Maui what area to look for condos
 

Have not been to Maui in years. DH and I always go to Kauai. thought I would give Maui another try with daughter and 11 year old grand daughter. Not sure of area to stay in Looking for condo. Have viewed several. What is a good area for beach and stores Where is and how is Maalaea area.. not familiar with that name at all. Several units in Kihei and Wailea. would appreciate any info on areas to stay.

Personally I was not keen on Maalaea or Kihei, we usually stay in Napili where there are a large number of condos and a gorgeous beach.

Kihei area has wonderful Kamaole Beach Parks I, II, III, and it's an easy drive down the road to other great beaches (plus a large variety of dining, shopping etc., options). If you do choose Kihei, I'd recommend south, even to Wailea. I don't like Maalea (north Kihei, harbor): too windy, drainage from fields.

Another vote for Kihei and the Kamaole beaches. All three are excellent swimming and snorkeling locations with free parking and showers.

Given what you've listed as priorities, Kihei sounds like the place for you. Wailea is close by and is a bit more upscale, and generally more expensive for accommodations.

I like the Kihei beaches but don't like Kihei itself for any other reason (Kihei Kaffe excluded - love it). Kihei is a regular town, and very unattractive. With your GD I'd choose a resort area - either Wailea or Kaanapali. Napoli is beautiful but you said you wanted stores too. Kasnapali is only 3 miles from Lahaina, which is a good place to spend your evenings.

"Kihei is a regular town, and very unattractive"

I disagree. It is a regular town, with regular people, on a beautiful coast, facing a long beautiful ocean park, and it has many lodging and dining and shopping options. Maybe it's not a sterile little preserve like a resort or downtown Lahaina, but I would hardly call it "unattractive."

Both times we went to Maui we stayed in Honokawai in a condo but loved the area around Napili and the beach at Kapalua. We did not care for the Kihei area at all.

What sylvia said. Kihei is more residential and busy, but that's what some people like about it. In that sense, I suppose it is a "regular town" -- grocery stores, shopping centers, etc. -- and not your typical resort-y location.

I wouldn't call it "unattractive."