My fiance and I will be going to Maui on our honeymoon August 2006. We are looking to book a hotel. Any suggestions on what areas/beaches the the best? Also any suggested hotels would be appreciated. Thanks!

One best beach?! Best area? Can't be done. Many prefer Kaanapali; others (my BH and kids) prefer the south side, Wailea and/or Kihei. Some like to retreat upcountry (not for you, no beaches) or to Hana (do the drive, but stay there if you want seclusion--and maybe rain). (Kahului if you are on a business trip, like traffic, and don't want the beach; Lahaina if you want a cool little crowded busy historic town with virtually no beach, but boats.) The variety and price of condos (I always suggest a condo--cheaper, way bigger, more private, more relaxed, eat where/when you want) is a little better--IMO!!--in the Kihei/Wailea area, as are the shopping, groceries, and restaurants (IMO); in addition, the beach and snorkeling variety from Kamaole south to La Perouse Bay simply can't be beat. A visit to Hanalua Bay for snorkeling, esp. in summer, is fabulous--right near Kaanaplai/Kapalua (but you can do that in an early morning day trip!). From anywhere you chose to stay, the island has lovely day trips of swimming, snorkeling, hiking (does any one else really like the petroglyphs and heius?), Haleakala volcano viewing, waterfall swimming--you will just need to do a little bit of research. For example, do check into condo vs. hotel (e.g., you can be in an oceanside place, but not have an ocean view--and you can be in a place across a street from the beach, but have a terrific ocean view), make sure you have a car for some sidetrips, and be adventurous! (And, buy a copy of Maui Revealed--paying close attention to admonitions about abusing private property, people, culture, etc.)
Congratulations to you, best wishes to the bride! (I learned you never congratulate a bride, just a groom--quaint sexism, but nice--and remember, you are the fiance, your bride to be is the fiancee). You will have a lovely and memorable honeymoon.

Kapalua was our favorite.

There's another good guidebook book with beautiful photos, called "Driving Maui and Molokai" by Richard Sullivan (the name my be a bit different), It's avaiilable on Amazon. What I like about his books (there's one for Oahu also) are that he gives detailed directions and maps for how to get to those gorgeous places, should you want to go.
RE: hotels: is there a specific budget limit? That will help folks on this board give suggestions.
Congratulations on your upcomng wedding!!

Your post is way too vague. There is no "best" area or beach. It really depends on what you are looking for. Also, there are a lot of hotels on Maui from budget to luxury - it would be helpful to know what your standards and budget are going to be for this trip.

As others have said, there are very distinct areas of Maui. Having said that, there are 2 that stand out in regards to their beaches:

South Maui - The beaches in this area tend to be very long and sandy (though the area from Kalama Park north to just south of (but not including) Sugar Beach tends to have quite a bit of seaweed and occassionally an unpleasant odor). South of Kalama Park (ie the 3 Kamaole Beaches and every thing south from there down through Wailea/Makena) are pretty perfect. Area is considerably drying and more arid-looking than the main resort areas of West Maui so the landscape is not as pretty in my opinion. Wailea is extremely upscale (think Beverly Hills nice) while Kihei is more of a regular beach town as found most anywhere along the US coast (but is of course cheaper).

West Maui - In general the beaches are smaller here and tend to be separated by rocky sections. They are very beautiful however and the area is a bit greener than South Maui with an almost park-like appearance (especially the areas further north).

The end result is that BOTH areas have terrific beaches.

A condo will be much cheaper (and likely give you more room) than one of the resort hotels (especially if you rent the condo through VRBO.COM or one of the other "by owner" sites) - though a full-scale resort will offer a better pool, onsite restaurant etc.

Ken

My husband and I were married on South Makena Beach a few years ago. We stayed in Wailea at the Renaissance, and loved both those areas! Wailea is know as the sunny part of the island. We loved it and would highly recommend it. There is a beautiful walking path starting at the Renaissance extending south there in Wailea.

My son and his wife were married on Makena Beach 3 years ago! The pictures are great and they loved it!

Belle

Topping to topple those who would ruin this forum with childish protests. Ban them all!

We had a horrible time at Kapalua Bay Villas. Rained everyday, (in November), we had to drive down to Wailea to find the sun! Just our experience.

We were at the Ritz Carlton in Kapalua for 4 nights in March and it rained every day also. I can't say it ruined my trip but it certainly wasn't what I expected - and I don't mean an occasional shower- it was frequent periods of drenching rain and lots of wind. That being said, the area and hotel are beautiful.

Yes, I think there are best beaches on Maui, in wailea and makena on the south end. I lived on Maui for almost 5 years and spent a lot of time checking out the beaches. Especially in august, these beaches will be calm and warm. They seem to be sandier (vs rocky). My favorite is the beach in front of the Maui Prince hotel and it's awesome to get there around 8:30am. Often clouds appear around 11 or 12, in the summer that keeps the heat down but there's nothing better than being there early morning when the sun is out and the ocean is smooth as glass. For a honeymoon, something you'll remember all your life, I'd stay at the Four Seasons (they have some rooms overlooking the parking lot in back, not good but of course cheaper). For condos, the Palms are very nice. Maui's a wonderful honeymoon choice, very romantic. It's really about relaxing, spending time together and being in the ocean everyday.....

Ditto the Maui Prince beach, but don't tell anyone!
North of Kaanapali risks big winds and rains. The key is to plan your swim and snorkle before noon, when the winds kick up year around.
wailea to Makena (Big and little beach) is the area guaranteed the best weather...IN THE MORNING!

My husband and I were in Maui a year
ago the last of July. We enjoyed our
stay on the West Side of Maui. We
stayed at the Mariott Ocean Club on
Kanapali Beach. It is a beautiful
resort. Being located on the west side
any of those resorts on Kanapali Beach
will afford you the same beautiful view
of the sunset. There is an area called
the Black Rock that is wonderful for
snorkeling. Get a book about Maui. I
did research like you are doing and it
helped me immensely. I had our whole
trip basically planned before we got there. Have a great time.