Has anyone stayed at the Plantation Inn in Lahaina or the Lahaina Shore Beach Resort, studio with mountain view? What are they like and can you get around without a car?

i think the Plantation Inn was the sister hotel to where we always stay. (The Kaanapali Beach Hotel) I can't comment on the Plantation Inn, but I do recommend Kaanapali Beach Hotel. We wouldn't go to Maui and stay anywhere else.

I can't imagine Maui without a car...little to no public transportation exists...you would really be limiting yourself without a car. I would think the shuttle costs from airport to hotel would be a lot.

If you intend to only stay in Lahaina, you could get by without a car, but what's the point? There is a great deal of Maui to see and you will need a car to see it.

If you drive, I would rent a car. If not, I suppose you could go on tours to see the island. Although that would be way more expensive than car rental and gas.

You really need to rent a car in Maui.
You will miss so much if you don't.

We stayed at the Plantation Inn in Maui in mid-Sept 2001. We found it very nice for two non-beach people. It is a couple of blocks inland but very walkable to anywhere in Lahaina. I believe we had the standard room and when we go back to Maui will probably stay there again but definitely will upgrade the room since ours was on the smallish size. I would not go to Maui without a car.

We stayed in Plantation Inn more recently in 2004. It was very nice with a small pool and shady gardens. The room was a bit dark as they painted the ceiling dark blue. Location is convenient for walking around Lahaina and access to other parts of the island. There are parking spaces for guests. Rates included a small breakfast. I think Plantation Inn is good for a short stay, I'd choose somewhere different for a longer stay.

As others have said, you need a car in Maui. Also, if you're staying in Lahaina, your hotel won't be on the beach.

Plantation Inn is located in the heart of Lahaina Town. Lahaina Shores is located at the south end of Lahaina and away from most of the action except for some action at 505 Front St. located next door. There is public bus transportation that will take you to Kihei/Wailea, and Kahului. http://www.co.maui.hi.us/bus/
Fare is $1. There are also trolly shuttles between The Wharf (banyan tree) complex, The Cannery Mall, and Whalers Village in Kaanapali.

I haven't stayed at the Plantation Inn, but have stayed at Lahaina Shores several times. I often come to Maui by myself, and since I don't drive, LSR is a great location for me. It's right on the ocean - though not great swimming area - pool is small. It's only a few blocks to downtown Lahaina & no worries about parking. You can catch a shuttle behind Wharf Center to get to other areas - Ka'anapali, Ma'alea, Kihei & Wailea. If you want to travel farther, you'd need to book a tour if you don't have a car. If you choose LSR, definitely rent an ocean side unit. There are many great choices on www.vrbo.com. Good luck!
Dianne

I haven't stayed at either but thought both the Plantation Inn and Lahaina Shores looked lovely. If I get to go back, Lahaina Shores would probably be my choice because of the waterfront location. (By the way, right beside it was a palm tree with flowers hanging from it. Does anyone know if they belong to the tree or was it an orchid?) We saw people eating outside at the Plantation Inn and thought that looked very pleasant too. Have any of you eaten dinner there? We did enjoy Longhi's for breakfast.

We were only in Lahaina for three days in total, and got around on foot and by bus, but on a normal visit I would want to see more of the island by car.