DebNY

Planning our second trip to Maui and would like to find a quiet, low rise condo on a nice beach. We know that we will not spend a great deal of time in our room, so don't need to go the luxury route on this one, but do want someplace nice. Second half of the trip, we are booked at the Hilton Waikaloa, thus we would like to have a more intimate experience in Maui as opposed to a resort. This is a special senior trip for our son who graduates next week.

cmcfong

Deb, I recently stayed at Puamana condos in Maui. Although the beach front is not great the condos are marvelous and there is a state park with a glorious beach which abuts the property. On the other side there is a walking path right into Lahaina so it is not necessary to drive. You can see Nomade (who has the posting on the dive shop) and I (posted my trip report about two weeks ago and you can find it by clicking on my screen name) loved Puamana. It is quite unique, very quiet and charming.

tcapp

We just returned from the exquisite Renaissance Kapalua Bay Resort.
Beautiful, tranquil property in a georgous setting. Unfortunatly, this place is going to be turned into timeshares next year. I would go back to this gentle, dignified oasis in a heartbeat. You could also try the Napili Sunset. A little older property but very serene location. Website: www.napilisunset.com

crazy4Hawaii

I have a friend who could afford to stay anywhere who always chooses the condos. at Napili Bay Resort. They are right on a beautiful beach, privately owned, and evidently quite nice at a reasonable price.

zooey91

I'd emphatically second the suggestion for the Napili Sunset. We've stayed there three times and loved it. There's your room, your lanai, a pleasent lawn to hang out and read etc., the beach, and then the water.

And you're a short walk to Kapalua Bay.

Since my ideal trip to Maui is reading and floating, with a little snorkling thrown in, staying here provides everything I need, and is a nice oasis from the Maui "scene."

DebNY

Thanks to all. I checked out the website for Napili and it looks perfect. I have sent a query to determine availability. One question, we are fairly active when we visit Maui. Sunset bike tour, Road to Hana, etc. Is Napili terribly out of the way from "touristy things to do"? Last visit we stayed in Kihei, which was fairly convenient as I recall.

zooey91

Closer to some, further from many, but I wouldn't say "terribly" out of the way. You'll be fairly close to Honolua Bay (great snorkeling), and there's a very cool blowhole on the northwest shore. (Get "Maui Revealed"; great guidebook).

It's further to Makena and to Hana road, as well as Haleakela, meaning it might add 20 - 25 minutes to your drive.

But I still think you'll be glad to be there when you get back home for the sunset, or when you're hanging out (you do spend some of the time hanging out, right??).

bebalm

I would suggest Kaanapali Beach Hotel in maui. Probably about the same in price as a condo. Very laidback setting. Not a resort feel, but a very cool place. Nice sized rooms too.

seattlesue

If you're interested in the Kihei area try the Village by the Sea condos. We rented a two bedroom, two bath on VRBO for under $1,000 in February. We had a great view of the water and could see whales spouting from our balcony. This is a great central location for all Maui activities.

kimr

Last summer we stayed at the Hale Hui Kai in south Kihei. It is a small complex on Keawakapu Beach which continues on to Wailea (a mile at least). We had an ocean front condo which can't be beat! Maui Revealed gave it a gem rating and we couldn't agree more.

http://www.beachbreeze.com/

Kim

DebNY

Thanks again to Fodorites for great advise. Another question..Am using FF miles from NY and have very long lay over in LAX which may get us into HNL too late to hop to Maui. I noticed that Hawaiian Airlines is running a one way special in June for $129. If they offered this in July, I would jump on it and book a direct from LAX to Maui. Does anyone know if they have offered these specials in July/August in the past? It would save one more connection after a very long day of flights.