My family will be spending about 2 weeks in Maui in June-July 2017. We will likely be renting a house or condo, and have 2 girls ages 13 and 11. Given the length of time we will be spending there, we are hoping to see the majority of what Maui has to offer, and get in some relaxing too! What would be a central location from which to "do it all"? We tend to like hippie towns, nature activities, and of course, the ocean! Thanks in advance for your suggestions.

Hippie town - you can't go wrong with Paia, which also happens to be very centrally located.

Paia is about 53 minutes (west) to Lahaina, 25 minutes (southwest) to Kihei, 1 hr. 12 min. (south) to the top of Haleakala, 11 minutes (south) to Makawao.

I would suggest Kihei, which has a lot of rental options and some good beaches, and gives you easy access to Lahaina, Paia and the rest of the island. While Paia fills a couple of your interests, I think it might not be the best place for that long a stay on Maui.

I would move at least once during you stay.

Kihei is a good suggestion. It's not high-end Hawaii, but has good beaches, lots of restaurants and shops and easy access to other parts of the island. The problem with "hippie" towns is that they tend to be small and remote, such as Paia or Makawao, which is an interesting place to visit for its studios and art galleries. Yes, it's quaint, but you're kind of "out there."

Staying in more than one spot isn't the worst idea I've heard.

I also recommend Kihei, you've got everything close by and access to some great beaches.

I stayed in Wailea, which I adored...however it's pricier than Kihei. When I go back, I will save the $$ and stay in Kihei since everything is such a short drive anyways.

While Paia is a cute little town, I don't think I would want to make it my homebase for 2 weeks. I would rather another spot on the island with more options.

Enjoy Maui, it's wonderful!

If your budget supports staying in a higher-end area, I'd choose Wailea (or Kaanapali on the west side, but that's less "central"). Although Kihei does have great beaches and lots of restaurant choices (including the awesome Kihei Kaffe), I just don't like the area as a vacation choice - I prefer my tropical paradise to look like a tropical paradise, which Kihei definitely does not.

After many trips to Maui, if I were planning 2 weeks I would stay in Kapalua/Napili 2 or 3 nights in Hana and then somewhere in Wailea - unless of course I found that dream property worthy of staying the full two weeks. Then I would double book a couple of nights in Hana.

With a rental car, the entire island is easy to explore... I would also split the time, just to change the experience...

I stayed in Honokawai and spent a lot of time at the beaches at Kapalua and Napili, that area would be my choice, it also to me has a more "tropical" feel than Kihei.

Agree with Kihei (or spend more for Wailea and southward); lots of options, wonderful beach park right there, easy access to other great beaches, hiking, etc., and good place to tour the other sights of the island from. Also good for the ages of the kids.
Location is the best for staying put and touring. (If you look at google map photos, there's plenty of tropical to be had.)

ttt

I consider Hawaii my second home. I have gone there every year but one since 1980. My area of preference on Maui is Honokowai, Kahana or Napili and Kapalua if it is in the budget. There are many many rental units in those areas. Look into VRBO