curlgirlsf

Hello--

I am looking for some advice on places to stay in Maui. We will be heading there in a couple of weeks and I'm finding the number of choices are overwhelming. Hope some can offer good advice based on our preferences.

I know we'll have to work with what's available given our timing.

We are planning on visiting Hana and Haleakala. We really don't have any other things on our agenda other than relaxing. We aren't into the touristy things or big resorts. We prefer smaller B&Bs, a local feel, good restaurants with a local feel. Beachfront nice but not req'd.

I've done some research and think Paia might be good for the local feel and Kihei might be a good place to relax. Any other suggestions? We're trying to keep it under $200 a night.

curlgirlsf

One other note. . .we'd like to be near sunny beaches for at least part of our stay but that is also not a req'd. One of us is coming from San Diego. . .where it's always sunny.

Dukey1

TTT...try to avoid all those golf courses

ChiSue

Kihei is a long strip along the ocean between Maalaea and Wailea. The north and central portion are home to 'real working people' alongside tourists. Best beaches are Sugar Beach in North Kihei and the three Kamaole Beach Parks in South Kihei. Good swimming and snorkeling beaches continue south through Wailea and Makena. Lots of condo and restaurant choices here.T

The Hana area is the most tropical -- if you plan to stay there, you'll provision before you go! Upcountry from Paia is pretty; Paia itself is 'aging hippie'. You might enjoy the cottages at Mama's Fish House. (I'm not a fan of the Inn at Paia -- right ON the main drag.) Not a wide choice of restaurants, but 'enough'. This is 'surfer dude' territory.

You begin the Road to Hana and the highway to Haleakala just outside of Kahului. It's only a 20-minute drive to Kahului from Kihei, so you don't *need* to base nearby.

Got your rental car reserved?

22tango

I understand wanting to, as much as you can in a week or two, immerse yourself into a culture foreign to yours, but, when most of the locals were once tourists just like you'll be, I wonder, what's the point? But I do understand wanting a place that's more traditionally Hawaiian, something more respective of the land, and the culture of its native peoples. That means Ka'anapali and Wailea are out. But something on or near Napili Beach might fit (within your budget too).

suze

I liked Lahaina Shores well enough, it's a condo/hotel at the edge of the town of Lahaina. I'm not saying it's a truly "local" style because it was tourists staying there, but at least it's not one of those mega-resorts (and it's walking distance into Lahania which I loved).

explanation

I'm not sure you really want to stay where locals have to live because it's affordable.

Paia is aging hippie. Kihei is lower end but convenient.

explanation

Actually, Paia is aging affluent hippie. No real hippie can afford those shops and restaurants. It's a tourist town, no doubt. Just a different facade.

nanabee

I once stayed with a friend in the town of Kula in the Up Country which is where a lot of the locals live. That whole area is more residential & nice but pretty far from the beaches.

The beach areas are pretty much where all tourists are, of which Maui gets millions of each week! So it is very touristy but where the fun and action is!

If you want to experience old Hawaii and the culture I'm not sure I would recommend Maui. A lot of mainlanders have settled there and from what I could tell, is pretty Anglo.

The islands of Oahu and Kauai are more authentic in terms of Hawaiian culture & people IMHO.

Dewd

Rent a room in a B&B in Haiku. It's near Paia but much more tropical and lush.

kauaistyle

Haiku has sweet BnB as does Makawao...Paia is still fun yet as stated above, very ritzy touristy trinkets and clothing stores interspersed with snug older eateries..its a happening groovy town like Laguna beach. with loads of character..some hole in the wall places still there from our kid days too. Paia inn is in the heart of the town...upgraded small boutique place. Hana is unreal! spend a night out there...check out vrbo/airbnb etc for places under the radar..the Inn is really nice but pricey. Haleakala,Kula highway, backside Maui all have unique gorgeous scenery and drives...just go. Kaanapali/Kihei are all about resort- all -inclusive -stay -put hotels, strip malls and fast food...although Makena and La Perouse bay drive through the lava fields are epic!
Kauai offers way more low key true hawaiian style...come to the north shore...time slows as the moments melt into each other

txlady42

We are going to Maui in 2 weeks and cant wait. Our reservations are at the Bamboo Valley Inn in Haiku. There are fantastic reviews on tripmaster.