MomtoCCC

HI all

I'm planning a family trip to Maui for May/June 2010. We will most likely rent a condo for family of 5 (kids will be 20, 17, and 6). I' ve been reading up on Maui and I'm curious on what the major differences are between the South area and the West area. Is one more developed than the other? How are the beaches? Do both have good restaurants and activities? Is one area more expensive? Thanks for your help!

Kellye

dfr4848

To us, Lahania had a more "city" feel (which makes sense considering its history) and thus a little more crowded than the south area. Both areas have plenty of restaurants and activities. There are certainly some expensive properties in the south area, but I wouldn't say overall it'a particularly more expensive than the west.

The biggest difference we noticed is that it was considerably warmer in the west area than the south.

volcanogirl

We stayed in the Wailea area and thought it was beautiful and romantic - seemed a little more upscale and less crowded than other areas we visited.

sf7307

I can't compare to the south, because I haven't been there in 30 years, but to me, Lahaina is a tourist "town", not city-like at all (I guess it depends where you're coming from). It's bigger than a small town like Paia, but still, a small town. Lots of restaurants, souvenir shops, etc. It's also quaint and fun (and crowded during high season at least).

ksucat

We always have stayed on the west side..Kapalua, Napili, Kaanapali..do not like Kihei but love the Wailea area.
First time to Maui, I would stay in the Kaanapali area..Westin and Hyatt are lovely and central to everything with great restaurants and a decent beach..
Lahaina is more to drive in, shop, eat and move on..imo

sf7307

Lahaina is more to drive in, shop, eat and move on..imo

but only 3 miles from Kaanapali Beach!

ksucat

only 3 miles...are you sure it's not 3.5 miles?

montereybob

Kehei has more budget hotels and condos than the other areas but it is not as aesthetic as Kaanapali and Wailea. Kehei gives me the feeling that I'm in Southern California. The other 2 areas give me more of the feeling that I'm in Hawaii. The 20 year old and 17 yr old would have more fun in Kaanapali since that area is swarming with others their age and they might fine Wailea more filled with older adults and families. Also, Kaanapali is livelier at nite which is usually to the liking of teens and young adults. All three kids would love the fabulous kid oriented pool areas at the Hyatt in Kaanapali. All that said, Wailea and Kaanapali are both beautiful areas with great resorts and beaches. You'll have a great vacation in either area.

MomtoCCC

Thanks for all your help. I will look at the Kaanapali area.

Weadles

MomtoCCC,

I had the very same question! We're returning in a couple of weeks ( stayed in Kaanapali last year) and thanks to sf7307, ( poster above) I found out about Kaanapali Alii and booked it. We are traveling with our older teens ( 20 and 18) plus two of their friends this year, so a hotel wouldn't have worked. I will post about it when we get back at the end of July!

suze

I've only stayed in Lahaina so I can't compare it to the other location for you. But I really enjoy having a town walking distance from where I stay. To not be tied to the rental car, and be able to walk to have meals, shopping, entertainment.

mmama

does anyone know if you can walk to Lahaina from the Ritz?

Brian_in_Charlotte

No way.

sf7307

Ditto - no. First, it's far (it's about 3 miles from the north end of Lahaina to Kaanapali, and then another 10 or so minutes driving to Kapalua). Plus I don't think there's any SAFE way to do it anyway, since it's sort of freeway-like. It's also uphill.