Maui Confusion
 

My wife and I and another couple will be in Maui from 09/16 to 09/24. We have read all the guidebooks - Frommers, Maui Revealed, Fodors and after all the reading we are confused. So I thought I would go to the best source for clearing up our confusion.

We like to bike, hike, snorkle, sunbath, golf and shop.

1. Is there one part of the island better than the other to stay for the week.

2. Is one part not as good.

3. Since we are looking for two bedroom condo - what are the two best choices and which ones do we avoid.

4. My wife and I like B&Bs but the other couple have little to no experience in staying at a B&B, but if that is an option are there some that are highly recommended and some to run away from in terror?

I have found the respondees in the Fodors community to be well informed and extremely helpful when my wife and I are planning European vacations and I know that I will find the same type of individual in the US community board. Thanks.

dhoffman, first we need some idea of what you want to spend per night on a condo (between the two couples.) There are a zillion of them on Maui, and you probably won't find anyone who can give you a *top two.* The whole island is wonderful, but in September, if the heat bothers you, you might want to go north on the island (Napili, Kapalua...) It can get very hot in September and October, and you feel it if the trades slow down for a few days at a time. You do want A/C that time of year there. There are B&B's with excellent reputations on Maui (I think B&B's are better in Hawaii than anywhere else, if you enjoy the B&B experience. I prefer hotel resorts, as a rule.) I will try to find a website for the B&B's, and post back here. The hard thing about going to Maui is that it's virtually ALL so nice that it's hard to choose an area to stay! Aren't we lucky???

dhoffman, for an excellent choice of B&B's, try this website:
www.bebackhawaii.com/
Lots of info, and Brigitte and her husband David have been to them all.

Check out the Maui Hill condos in Kihei.
We've stayed there twice in Septembers and been very pleased. They're at the very south, less cluttered end of Kihei, almost in Wailea. They have one to three bedroom condos, very nice grounds and pool area, across the road from the ocean but good views from most of the condos. Do a search on this site for more discussion of the facility.

... to be honest, there is nothing to do in Kihei, as the residents kept emphasizing to us last week. Ka'anapali is the beat area for all sorts of sports.

Among other things, Kihei has a boat ramp from which many dive and snorkel excursions depart, three first rate snorkeling/swimming beaches (the "Kams")and on its southern border, Keawakapu Beach, itself with very good snorkeling, as well as numerous mid-level restaurants, shops and condominiums (though few hotels). It also sprang spontaneously, rather than from a master plan, like Ka'anapali or Wailea. Also has driest climate of any resort area of Maui, and, seven figure beach homes on Keawakapu. Adjacent to world class dining and shopping at Wailea. Wailea has upper-end to highest end condominiums, most low-rise low density. Kihei/Wailea (and south) has the best snorkeling beaches of any part of Maui.

AMEN to *hmmm*!!!!!!!!!!! Some of my family goes to Kihei every winter for 6 weeks, and they find plenty to do. AND you're right next door to everything in Wailea!

SoBe, you were talking to the wrong residents. There is plenty to do in Kihei. Kiehi has more nightlife and entertainment than the resort areas, excellent swimming beaches, snorkeling, restaurants, all without being within the confines of a resort, like in Wailea, or in a circus like Lahaina. There are world-class golf courses and some of the best bike paths on the island, for both street and off-road cycling.

I've been to Maui twice, and ended up throwing out all of the guidebooks except "Hawaii for Dummies," which I found to be the most user-friendly, and actually, the most accurate. I'd invest in that book and take it with you. It has good sections on restaurants, condos, resorts, etc., and tells you with frankness and honesty what the different areas are like so you can figure out what you want.

To answer your questions:

1/2) Wailea is better, IMO. It's prettier, less crowded, has fewer kids everyhere, and is generally more relaxing. If you golf, it's definitely for you. It's got good shopping as well. It's a little more posh than Kanapaali, which IMO, felt a little more Disneyland.

3) I don't know much about the condos.

4) Admittedly, I know nothing about the B&B's. But, if you like golf and sunbathing, I'd forego the B&B experience and head for a resort instead. The Renaissance Wailea is great and lower priced than the other resorts in the area.

Whether you stay in Kaanapali, Kihei or Wailea the best shopping is in Makawao and Paia. Many people take bike tours from Haleakala, through Makawao and down through Paia town or they rent their own bikes and do a similar ride. Good hiking at Haleakala, as well as a short nice hike in Iao Valley, Wailuku. Also, very good restaurants from Higher-end Hailiimaile General Store, Mama's Fish House to more moderate Pa'ia Fishmarket, Moana Cafe or to budget Cafe de Amis or Cafe Mambo.