bogart

Hi folks! My husband and I are heading to Maui the end of May for 8 nights...we are in our late twenties and have been married for 2 yrs...looking for a nice balance of relaxation and adventure.

I've been going in circles on where to stay. We would like a nice hotel or resort...but not ritzy or stuffy. Would like a more understated, natural elegance with a true Hawaiian feel. A good swimming beach and handsome pool area are also musts. We are considering Kapalua Bay Hotel (hubby is an avid golfer)but are unsure because of the unpredictable weather reports I have been reading about. We we also like the Fairmont Kea Lani...although I understand Wailea area is more arid looking and the Kea Lani although a magnificent hotel is mediterranean inspired...not that that isn't lovely, we would just like to feel like we are in Hawaii...not Greece on Maui. Perhaps we'll stay 4 nights in Kapalua and 4 in Wailea to experience the best of both neighborhoods.

Any advice, recommendations etc. would be greatly appreciated! Also, does anyone know what the weather is like end of May? especially in the Kapalua area? is it more or less likely to be rainy/windy then?

TIA!!

pspercy

Hello,
The split between the two areas is something I've considered too. We went in the latter part of May last year, had solid rain first day but was an unusual weather pattern. We were in a condo in Kahana area. Wailea is not arid looking IMHO, far from it, and we went down that way in the last part of the trip to the beach in front of the Maui Prince which was great. There's golf down there too ! Can't comment on the hotels as we try for condos to save $$ on meals out etc.
Have a great trip, it's a great island.

mdtravel

My standard reply to anyone going to Maui or Kauai....get Maui Revealed book and follow it to the letter.

Enjoy. May should be beautiful.

bogart

thanks! I just ordered my copy of maui revealed yesterday...can't wait for it to arrive!

nicknik

Stay in any hotel in the whalers village, kannapalli. the area is flanked by the hyatt , and the sheraton with many hotels in between. the sheraton has the best snorkle, at black rock right in front of the hotel, and the whalers village area has a great golf course that surrounds the hotels. the area is khown for its hawaiian atmosphere. And there are outdoor shopping in the village , along with beachside restaurants, and the over all best beaches from one end to the other. have fun nick

cnmiranda

I stayed at the Kapalua Bay hotel. Luxurylink.com offers a really good auction 6 nts oceanview, breakfast for between 235-250 nt. Was very pleased with the hotel. The Kapalua Bay has some excellent snorkeling. The weather was fine when we visited (around the 2nd week of Sept). We didn't have any rain but it was a little cloudy and windy at times. I prefer that side of the island as it is more quiet. Also stayed at the 4S wailea. I don't know why but wailea just doesn't appeal to me that much though other family members enjoy it better. I like the tranquility of Kapalua. Have a great vacation!

trover

I just returned from Maui. I stayed at the Ritz Carlton in Kapalua for 5 days. There were no weather problems. It is a terrific hotel. The service is incomparable. The concierge was outstanding and very helpful with driving directions and making recommendations and reservations for activities. The room is spacious; the marble bathroom is incredible. The grounds are beautiful and romantic. The restaurants are great although I would definitely go to Lahaina for cheaper, good restaurants. The beach is pretty but not large. The swimming pool area is large and also very pretty and there is never an issue about getting a lounge chair. The service by the pool is excellent and the staff is quite pleasant. I am not a golfer but the golf is supposed to be great (I believe a big golf tournament was just played there). I could not recommend this hotel more highly. I have never stayed at the Kapalua Bay Hotel but have heard good things about it.

Maui is a great place for a vacation--no matter whether you want to lie around and relax or snorkel, golf whale watch etc. If you enjoy natural beauty I would definitely recommend spending a day driving the road to Hana. There are many things to see and you should start out early. I would also recommend renting a convertible car. We really enjoyed driving around the island with the top down (we had originally rented a compact car and ended up exchanging it -- it was the best money we spent). Have a great vacation!