We're going to Maui in October this year and want to know whether we are best staying in a hotel or have the freedom of a condo ?

What is the best area to stay ?
We want somewhere to relax but also a bit lively in the evening where we can have a walk and taste the "sights and sounds" of Maui.

We have looked at the Diamond Resort Hotel in the South - further out but easy to travel to and from.And, in the North we have looked at the Maui Eldorado Resort (Condo's) which is close the the Ka'anapali area.

Diamond Resort (a hotel) is in Wailea and Maui Eldorado (condo)is in Kaanapali. Wailea and Kaanapali are two of the most popular areas of Maui. If you want a little nightlife than Kaanapali is the best bet. There are bars, restaurants, and shopping within a few minutes walk. Wailea is much quiter, especially at night.

I am not familiar with Diamond Resort but from its web site it appears that it is much more luxurious than Maui Eldorado. Neither property is oceanfront. Maui Eldorado is a short walk to Kaanapali Beach. If Diamiond Resort is within your budget then you might want to consider a more upscale (and beachfront) property in Kaanapali if you decide to saty in Kaanapali.

Grand Champions Villas in Wailea would be a great choice for a condo. The units are very large...try for one facing the golf course with a part ocean view. October is a great time to visit Maui...not crowded...perfect weather...especially in Wailea.

My pick is kaanapali ( whalers village- to be pacific )several hotels and i think a condo or two. IN either case hyatt on one end and sheraton on the other. The area has it all snorkeling , great beach, nite life ,shops, and grills -restaurants. Next wailea is great nice area, great snorkleing,a little quieter and up scale. have fun nick

"be pacific", very funny. Were any of those "grills" wearing bikinis?