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Maui 1st timers, should we split trip between Lahaina/Kihei?

Denver, Colorado
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11 posts
1 review
4 helpful votes
Maui 1st timers, should we split trip between Lahaina/Kihei?
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New hubby and I are going to Maui for our honeymoon in Feb/Mar '10, for 10 days. We'll have a rental car. Should we split time between Kihei area and Lahaina area? (I guess that would be W. Maui and S. Maui?).

Besides the fact that it seems like paradise, I have two reasons for coming to Maui: WHALES!! and snorkeling.

Things we like:

Being outside - our travel style is hotel room for sleep & shower, gone otherwise

Hiking/walking to explore the area

Peace and quiet (hubby has slightly more crowd tolerance than me)

*Not* dealing with traffic or looking for parking

So we're looking for clean, comfy and convenient way more than luxury and pampering. Don't mind driving to find great snorkeling and hiking, just looking to avoid congested areas. If we stay in Lahaina/Kaanapali, we would love to choose a place where we could rely on shuttles and walking to get around.

Would really appreciate any insight or advice here! Thanks so much.

Snohomish...
Level Contributor
24,108 posts
17 reviews
60 helpful votes
1. Re: Maui 1st timers, should we split trip between Lahaina/Kihei?
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Many folks split their stays and with 10 days you could easily do it. I don't but I don't like the whole "packing/unpacking" thing...just like to settle in and relax! Do you want a condo or hotel?

I was going to recommend Napili Bay for West side but you can't walk to much from there. You might look at the Westin Kaanapali Ocean Resort Villas...on the quieter North side of Black Rock shuttles provided there. Check http://www.chasenrainbows.com for other small condo options. A nightly budget would be a big help. Have fun planning.

United States
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2,958 posts
130 reviews
56 helpful votes
2. Re: Maui 1st timers, should we split trip between Lahaina/Kihei?
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7 nights in a condo might be cheaper and I think some places require it. Use your remaining nights in Hana or somewhere else.

Central MN
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298 posts
1 review
3. Re: Maui 1st timers, should we split trip between Lahaina/Kihei?
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On our first trip we did two weeks in Wailea (south side) and loved it, but on our 2nd trip we thought we'd give the west side a chance and did 5 nights in a condo at Papakea and then a week down in Kihei. There are advantages both ways. I think we have ultimately decided we like to plant ourselves in one location because switching locations eats up a day (checking out at 10 or 11 and not being able to check in to the next place until 3 or 4 and you have all your luggage with you...), and ultimately traveling between those two areas during your trip doesn't take that long. We feel the Wailea/Kihei area has a more relaxing and less claustrophobic feel than the West side - but everyone will have a different opinion/preference on that. We'll be staying in Kihei for 2 and a half weeks in January (and many condos like ours will reward you for a longer stay with a cheaper nightly rate).

California
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14,629 posts
53 reviews
27 helpful votes
4. Re: Maui 1st timers, should we split trip between Lahaina/Kihei?
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Stick with W. Maui for all 10 days. Although I enjoy the Wailea area, I would never stay in Kihei for my vacation. Just my opinion.

Capay, California
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2,031 posts
14 reviews
14 helpful votes
5. Re: Maui 1st timers, should we split trip between Lahaina/Kihei?
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I would stay in South Maui for the whole time. No need to move. We were just there, stayed in W. Maui and travelled from our base there. We found that it seemed farther to get where we wanted to go from W. Maui and there was little that we wanted to do in W. Maui. We have always stayed in Wailea in the past and thought it would be good to give W Maui a try (couldn't beat the deal we got - free!). We still prefer South.

I would look at the condos on the ocean side of S. Kihei Rd in Kihei or at Wailea. Both plaes are relaxing and have outstanding proximity to the great beaches. After the stress of a wedding. you may need a little more down time than usual. (that's what we found - we were really BEAT for our honeymoon, many moons ago!)

Yucaipa, California
Level Contributor
705 posts
2 reviews
9 helpful votes
6. Re: Maui 1st timers, should we split trip between Lahaina/Kihei?
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My response may be colored by the Southern California lifestyle. We drive everywhere, all the time. Driving from Lahaina to Kihei is such a short easy trip that, for me, it is a non issue. If you were thinking of splitting time between West/South Maui and Hana then I would say go ahead and split them up.

I am not going to enter the West vs South debate. I'll let you decide which location you like. I'll just say "stay in one spot and enjoy your stay".

Aloha

Mike

Maui
Level Contributor
133,190 posts
31 reviews
40 helpful votes
7. Re: Maui 1st timers, should we split trip between Lahaina/Kihei?
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Aloha,

I agree with those who've suggested splitting your time between West Maui and Hana (or Upcountry, Paia, Haiku perhaps). You could spend your seven days exploring the "main drags", of the south, central, and west parts of Maui-and then eliminate lots of driving time by staying in Hana........or maybe in Paia, Kuau, or Haiku--to explore that part of the island.

Other condos recs on the West side-- Honua Kai, Maui Kaanapali Villas, the Ali'i; hotels include the Hyatt and the Sheraton.

S W Arkansas
Level Contributor
13,602 posts
20 reviews
9 helpful votes
8. Re: Maui 1st timers, should we split trip between Lahaina/Kihei?
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So glad everyone has their special likes and dislikes..keeps one side from having all the visitors...

We love Kihei and it's our place of choice. Every once in a while we will spend a couple of nights in West Maui...can't wait to get back to Kihei.

Yucaipa, California
Level Contributor
705 posts
2 reviews
9 helpful votes
9. Re: Maui 1st timers, should we split trip between Lahaina/Kihei?
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Oh Great Barefoot!!!! Now you're advertising. Kihei is gonna get overrun. HA! I too can't wait to get back. Kam I is calling.......

S W Arkansas
Level Contributor
13,602 posts
20 reviews
9 helpful votes
10. Re: Maui 1st timers, should we split trip between Lahaina/Kihei?
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in2food..what haveI I done!!!When I complain about the crowds in S Maui just give me a kick and say.."you let the cat out." Maybe I need to delete my post..hummmm

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