I am convinced that Hana is the place to go on Maui (at least for about 5 nights). I am looking for a reasonable condo for 3 adults & 2 children. On the beach is preferable. Ive noticed that many owners dont allow children (I have 2 young ones). Also Im not sure what the best beach is (Hamoa? are there more than 1 good ones? does it matter?)Also, I have noticed an irritating trend of owners charging more for additional bedrooms that are in a condo. Does anyone have reccomendations?

There really aren't many food choices in Hana...a small grocery store and only one or two restaurants. So five nights is going to be a long time unless you're planning on doing a lot of cooking (bring groceries with you).

Are you sure you are "convinced that Hana is the place to go on Maui"? If so you are certainly in the minority. Have you been there before ? If you want to be far off the beaten track Hana is the place.

I plan on being in west maui for about 5 days also - am I wrong to think that this is going to be crowded and overcommercialized? If I wanted to go to Florida I would drive 3 hours and go to some of the most awesome white powder beaches in the US. Are you saying that Hana is not that great?

Hana is a nice place to spend the day (one day). It's been several years since I've been there. I'm not sure if they have many (if any) condos for rent. I would stay someplace that has a little more to offer and take a day trip to hana.

In west Maui the Kaanapali Beach Resort Area might be considered "crowded and commercialized" but not nearly as much as Waikiki or Florida. However there are other parts of West Maui that are very quiet and peaceful - Kapalua, Napili, Kahana, etc. Hana is at the other extreme - very very quiet.

I agree with your assessment about Hana, Chuck. It is #1 for my wife and I when we return. But I also agree that spending 5 nights there is not for everyone. Yes, it is remote (just what I want) and has no night life (that's not what I go to Hawaii for!) But the Hana Coast is one of the most beautiful areas on earth with a plethora of waterfalls, jungle hikes and awesome shoreline. There's more than enough there to keep me busy and happy for a week. Check out the Hana-Kai Condominiums, and the Heavenly Hana B&B. Though you won't find posh condo resorts like at other areas, the Hana area itself is to be considered the experience - not the four walls that surround you while sleeping. And, I consider food something to keep me going to enjoy life - it's not life itself. Save your desires for posh accommodations and nice restaurants for the west side or other places - Hana (and the true Hawaii) is about the beauty of nature.