We have decided to do a last minute trip to Maui in early January and are curious what part of Maui we should stay in.

We are looking for low key, not too many families, less people but still central. Since we are there for 5 nights, I was thinking of spending a few days in Napili, and then spending a night in Hana as well.

Does anyone have any recommendations on where we should be looking for a smaller hotel/b&B or cottage/condo rental?

thanks!

I don't think you have to worry about too many families in early January.

they tend to visit Hawaii during Christmas break, spring break or summer.

Normally I would think Napili would be a nice place.

But the forecast is for a rainier than normal winter.

Though they are separated by just a few miles, Napili gets a lot more rain that Kaanapali.

So if you stay in West Maui, Lahaina or Kaanapali would be better during the rainy season.

South Maui is even drier, but less nightlife than Lahaina/Kaanapali.

With only 5 nights, I would do a day trip Road to Hana. It will be a long day, but you won't have to bring luggage/valuables along & have to worry about car break-ins on the way.

Rainfall maps:

http://www.climatesource.com/hi/fact...s/hippt_xl.jpg

http://www.galttech.com/research/tra...er-resorts.php

Lots of Hawaii sites. Just ignore the Oahu info:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=34812564

Dusty may have a point about Hana, but I was happy we spent a night there and 4 in Wailea. Talk about low key and quiet - just lovely. No rain in either place, but then this was April, not Jan.

Wailea will be drier than Napili. We rented a condo through VRBO there. We spent 2 nights in Hana - that was my favorite part of the trip. It is rainier there but it is really beautiful. I know a lot of people do a day trip, but it would be a long day and you would not have the opportunity to take in all the sites. We stayed in a cottage rented through VRBO. It was on a flower farm. It was just lovely.

There's a few B&B's in Lahaina. Some people think it's "too touristy" but I enjoyed staying there because there're lots of things to do on foot without having to get in the rental car every time.

Thanks for everyone's thoughts. I didn't take into consideration the rain factor!

I'll look int wailea. Lahaina is a little too lively for our tastes. I've even considered staying out in Hana the entire time, but since it's my boyfriend's first trip to Maui, I thought it would be worthwhile to be somewhat centrally located...

Cheers!

We loved Wailea - it was quiet, beautiful, and romantic.

Another vote for Wailea. Its relatively quiet, great beaches and a nice 2 mile walkway along the beach. I've stayed at the Marriott and the Grand Wailea which are both nice but there are several smaller locations for reasonable cost. The Maui Prince comes to mind. The road to Hana is nice but I prefer Haleakala. You can see the sunrise and still make it back for a day at the beach or you can do fantastic staygazing at night.

South Kihei/Wailea will [normally] be the driest part of the island. Also low-rise, lower density than Ka`anapali or Napili (which is a gorgeous bay). Take your friend to Hana and slow down to enjoy the journey. If possible, continue clockwise on your return. It's a quietly beautiful slice of Maui that is fast disappearing.

Do drive over to the west. You may see humpback whales in the water below while you are driving along the road, especially from the McGregor's point vantage.

Have a great trip.