Suggestions for first trip to Maui
 

Will be traveling to Maui in August. Any suggestions for location (Kapalua, Kanapaali, etc??), hotel, sites, etc.? I'm not too concerned about price; am looking to do some exploring; would like a very scenic/beautiful location to relax during the evening but good location as jumping off point for day trips. We'll be there for about a week. Would appreciate any thoughts.

Laura, Kapalua is a lovely scenic beautiful area but is inconvenient for doing exploring. Also, traffic congestion is horrible in West Maui (Lahaina). If you stay there, plan on doing some hard driving for three or four days to see the island. <BR>

I've been to Maui 4 or 5 times-going back in April. Kaanapali side and Wailea side are both very different and very beautiful. We are staying 4N one side and 5N the other to be able to see the whole island conveniently. I think this is a great idea depending on time. You're going off peak so stay ocean front and at one of the best resorts. Hyatt, Grand Wailea, Kea Lani. <BR>I've found that the hotel/condo makes the trip. Treat yourself to that swim up bar, and the 5 star restaurant! <BR>The sunrise at the creater is a must. I prefer my own car and not the van. <BR>

Thanks Marilyn and Dave. I appreciate the input. Any suggestions on a hotel in Kapalua? (My husband seems to be hell-bent on Kapalua -- probably because he was there twice with his ex-wife -- ugh! Oh well.)

traffic in lahaina? if you've ever driven in any major metropolitan city, there is no traffic to be heard of on maui! i recommend staying in wailea, at the grand wailea or kea lani...big bucks, but worth it...and you may run into someone famous.

I agree with Jennifer...the traffic is not that bad compared to what most of us deal with at home...I also agree that Wailea is the place to be...the hotels she mentioned are perfect and no more expensive than the 2 hotels in Kapalua (Ritz and Kapalua Bay Hotel)...Wailea is a good location for a lot of the sightseeing...

The Ritz in Kapalua is very nice. Very quiet. Not much night life there. It's only a 15 min drive into Lahaina though, <BR>plenty there...

You might want to get away from the beach for one or two days and stay upcountry, which puts you closer to Haleakala and Hana. There aren't a lot of options, but look at B&Bs and the Kula Lodge.

Oh gosh, so interesting to see posts that say don't stay in Kapalua.... Unfortunately, I took that advice for my first stay on Maui and missed out on staying in the best part of the island. Yes, I hold a grudge for people telling me to stay in Kaanapali rather than Kapalua LOL But at least, now I have to keep going back in order to make up for the first stay.<BR><BR>ANYWAY, Kapalua is the most beautiful place to stay on Maui IMHO Kaanapali is much like Waikiki (at least when I was there during summertime) many people, lots of action, not my style<BR><BR>Kapalua is prettier than Kaanapali or Wailea (IMHO, of course) and has a transcendent, tranquil, "very Maui" feeling that is lost on those other overly touristy areas <BR><BR>My favorite hotel is the Ritz Kapalua (heaven) and I love the Napili Kai beach resort for a more down to earth stay (than the ultimate luxury of the Ritz)<BR><BR>Recommendations for upcountry (which is a wonderful change of pace and good for a few days to see other parts of the island from) would be the Silver Cloud Ranch or Star Lookout--both B and Bs and in the Kula area.<BR><BR>Also, for some other unique vantage points in Maui, the Hotel Hana-Maui on Hana is newly refurbished and gorgeous. And there is a B and B in Wailuku (another lush area) called the Old Wailuku Inn which is wonderful.<BR><BR>I know this couple is long gone and back on their trip but this is for the benefit for people doing searches on info for Maui :)