How is this area for a vacation stay? We want to relax on the beach, snorkel, play volleyball, go on excursions and eat out occasionally. Any suggestions? Is it easy to travel around the west and north parts of Maui from there?

Thanks

I have not stayed there, but I did stay in Kaanapali for a week.

The northern route around West Maui is really scenic. But it is illegal to take most rental cars around the northern route. I've done it & it can be a white knuckle trip as there are many places where it is only one lane. Also don't try it if it is raining as there are streams that go right across the road when it rains. It will also take 2 hours to go about 20 miles or so.

You really need to use the southern route to get to & from airport, Hana, Haleakala. But take the northern route just for the scenery one time.

Lots of info. Just ignore the Oahu things.

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=34812564

www.mauihawaii.org is a really nice Maui site from Maui Jon.

Illegal? Only illegal roads are "unimproved" ones; the only major one of those left that can be classified (remotely)is around the south side, and that's debatable (but still closed, I think)

"Illegal?"

I should have said, not allowed by rental companies.

Illegal wasn't a good choice of word.

We have stayed in this area, both at Kaanapali Shores and Noelani condos (loved this place). But neither beach was nice and we always ended up driving up to Napili for beach and snorkeling. Last trip we stayed at Napili, and was very glad we did. There are numerous condos there - we happened to stay at Napili Point and the snorkeling was right outside our front door, and a gorgeous beach just a couple of minutes walk along the shore on a dirt/rock path. I highly recommend this area.