Napili Bay is our favorite area on Maui

Napili Honokowai would be my choice too followed by Paia. Hope it all works out Song Doc! Try the dry mein at Sam Sato's. (My fave) But you can also have the noodles in soup as well like regular Saimin. Enjoy your trip!!

Well...Willie (need I add Nelson?) drops into a few places in Paia. It has a hippy-dippy, surfer dude atmosphere. The cottages at Mama's Fish House are nice, but I would want South Maui or West Maui for a longer stay. Paia is convenient for Road to Hana, Haleakala and Upcountry, and Iao Valley. I don't know how much windsurfing goes on in summer, but it's a big deal in winter.

We own in South Kihei, as one of our fellow-owners says, "A few palm trees from Wailea." It's twenty minutes across the valley to Kahaului and forty-five to Lahaina. I like 'the ends' of the island better than the tall elevator buildings of Kaanapali. We are happy with ocean view, A/C option, low-rise, low-density, and walking distance to a good beach -- or a five minute drive to more.

Kihei is a beach *town*. It isn't a prettified resort. Like most small towns were real people live, it has groceries, banks, a hardware store, doctors, plumbers, repair shops, etc. -- and the ubiquitous strip malls. The Kamaole Beach Parks are harmoniously used by locals and visitors. Kihei's 'main drag' is South Kihei Road -- a teeny bit is on North Kihei Road. Unlike West Maui, with its' two-lane connector between Maalala and Lahaina, Kihei and Wailea are served by a four-lane highway above the coast.

Napili is very pretty. I love Alaeloha, but I don't think they rent for less than a month. Kapalua has a good supply of new-er, larger condos.

For a first-time visitor with limited time on Maui, South Maui is more convenient.

I agree that Kihei isn't a "prettified resort". But its not pretty, period. Not quaint, not charming. It has weather and great beaches going for it, and a lot of lodging that is less expensive than other parts of the island.

The decision is made!!!

http://www.vrbo.com/78517

I haven't actually booked it yet, but I will ... unless somebody changes my mind FAST! ;-)

The most recent review seems to be Dec 12.

That's odd--and concerning. Hmmm ... I'll mention that when I hear back from the owner.
Thanks for pointing that out.

Kuleana gets good reviews on another board that I frequent. I do wonder about no reviews on this particular unit since 2012. Maybe try the manager at the complex?

Interesting, there are much more recent reviews on Tripadvisor, of both the complex and the particular unit. Across the board, good reviews.

Thanks. I'm comfortable booking it now, and am waiting to hear back from the manager.