Maui in Late August
 

My husband and I would like to visit Maui August 26 - Sept. 4. I have been sifting through the multiple posts on Maui and have come up with several questions. We will be staying at the Sheraton Maui for 5 nights (free using points), and Kapalua Bay Hotel for quiet and more relaxing (4 nights). We thought that we would split our trip into two hotels and experience different aspects of the island. <BR>1.) Are we crazy for changing hotels? <BR>2.) Are there many differences in the two areas? <BR>3.) Best beaches & snorkeling <BR>4.) Should we be concerned about it being hurricane season? <BR>5.) What are some things that I should not leave Maui without seeing/doing? <BR>6.) Am I splitting the days the right way - should we be experiencing another part of the island, not necessarily the way I mentioned? <BR> <BR>Thanks in advance for your help, it is really appreciated. <BR>

The distance between the Sheraton and Kapalua Bay is only 15 minutes, as they are both in western Maui. So, from the standpoint of access to restaurants and shopping in the nearby areas of Lahaina/Kaanapali/Kahana/Kapulua, the change of hotels doesn't change your options. However, the change does, as you say, take you to a more relaxed and quiet setting in Kapalua, which may be what you want. Personally, if I were to divide my stay between two hotels, I'd probably opt for one in western Maui and the other further south, in Wailea, to experience a different region. <BR>I'd recommend that on the day of the hotel transfer you check-out of the Sheraton, drop-off your luggage at Kapalua Bay (even if your room isn't yet ready) and then be prepared and have already planned a day trip (perhaps exploring "upcountry"), so that when you return from your day trip, your room will then be available. Of course, you may alternatively choose to remain at the Sheraton until <BR>3pm or so (ask for late check-out) so that you will arrival at Kapalua Bay will be during normal check-in hours and your room will, hopefully, be ready for you. <BR>Although I've made many trips to Maui, I'm unfamiliar with August/September weather conditions, but doubt there is much difference temperature-wise (which doesn't fluctuate that much). The so-called "rainy season" (which is a misnomer) is later, during the winter months.

Tracy, as the above poster noted, these hotels are very close- 15 minutes if you drivr REAL slow. The eas are very similar. All teh beaches in Hawaii are accessable so you can go to Kapalua and visit the beach at Kapalua Bay. <BR>The snorkeling is real good at Black Rock right at the Sheraton. We have been to Maui at the same time of year and the weather was great. Hurricanes are not a big concern in Hawaii, we were there 2 weeks before Iniki devastated Kauai and that is the last hurricane I recall to hit the islands(1992). <BR>I'd recommend the Road to Hana, Haeleakala, La Perousse Bay, Lahaina. <BR>Also a drive around the north of West Maui to Kahalui is a mini road to Hana. <BR>If you must experience 2 different parts of the island, check out Wailea. It's about 45-60 minutes from Kaanapali and IMO is more laid back with a slew of upscale hotels. We checked out the Renassaince last year but will probably stay in Kanapali next trip. We really enjoy it there. <BR>Bart

Thank you both for your suggestions. I have actually read alot about Wailea and that may actually be another option. Is there a hotel in Wailea that you would recommend? <BR> <BR>The reason I was looking at the Kapalua Bay Hotel is because it seems very quiet and serene. This will be our first trip to Hawaii and we are interested in nightlife, great restaurants, and water sports. However we are also really looking forward to relaxation: quiet(few children/loud adults), romantic walks on the beach, romantic dinners. If Wailea is like that than we may spend a day at Kapalua and head to Wailea. Thanks again, you both have really helped in narrowing it down a bit.

We were in Kapalua in March. In case you are unaware, there was substantial construction going on next door to the Kapalua Bay Hotel. Actually, they were doing the ground work at that time. The Kapalua Bay Hotel is a wonderful place to stay but I would strongly suggest that you find out if this construction will still be going on in August. It may significantly distract from the relaxing and peaceful feeling you are seeking. The Ritz Carlton is another good choice in that same area. We stayed there and had the pleasure of construction trucks driving by each day. But at least it was down the way from the construction area. In Wailea, you have some great choices. We happen to like the Renaissance. It is a very relaxing hotel atmosphere. <BR>

Tracey, <BR> <BR>August/September can be a steaming inferno on most of Maui so I believe I'd keep my reservation at Kapalua, even though my favorite place in the world is the Renaissance at Wailea. I think Kapalua is the best place to be on Maui that time of year, in fact, if you weren't staying free at Sheraton, I'd book my whole visit there! <BR> <BR>As for hurricane season, Hawaii is not like the Caribbean - hurricanes are rare, even though they did have a couple of biggies in the last twenty years. You know, you can't predict the weather, but history says not to worry! <BR> <BR>You'll have great beaches at both hotels - relax and have a ball! <BR> <BR>Aloha, Lani

Hi <BR>I just got back from the Sheraton Maui. We had a great time. Grounds are lovely (Hyatt and Marriot a bit over the top for me) Room was spacious as was the bath. If you want to stay somewhere else for a few nights I would head of the the hana resort. Price but quite secluded and a bit of old Hawaii. Very understated. Or hop over to Kauai for a few nights. Less touristy than Maui. Stay somewhere around Poipu beach area. Fantastic coastline and sunsets. We stayed at the Sheraton there also. Get an ocean front room for a real treat. Also Kauai has the great Napali coast tours by boat or helicopter. <BR>Hope this helps.

Since we're on the subject of Kapalua, has anyone stayed at or have an opinion of the Kapalua Villa's? Thanks!

* Stayed at the Kapalua Bay (checked into a villa, immediately checked out and into the hotel) a few years ago and was quite disappointed compared to our other visits to Hawaii. We found the rooms dark, older looking and the hotel not especially luxurious. Yes, it is very serene, very nice little beach. cooler weather than Wailea with more rain. <BR>* Although many people on this forum feel like you must spend a whole week (or two, some people say) on an island to enjoy it, for my taste 3-4 days is plenty. I like staying on 2 islands during a week. If you've never been to Hawaii, Kauai and Maui make a really nice contrasting duo. Maui with more to do, great weather, Kauai with the prettiest scenery you'll find anywhere, much more quiet and relaxed. <BR>* I'd stay at the Sheraton on points, head to Kauai and go to Poipu area or Princeville, or even sample the Big Island for the other half of your trip.

Thanks for all the helpful information. I made our reservations today and decided to stay at the Sheraton the whole time and do day trips to other parts of the island. Since I tend to unpack upon arrival - I think I will save myself the hassle of repacking and unpacking again. <BR> <BR>Chris - regarding Kauai <BR>We had talked about visiting Kauai until one of the couples traveling with us returned from there and were absolutely bored and in bed by 9 pm. I like quiet, but I also like the opportunity to do something else besides relax if the urge arises. That may be a trip that we take alone. <BR> <BR>Again thank you all for the information - it has been helpful in making my decisions. <BR> <BR>Tracey