Hi there, I feel like I have read so many sites and posts I'm utterly confused. I would be very grateful if someone can shed some wisdom for us please? This is my first post here too ...

We are coming home to Sydney, Australia from Colorado via Maui 15-19 Jan (4 nights).

We want to base ourselves in one spot, preferably with a nice view, close but not necessarily next to the ocean. Where it is a little quiet (b&b but not necessarily), somewhere we can enjoy some night life, and nice restaurants with the 'on holiday' feel.... but not feel overrun and uninspired by marauding tourists???

Paia sounded right up our alley, a bit hippy, full of health shops, yoga and pamper, a bit quirky and full of character, BUT in Jan they say the waves are too big to enjoy swimming and snorkelling ?? ... one of the main things we want to do. So we'd need to head south.

Can anyone suggest a great place to base ourselves?
Figure Hana is TOO secluded and quiet, although gorgeous. We will drive over there for the day.

Lahaina sounds like the main tourist/visitor spot ... is it too crowded?

The whole big resort thing isn't our thing, and we're open to suggestion really.

Any accommodation recommendations welcome, our budget is up to $150 - $200 a night for the both of us. I think that should work? We are only booking now, so we've left it a little late...

Thank you in advance!

Kihei--Wailea. Lots of night life, nice--superb beaches, lots of condo options (small, low rise, right across from Kamaole beach, try Hale Kamaole or Maui Kamaole, great value and location. Stay south for nice snorkeling/swimming, go north for superb surfing!

BTW--Lahina is a port town, no beaches to speak of--fun to go for the day or dining/sightseeing, not such a great base unless you are mooring a boat.

Thank you! just the answer I was hoping for! nice 'n' simple.

j9beck, Kihei was the first place I thought of when I read your post, and I completely agree with Sylvia3. Happy planning ...

And as the forecast here is for snow---need any help with your luggage?

Wailea on the south side is the way to go. You're right about Paia - visit it but don't stay there. Same goes for Hana, although we are very disenchanted with the Road to there - beautiful but overly-hyped and a waste of a day of driving if you're limited to the 4 nights. The post on Lahaina is also correct.

Kihei.

Ken