Lori

HELP! I will be traveling to Maui for my first time in 4 weeks!!!! (first time to Hawaii all together!) #1 problem, I still do not have hotel/condo reservations. Yikes! My dilemma is on what part of the island do I stay??? I only have 5 nights, so I want to make sure I make the right choice. Before I started reading all of the various Maui postings, I was 99.9% certain that I wanted to stay in the Lahaina area. But now I am afraid that it is too much of a tourist trap and that I wont get the full effect of the beauty Maui has to offer. Is this a valid concern? Would Wailea be better? Here is some background info to help with your MUCH APPRECIATED (hehehe) advice:

1. I'm in my upper 20's
2. Traveling with boyfriend (same age)
3. LOVE to snorkel!!!
4. Want the night life/restaurant scene to be nearby
5. Can only spend max $130 p/night on accomodations
6. Prefer quaint condo/apt to high rise

Has anyone heard of or stayed at the Bambula Inn in Lahaina? It looks absoultely charming (www.bambula.com).

Couple other questions, how can I expect the weather to be mid-February? I've heard it is the rainy season (great!). Tell me this isn't true (but don't lie).

Is a whale watching trip a must? I've done whale watching in Maine before and did not see 1 whale!!! I'm sure I will have better luck in Hawaii (especially in prime season) but want to make sure it's not a waste of money. Any feedback would be great.

I think I'm set on restaurants from previous postings....but if anyone has a wonderful experience to share, please do!

Lastly, if I end up staying in Lahaina, is it better to fly into Kapalua-West Maui Airport from Honolulu? Or is Kahului Airport a better choice?

That's all for now! Any and all advice is MUCH appreciated. Thanks in advance!!! ~Lori

Sarah

Don't worry about the rainy season. I have been on Maui, Oahu in February and January and while you can bump into a week of rough storm it is not likely. Even if it does rain it will feel like a summer shower to you. February is great on Maui for the whales. South Shore is sunnier in Winter on all islands.

Also remember that Hiking is better on Overcast days. I have done some of my best Hiking on the islands on overcast winter days. Do want to check out weather prior to a sunrise on Haleakela. Don't want to wake up to chilly mountain rain. On lower lands It is sometimes 70-75 instead of 80 and you don't have to race to beat the noon to 3pm sun/heat.

This is a great time to visit the islands. I wish I could tag along!!!

SSS

I think Lahaina is nice. It is not isolated but that does not sound like what you are looking for. I have not been since 95 but it was nothing as busy as Wakiki if that is what you are worried about just a few streets still small, still maintained in an idealic environment right on the water. If you don't want to be in the downtown area I would call a Hawaii based travel agency and find out about deals on the island. We had success with Roberts Hawaii and Pleasent Island Holidays.

I seem to remember whale watches leaving early in the morning so I liked being close to the boats, in town.

kcd

Lori,
Don't worry about the weather. We're going in 4 days (wahoo!) and it will be the second time we've visited in January. I'd suggest you stay in the Kaanapali area. Lahaina is more of the downtown area, and doesn't have the best beach/relaxation mode. Lahaina is only about 10 min. away from Kaanapali, so your close to the "nightlife", although there isn't a huge amount of it. But that's OK, because you'll be doing so many day/early morning activities, that you'll be pooped by the end of the day. IMO, Wailea is too far from Lahaina. I like being able to walk down to Whaler's Village and watch all the activities on Kaanapali Beach. I would suggest a whale watch, but try to find one that combines snorkeling with whale watching. We did one last year - I think the name was Blue Water Rafting, or something like that. We only saw a few whales, but the rest of the scenery is unbeatable.

Lori

Thanks everyone for the quick feedback!

I feel much better about the weather concerns I had. As for where to stay, I'm still a tad torn.

KCD - In your opinion, since you've been there twice in January, will there be a HUGE difference in weather between Ka'anapali and Wailea? I've heard from numerous folks (including Sarah above) that the South Shore is always sunnier in the winter. If it's not that big of a difference, then I think I may try your suggestion of Ka'anapali. If I do not stay in Lahaina, I at least want to be close to it.

SSS - thanks for the heads up on the Hawaiian agencies.

Any other "1st time to Maui/Hawaii" advice out there?

Gina

Lori, we did our first trip to Hawaii last summer, and ended up staying at Kapalua Bay instead of Wailea - in spite of concerns that it might be rainier (it was, for a few days...). We figured that if it rained we could always drive to sun. We ended up driving to Kaanapali the first few days and got plenty of sun there. I don't think Wailea could have been any sunnier! And truthfully, you can always drive to sun if you get Kaanapali on a rainy day - you'll probably want to explore different scuba spots anyway. Not to mention, the Wailea area is much more expensive so you'd likely have to spend more to eat/drink in that area than Kaanapali which has much more variety.

We liked staying at Kapalua Bay because we were a bit further out and not quite in the middle of everything - but if you are looking for sure sun and proximity to activities, Kaanapali is probably the way to go. Have fun!

kcd

Lori,
Knock on wood, we've never had a problem with rain on Maui. The only rain we've encountered was on the Road to Hana (short showers, which I think are unavoidable) and in Kapalua (agian, short shower followed by sun). I've only ventured to Wailea at night to check it out, since we heard so much about it, so I can't really say it's sunnier, but we've been lucky to have sun in Kaanapali when we were there.

My other advice: do the sunrise bike down Haleakala (bring warm clothes - you'll need it!); bring a light sweater - it gets a little cool at night with the trade winds; rent a convertible - it's worth every penny in Maui; eat at Longhis; drive the Road to Hana in your convertible with the tape they sell all over the island. Have a great time!

JEFW

Stay in Kaanapali. There are many restaurants/bars and shops there and it is only a 10 minute drive to Lahaina. Check out the Kaanapali Beach Hotel. It is right on a beautiful beach and is next to Black Rock (some of the best snorkeling in Maui). Look into a whale watching trip with South Pacific Kayaks in Kihei.

aimee

Lori -

Ka'anapali all the way! I have been to Maui 3 times and you will not be disapointed! I think the rates are higher than you have budgeted, but we stayed at the Maui Westin and the Hyatt. Both were extraordinary hotels. I have also stayed in a Condo right along the stip there and that was very nice as well. It was good to be able to go to the foodstore and buy some stuff for breakfast & lunch because food prices are extremely high.

For a great luau book Old Lahaina and do it before you leave, they fill up.

Whaler's village (walking distance in Ka'anapali) has shopping and some great restaurants. About 10 minutes away is a restaurant called Roy's. AWESOME. In Lahaina (also great shopping) is Longi's. Expensive, but nice and great sunset view.

Don't be surprised if you walk by someone and they keep looking straight ahead and say "ganga" or "wanna buy pot". Very frequent, you can just ignore them, they won't bother you.

THe breakfast buffets in the resorts are pricey but go to at least one. We were addicted and when every morning. Fresh papya juice is delicious..

Feel free to email me if you want. Hawaii is my "happy place". I love it - especially Maui.

Aimee

Betsy

Definitely Wailea. I was there most recently for two weeks last month and only had rain once during the night but had rain and gusty wind on four other occasions when in different parts of the island. Check out Grand Champions Villas, The Palms,(both low rise condos) in Wailea. You can find a rental directly thru an owner by searching the web... have a great stay!

joy

You should definetly make a trip to Wailea. It is Hawaii. The scenery and ambiance are wonderful. It is quite a different scene from Lahaina and Kaanapali . In 5 trips, April, November, and December - the weather has always been perfect.

r griggs

Hi - This questions is to Amiee75- we will be going to Maui in March- 2nd time staying on Kaanapali Beach. Stayed at Alii 2 years ago and staying at Sheraton this time-for pool for the kids. You mentioned buffets at the hotels. Open until 1pm? Can you tell me more about them and price and which hotels and which are your favorites? Sounds like good idea for family of 4. Children prices reasonable? Fresh Papya juice - Yum! Thanks!

Steve

Lori, try to stay in Kaanapali at The Whaler (condos). There is a magazine called "Hawaii" that I just bought from Borders that has private listings for condo units. You can save about 40% booking directly with the owners. We are staying there in July for our one year aniversary, this will be our second time at The Whaler. It is a one minute walk to Whalers Village where there is some night life (Hula Grill). If you e-mail me directly, I can provide you with some phone numbers that I have.

Ronda

Lori,
I'm heading to Maui as a first-timer in my late-20's too on Tuesday, YAHOO!!! During my research of places to go & things to see, I stumbled across the Activity Owners Association Discount Card for $30 which can be purchased online at http://www.maui.org. You can save some BIG BUCKS with this card on scuba diving, snorkeling, whale watching cruises, as well as restaurants, etc. The website shows you which activities provide discounts so check it out before you buy it. They also offer "Owners Tickets" to card holders that offer even more savings, (half price on some things)! Check out your options on these Owners Tickets at: http://www.maui.org/ot/
The Owners Tickets are listed on the website on the first business day of each month and are given on a first-come/first-served basis and go fast. So your best bet is to look over the list and see which activities you want to do before you even leave for your trip. Then on Feb 1st, fax or e-mail them your ticket requests. Unfortunately, some discounts are offered to Maui residents only and those who appear in person at their office get the first crack at those tickets so you may not get all that you want but it's worth it to save 50%!

I wish I had known about the AOA Owner's Tickets sooner. I just bought my card today and a lot of the Owners Tickets for this month are already gone!

Sorry I can't help out with advice on where to stay except to say that most everyone I spoke to who has been to Maui has said the Ka'anapali area is the best so that's where I've decided to stay. If I come back from the trip with more info. based on experience, I'll be sure to post it here! ALOHA!

Ronda

Lori,
I'm heading to Maui as a first-timer in my late-20's too on Tuesday, YAHOO!!! During my research of places to go & things to see, I stumbled across the Activity Owners Association Discount Card for $30 which can be purchased online at http://www.maui.org. You can save some BIG BUCKS with this card on scuba diving, snorkeling, whale watching cruises, as well as restaurants, etc. The website shows you which activities provide discounts so check it out before you buy it. They also offer "Owners Tickets" to card holders that offer even more savings, (half price on some things)! Check out your options on these Owners Tickets at: http://www.maui.org/ot/
The Owners Tickets are listed on the website on the first business day of each month and are given on a first-come/first-served basis and go fast. So your best bet is to look over the list and see which activities you want to do before you even leave for your trip. Then on Feb 1st, fax or e-mail them your ticket requests. Unfortunately, some discounts are offered to Maui residents only and those who appear in person at their office get the first crack at those tickets so you may not get all that you want but it's worth it to save 50%!

I wish I had known about the AOA Owner's Tickets sooner. I just bought my card today and a lot of the Owners Tickets for this month are already gone!

Sorry I can't help out with advice on where to stay except to say that most everyone I spoke to who has been to Maui has said the Ka'anapali area is the best so that's where I've decided to stay. If I come back from the trip with more info. based on experience, I'll be sure to post it here! ALOHA!
Ronda

dejahma

Aloha;

We just got back Friday after 8 days on Maui. We like Kaanapali the best. Kihei is too crowded, Wailae too far away and sedate, and Kapalua too windy and rainy (not downpours, just misty rain). We finally made our reservations the day before we left (kept waiting for a good deal, lol). Booked thru www.hawaii-hawaii.net The people were very nice but a little flakey. Never did get the e-mail confirmation that they promised, but our room was as promised.

This time we stayed in a full ocean front studio at the Mahana for $125 per night. It is located on North beach or as some like to call it North Kaanapali Beach. If you are in any kind of shape at all you can walk to black rock where there is excellent snorkeling. You can also cut thru the Sheraton and continue walking up to Whalers village (Lunch or dinner at the Barefoot Bar is a must, live music every night right on the shore.)

We have also stayed at the Whaler thru a private rental (mauidreams.com I think) that is very nice. Last minute rates are about $125-145 (again guessing). Another condo you might consider is the Kaanapali Shores a couple of hotels north of the Mahana. We again rented thru a private individual whose rates are now $89 per night for a very nice studio with a magnificent view of Molokai (this condo complex is also available thru www.hawaii-hawaii.net. My husband actually preferred the K Shores ocean-view condo to the full ocean front Mahana.

Beware do not pay the inflated rates that ASTON charges if you contact them directly. You will save at least $50 per day going thru a booking agent or $100 per day going thru a private individual even including their free nights offers!!!

Another place we always go several times while on Maui is the Aloha Mixed Plate. It is across the street from the cannery mall in Lahaina. We met a women who worked both the Old Lahaina Luau and the Aloha Mixed plate and she told us they served the same food at both. Obviousely you don't get as much, but if you are there at luau time you can see the performers coming thru the Mixed Plate getting ready and also the servers bringing the food over to the luau. Best of all you get to eat off of genuine Hawaii china (foam cartons and plastic "silver" ware).

Hope you have a good trip.

Aloha

PS Beware of parking and other assorted fees. Whaler and Kaanapali Shores now charge $7 per day to park. Some places also charge check-in or check-out cleaning fees. Be sure you know in advance. I think these added fees are cheesey. Mahana praking is still free. Also from what I have read you really want to avoid the Maui Islander and the Royal Lahaina even though they have really low rates.

Tom

Kaanapali Beach is the place to go!!! The Black Rock is on the Sheraton Maui resort property and I would highly recommend staying there. It was my best vacation!!! Other suggestions...skip Longhi's restaurant in favor of David Paul's. You MUST go up Haleakala for the sunrise. If you don't wish to bike, call Temptation tours for a limo van. Since you have just 5 days, I'd skip traveling all day in order to get to Hana. Have a great time!

aimee75

r griggs -

The buffets were pretty expensive - about $16 for adults, I am not sure what the kids prices were, but I think it was significantly less. The Westin and Hyatt both had outstanding buffets. It is good for kids because they tend to be picky eaters and you can please anyone at these buffets. I don't remember, but I don't think they were open as late as 1 on weekdays, but maybe weekends. They should be open until at least 11 though. Enjoy!!!
Aimee

mark

Lori, my wife and stayed in Lahaina 2 years ago (when we were both 28 - like you) at a place called the Plantation Inn. I picked this place because it was recommended by Fodors and in my price range. Its quaint and quiet with tasty poolside free breakfasts yet close to the hustle of Lahaina.

On the Pro side you can walk to restaurants, stores, nightlife, boats for whalewatches/snorkel trips/etc. You can also see pretty sunsets by the harbor. While parts of Lahaina are crowded and tacky this place is a quarter mile away from the main drag. If you stay in one of the resort areas I have also heard taxis are expensive to get to Lahaina and parking isn't easy either.

On the Con side you are not 'on the beach'. You need to get in a car to go to the beach.

Also,
Plantation has a 'sister' hotel that is on Kaanapoli and you can use their beach which is close to 'black rock' a popular snorkeling spot or you can go to DT Fleming which is a state beach just beyond Kaanapoli&Kapalua which has awesome waves for body surfing - if thats your thing. I loved DT fleming & saw a turtle near black rock...

One more thing on snorkeling, there is awesome snorkeling right off the road around 6 miles south of Lahaina. I belive its called Olowala or something like that. It happens to be where a shark bite occured a few weeks ago but the snorkeling is best I found in Maui. You just pull off the road and park on the side.

enjoy

Lori

Hello everyone! Just wanted to send a quick THANKS for all of the great pointers and advice. Only 20 more days until my departure!!! I have made my reservations at Lokelani Condo's ($125 a night for an oceanfront 1 bedroom condo). Anyone ever heard of it or stayed there??? It's located in-between Ka'anapali & Kahana. So hopefully it will be the best of both worlds...close enough to the nightlife/restaurant scene, but secluded too!

Dejahma: Since you just got back....how was the weather? Also, how was the whale watching? Can you actually see them from the shore? Did you go on a whale watching boat? Any advice on a good snorkel cruises?

Mark: Thanks for the snorkeling tips!

Thanks to everyone else, too!!!