lianne

Hi I'm still sorting out all the optoins for our upcomming honeymoon trip to the islands. We are planning on staying near Lahania for most of our trip and staying in Hana for maybe two nights before we leave. Can you drive to most attractions from Lahania or should we split our time more evenly between the NorthWest and South East of the Island?

Suzie

It's easy to drive to most places and it's really not a long drive to anywhere besides Hana. The drive to Hana is longer because of the twists in the road, most other places are not as twisty except maybe going all the way around the north. We did this but not alot of people do. It helps if you are driving in a convertible 'cause then you don't think so much about being trapped in a car!

baddeck

Although the previous poster suggested that most places don't take long to go to, we didn't want to spend a ton of time in the car with paradise outside. The beaches on the South were glorious so if thats most important to you book in Kihei or Wailea area. Kaanapali/Napili is lovely too but the beach at Kaanapali is rocky bottom compared to south beaches. It's all beautiful but if you're into beaching, you could go to a different beach within 15 min. if you're in Kihei or Wailea.

nela

We had a somewhat different experience from the previous post...we stayed in Kihei/Wailea (Southeast region) and preferred the beaches in the Kaanapali/Kapalua Bay area. The water was much clearer and snorkeling was great.

Something to keep in mind: compared to the Northwest region, there is little to no nightlife in Kihei/Wailea.

I would suggest spending most of your time in the Northwest area and doing a day trip to the Southeast region.

here_today_gone2Maui

There is no way to know what conditions will be like at a given beach when you will be here. Ocean currents, wind, weather conditions all change from day to day, and the time of year also plays a significant role. No one beach is going to have consistent conditions. One day a particular beach will be flat and the next day you might have strong currents and a shore break. The water is all clear, all around the island, but depending on ocean and weather conditions, sand and silt or run-off from recent rains may cloudy it up a bit.

Kihei and Wailea are in south Maui and they are both on west shores. Ka`anapali is in west Maui, also on the west shore.

And there is actually plenty of nightlife in south Maui, but you have to go out and find it. There is some entertainment at the Wailea resorts, but there are many clubs and late-night spots in Kihei. If you are looking for nightlife, pick up a copy of MauiTime Weekly and check out The Grid.

Lianne, I'd suggest you decide what activities you want to do and then decide where to stay. Many of the activities, like whale watches and snorkeling trips, can be done from either part of the island. There are hikes and places to explore all over the island. You have to decide if saving yourself an hour or so driving is worth packing up and moving. To me, it wouldn't be. I like to settle into one place and go from there. Checking in and out of hotels would eat up much more time, to me. Plus, the drives here are beautiful. Sit back and enjoy the ocean and the mountains.

sandiez_stuff

My favorite beach is Kaanapali. It is 2-3 miles past Lahaina. (5 minutes)

I agree with the person that said the beach at Kaanapali is wonderful. I did not find it rocky. It is three miles long with a group of hotels at one end and a few condo's at the far end. Middle is great for privacy. A few people but not crowded at all.

I prefer the condo at the end named Maui Kai. It is very quiet, quaint & friendly. It has the best view on the island, (according to me and my friends), .. excellent rates, very friendly service and is smack on the 3 mile beach.
Their websight is www.mauikai.com.
I like room's 702 and 303. You can request one if you want.
They are both large, confy, studios, with full kitchens & large balconies.

Maui is smallish, so you can drive to several sights on the same day, then lounge other days. Nightlife is 1 mile from this condo. A strip of hotels. Also one large 200 room, hotel you can walk on the beach 30 yrds. to, ... that has nightly dancing, live band, dining & some shows.

Hana is tiny, .. it takes 3 hrs. to get there and there is no night life there at all. Usually expensive to stay there, few hotels. It's known for it's nature: .. waterfalls, vegitation, views and quiet native living. It's nature-pretty but I'd rather lay on the beach than do 6 hours of driving any day!
Good luck finding the right place.

I highly recommend Maui Kai if you want a quiet room without room service, but very friendly staff.

winesaavy7

I lived in Hawaii for around 8 months in La Haina. didn't like La Haina as it was touristy, crowded, hot, etc. If I had to visit I'd check out upcountry lodging in say.....Haiku, or that area. you'd be nearer rainforests, scenery, waterfalls. Also, don't miss Haleakala, the volcano, it's the most amazing sunrise in the world as your surrounded by a ring of fire and clouds and below them you can see the islands and water. The crater is beautiful and original to walk down through. You'd need to get up to haleakala around 5am to catch the rise. it is the only place I ever needed a warm jacket in Maui
Cheers
Brooke

kamahinaohoku

Brooke - gentle correction. It's Lahaina.

mauime

I just returned from Maui. This was our fifth trip to Hawaii and our second trip to Maui.
Lahaina is a lively place to find music, shopping,excursion activities, great shows, and places to eat that are reasonablly priced.
Hana is not that far mileage wise, but it would be my recommendation that you stay in Hana and enjoy all the peace and quiet. Two days won't be enough!