what area in maui would offer the calmest beaches/surf for 3 and 5 years old?
All the resorts seem very nice but the beach would be the decisioning factor for us.

Thanks for you feedback.

Lisa

The surf at all the beaches varies with the time of year. What month will you be going?

Baby Beach in Lahaina has much calmer waters than most other beaches because an offshore breakwater blocks many of the big waves from reaching the shore.

Does Baby Beach water get deep enough for adults to swim, also?

On The west part of Maui, just past Kapalua is a lovely family beach called DT Fleming Beach Park. I think this beach would be suitable for little toddlers

I am going December 5. I am so confused where to stay and if I will be happier in lahaina vs wailea va kihei. The kids like the pools but mom likes the beach so hard to decide on condo vs hotel and so on.

<Does Baby Beach water get deep enough for adults to swim, also?>

Yes

Lahaina does not have any major resorts. The closest major resorts to Lahaina are in Kaanapali, a few miles north. We have been to Maui several times in the winter. That time of year the waves are often too big for 3-5 years old at Kaanapali and it can have a strong shore break that is dangerous for kids. Also it is not a shallow walk out beach. We found Wailea Beach to be more shallow for walking out into the water and the waves break farther out ---- so better for kids. If you stay at a hotel near Wailea Beach, you will have the best of both worlds---great pools and great beach.
The main deciding factor between Wailea and Kihei is cost. Wailea has the best resorts and beaches but Kihei has less expensive rates for accommodations. I have never gone to Kihei beaches so don't know which are suitable for children. Hopefully someone else can post re: that.

DT Fleming beach has terrible riptides depending on the time of year. I wouldn't let my kids near the water on that beach! One year we were there I saw the lifeguard make the parent take the baby out of the water...he was right in the rips path.
The Kam I,II,& III are nice...they are in Kihei

The red flags were out at DT Fleming when I was there in January. It was beautiful, but looked way too wild for me.

South Shore is your best best in winter...either Kihei or Wailea. I also like the Kamaole beaches; a big plus is that all 3 have lifeguards. There's a little playground at Kam III.

I heard Wailea is good too from a friend. She also recommends Hapuna area in Hawaii. Should I be concerned that Dec is too wild a season for us? It is much cheaper than Jan -April

No, Dec. is not too wild. Just be aware that in ANY winter month in Hawaii, you may experience rain storms and higher surf or sunshine and smaller surf. The weather varies on a week to week basis. I've been lucky---- every time I've been to Hawaii in Jan., the weather has been wonderful. But, sometimes the locals have told me: "You just missed 3 straight weeks of rain." So there are no guarantees for winter Hawaii weather. I do agree that, for that time of year, Wailea is a good choice.