Where's the best area to stay on Maui so we can explore the island and still not be too far from the airport?
Jun 20th, 2012, 11:40 PM
#1
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Where's the best area to stay on Maui so we can explore the island and still not be too far from the airport?
My husband and I will be stopping off in Maui on our way back home to Cambodia and need recommendations since we don't know the island.
We'd like to stay in an area that is not touristy (Lahaina) and want somewhat laid-back and beautiful where we can explore the island (hikes, waterfalls, volcano) and first considered Hana. However, we will be flying out around 10am on our last day and don't want a very long and early drive from Hana to start the day.
We'll only be needing a place for two nights which doesn't make it possible to stay in Hana first then move closer to the airport (without a little hassle) so we're wondering what might be a compromise: a neighbourhood which is laid-back, beautiful and untouristy which is also convenient to explore all the outdoor delights of the island.
Many thanks for any help you can offer!
We'd like to stay in an area that is not touristy (Lahaina) and want somewhat laid-back and beautiful where we can explore the island (hikes, waterfalls, volcano) and first considered Hana. However, we will be flying out around 10am on our last day and don't want a very long and early drive from Hana to start the day.
We'll only be needing a place for two nights which doesn't make it possible to stay in Hana first then move closer to the airport (without a little hassle) so we're wondering what might be a compromise: a neighbourhood which is laid-back, beautiful and untouristy which is also convenient to explore all the outdoor delights of the island.
Many thanks for any help you can offer!
Jun 21st, 2012, 01:08 AM
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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/ac...i-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-am...m_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/bl...o_cowboy_town/
Both areas are within an hour or so of getting back to the airport.
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/ac...i-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-am...m_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/bl...o_cowboy_town/
Both areas are within an hour or so of getting back to the airport.
Jun 21st, 2012, 07:12 AM
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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.
Jun 21st, 2012, 09:13 AM
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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.
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.
Jun 21st, 2012, 11:28 AM
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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.
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.
Jun 21st, 2012, 12:23 PM
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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.
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.
Jun 21st, 2012, 12:48 PM
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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...ley-state-park
Getting back to the airport - the last morning - they would have to make sure they left with enough time to spare.
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...ley-state-park
Getting back to the airport - the last morning - they would have to make sure they left with enough time to spare.
Jun 21st, 2012, 03:08 PM
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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.
I agree that Kihei and Paia would be good options.
Jun 22nd, 2012, 09:52 AM
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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.
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.
Jun 22nd, 2012, 09:57 AM
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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.
Jun 22nd, 2012, 09:59 AM
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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.
Jun 23rd, 2012, 07:40 PM
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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.
Jun 24th, 2012, 02:27 AM
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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.
Jun 24th, 2012, 06:11 AM
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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.
