Maui - February or April
 

Hi. I appreciate the responses to my other questions and have another one. We're going to Maui next year. My family wants to go in February for a couple of reasons. The weather is bad for us here at home that time of year, and more imnportantly, we've been told that's a great time to watch whales, see sea turtles, etc. That's a big selling point. However, I've noticed that's peak season and we'll be paying more - at least $300 per night for a view condo. Is that reasonable for February? Another option would be to go later in April just after peak season ends. Any suggestions as to which month might be better? And we'er also thinking of staying in the Kaanapali area, but someone just mentioned their family loved staying in Napili - we both have kids 10 and 12, and they thought the bay was perfect for them. Any thoughts on staying at either location? Thank you.

I went to Maui a couple of January's ago. I live in New England so it was nice to get away in the winter. However, it was really tough to go back to snow after a week in paradise.<BR><BR>The whales were fantastic in Maui although, it was not the highlight of our trip. I guess it would all depend on how much more expensive it is to go in February as opposed to April. We stayed at the Marriott on Kaanapali Beach. The room was over $300/night, but we used points. One thing to remember is that Maui is very expensive (but worth it). If it doesn't make or break your world to see the whales, I would go in April and use the money saved for other things to do on vacation. Just my opinion.<BR><BR>Also, I have never been to Napili, but I did love the Kaananpali/Lahina area because I like to keep busy. That might be good for your kids.<BR><BR>Have a great time!

We were in Oahu and Maui in mid April this year (1st trip). On Maui, we stayed in Wailea and saw whales from our balcony, our pool, our outdoor restaurant etc. even though it was the end of whale season. The resort was not filled to capacity and nothing seemed overly crowded, which leads me to believe it must have been just out of peak season. I've heard it's wetter in February than in April.

Try gohawaii.com and see what's scheduled during your dates and weather info.<BR><BR>I would prefer February, even for the price. Live in Chicago and agree, there is nothing like getting away during the bleakest part of the winter.<BR><BR>

We were there in March last year and the whales were everywhere. This year, in late April, only saw a few whales. Don't know what size condo you need, but we paid about $230 a night for a 2 bedroom ocean view in Kahana in March (still peak season). We also found condos in the Napili area for less than that. So do shop around and don't feel like you have to stay in Kaanapali.

January and February are the months most prone to rain and clouds. That's their main downside.<BR>Spring and summer tend to be VERY dry.

We usually go in March and have wonderful luck with weather, usually only getting brief afternoon showers. The whales are definately one of our highlights. I tend to like going during the winter so we can get a break from the cold. For that reason I would suggest Feb. over April.