Has anyone ever stayed in the Maalaea area? If so what is your experience with the area and how does it compare to Wailea??? Is it better to stay here since we will be closer to Lahaina? (I have read the posts about the long driving times)..Also, has anyone done the Sugar Cane Train ride with the evening barbecue? How was your experience with that.....?? Thanks in advance for all your help...

The Maalea and Kihei area is the windiest and thus, most affordable area of Maui. It would be OK if you are on a strict budget and are first-timers, but otherwise not prime vacation area.

I disagree with Mallory. I've stayed at the Maalea Surf Resort, right on the beach, about 30 feet from the water. Maalea has other ocean front condo/homes that range in prices. I've also stayed in Lahaina area and been in Wailea. If you want a resort atmosphere you'll need to go to one of those areas, but Maalea Surf was a great place to stay.

There's no comparison between Maalaea and Wailea. Wailea wins hand down.

Maalea is not as developed, there are no hotels on the water. Other than that there are more options and more affordable shopping, restaurants, etc. in the Maalea/Kihei area than in Wailea. If you want a hotel/resort go to Wailea or Lahaina. Also, if you want direct on the water, walk out to the beach from your lanai, it's more affordable outside of Wailea. Nothing wrong with either place, just different.

Hi, you should read the review in the "Maui Revealed" travel book. I think it will give you an idea on the Maalea area. I know there are a couple of very nice restaurants, but reviews on places to stay were not very encouraging.

Maalaea is basically a harbor/marina area midway between Lahaina and Kihei/Wailea. Condo-land. Not much beach or resort amenities. A few nice restaurants and the Maui Ocean Center nearby. Wailea is a different creature, more planned and upscale. Nice resort hotels and beaches linked by a oceanfront walking path. If the budget allows, Wailea is the place to be.

I've posted this response before, but I think you could benefit from checking out http://www.wizardpub.com/maui/mauaerials.html and getting a look at the aerial views of Maui's resorts. You can save yourself a great deal of disappointment by doing so before you make your reservations! Also, my husband and I were on Maui Sept. 1-15 and stayed just south of Maalaea at the Sugar Beach Resort in North Kihei. I agree with the other posters who commented that the area is very windy. There were days we didn't even want to be on the beach, and it takes a lot to make us feel that way! We were puzzled by this, since we stayed in the same area 9 years ago and don't recall that this was a problem, but it certainly was this time. It's a shame, because it's a lovely area--not one of those "well-manicured," snooty, overpriced areas like Kaanapali or Kapalua, but still beautiful and far more affordable. Good luck, regardless of where you decide to stay!