Maui Virgin ISO opinions

[Green Tea]

So, I know, Kauai, have the Big Island figured out, but am intrigued by Maui. DH thinks it will be too commercial. From what I can find it looks lovely. Which are the best areas to stay for lovely beaches but not over built. A convenient spot for visiting various spots during a week.

I am open to resort suggestions (I see a Ritz-Carlton and a Marriott) condo or home rentals, or other resort chains. Not sure which areas are the best locations.

Any help will be appreciated.

 

[cc1013]

So, I know, Kauai, have the Big Island figured out, but am intrigued by Maui. DH thinks it will be too commercial. From what I can find it looks lovely. Which are the best areas to stay for lovely beaches but not over built. A convenient spot for visiting various spots during a week.

I am open to resort suggestions (I see a Ritz-Carlton and a Marriott) condo or home rentals, or other resort chains. Not sure which areas are the best locations.

Any help will be appreciated.

We LOVE the Wailea area. The weather on that part of the island is consistently very good and the beach is gorgeous. Are you traveling with kids or just your DH? That information will probably influence what type of hotel will be best suited for you.

 

[Green Tea]

Would have teens along.

Geographically, which area is Wailea? Western shore? N or S?

 

[DawnCt1]

With teens, I would definitely opt for the Ka'anapali area. (west Maui) We love the Ka'anapali Alii. They are beautiful condos situated between the Marriott and the Westin. I would search vrbo for a condo. Its much more affordable than renting from the resort and yet most of them are managed by the property manager anyway. It is a very brief walk down to the Whaler's Village, shops and restaurants and an easy 20 minute drive into Lahaina town. Wailea is a good choice in the winter as the weather is more predictable, (south) and a bit boring for teens. While DH and I liked it, the older kids were less entertained and it was a farther drive for affordable meals if you are feeding a family.

 

[kathymc]

I agree with Dawn - while I absolutely love Wailea (oh the 4 Seasons is to die for) its much more laid back for the teens. Kaanapali has alot more options for teens (and cheaper eats) if you can stay near whalers village even better. Maui is very different than Kauai and the big island, but its really not too built up. Our last trip we stayed in a condo just north of Kaanapali - yes there are tons of condos and hotels, but ya know - its still absolutely gorgeous.

 

[Green Tea]

Thank you all! I am opening places in another window as I read this.

 

[christineann]

Another thumbs up for the Kaanapali area. We stayed at the Hyatt - 2 great pools separated by a "cave" with waterfalls and a swim up bar, great waterslide, close to Whalers Village. We went snorkeling at Molokini and loved it!

 

[Jeafl]

I agree with the Ka'anapali area. There is a lot to do, but it is nowhere near as commercial as Honolulu. There are lots of beautiful resorts and the beaches are wonderful!

I mentioned this on your other thread, check out vrbo.com (vacation rentals by owner) or Homeaway.com. We use them all the time and get oceanfront condos for 1/3 to 1/2 less than most of the hotels. It's nice to have a kitchen too, as you will find out once you see how expensive the food is there! We usually ate breakfast at the condo and spent our money on some wonderful dinners.

 

[KiminChicago]

Another vote for Ka'anapali! DH and I stayed there on our honeymoon and someday we're hoping to get back there. On Maui you can do the sunrise trip to Haleakala and if you feel up to it, you can bike back down the volcano which might be fun if you have teens.

There's also the drive to Hana which is fun as long as you remember that the fun is in the journey, not in the ultimate destination. Dh and I took a van tour to Hana and our driver kept laughing at all the people who were passing him in a big hurry to get to the town. We stopped along the way at a black sand beach, a flower farm and a couple of waterfalls (one had a pool deep enough to swim in). When we got to Hana, it was just a sleepy little town with not a lot going on (I remember the sign on the bank branch listing the hours it was open as 1-3pm on Tuesdays or something like that, it was closed when we were there lol).