Hana is probably further from the airport - driving time anyway - than anywhere else you could stay on the island. You might consider driving part way - and you will stay be able to experience a lot of the scenic/lush beauty.

We usually stay by Kapalua or Napili - fairly peaceful - north of Kaanapali - which is north of Lahaina but have stayed down Kiehei/Wailea way, and you might also check out B & B's on Maui. http://www.mauiaccommodations.com/accommodations/maui-bbs-and-inns

While they might not have a lot of waterfalls - if you want a great view - and also - there are various hikes/walks - plus it's closer to the Volcano Haleakula - consider upcountry.

see http://tinyurl.com/8a6vh5h and Fodor's list of hotels: http://www.fodors.com/world/north-america/usa/hawaii/maui/hotels-nam_loc:4643.htm

I sort of like this one - the Starlookout - (a little pricey but old stle). However - you will be at elevation enjoying the panamoric views - not on a sandy beach.

http://home.gci.net/~starlookout/tour.htm

And you might also consider staying by the old "western" town - Makawao http://www.equitrekkingtravel.com/blog/entry/maui-_makawao_cowboy_town/

Both areas are within an hour or so of getting back to the airport.

You hardly ever hear it mentioned on the forum but we really enjoyed our stay in Paia. Maui is really small and it's easy to get around.

The Maui Beach Hotel, Maui Palms Hotel, and Maui Seaside Hotel are the ones closest to the airport. They are in an urban stripmall type neighborhood. So it is not a touristy area but it is not scenic either. The closest nice scenic, rural area lodging that I know of is the Kula Lodge. It is a 29 minute drive from the airport and has spectacular panoramic views of the island and pacific ocean.

Won't you be flying in and out of HNL? I wouldn't skip to Maui for only two nights if you only have a short time in Hawaii.

I love Paia. What a cute little town and close to the airport. Don't know much about lodging there, though.

I would stay in the Kihei area. If there is not a lot of traffic, you can get to the airport in 20 minutes. South Kihei is much nicer than North Kihei and Wailea is even nicer but expensive.

If you stay in the Kaanapali area or even further north in Napali, it's at least at 45 minute drive and that is without traffic. I've had it take me over an hour to get from Lahaina to the airport.

I know the Kihei area is touristy although I don't think it's as bad as Kaanapali. A lot of Kihei is condos but there are a few hotels and some B&B's. People have really enjoyed staying at the Pineapple Inn.

If you don't want to be by the water then anything in Up Country would give you the country feel.

Kihei is twenty minutes from OGG, offers beautiful beaches and a plethora of dining and lodging choices.

I believe I'm remembering correctly that we stayed 2 nts at Maui Seaside on a trip to the island. It was not fancy, but it was comfortable.

When in Oahu - I follow the old maxim: "Here today - gone to Maui" (You have to say it out loud).

I think two days on Maui for a "survey" tour is great - and wherever you stay - IMO - it's a pretty drive to and back.

No ideas why you would want to stay by a strip mall - or in the little town of Paia (which is somewhat cute) - but hey - to each their own.

And the area north of Kaanapali - Kapalua and Napili - are quiet and peaceful, with nice beaches. I like the Napilo Sunset - for having a clean, neat - albeit simple unit - and fairly reasonable. http://www.napilisunset.com/ There are also other more upscale places nearby.

The OP is asking for someplace not touristy and laid back. That would, IMHO, eliminate Kaanapali, Kehei, Wailea, and Paia.

Tom-The reason I am recommending South Maui (Kihei, Wailea, etc) is because of the driving time. I agree I wouldn't want to stay in Kahului by a stip mall but Kihei is so much closer to everything.

I go to Maui frequently for business (and a little fun). From the airport to Kaanapali is 45 minutes and Kapalua and Napili are even further. I've had it take me an hour to get from north Kihei to Lahaini on Hightway 30. That road can be very crowded.

If the OP is only on Maui a couple of days and wants to explore the island, they will spend a lot less time driving staying in the Kihei area. You have to go back through Kahului to get to Paia, the volcano or Up Country. I have made it from south Kihei to Makawao in 20-25 min. That would be at least an hour drive from Napili. I do like the Napili part of the island but it is not convenient to many of the sights.

Seems to me that going Upcountry takes about the same time as going to Kiehei - maybe a bit more but not more than half an hour or so, eh?. And if they are planning to get to the airport in the am - Maui does have some "commuter" traffic.

And even if it's an hour drive to Napili - for first timers on the island - it's a blast, and you are seeing some of the sights just going there. Actually - after landing and getting the rental car - my first suggested stop would by the Iao Needle park (not far from the airport) and then head out from there. http://www.gohawaii.com/maui/regions-neighborhoods/central-maui/iao-valley-state-park

Getting back to the airport - the last morning - they would have to make sure they left with enough time to spare.

We ended up with an extra night and day on Maui when a car accident shut down the highway for three hours between Kaanapali/Lahaina and the airport.

I agree that Kihei and Paia would be good options.

Tom-Kihei to Makawao is 17 miles, Napili to Makawao is 40 miles. Somehow I don't see that taking the same amount of driving time.

Kureiff-I totally forgot that happened to me although not with the same consequences as you. I was staying in Kihei but had gone to Lahaina for dinner with some Fodorites. For Star Noodle I will make the drive. Anyway after dinner I headed back to Kihei in the the dark (this was in the winter). Got a few miles and came to to dead stop and then inched slowly forward for a long time. Eventually in the dark could see flashing red lights. It took me several hours to get back to Kihei as we had to wait until they cleared the accident.

montereybob-You are right they asked fo someplace not touristy. I was giving them some choices based on driving time if they wanted to be closer to the water. The Kula Lodge does sound perfect for them. The Hale Ho'okipa Inn in Makawao gets good reviews, too.

Missing our plane wasn't too bad for us as my parents had met us on Maui, and we shared a condo for a week. They were staying an extra day, so we still had the condo, which was wonderful since we couldn't get another flight out until the next day. There were several people coming from Kaanapali who missed flights that night due to the road being closed.

another vote for paia. there may still be some tourists there, but it will be hard to find a place on maui that dont have tourists. so i'd just say less touristy. not knowing your hotel budget, if mama's fish house inn is within your budget, you might want to look into it. there are only 5-6 rooms here but they are all oceanfront. it's pricey for me at around $500/nt, but if it were in the $200-250 per night, i will definitely give it a try. it is located in the same compound as the venerable mama's fish house restaurant in paia. beachfront and nice sunset views. about 15 mins to the airport. you might also like the small town, "live and let live" vibe of paia. i also highly recommend a stop at komoda bakery for the cream puffs and sherry reeve art galery for small, inexpensive artsy souvenirs, if you're inclined on buying any - on baldwin ave, the main drag in paia.

Love Momma's fish house (which has gotten expensive) - and gotta love Paia. Years ago - topped in a bar/cafe there once for a quick bite on the way out to Hana - and the wait staff were all laughing about how potent the last batch of Pakalolo was. Again - this was yeaaaars ago - so I might have bought a joint or two - but if I had asked - they would have probably thought I was with the Feds.

We stayed at Paia Inn and we loved it. The rooms are small but the vibe there is great. Awesome breakfast in the morning. Paia has a "local" feel. Some really good casual restaurants and a great little grocery store. We spent our first two days on Maui here and did the Road to Hana, Upcountry, and Haleakala.

If you do go to Paia, the Paia Fish Market is great for a casual meal.

Thanks to everyone for your helpful comments and suggestions!

We ended up booking at the Windward Garden in Haiku after consulting the map and hearing all the comments. Will keep you posted about it (and love the sound of Iao Needle park, Tomsd)

Looks like a really nice place and it gets great reviews. I love that part of the island. I would ask the owners about places to have dinner that aren't too far away since it seems like you have to drive a dirt road to get to Windard Gardens. Some good places in Paia as others have mentioned and also a few restaurants in Makawao.