We are staying 8 nights in Maui. 4 nights booked at the Grand Wailea. Should we stay 4 nights in West Maui or just stay at the Grand for all 8 nights and drive to areas like Lahaina and Kapalua for day trips/dinners?

Sunnygirl, we stayed at the Maui Prince, just south of Wailea, and had no problem with taking a day-trip to Lahaina and Kaanapali. We loved the Feast of Lele at Lahaina.

We also did Haleakala as a day-trip.

If you really want to stay in 2 places, choose Wailea and Hana. The Hana side of the island is green and lush, and there are many special waterfalls and natural pools you can visit if you spend a couple nights there.

I agree with Melissa5. No need to move to Kaanapli/Lahaina area. You can drive there for the day, won't need to do it more than once. Plenty of places to have wonderful dinners in Wailea. If you want to move stay someplace completely different like Hana. Otherwise, sit back, relax and enjoy the Grand Wailea. You will love it!

We stayed at GW the whole time and loved it. I think you can see what you want without moving. Have a great time!

Thanks for the feedback. We will stay in Wailea the whole time then. Just wanted to make sure we could grab a snorkeling trip, helicopter ride or other attraction from Wailea. Also, we want to do the Lahaina Luau which I hear is a 40 minute drive from Wailea. Is that right?

Feast at Lele is the one to go to but you have to book early. They tend to get booked 5 nights out and even further when the spring break traffic hits the island. Yes, about 40 minutes from Wailea.

The drive seems much shorter than 40 mins. as it is quite pretty--ocean view all the way.

I think the Old Lahaina Luau is worth the drive. You'll probably have one day that you want to visit Lahaina anyway, and you can end your day with the luau...

Sunnygirl,
If you like beaches, you might want to consider spending a few nights at the Maui Prince, south of Wailea. It's not as over-the-top as the Grand Wailea (the pool area isn't anything special and the rooms are a little dated) but the beach is fabulous. A long, golden, crescent of sand is bordered by rich green foliage. You really feel like you're on a secluded Hawaiian beach, rather than on a small strip of sand next to a boardwalk and a bunch of hotels... which is how I felt in Wailea. The snorkeling is great (lots of sea turtles) and few people seem to come here, so you never feel like you're in a crowd. The prices are pretty reasonable compared to the Wailea resorts, and if you like golf, there are two great courses on the property.

We stayed our first 2 days at the Hotel Hana Maui and then 4 at the Maui Prince. It was a perfect split. The Maui Prince is in a great location and the beach really is great for snorkeling. Although it isn't really luxurious it is more than comfortable and reasonable. I know many people like Lahaina but it just seemed so touristy that we didn't even feel inclined ot park the car and top.