We are contemplating a trip to Maui in May next year, and would live to hear your recommendations on places to stay. We normally find places to stay on VRBO for our trips, but the fees have gotten out of hand and appear to be even worse in Hawaii.

I still have the flat at the coffee plantation that someone had recommended on Big Island years ago bookmarked for a future trip. I would love to find a similar lodging on Maui if anyone has recommendations?

We stayed in an Airbnb at a resort called Aina Lanu in Lahaina. Just a couple of blocks from the water & shopping/dining. Very comfortable and quiet.

Lahaina is also an easy place to start the Road to Hana if that's on your list.

-Rob

https://www.mauiresortrentals....esort/kaanapali-alii

Close enough but not in Lahani, private beach, pool, kitchen, outdoor grill, quiet, quick walk to restaurants, etc.

YOu can budget between Garden view or Oceanfront units, or Ocean View.

We stayed there when we got married in Maui, and instead of massive dinner bills every night, we would head down to the Albertsons, grab fresh fish, beer and cook out by the pool. A family came by and the dad said that smells better than what I just dropped $$$ for dinner, we gave him a beer...

What side do you want to stay on, the Lahaina or Kihei?

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Originally posted by MikeGLI:
What side do you want to stay on, the Lahaina or Kihei?

We were thinking Kihei.

We stayed at the Kea Lani for our honeymoon 21+ years ago and it was amazing.

We stayed on the west side of the island, and even though the sunsets were partially blocked by Lana’i, it was amazing and worth it.

Milokini crater is a must visit.

My wife and I stayed at the Westin Maui resort and spa two years ago and it was beautiful. Nice beach, walking distance to some restaurants and shopping, tons of things to do. My only advice is pick a room with the Mountain View. Beach view looks out over the pools and can be noisy at night.

quote:

Originally posted by tigereye313:

quote:

Originally posted by MikeGLI:
What side do you want to stay on, the Lahaina or Kihei?

We were thinking Kihei.

I stayed in Kihei at an Air BNB. It was right across the street from the ocean, the rate was very reasonable and had plenty of parking. It was a few years ago but the bed was very comfortable which matters to me cause I need a firm mattress to get a good night's sleep.


I did a quick search in my email and found the link. Here you go: link.

quote:

Milokini crater is a must visit.

Agreed. Snorkeling there with all the tropical fish was amazing. We were lucky and saw a couple sea turtles. Also I'd highly recommend booking tickets for Haleakalā well in advance. If you go, bring something warm to wear because it is COLD at that height before the sun rises. The road to Hana was amazing, I did it 3 times and the best food we had was along the way. It's a BBQ place called Ka Hake Smoke Shack. Big Momma's Fish House is very popular and very expensive. We went to say we went but I would never go again.

I've been to Maui twice and stayed once just north of Lahaina and stayed once just south of Kihei.

Kaanapali (just north of Lahaina) - stayed at the Sheraton. Supposed to be the 2nd best snorkeling on the island, and had an amazing beach. However, that week the winds were blowing an unusual direction which made snorkeling impossible. In fact, I walked out in the surf and it picked my fat ass up and deposited me back on the beach. The resort was nice, and there were restaurants/bars within walking distance.

Wailea Beach (just south of Kihei) - stayed at the Marriott. The beach wasn't as good as the Sheraton, but the grounds were better. Also, much less restaurants/bars within walking distance. I did like that they had a strictly enforced (very few places actually enforce) adults only pool surrounded by a wrought iron fence and it was actually peaceful and relaxing being at the pool. Even better, there was a wing of the hotel in between the family friendly pool and the adults-only pool.

Napili Kai is our go to spot. Nice, quiet, is on a great snorkeling bay, right next door to other great snorkeling spots. Every morning there is (was..guessing they still do them) a talk on Hawaii culture/arts and there is a good size miniature golf course on property. I think it is on Wednesdays they have a social get together with free Mai Tai's. They also have a bar with good happy hour prices and a restaurant on property that always had great food.

Costco used to have vacation deals.

Cant go wrong here.