lckck84

Im thinking about going to Hawaii next month for vacation. Ive been to Oahu but havent been to the rest of the islands. Im looking for any info about Maui preferably. Where to stay? Places to see? Beaches to hang out? Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thnx

KM

kalyx522

I love Maui, been there about a dozen times.
Where to stay - depends on your budget and what you are looking for in your vacation (just relax? or golf? stay near young crowds, etc.)
The nicest hotel/resorts will be found in Wailea or Kapalua. Ritz Carlton in Kapalua has absolutely beautiful grounds... rolling green hills and hammocks galore.
I've gotten $90/night deals at Mariott in Wailea through priceline.. unreal.
I would stay away from motels in Kahului unless you're budget travelling. Even Kihei.. I'm sure there are plenty of decent places there, but my personal experience was a 2-star hotel that didn't have AC. Never expected that in a tropical climate, even for a 2 star. It's true that you don't stay in your room much when you're in Hawaii, but trust me trying to sleep at night in 85 degree heat+100% humidity is not very comfortable. The one other time I stayed in Kihei was not much better.. the room was like 50 sq feet (or so it seemed.)
Places to see - the major must do's are Road to Hana and Haleakala. Driving through the west side of the island is great as well - awesome scenery, hidden lava pools, blowholes, too many others to list.
Beaches - honestly there are too many good beaches in Maui and I haven't been to one that I didn't like. Depends on what you're looking for. I pretty much just sunbathe and my favorite ones so far are Kahekili Beach Park (extremely clear waters) and Oneloa Beach (very uncrowded), both on the western side.
I would strongly recommend Andrew Doughty's "Maui Revealed." His Hawaii books are the best. If you sign up for the Borders rewards program (free) they send you pretty good coupons.

Globerunner513

Gotta head up the I'ao valley. If you're looking to save some money, there's an amazing hostel just down the road from the valley. I rented a bike from them and rode up early in the morning to catch the sunrise. It was unreal.

http://www.northshorehostel.com/

PurpleCRJ

Maui:

1. Road to Hana, camp at either Wainapanapa or Oheo campgrounds.
2. Haleakala sunrise, bike down
3. I'ao Valley
4. Kihei beaches/bars
5. Paia Town shops/restaurants/Charley's bar, Mama's Restaurant
6. Wailea/Makena golf
7. Helicopter ride to Molokai (tallest sea cliffs in world)
8. Ferry to Molokini crater snorkel and whale watch, Maalea Harbor bar/shops
9. Lahaina/Kaanapali/Kapalua resorts/beach/golf/shops
10. Kite surf Kahana beach park or surf Ho'okipa
11. Wailuku town
12. Na Ko Ikaika baseball game/Baldwin high football/Concerts in Kahului
13. Big Beach/Little Beach Makena

Stratosphere

Actually if you are want to stay in Kihei renting a condo is an option..I stayed in a condo in Kapalua back in the 90's I would NEVER consider a hotel again..The condo was fantastic and could sleep 5 or 6 for at that time 89 dollars a night and right on the water. The hotel rooms in that area were around the same price. I have found that most condo offers seem to be in Kihei which kinda puts you in the middle of the island but is still on the coastline. Rented Harleys and rode around the island. Did that on Oahu as well but enjoyed Maui more.

tomgoodman

Here's an example of another way to see Hawaii.

Hawaii Cruise Overview | Hawaii Cruise Destinations & Vacation Packages | Norwegian Cruise Line

Several other companies also offer island cruises.
Check Dargal.com, Perx.com, ABSea.com, etc. for interline rates.

mauidanielle

I grew up in Maui. Would def. recommend it opposed to Honolulu...unless you're into the city. The aforementioned advice is all good...if you have any specific questions, feel free to PM me. Aloha!

Fishfreighter

My personal island preferences in order:

1. Maui
2. Kauai
3. Hawai'i
and a DISTANT
4. Oahu

Never been to Molokai, but it would probably be somewhere in the top 3.

Zonker

I've heard the weather is good there