sunbeachgoer

Hello,

I need some assistance in trying to decide where to stay.

We have narrowed down to 2 locations for our 1 week stay in Maui, based on budget. It is our first time in Maui. I was hoping members can chime in on the pros and cons of the locations and recommendations.

Initially we were looking at staying at Kaanapali, but we are looking for more low key residential/condo areas (versus big resorts) that are in a nice location and safe to walk. We will have a car for the week, but it would be nice to be able to walk to some stores/groceries if needed. Kihei seems to offer that, let me know if you agree.

The 2 condo locations are:

Hale Kai O Kihei
Kihei Kai Nani

- Hale Kai O Kihei - beautiful condo with views and lanai facing the ocean
- Kihei Kai Nani - beautiful condo and lanai facing garden

We are a quiet couple in our 40s:
- we love to walk to a nice beach and lay on the beach for hours and swim, so we like to have a nice beach close to us for laying on the sand and swimming
- we like areas that are nice, clean, and safe
- we are not pool people, it is nice to have, but we rarely use it in big resorts we always prefer to swim in the ocean and sit on the sand.

We like the option to walk to some groceries and/or restaurants.

We will have a car and we will be exploring the area and visiting other beaches during our 1 week stay.

Thank you

sf7307

It depends on what you're looking for as far as the place you stay. I'm not a fan of Kihei because it doesn't give me that "tropical feel" that I expect from Hawaii. It's saving grace is that it does have beautiful beaches, so that may be enough for you since you like to spend your days on the beach.

sylvia3

I think kihei is a very good option. I'd go for the garden view (quieter than ocean/street facing). Walk to shops and restaurants, Kamehameha beach parks are right there, and a short drive down the road to many wonderful beaches and snorkeling.
Don't write off the pool for post-sunset dips!

logandog

We stay at Hale Pau Hana on Kamaole Beach II.
We love being able to walk to dinner after a few cocktails on the lanai.
There are about eight good restaurants within a few minutes walk including a first rate sushi bar.
The Kamaole beaches are beautiful with excellent swimming and snorkeling.

sunbeachgoer

Thanks for all of your suggestions.

Is Kihei area a nice area that is safe to be and walk around? My apologies for these questions, I have never been to Hawaii.

Also if we choose to stay in Kihei Kai Nani, are there some good grocery stores and restaurants nearby.

Thank you again

hpeabody

I am not a fan of staying in Kihei. Have you looked into the areas of Honokowai, Kahana and Napili. I think these have what you may be looking for. They are just past Kaanapali and much more low key and less expensive. I usually stay at the Aston Mahana in Honokowai myself (using VRBO)

logandog

Kihei Kai Nani is a few minutes walk to a great beach and dining.
We love Da Kitchen for local food, but you'll find Thai, Greek, Japanese and Mexican food less than ten minutes walk.
A convience store is also very close for milk, snacks etc.
Fully stocked grocery stores are five minutes drive. I like Foodland the best but the Safeway has everything.
I've stayed in this area dozens of time and never felt unsafe.

sylvia3

Noticed I used the wrong word for the beach; the Kamaole Beach Parks are very nice. I also think you'd like being a bit farther south in the Kai Nani condo, nearer Kamaole.

sf7307

Breakfast at Kihei Caffe is great!

Songdoc

I have not been to Kihei, so I can't comment personally. But my friend who lives on Maui DETESTS Kihei. She steered us to Honokowai and I think that was a good choice. It seems like it might be a good fit for you.

sf7307

Songdoc, Kihei is not your style!!

jamie99

We stayed in Honokawai at Papakea but due to lack of a good beach we drove almost daily to swim at nearby Napili and Kapalua, I would far prefer that area to Kihei. Much more lush feeling.

sf7307

Much more lush feeling.

The lack of "lush feeling" is what I don't like about Kihei.

AustinTraveler

Napili Bay is the only place I would ever stay on Maui if I ever went back (doubtful).

sunbeachgoer

Thanks for all your recommendations !

sylvia3

I suggest looking at Google maps views to judge whether an area is "lush" enough for you. Also, walking to a great beach and to restaurants, etc., Is a great plus, IMO.

ChiSue

Much of West Maui and South Maui has been 'developed' as resorts for tourists. Kihei has short term vacation rentals too, but it is still a beachtown where 'real people' live and work. North and Central Kihei are more residential. South Kihei has more tourist accommodations.

Kihei Kai Nani is a good buy. It's across from Hale Pau Hana on Kam II beach -- but half the price. Units are small. There's some commotion from the commercial area around it -- bar/restaurant, strip mall. You can walk to restaurants. We own a bit south of this; I drive for groceries at Foodland and Safeway. You're not far from the border with Wailea -- more great beaches there and on into Makena.

ChiSue

Forgot to suggest you read reviews here: www.hawaiirevealed.com

You won't swim at Hale Kai O Kihei.

Most of the places suggested in Honokowai are on seawall -- no swimming there -- and you are farther away from sights across the valley: Haleakala, Road to Hana, Iao Valley. (And OGG.)