's also cheaper than Maui and you don't need a rental car there.

If you're set on Maui I (personally speaking) would absolutely choose Lahaina because I like to have a town to walk around in. You'll want a rental car.

suze

Dayenu,

Hope you reconsider Oahu. Great place to " chill" as well. Car not necessary, great bus system.

Goddess, Oahu will be our future trip, combined with a cruise. This time it's Maui.

If you're set on Maui, and you're set on not renting a car, I would absolutely go with Lahaina.

Dayenu,

Looking forward to you visiting Oahu, would love to treat you for breakfast! Have a great time on Maui.

"Haleakala is not an "extinct" volcano."

Quite right Lookin_Glass, thanks for the clarification. At any rate, the road to it was the highlight for me. We stopped and hired a horse-back ride through beautiful grassy fields. It's a scene right off a post card, and was great fun!

Road to Hana... is it as scary as some photos I see?

I think I am religious enough, no need to say another prayer on the road Don't know if we are going to do it!

I've never understood this phobia of the road to Hana, it's not like driving through the Alps. It's an easy road in good condition, maybe narrow in some places and some twists and turns. We have driven the route 3 times, never had a problem like car sickness. The biggest hazard are the other drivers who are not used to driving on these types of roads, they drive so slowly and are on their brakes the whole time.

I would advise taking a packed lunch & drinks because there is a lack of places to buy food, and leave early thereby avoiding some of the traffic.

The road to Hana is the only piece of the island we have seen which gives a glimpse of how the island might have been before the overdevelopment.

All the advice I read here is good, Dayenu. I would not go to Maui without a rental car though, as I like to explore. I think you'd like the Sheraton at Whalers village, but there are others & it's very walkable to dine/shop.

And, I recommend that when you DO do Oahu, that you do it without the cruise. It just gives you more island time.

It never dawned on me on our many journeys on the road to Hana to be scared. I think taking a tour on the road to Hana would be a great addition to your carless vacation. Only complaints I ever heard were people prone to car sickness having issues with the many turns. The tour drivers are quite familiar with the roads and to understand Maui is to see Maui outside of the tourist areas. Most people that don't like Maui, never leave the resort areas. There is so much more.

I do think that the West end drive can be scary for some. We love it, but it can be daunting. Especially when you have to back up to let a school bus go by.

A tour up country might also be nice. I don't know what type of tours are avialable, but either Hana or Upcountry will allow you to see the island. Without a car, if you choose Haleakala, don't bother with sunrise, driving up there in the dark.

Not scarey but our daughter did get car sick. Are you interested in foing to the volcano?

<<<The road to Hana is the only piece of the island we have seen which gives a glimpse of how the island might have been before the overdevelopment.>>>

Next time you go, take a drive through upcountry Maui.

"if you choose Haleakala, don't bother with sunrise, driving up there in the dark"

Amen. Never understood getting up at 3 a.m., following a chain of cars to stand in sub-freezing weather to see what's usually foggy clouds. However, sunset (maybe after a park visit and a picnic), parked in one of the western facing overlooks, is something quite lovely.

Middle of the day is great up there too!

I agree. We went up Haleakala mid-morning. That was perfect.

We didn't do road to Hana because my entire family gets car sick so no one was that interested in trying it.

Dayenu, we didn't think the Road to Hana was the least bit scary. I chose to take the Valley Isle van tour because, like you, I was unsure about how the drive was actually going to be. *AND* I was driving my 78 year old mother and wanted to avoid any possible conflict by having someone else doing the driving and being in control of all the stops. Which worked out great, BTW. Our van driver was genuinely nice and full of local information, and quite a comedian really. The barbeque chicken lunch they provided was delicious. It was such a lovely experience that I encourage to take this excursion. They'll pick you up right at your hotel.

Reading the reviews, most places have a tour desk or front desk with information, so finding all tours should not be a problem.

As much as I love to watch sunrise/sunset I would not get up at 3 am for that! Sorry!

We did ( based on recs here at the time ) & though we enjoyed the experience - I would not do it at that time of day again.

I've been upcountry at Maui - drove those crazy one lane roads around the north side but only drove part way to Hana as I get car sick and it's pretty curvy. Couldn't do it. Also been to Maui 5 times and have never done the Haleakala sunrise. I'm just a lazy ass on vacay.

We did both the complete road to Hana as well as the West ( what some call north) loop - so we traversed the whole perimeter of Hana. Loved them both!

The whole perimeter of Hanna Maui.

Oops! Yes, Suzie I was rushing to say goodnight. It also occurred to me that to do the rest of the perimeter, you must include La Perouse Bay, which we did.

And you notice I totally botched the spelling of Hana. LOL

We are like Suzie, too lazy on vacation. We got up to Haleakala about 9am and it was beautiful and well with it.

Not just out of lazy-nes... I wouldn't want to drive that winding road in the dark. If I was determined to see the sunrise, I'd sign up with a tour and take a bus up.

Suze, I am going over Fodor's Hawaii - you are quoted the most, I think.

Suzie, I don't remember the road being bad - in fact, I remember being surprised that it did not live up to the hype, imo. It was nice & wide & there were very very few cars when we went up. It was dark, so you HAD to watch the road - not so when we came down & the beautiful scenery fought for our attention.

Also, how do you draw a line thru a word to post here?

Type , then type the word you want to strike, then type .

We were there in September - I wouldn't exactly call the road up to Haleakala "wide", but there were almost no cars on the road, and it wasn't extremely narrow either. We did it 30 years ago in the middle of the night, so I don't remember whether it was scary or not.

That didn't work.

Type a left facing arrow, followed by strike>

Type the word you want to strike.

Type a left facing arrow, followed by /strike>

Which symbol is 'strike'? A 'hyphen'? or a forward slash as in ///?

It's not a symbol - after you type in the left arrow, actually type out the word strike.

<strikeOK>/strike

Oh well, sorry to high jack the thread - will relinquish it now.

Narrowed down to Aina Nalu in Lahaina, pros and cons please!

Aina Nalu gets good reviews and recommendations from some Fodorites. For me the con would be that it doesn't have an ocean view. If I am going to Hawaii, I want to sit on my lanai and have my coffee in the morning and my wine in the eveing, all the while looking at the ocean.

I am not a fan of Lahaina but all my Hawaii friends convinced me it's a good location without a car.

As far as the road to Hana, I'm another one who doesn't get that it's scary. You are driving so slowly on the turns that there is not much to be afraid of. I've probably driven the road 5-6 times, last time coming home in the dark and even that wasn't bad. Again the only downside is if you get carsick but my younger DD who gets terribly carsick did fine on the road by sitting in the front and taking her Dramamine. I personally wouldn't miss the drive, it's so beautiful. Of course have never done it with a tour group.

Have you looked at some of the condos in Kaanapali? The Maui Kai has some great values and they all have ocean views. If you look on VRBO, the individual owners give the best rates. I was a little concerned about not having a car in Kaanapali but someone reminded me that there is a shuttle that covers Kaanapali to Whaler's Village and Lahaina and the charge is $1.00. Looks a good option for getting around. Here is one of the condos at Maui Kai. This one is a great value, looks like you get a 1bedroom for the price most others charge for the studios. Not 100% sure of your dates but there is availability in May. I stayed at this building with my DD and we really like it.

http://www.vrbo.com/95147

We also stayed at Maui Kai & enjoyed it very much - great rates too, but we did have a car. I'd have to know how reliable that shuttle is & if they do pick up there. We did walk up the the little strip mall near there where the great take-out was?is? There's also a Star Market - or was when we were there.
Not far from there was a great Farmer's Market on certain days of the week.

Paula, thank you, but the problem that may be with condo is that the office may be away from the place, and without a car, will the shuttle driver make the stop? I read on TA this happens.

How to get the keys with all the luggage? And how to get food to the place? And how to get around? And what are the office hours? We ran into these issues renting a cabin in Yosemite, and than we had a car!

Yes, I know about the shuttle, but being able to walk to a restaurant vs. having to find a shuttle that probably runs limited ours are different things.

We've decided on Aina Nalu that even offers senior discount after 50

I took a look at Aina Nalu & am wondering what is the draw? I just don't see it at all? Plus - no elevator 2 story walk up which may mean Faina needs ground level? And, I've always been leery of ground level for safety reasons.
http://www.hawaiirevealed.com/free-travel-info/maui/maui-resorts/lahaina-area/aina-nalu-resort

Does Faina know that she can go to maui revealed & see an aerial plus reviews of any place to stay on the island?
http://www.hawaiirevealed.com/books-apps/maui-revealed

why are you addressing dayenu by an old screen name in the third person?

why not?

OSB, you never know, on TA somebody posted, they were in a 9-story place with the elevator not working for a few days.

Here's another vote for having an ocean view. Love it in the morning, with coffee and fresh fruit/whatever you want for breakfast, during the day if you are around - and having an appertif and some pupu's at night - before you head out, or enjoying dinner if you cook.

And there are a number of restaurants along the hotel path in Kaanapali. If you are really stressed out by using the shuttle - rent a car for the day and stock up as needed.

Also don't think the road to Hana is that bad - but be sure to slow down going around the curves and start early.

Plus - just loved greeting the sunrise at Haleakula - just spectacular. Check to see that it should be a clear day before you go.

LG: I can see why you'd ask. I have been conversing with someone who is also trying to help Dayenu plan this trip. Bouncing back & forth between the two, I guess I just got mixed up.
My apologies, Dayenu (who still goes by Faina in some venues).

And Dayenu, the office at the Maui Kai is on the first level of the building.

I try not to stay above the 6th floor anywhere due to fire ladder restrictions height wise.

D - have you checked out the Kaanapali Beach Hotel? If I recall, they also have senior discounts. I've often thought I'd like to try a stay there: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AaxshxiVkc0

Dayenu-The Maui Kai has an office with a desk and you just pick up your keys there. Not sure of the office hours but seemed like someone was there most of the time. Never had any trouble with the elevators and I read through lots of reviews on TA and didn't see a mention of that. In fact the Maui Kai is #1 on TA for speciality accomodations in Lahaina.

As far as food, you will have the same problem no matter where you are. You'd probably have to get a shuttle/taxi to take you to a grocery store for your main supplies. Then you could pick up small items when you are out if you needed something. I guess the Foodland would be walkable since it's around a half a mile away but not if you are carrying lots of groceries. Safeway is about a mile away. As far as the Maui Kai, there is a Times Supermarket right across the street so that is even more convenient than in Lahaina.

There are restaurants that are walkable from the Maui Kai although maybe a little further than the ones if you were at the Aina Nalu. Since restaurants are so crowded in both Lahaina and Kaanapali, I'd be more likely to bring home some food and sit on my lanai for dinner.

Not sure about the shuttle schedule but when we stayed at Maui Kai, I saw people using it. I think one of the most magic things about Hawaii and Maui is watching that sunset everynight. You saw my pictures from last week. The lanai's at Maui Kai are perfect for that.

Why not ring them up & ask the mgt. about shuttle & all the ?'s>

Another vote for Maui Kai. It is nothing fancy at all, but all worth the views. It can be booked individually through VRBO or the office. I just stayed next door at the Mahana in January because I could not get in at the Maui Kai. If you want the Kaanapali experience (and it really is) maybe the Whaler condo or one of the hotels, like the Sheraton or Kaanapali Beach Hotel. I would not stay in Lahaina myself.
What is the reason you do not want a car?

http://www.maui-kai.com/?gclid=CM75vvDzmLUCFYp_Qgod3jkAIw

http://www.vrbo.com/vacation-rentals/usa/hawaii/maui/west-maui/kaanapali/maui-kai

Hpeabody: the only reason that I don't want a car is that I don't drive. And neither does my husband.

OSB, no apologies, I've never tried to hide that I was registered as FainaAgain before.

Paula: we talked it over with R., and decided we'll feel much better in the town, in a hotel.

Sorry, I forgot that, Faina. Whatever you do, I hope you enjoy Maui. Maui is like my second home.

Dayenu-I understand your reasoning and obviouly whatever you feel most comfortable with is what will work for you. I am sure you read that the Aina Nalu isn't really a hotel but condos without maid service etc. Seems like the only service amenity is an activities desk and they have that at other places. So really not any different than the Maui Kai or any other condo building. The location is good for walking so I understand that. Looks like most of the rooms have a full kitchen? I'm assuming you will get one of those. Sounds like the garden view studio is very, very small.

Can I suggest an activity? We thoroughly enjoyed http://www.warrenandannabelles.com/

It is in Lahaina - tho I'm not sure if it's within walking distance to your condo.

<the only reason that I don't want a car is that I don't drive. And neither does my husband>

Well that's a good reason (hahahaha)!

Like I've mentioned I was only on Maui once, I find Oahu a lot easier and better for me all around. But if I were returning to Maui, solo, and not wanting/having a rental car, I would absolutely stay within walking distance of Lahaina.

OSB, thank you for Hawaii Revealed link!

The show I really enjoyed is called Ulalena. It was a wonderful 'cirque' style show half luau, half performance art, incredible live musicians and performers. At Myth & Magic Theater in Lahaina.

You are most welcome, Dayenu. I love their informative books. The free internet info/links are also VERY helpful!

I need to find a place to stay first. Sigh. Now I am leaning toward Kaanapali... not sure we want to spend that much

Call & ask if they have any special pricing that you aren't aware of. If it has a reward program, of course, join before booking.
Also, after talking to them or before, check with farecompare or bookingbuddy.com or expedia.com to get an idea of the prices listed there for the same hotel.

What place in Kaanapali? I'd make sure to ask about the shuttle but depending on where you stay, might not be so important.

Well... Kaanapali Beach Hotel!!! (I wanted to add, if we won't like it, we'll blame Matnikstym for the wrong advice, but how can you not like this place?)

Now on to important things - what do I wear Seriously, how formal are dinner restaurants - long pants and a short-sleeve shirt for Mr Again, cotton skirt, sandals, short-sleeve or sleeveless top for me - is this formal enough?

Formal is clean shorts and shirt!! (Seriously, for a really fancy restaurant like Lahaina Grill -- which was fabulous by the way -- men might wear khakis and a Hawaiian shirt, women capris or skirt and a top. Anything less fancy, anything goes. It's a VERY casual place.)

You will enjoy the Kaanapali Beach Hotel as long as you're not looking for "glitzy". It's in a great location, with very nice grounds.

Thank you, SF7307! Now tell me, there is a shuttle or bus with a good connection to Lahaina - and my mind will be at ease.

And I hope the tour buses will pick us up? We have to do at least the Road to Hana! And I haven't checked the train yet.

If they pick up anywhere, Dayenu - it would be here.

One thing I loved doing in Maui was attending a service at Waiola Church- it is in Lahaina- it is one of the oldest churches in the islands - the service is partly in Hawaiian and many of the hymns as well. When I attended, the music was a piano, ukelele and a guitar and was lovely. We were presented with leis as we entered the church- after the service there was a meal served in the community center- lots of local foods served.
The church was started by a Hawaiian priestess - she is buried in a cemetery next to the church as well as many of the missionaries from early Maui.

It was a lovely experience!

Thank you, OSB1

Sunbum - I think I read about the cemetery at that church, the Royals are buried there?

Dayenu: Here is the link from their website - pop them an email with your questions:
http://www.kbhmaui.com/cms/View.aspx/Show/Activities%20and%20Tours

<<<If they pick up anywhere, Dayenu - it would be here.>>>

I totally agree with that. Ex. http://www.tourmaui.com/maui-island-tour-pickup-schedule/ It doesn't mention the Kaanapali Beach Hotel specifically, but I think they just go from hotel to hotel picking up whoever has a reservation for the tour.

OSB, I sent them an e-mail yesterday morning with my questions, not about tours, but about our stay with them - still hope to get a reply

SF the link says, our pick-up would be 6.45 - do we want to wake up that early?

Dayenu- High chiefess Keopuolani is buried there and I think some of her relatives too. She was the highest ranking royalty in the islands- married to Kamehameha . She was the first baptized christian in Hawaii.

"Thank you, SF7307! Now tell me, there is a shuttle or bus with a good connection to Lahaina - and my mind will be at ease.

And I hope the tour buses will pick us up? We have to do at least the Road to Hana! And I haven't checked the train yet."

Um...I thought I covered that really well in my previous posts. The Kaanapali Beach Hotel is an easy walk to Whaler's Village via the boardwalk where you can catch the bus to Lahaina. See the link I provided above to the route map.

And as I also stated in my previous posts, Valley Isle tours will pick you up at your hotel. I'm sure Polynesian van tours will do the same.

I think you'll like the Kaanapali Beach Hotel. We ate dinner and watched their free hula show and enjoyed it. I liked the look and atmosphere of their grounds. Casual dress is fine.