Durmie126

My sister just told me about this site- it is fabulous!!
So my husband and I are FINALLY able to plan a honeymoon 2 1/2 years overdue! We've decided on Maui and have picked a few activities. We definitely want to do the biking down Haleakala, the pools of Oheo past Hana, and one of the sunset sails off of the west coast. And then we want to rent snorkeling gear and kayak gear and explore a little on our own.

So... any tips? What area should we stay in? It looks like it's not too far to drive anywhere on the island (especially when the trip is so gorgeous!), which is good because our main activities are so spread out. But then we are looking for an area to stay where there is a lot going on either right at the hotel or within walking distance. Definitely right by the beach so we can spend some time just vegging. Is the west side better so we get the sunsets?
Any input would be great, either for where to stay or other activity ideas. We're planning to go for 7-10 nights at the end of September. Our budget is $2000 for all of the essentials- hotel, car rental, and very basic food (we have miles, so the plane tickets are covered). So we know we can't do any extravagant resorts or anything. We've been looking at all of the discount hotel sites. Then we have extra splurge $ for activities and some nicer meals out, shopping, etc.
Any help would be GREATLY appreciated!! Thanks!!

Placename

Well, why don't you try researching prior posts.

You can also go to your nearest Borders or Barnes&Noble and read some guidebooks, for free.

$2000 is not going to be a very easy budget for 10 nights lodging, rental car, food, and activities.

montereybob

If this is your first time to Maui, there is sooooooo much to learn before you go. The way to get the best answers to all your questions and many you haven't thought of yet is to get the travel book called Maui Revealed by Doughty. This book will help you plan the perfect Maui vacation.
Have fun!

montereybob

Also, there is a wealth of recommendations on this site which can be found by typing "Maui" in the search box.

Durmie126

I have done quite a bit of research on just the activities alone, just to make sure Maui was the place for us. I'm just really having trouble finding any info on which area is the best to stay in. Thanks for the responses!

AustinTraveler

There is no "best" side. If you are going in winter, you will have more likelihood of dry weather if you stay in the Kihei area.

I think with your budget you should look into renting an inexpensive condo. Check out vrbo.com.

Lots of good reading on TripAdvisor's Maui forum as well.

Last piece of advice, don't overplan and don't overdo the "activities". The best activity on Maui is to be able to do nothing.

Oh, and sorry, one last piece of advice...don't overpack! Don't go out and buy resort wear. Just wear comfortable, casual clothes. Which brings me back to renting a condo...get one with a washer and drier and you can really pack lightly!

gigib

We've been to Maui many times, stayed at various places Wailea to Honokowai, but just returned from a very enjoyable stay at the Kaanapali Beach Hotel. We got an incredible car/hotel bargain through Expedia (we had free airfare too). This gave us a resort feeling at a Kihei condo price. There is Hawaiian music and hula every evening in their courtyard.

I just plugged in Sept. 16 to the 25th and got $806 per person, car and hotel. The tough budget part is food. There is a fridge, so you can have milk and cereal and pineapple on your lanai every morning, and have lunches at Subway or McDonalds. Or, the Honolua Store just up the road! Great huge lunches for very little $$. This hotel is walking distance to several other large resorts and restaurants, and Kaanapali Beach itself is gorgeous.

Ditto AustinTraveler, especially about packing.

The weather should still be good in September. Kaanapali is a resort, while Kihei is just a town with gorgeous beaches in the middle of it.

True, you can and will drive all over the island, it's not THAT big. Haleakala and Hana will take one whole day each, though. Driving time from Kaanapali all the way down to the snorkel spots past Wailea is about a hour.

Durmie126

wow- thank you SO much! That sounds like a great deal. The "food" that I'm including for the $2000 is for exactly what you're saying- food in the room, quick meal stops, etc. We have at least another $1000 or so for activities and nicer meals out. I just wanted to try to keep the sleeping/driving budget to a minimum so we can spend money elsewhere!
Thank you all so much! I'm SOOO excited!

paula1470

I would suggest you look at some of the condos close to Kaanapali Beach. I have stayed in a couple of the building and got some really good deals. I believe I found them here on Fodors so if you do a search for Maui condos you may get more information.

Here is the unit I stayed in at the Mahana. Looks like they have some Sept dates. http://www.vrbo.com/100956
Another link to more pictures http://oceanfrontcondo.vpweb.com/
I got the one bedroom on this trip because my daughter was with me but there are also studio apartments in the building.

Here is a studio in the same building that has days in Sept.
http://www.vrbo.com/286412

You definitely want to stay on the higher floors for the view which is amazing.

My other daughter stayed next door at the Maui Kai. I can't remember which unit they had but here is an example of one that has the last week available in Sept. http://www.vrbo.com/27535

I like staying in condos in Maui for a couple of reasons. One you can save on food by having breakfast in and sometimes even lunch depending on what sightseeing you are doing that day. Next of all I really liked the quiet of these two condos. The beach in front is very narrow but all you have to do is walk a little ways and it widens. I also like it because it's not as crowded as the area about all the big hotels in Kaanapali but it's a quick drive to either there or Lahaina for dinner. All the condos have a wonderful lanai with an ocean view. Sitting out there every evening watching the sunset was definitely a highlight of the trip.

sf7307

I also like staying in condos in Maui, but be aware that the developments that paula mentions are "north" of Black Rock, meaning they're on North Kaanapali Beach, not in the "middle of the action". Depends what you're looking for -- I like the main part of Kaanapali Beach because you can walk the length from the Hyatt to the Sheraton along a beach path. You can't do that from the North part of the beach. Others prefer being a little more isolated.

Sue878

We are going in November and also are staying at "Kaanapali Beach Hotel".

The last time we were in Maul, we also stayed on Kaanapali beach at the Sheraton Hotel; which we liked because we stayed in a cottage in the gardens and didn't have to go into the hotel to go to our room.

Also, go to www.visitmaui.com and get info.

paula1470

sf307-you are right about the Mahana and Maui Kaui but as I said in my post that's why I liked them. I had my daughter with me who was 21 at the time and surprisingly she liked the quiet, too. I was there for work (yeah, sad to work in Hawaii!!) so during the day she enjoyed laying by the pool or beach. One evening we drove to Whalers Village for dinner. Now this was in the summer but the place was a mad house. Had to wait forever for dinner and then after we ate walked between all the hotels. There were kids running all over the place and you barely walk down the path for all the people.
My daughter looked at me and said "I'm glad we're not staying here". I was surprised because usually she likes to be where the action is.

Kaanapali is probably a little quieter in September but as you said it all depends on whether you like the quiet or a little more activity. We were gone from the condo so many of the days doing sightseeing that we didn't really care about activities when we got home. We were just happy to get home, have a glass of wine and sit on the lanai watching the sunset.

paula1470

sf307-Just read the OP's post and she said she wanted to be where a lot was going on so maybe the condos I mentioned wouldn't be right for her. But if she is looking at a budget, you can't beat staying there.

sf7307

No disagreement - I just wanted her to have "all the facts".

ksucat

check Costco travel deals..there was last month a deal for 6 nights at the Hyatt in Ka'anapali for $638 pp with free breakfast, resort credit, car and oceanview room.
I like to use expedia.com to get ideas on hotels with pics and stuff.
plug in the flight/hotel/car package deals on expedia and try and get a 4* in the Ka'anapali area.
lots of happy hour deals and we go to Costco and get a 12 pk of beer, some wine and pineapple juice with some rum and breakfast, snack items to have in the room.

sf and others are great resources for you on this board!

andrews98682

I stayed at the Royal Lahaina a few years ago, and liked the location on the less-crowded side of Black Rock. The beach was nearly empty, and the hotel was just a short walk to the other resorts and Whaler's Village. One thing: It was in the early stages of a renovation back then. I think the rooms have been redone, but that's it. The pools were small and basic, the lobby outdated, etc., but the setting more than made up for it to me. Just don't expect a five-star place.

KonaKini

You have received a lot of great advise. I have been to Maui many times and a few trips have been in September. I must warn you that in the month of September it is more likely that the trade winds stop and it can get quite humid. The trade winds are what makes staying in Maui in the hottest of hottest days lovely and bearable. You may want to re-think that. If not, the Maui Sunset in the Kehei area has great deals in September due to all the families going back to school and they are looking for guests. The Maui Sunset in a condo with washer/dryer and a full kitchen. It's ocean front property doesn't really have their own beach but there are many lovely beaches very close by. You should also consider going upcountry to the Tedeschi Vineyards. They have tours and free taste testing. The drive up there is breathtaking. Also, take the snorkel trip to Molokini, go to the Maui Ocean Center, play Glow Golf in Lahaina and grab a shave ice for dessert. Have a wonderful trip. Oh, also take a dolphin watch cruise with the Pacific Whale Foundation.

annecolorgreen

We are going to be in Maui September 14-18th (and then taking a cruise). Maybe we'll see you there! (congrats on taking your long overdue honeymoon--ours was 25 years ago and we camped to save money )

We are staying at the Ka'anapali Beach Hotel. Best price for a "resort" with beachfront rooms. I found a "deal" on snorkeling is to book online in advance through the Pacific Whale Foundation. We are doing the combo Molokini/Lanai trip that is 7 hours long and includes a light breakfast, lunch, and three drinks for $76/person. Not bad considering we looked at just the ferry ride to Lanai would have been $60/person! (you can get more of a "deal" if you join the PWF and, I believe, you get a free dolphin cruise if you do--we don't have time to fit it in our schedule)

Old Lahaina Luau is supposed to be the best but we are going to the Feast at Lele where you are served rather than eating at a buffet (it costs a little more).

Other than that, we are planning lots of snorkeling on our own, hiking, driving, and photographing. So much to see for the price of your rental car and gas!

Enjoy .

elsiemoo

I think you should look into Costco's packages for Maui. They've recently had some amazing ones, including car, room and breakfast, at the Hyatt Regency Kaanapali Beach, as someone mentioned above. That would be a romantic, charming resort to spend your honeymoon in, and Maui is not so big that you can't drive all over from there. (It would be worth it to join Costco just to take advantage of one of their packages.) Best of luck with your planning ...

dusty56438

Best two luaus are Drums of the Pacific & Feast at Lele.

Lots of Maui websites:

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g2...ackground.html Make sure you order the free brochure from Air Maui.

Also for a free Maui brochure:

1-800-GOHAWAII

or

http://www.visitmaui.com/mvb/maui/form

You can read the online version from that link.