I've never been to Maui before and don't know where to start. We're looking to rent a 1 bedroom timeshare/condo (want something nice). We'd prefer to be accessible to restaurants etc. but don't want to feel like we're in a congested/Waikiki type area. We'd prefer a smaller,quieter, lower rise complex rather than a huge high rise type. Something with ocean views for whale watching from a lanai would be a real plus as well. Anyone know of a timeshare/condo that sounds right? I don't even know what area is good. HELP!!

Consider Grand Champions Villas in Wailea. It's a small low rise complex with units on the golf course or tennis courts. Some units have ocean views.

Try the Kanapalii area, which is just 15 minutes or so from Lahina...we stayed there on our last trip, and it was a good "base" to operate from. We stayed at a two-story condo, with a balcony overlooking the water; could see whales breaching from there. The cost was reasonable - wasn't a palace, but very comfortable, clean, & nice.

Definitely choose Wailea over Kanapalli. Being near Lahaina is no big deal. It's the kind of place you want to go to once during your stay certainly once you've seen the ten thousand tee shirts shops you won't want to do it again. I've visited Maui almost yearly for the last ten years. We skip Lahaina altogether about every other trip. Wailea is such a world apart from Kanapalli. There are top restaurants, top shops, and spectacular golf courses not to mention that it's so uncrowded. Also it's near Kihei for shopping and a wide selection of restaurants. Kanapalli is hi-rise hotel after hotel.

Thanks for the suggestions. I've been surfing web sites and have found good deals in an area called Maalaea Bay (have no idea where this is yet...I'll have to do some more research). Anyone heard of Maalaea Banyans...they say it is oceanfront. I checked the Wailea Championship Golf villas...they're gorgeous but might be out of my price range. Any other suggestions are appreciated. I'm just starting my planning. Ida

Check out www.mauihawaiicondo.com. Wailea golf condo for $900.00 to $1100 depending on season. Maalaea Bay is on the opposite side of Kihei from Wailea. Don't know about the Banyan though.

Don't know when you're travelling, but we love the Napili Kai on Napili Bay. If the the price is too high there's a little mom and pop place called Napili Surf that's also on the beach. If you go with Napili Kai get an ocean front or ocean view room- don't go for the beachfront as they're much older units!

Napili Bay is my favorite part of Maui to stay. A beautiful, quiet area. Great whale watching. The beach is very pretty. I've had great experiences at Napili Shores and Napili Sunset. I have friends who love Napili Kai. Make sure you get an oceanfront, not ocean view.

Have a great time.

Stay away from Ka"anapli if you don't want congestion. We much preferred Condos in Kehei, fantastic beach & snorkeling, strip was convenient for shopping etc. No need to go on the strip if you don't want to.

The Maalaea Bay condos are generally less expensive because the area is extremely windy in the afternoon. If that's okay with you, it is almost equidistant to Kaanapali and Wailea.

However, I agree that Lahaina is a place you only need to visit once or twice. I've stayed in Kaanapali on all of my previous trips and next May will instead stay in the South Kihei/Wailea area. The weather is better, the beaches are nice, and there are more inexpensive and moderately priced restaurants than in Kaanapali.

You mentioned timeshare. We stayed in a timeshare called Kapulanika in Kihei. It was a low rise on the beach, small swimming pool, and a lanai. I was not congested and close to restaurants. We enjoyed it, but there were two problems. The floors weren't clean and there was no air conditioning. It was August and the tradewinds weren't there. But I think under normal conditions, it would be fine. Make sure you see Haleakala at sunrise, It was spectacular. Let me know if you have any questions I can help you with.