Aina Nalu or Lahaina Shores Resort in Maui? Traveling with 3 teenagers.
 

Anyone have recommendations between these two Aina Nalu, a little less expensive, in town, not on the beach or Lahaina Shores Resort, on the beach a little more expensive. Not sure of how the beach is at the Lahaina Shores. Any input, appreciated.

Staying at the Aina Nalu would be like staying in a cheap, older condo complex in the middle of your own home town. Doesn't have that "Hawaii vacation" feel. If those are your only two choices, I would definitely go for the Lahaina Shores Resort---it will be worth the extra money.

My family all stayed at Lahaina Shores for a reunion trip a few years ago. We all thought it was fine (some of us had ocean view, some mountain view, each unit was decorated different and some kept up a bit nicer than others). The beach out back is nothing much though, just a narrow strip, but the pool in the middle of a grass lawn is nice. It's easy walking distance to "downtown" Lahaina which worked well for our diverse group, so we weren't tied to rental cars.

Don't know the other place to make a comparison.

Hmmm, doesn't sound like either is that great. Looking for a place on vrbo and don't really know the complexes. Thought the Lahaina Shores looked good because it is close to town so the kids could take off on their own if they wanted. We will probably do exploring and not stay at the hotel very much.Any other suggestions?

I guess I didn't make it clear, I DID like Lahaina Shores very much & would stay there again. It worked very well for us, with the units being condos (having a kitchen), a beautiful ocean view, plenty of parking for the rental cars & I loved that it was close & easy walking distance to the downtown area. The pool is really nice.

I don't think there are any hotels fabulous beaches actually IN the town of Lahaina? As it's more a harbor type situation.

I've noticed on my trips to Maui that I see the largest collection of teens in the Kaanapali resort area. They seem to enjoy the liveliness of that area plus the shops and eateries and the beaches there have a lot of people their age.

Are the beaches nice in the Lahina area? We loved the Kehei/Wailea side of the island when we were there on our honeymoon 25 years age, but it was pretty quiet back then.(I over analyze before I book) We are all big beach goers, body boarding, swimming etc. Now I'm questioning Lahaina?? Kehei?? last advice sought...time for decisions. Thanks

Beaches in Lahaina area are not good. Wailea Beach is good for body boarding, swimming, and snorkeling. Kaanapali beach is good for sunbathing and a quick dip in the water but the waves usually break on the shore so are not good for body boarding. It's OK for swimming once you get beyond the shore break. There is good snorkeling at the Black Rock end of Kaanapali Beach. IMO the best overall beach for what you mentioned you'd like to do would be Wailea beach. Hotel there are very expensive. But you can find more reasonable rates in Kehei and drive to Wailea Beach.