First Timers to Hawaii Need Advice
 

Hi,
We are planning a week in Hawaii the first week of November. We thought of going to Maui, but we're open to advice. I like to golf and my girlfriend just wants to relax on a beach. We'd like to get a condo where we can cook and be near a nice little town where we can buy food and enjoy a drink, perhaps some entertainment at night. Someone at the airlines recommended Kihei to us. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

I apologize for the previous post. I neglected to indicate that our destination was Hawaii in the title of the post.

Sincerely,

Jim

Maui has what you both want. I recommend the Kaanapali area (West Maui). I typically stay just past Kaanapali beach, In Honokawai or Kahana, beyond that is Napili and Kapalua. These are little communities themselves, but Lahaina is not a far drive and has lots of restaurants and shopping, IMO better than Kihei You don't say what your budget is, but you might consider The Mahana or Maui Kai in Honokawai, both right on the ocean and there a quite a few in Kahana. VRBO is a favorite here for booking condos. http://www.VRBO.com. Search on those condo names, Kaanapali and Kahana. Enjoy Hawaii!

Hi jalain. I envy you in your planning stage. Just got back from my first trip 2 weeks ago. You will LOVE it!!

Here's a good place to start:
http://hawaiigaga.com/best-hawaiian-island.aspx

They have a 24 question quiz to help determine which island suits you best.

There's tons to read on this site (Fodor's - the Forum in particular) and the people are VERY friendly and VERY helpful. You might also want to check out TripAdvisor.com.
There's lots of info there, too.

Have fun!

I also recommend staying near Lahaina -- it's a fun little town -- former whaling village that's now just restaurants and shops, but it's always busy (in a good way) and pleasant. If you stay near there (Kaanapali for example), there's also Whaler's Village (in the middle of Kaanapali Beach), which isn't "quaint" but it is fun and vibrant -- restaurants on the beach kind of place -- it's where everyone staying in Kaanapali hangs out in the evening if they don't go into Lahaina (which is just about 3 miles south). Kihei is lots of little strip malls.

I think Maui sounds perfect for what you describe you want to do. And I agree, Kaanapali area is great.

Kaanapali is great for someone wanting a resort experience in a large hotel, or a condo complex with several hundred units. One size does not fit all, however. I prefer the smaller condo complexes in Kihei, often with less than 100 units. It's a laid-back area, with a mix of tourists and residents. I enjoy "living like a local" and like the casual shops and wide variety of restaurants in all price ranges..many with entertainment. The best part of Kihei is at the south end, where the wonderful Kamaole I, II, III and Keawakapu beaches are located. I also like the far north end, along Sugar Beach, where rates for oceanfront condos are very reasonable. Bargains abound everywhere on the island due to the lowest occupancy rates since records started being kept 20+ years ago. Be sure to shop around and politely ask "are you offering any discounts". I've been to Maui twice this year and have booked for spring 2010. One website featured the discount; the other two offered 20 percent and/or a free night as soon as I gently asked. I like using local agencies, or renting direct from owner. That way I can see photos of the actual unit. Two reputable agencies with units in Kihei are www.bellomaui.com and www.aliiresorts.com.

Given what you want to do, Maui is a great location.

Bill

Thanks so much for the advice. It seems to be getting more confusing for us. Can someone give us a ball park figure on what a nice ocean front condo should cost in Kaanapali. We were originally thinking in terms of $100 a day, but I think we have to aim higher than that. Maybe a lot higher? Also, which part of Maui is considered to have the best beaches?

Sincerely,

Jim

You will enjoy Maui. A good place to find a condo is www.tripadvisor.com.

I stayed in Kaanapali a few years ago and loved it. I also was on the Big Island (Marriott Waikoloa) last month and loved that, too. You couldn't go wrong with either one. I got the Marriott for about $130 on Priceline booking a few months ahead, and I think others have done better than that.

Maui will fit you perfectly. Being near Lahaina is a great situation. We stayed at Lahaina Shores and liked it very much. Yes you'll need to up your budget a little bit (or a lot) to get actual ocean front.

<i>smaller condo complexes in Kihei, often with less than 100 units. It's a laid-back area, with a mix of tourists and residents. </i>

Same thing north of Kaanapali, gobs of small condo outfits at reasonable prices. It's the area I prefer but for great beaches out the back door or (usually) across the street Kihei (south Maui) is probably better than Honokawai (sp) / Kahana etc in general, likely cheaper as well. Others will doubtless disagree ;)
See http://www.wizardpub.com for aerial photos of condos links etc.

Maui great, Lahaina for the beach lounger not so much. Visit there, but don't stay there. Kihei is along a fine beach/park, tons of options. Kaanapali a little more upscale, but many options.

Napili is a collection of low rise ,water-front condos north of Kaanapali which are usually more affordable and low key.

However I am certain you would be able to find a reasonable ($200/night) condo near Lahaina or Kaanapali which would put you closer to activites such as shops and restaurants.Keep looking and good luck !