Is the north shore too far from everything for home base? We finally found a great house with availability!!

North, like near Paia? It's a cute little town, kinda the gateway to Road to Hana where your SIL will find her waterfalls, and a good base for visits to upcountry and Haleakala. But other than Ho'okipa, which is popular for surfing and windsurfing, the area's not known for its beaches, and I'm not familiar with any up there that are good for snorkeling. As far as fishing, most charters leave from either Lahaina or Maalaea Harbor.

So would it be a good home base? Maybe, but without having been, and not knowing the lay of the land, I personally wouldn't choose that location for a first-time Hawaii vacation.

Although Kauai is my favorite, I love Maui too and you will have a fabulous time either way. In July it can get quite hot and it is cooler in West Maui - Kannapali, Kapalua, etc than in South Maui (Wailea, Kihei, etc.). Lahaina can be quite hot in the summer though, so I would avoid it as a place to stay.

I love to have a full on ocean view when I go to Hawaii, preferably beachfront, too. Here are some suggestions:

Napili Sunset Condos: On a beautiful crescent beach that is very pretty and swimmable. Both 1 and 2 bedroom condos. I would recommend a 2 bedroom for in-laws and SIL, a one bedroom for you - do not get a studio, they are in a building behind and do not have an ocean view. I have stayed here several times, and once with my DH, DS and step-daughter (2 bdrm) and my brother, SIL and 1 year old nephew (in a one bedroom) and it was perfect for us. I would rent 2 cars so you have good freedom to go or not go certain places. This is a short drive from Kannappali with lots of shops, restaurants, etc. and from Kapalua which have restaurants as well. Kapalua beach, which is fabulous, is a short hike down the beach and through the Napili Kai Beachclub parking lot. The NKBC has a nice but casual restaurant that you can walk to as well. www.napilisunset.com

Kahana Village: These are beautiful and spacious 2 and 3 bedroom condos with beautiful oceanfront views although the beach is not great. The 2 bedrooms are loft bedrooms. Spring for the units closest to the beach. You will have to drive everywhere from this location, but a short drive to Kannapali and Kapalua, just a little farther to Lahaina. www.kahanavillage.com

You might want to look into a home rental from the Kapalua resort as well. I have looked but have not stayed there yet. Most are not right on the beach, but I think they have a shuttle that will pick you up and take you to Kapalua beach. there is also a golf course and a few restaurants - Kapalua Grill and Merrimans (my favorite sppecial occasion restaurant) and others.