I am thinking we may go to Hawaii for the first time. Maui seems to be the most recommended place to go. We would probably like to rent using VRBO but do not know what is the best area to stay. We are 50 somethings who like the beach and sightseeing. It would be great if it was not super crowded. We may go at Easter or possibly June or July. Would one of those be less expensive? Thanks!!!!

Crowds? Well, Spring break and summer are likely to be a lot more crowded than, say, September or October, but with the economy as it is, it may not be a problem. The beaches and dry weather are on the west side, and from Kapalua to Hana you are more likely to get some rain. If I were going, I'd look at the Wailea area. (I'm partial to Kona Village Resort on the Big Island, and haven't bene to Maui for a number of years, but when I did go there i got a condo in Wailea.) It's a beautiful island, and there's lots to see, from rain forest to cactus.

You might consider the Mahana which is in Honokawai, the area to the north of Kaanapali on the west side of Maui. It is all oceanfront! and the views and sunsets are awesome. There are many Mahana rentals on VRBO.

http://www.vrbo.com/vacation-rentals...anapali/mahana

I would look at Napili. There are several places right there. I don't know if VRBO has anything there, but the beach is the best, there is a great little restaurant for breakfast - The Gazebo, and there's a little market. It's a little ways from Lahaina but it isn't too bad a drive into town when you want to go. I like it better than Kaanapali.

If we decide to stay in a hotel, what would the Maui experts recommend? Our budget is probably in the $200 per night range. Would it be more cost effective to book some sort of package? The condos look very nice for the links given so far. Does anyone else have a condo to recommend? Lots of questions! As you can see I am ignorant of any and all Hawaii travel information. Thanks!!!

Easter, June and July are all high season in Hawaii.

October through early December ( except for Thanksgiving week) are low season and the best times for deals.

We stayed in a very nice condo at The Whaler on Ka'anapali beach. Go to vrbo/maui . It was only 150 a night but this was in October. Rates should be pretty low in the summer. I love a condo for the size and its so nice to have a coffee maker and a fridge for cold drinks and lunch and breakfast items. We ate dinner out. We loved the Whaler, being right on the beach and with in walking distance to nice resturants.

I suggest you read a good guide book, in particular Maui Revealed. It will give you a good sense of the various areas. We like south Kihea and Wailea, But wailea is more expensive. On wizardpub.com (the website of the people who publish Maui revealed) you can see arial photos of the various resorts.

If you do look at the Whaler, be aware all the units are individually owned, maintained and decorated (some condo developments are more like hotels, but this one isn't). It is on the beach, and grounds are okay. Personally, I think the pool is waaaay too small although I liked the temperature! It is in a great location, right in the middle of Kaanapali Beach.

leuk, Maui Revealed is a great book. Good suggestion.


HEre is a link to the Naplili properties. Many of them are privately owned, though you can also rent them through OUtrigger, or at least you used to be able to.

http://www.vrbo.com/vacation-rentals...maui/west-maui

Thanks for all the good advice!