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Rockysmom · Jul 22nd, 2009, 12:43 AM

We are thinking of taking a trip in Jan or Feb. Where is the best area to stay where we will be close to shops and restaurants.
Do you need a car or can you just sign up for excursions and travel around that way. I think renting a car for the day would be fun but for a week can get expensive.

Thanks!

caley · Jul 22nd, 2009, 01:47 AM

the airport is a fair distance from the resort areas (30 min to wailea and 45+ to lahaina and kapalua). but i would assume that there are shuttles that can get you there.

as for the best area, wailea has more high end shops and nice beaches. lahaina and kapalua has more resorts and more activities.

ahertz · Jul 22nd, 2009, 04:44 PM

I'd either stay in Wailea (more high-end) or Kaanapali (bigger, with more stuff to do). I've rented a car each time and I think the rental prices there are very reasonable. I think you'll spend less on a car then you would on shuttles/taxis, especially if you want to see more than one part of the island (like the volcano).

JSH812 · Jul 22nd, 2009, 05:50 PM

Yes, rent a car. And upgrade for a convertible! There's nothing like driving one down the road in Maui... it's beautiful all times of the day & night.

We stayed at the Ritz Carlton Kapalua - and it was unreal.... it was everything you'd ever want and imagine in a resort in Hawaii...... <sigh> I love it there. They upgraded our suite and it was comparable to a high rise apartment on the beach!!!

Junkenpo · Jul 22nd, 2009, 06:42 PM

i recommend renting a car. there are shuttles and a "bus" system that travels around, but it's way more convenient to do things on your own time.

there are tons of places to stay all around the island, depending on your budget and what you want to do for fun. don't feel like you have to stay in a hotel as there are condos for rent and decent bed & breakfasts, too. Since you're planning advance, do take time to search around.

there are beautiful beaches on either side of the island.... i'm actually partial to the beaches in kaanapali, but then, i live on this side. It always seemed to me that the kihei/wailea beaches are little windier.

Spinky · Jul 22nd, 2009, 08:42 PM

I also recommend getting a car. I prefer the Kaanapali/Lahaina area. I think Kehei is a popular area, but I find there's not much to do there at all.

boxermom · Jul 22nd, 2009, 09:24 PM

Kaanipali is the original hotel/tourist area--lots of restaurants a decent mall. A lot of the hotels have remodeled. Wailea has the more expensive hotels (Four Seasons, Fairmont Kea Lani, Grand Wailea (or whatever they're calling it now) and I think another that was closed has remodeled and opened. Wailea has the higher end shops. It's near Kihei for a real town and places to go at night. There are condos to rent in all areas if you prefer that to a hotel.

I've never stayed in Kaanipali but there must be plenty of places to go at night there too.

Lahaina is an old whaling town between the two resort areas. Kapalua is n. of Kaanipali and the Ritz-Carlton is the big golf resort there.

Wailea has sunnier weather most of the year, but the last time we were there, it was cloudy and rainy most of the time, so you never know.

If you book a special tour/trip (for example, the road to Hana), a shuttle will pick you up to take you to the departure point. But for everything else, a rental car is what just about everyone does. The rates are pretty reasonable. Things are far enough apart that a taxi will get very expensive.

Junkenpo · Jul 23rd, 2009, 12:41 AM

FYI: Lahaina is hawaiian for "land of the cruel sun" bc it's frickin hot & hardly ever rains... of course, we are talking about lahaina proper, as you go farther north, it's likelier to get cloudier & more "passing showers". Also, "wai" means water, and anyplace with a "wai" starting it's name has lots of it. lea generally can mean happy...

JSH812 · Jul 23rd, 2009, 08:50 AM

I want to add...

When we stayed in Kapalua, we went to Lahaina and Kanapali every day. There's only one main road in Maui, so it's very easy to find your way, and it's not a long drive either. I went to the mall one day, and I'd skip it - it didn't offer anything unique that I couldn't find in the states. We went off the beaten path for our meals, and took our issue of Wine Spectator to locate awesome wine lists at certain restaurants.

Rowrow · Jul 24th, 2009, 01:35 PM

I would definitely rent a car in Maui. We rented a midsize for less than $100 + taxes for a week, there are deals out there if you do research! We had so much fun exploring the island on our own schedule.

If you want shopping + restaurants, I'd stay in Wailea. Not much in the way of shopping in Kaanapali, Lahaina is lots of fun but a few minutes' drive.

bubbleloba · Jul 24th, 2009, 05:02 PM

I would recommend renting a car during your stay. It's not easy to get around Maui without one, especially if you plan to visit Hana for a day or two.

Wailea is a good place to stay. Kaanapali has lots of hotels and shops, but with that comes the crowd. I stayed at Kapalua last time I was there and highly recommend Sensei restaurant if you are into Japanese food.

Sammyjoe · Jul 25th, 2009, 07:28 AM

I went to Wailea in Sept, stayed at FS, it was without a doubt the best holiday I have ever had - seeing as it was our honeymoon helped!!Lol! You will love Maui!

Junkenpo · Jul 25th, 2009, 01:51 PM

Originally Posted by bubbleloba

I would recommend renting a car during your stay. It's not easy to get around Maui without one, especially if you plan to visit Hana for a day or two.

Wailea is a good place to stay. Kaanapali has lots of hotels and shops, but with that comes the crowd. I stayed at Kapalua last time I was there and highly recommend Sensei restaurant if you are into Japanese food.

BTW: it's SANSEI, not sensei... here's a link: SANSEI Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar - Dinner Nightly 5:30 to 10:00 P.M.

but yes, great japanese food... and i love their fried ice cream! lol

Junkenpo · Jul 25th, 2009, 02:29 PM

for those that are interested... here's a pic from my bb storm. weather's not always perfect. lol http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2534/...af2b3509_b.jpg

*Lo · Jul 25th, 2009, 02:32 PM

I love Maui go every year with my family! Some of my fav restaurants are Merrimens, Plantation House, Lahaina Grill, Pacificos thats all i can remember now. Places to see are of course road to hana, haleakala crater, there's a really nice flower/lavender farm thats just gorgeous but i forgot where it was.

Jul 22nd, 2009, 12:43 AM	#1
Rockysmom OP Member Joined: May 2008 Posts: 941	Maui We are thinking of taking a trip in Jan or Feb. Where is the best area to stay where we will be close to shops and restaurants. Do you need a car or can you just sign up for excursions and travel around that way. I think renting a car for the day would be fun but for a week can get expensive. Thanks!
Rockysmom OP Member Joined: May 2008 Posts: 941

Jul 22nd, 2009, 01:47 AM	#2
caley work the middle... Joined: May 2006 Location: Hawaii Posts: 5,748	the airport is a fair distance from the resort areas (30 min to wailea and 45+ to lahaina and kapalua). but i would assume that there are shuttles that can get you there. as for the best area, wailea has more high end shops and nice beaches. lahaina and kapalua has more resorts and more activities.
	__________________ My Japan Food Journal(day 1, day 2 updated 11/11/09 Card Making! My Collection: (updated 3/8/09 on pg. 15)

Jul 22nd, 2009, 04:44 PM	#3
ahertz Member Joined: Jul 2007 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 4,257	I'd either stay in Wailea (more high-end) or Kaanapali (bigger, with more stuff to do). I've rented a car each time and I think the rental prices there are very reasonable. I think you'll spend less on a car then you would on shuttles/taxis, especially if you want to see more than one part of the island (like the volcano).
	__________________

Jul 22nd, 2009, 06:42 PM	#5
Junkenpo LVoebird! Joined: Jan 2007 Location: 2500 miles from any continental landmass Posts: 3,064	i recommend renting a car. there are shuttles and a "bus" system that travels around, but it's way more convenient to do things on your own time. there are tons of places to stay all around the island, depending on your budget and what you want to do for fun. don't feel like you have to stay in a hotel as there are condos for rent and decent bed & breakfasts, too. Since you're planning advance, do take time to search around. there are beautiful beaches on either side of the island.... i'm actually partial to the beaches in kaanapali, but then, i live on this side. It always seemed to me that the kihei/wailea beaches are little windier.
	__________________

Jul 22nd, 2009, 08:42 PM	#6
Spinky I love bags! Joined: Jun 2007 Location: Caught in the bell tower Posts: 1,013	I also recommend getting a car. I prefer the Kaanapali/Lahaina area. I think Kehei is a popular area, but I find there's not much to do there at all.
	__________________ *View my collection here* ~Always on the lookout for my next great bag~

Jul 22nd, 2009, 05:50 PM	#4
JSH812 horses&hounds Joined: Jan 2008 Location: wild&wonderful Posts: 2,614	Yes, rent a car. And upgrade for a convertible! There's nothing like driving one down the road in Maui... it's beautiful all times of the day & night. We stayed at the Ritz Carlton Kapalua - and it was unreal.... it was everything you'd ever want and imagine in a resort in Hawaii...... <sigh> I love it there. They upgraded our suite and it was comparable to a high rise apartment on the beach!!!

Jul 22nd, 2009, 09:24 PM	#7
boxermom Member Joined: Aug 2006 Location: North Carolina Posts: 13,700	Kaanipali is the original hotel/tourist area--lots of restaurants a decent mall. A lot of the hotels have remodeled. Wailea has the more expensive hotels (Four Seasons, Fairmont Kea Lani, Grand Wailea (or whatever they're calling it now) and I think another that was closed has remodeled and opened. Wailea has the higher end shops. It's near Kihei for a real town and places to go at night. There are condos to rent in all areas if you prefer that to a hotel. I've never stayed in Kaanipali but there must be plenty of places to go at night there too. Lahaina is an old whaling town between the two resort areas. Kapalua is n. of Kaanipali and the Ritz-Carlton is the big golf resort there. Wailea has sunnier weather most of the year, but the last time we were there, it was cloudy and rainy most of the time, so you never know. If you book a special tour/trip (for example, the road to Hana), a shuttle will pick you up to take you to the departure point. But for everything else, a rental car is what just about everyone does. The rates are pretty reasonable. Things are far enough apart that a taxi will get very expensive.

Jul 23rd, 2009, 12:41 AM	#8
Junkenpo LVoebird! Joined: Jan 2007 Location: 2500 miles from any continental landmass Posts: 3,064	FYI: Lahaina is hawaiian for "land of the cruel sun" bc it's frickin hot & hardly ever rains... of course, we are talking about lahaina proper, as you go farther north, it's likelier to get cloudier & more "passing showers". Also, "wai" means water, and anyplace with a "wai" starting it's name has lots of it. lea generally can mean happy...
	__________________

Jul 23rd, 2009, 08:50 AM	#9
JSH812 horses&hounds Joined: Jan 2008 Location: wild&wonderful Posts: 2,614	I want to add... When we stayed in Kapalua, we went to Lahaina and Kanapali every day. There's only one main road in Maui, so it's very easy to find your way, and it's not a long drive either. I went to the mall one day, and I'd skip it - it didn't offer anything unique that I couldn't find in the states. We went off the beaten path for our meals, and took our issue of Wine Spectator to locate awesome wine lists at certain restaurants.

Jul 24th, 2009, 01:35 PM	#10
Rowrow Member Joined: Feb 2009 Posts: 13	I would definitely rent a car in Maui. We rented a midsize for less than $100 + taxes for a week, there are deals out there if you do research! We had so much fun exploring the island on our own schedule. If you want shopping + restaurants, I'd stay in Wailea. Not much in the way of shopping in Kaanapali, Lahaina is lots of fun but a few minutes' drive.
Rowrow Member Joined: Feb 2009 Posts: 13

Jul 24th, 2009, 05:02 PM	#11
bubbleloba Chanel newbie Joined: Sep 2006 Location: San Francisco Posts: 2,226	I would recommend renting a car during your stay. It's not easy to get around Maui without one, especially if you plan to visit Hana for a day or two. Wailea is a good place to stay. Kaanapali has lots of hotels and shops, but with that comes the crowd. I stayed at Kapalua last time I was there and highly recommend Sensei restaurant if you are into Japanese food.

Jul 25th, 2009, 07:28 AM	#12
Sammyjoe Night and Day Joined: Apr 2007 Posts: 5,854	I went to Wailea in Sept, stayed at FS, it was without a doubt the best holiday I have ever had - seeing as it was our honeymoon helped!!Lol! You will love Maui!
Sammyjoe Night and Day Joined: Apr 2007 Posts: 5,854

Jul 25th, 2009, 02:29 PM	#14
Junkenpo LVoebird! Joined: Jan 2007 Location: 2500 miles from any continental landmass Posts: 3,064	for those that are interested... here's a pic from my bb storm. weather's not always perfect. lol http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2534/...af2b3509_b.jpg
	__________________

Jul 25th, 2009, 02:32 PM	#15
*Lo Member Joined: May 2007 Location: NYC Posts: 3,713	I love Maui go every year with my family! Some of my fav restaurants are Merrimens, Plantation House, Lahaina Grill, Pacificos thats all i can remember now. Places to see are of course road to hana, haleakala crater, there's a really nice flower/lavender farm thats just gorgeous but i forgot where it was.
*Lo Member Joined: May 2007 Location: NYC Posts: 3,713

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