Okay, guys, here the deal : my gf want to go to Hawaii for end of April and before starting to search through the web, I thought I should ask here anyone's been there lately and has some good addresses ? we are looking for big island and maui.
Maui over big island any day. I stayed in wailea, I think the marriot, there's a hole string of them that run along the coast right on the beach. Very resorty, lots of golf courses next door, but the coral reef starts about 3 feet out and you can literally sit on your knees and watch fish, swim 100 feet out and the water drops down to 20 or 30 feet, the reef was beautiful and destroyed anything I had previously experienced in the keys. Big Beach is down the road. I actually didn't enjoy big beach. I enjoyed Lahaina more though, and if I went again would look for a hotel there.
if you were going to Oahu I'd bombard you with info. My general rule of thumb is that you can typically find a furnished apt right on the beach for less than a hotel room. If you're into fly hotels there are a lot accommodations, in general. I'd say check local apartment rentals through a reputable apt agent on yelp. Hawaii is amazing and you can borderline sleep on the beach it's so perfect. You almost can't go wrong.
I'd shoot for some small-sized beach vacation homes/cottages. Don't overpay for one, because remember, you'll he spending most of your time outside. Splurge on food and drinks, and some fun activities.
every time i go to Oahu, i've stayed at the outrigger waikiki on the beach, its right across from the international market, and a block away from a bus stop that will take you pretty much anywhere you want to go on the island. I choose this hotel, because it has one of the only hotel that has the pool right on the beach... like literally maybe 15 steps from the pool to the sand... theres another outrigger that has a infinity pool, but the pool is pushed so far back from the beach, you dont get that nice scenery... however right now they are renovating the waikiki on the beach location... this is why I chose not to go to hawaii this year... i'll head back next June though
last time i tried that, i was eaten alive by mosquitoes. it wasn't romantic like one would imagine sleeping on a beautiful hawaiian beach would be.
personally, I like Maui better than the Big Island. If you are bringing family, I think it's worthwhile renting a condo so you can cook, have separate bedrooms and bathrooms. back in the day before kids, we stayed at the Westin Maui in ka'anapali. great hotel. very convenient location
If you are looking for the resort experience, the most affordable options on in Kaanapali on Maui are the Kaanapali Beach Hotel and the Royal Lahaina Resort. Both are less expensive than hotels like the Westin, and both have clients that have been returning for 20+ years. They won't have all the amenities as some of the other hotels in Kaanapali, but the staffs at both hotels are great. Both have nice beaches, but the edge there goes to KBH. If you don't want the resort thing, it is usually easy to find vacation rentals. The biggest expense while you are here will probably be food, so getting a vacation rental or even a condo will help with that. But if you like to eat out, there are many great restaurants here. One thing I would suggest is get a rental car with alot of mpg. Also check into the option of prepaying for the gas. Right now gas prices are $4.69 and probably rising, so if the prepay option is lower than that I would definitely get it, assuming you will be staying about a week. Any other questions, just ask. I live right in Lahaina.
thanks guys for all the reply ! we are looking now for a condo on Maui, we just have to decide about the exact location. Kaiwi, would you recommend location place more than the others ?
kaiwi can chime in, but from my experience, Ka'anapali is a good central location. close to Lahaina which is the main drag. It's a bit more expensive, but there should be lots of options and since you're going in the off season, you should be able to find a good deal. the other area is south called Kihei near the Grand Wailea. It's nice there too. a bit off the beaten track. should be less expensive. I would personally avoid any condos near the airport.
tbs is right. I don't know your budget, but Kaanapali Alii is top of the line and right in the middle of Kaanapali beach. A little further north the condos are less expensive, such as Kaanapali Shores or the Papakea. I personally would avoid the Kihei area because the traffic is worse than Lahaina side.
Maui is my favorite island to visit; stay there every year. Love the whole left side of Maui. Lahaina, Kaanapali, Makena .. so many neat spots. Napili Bay has some cool spots to stay at. Iao Valley is my favorite state park. I was on vacation there earlier this month. Actually got engaged while there. As for condos, I could vouch for the Westin properties in Kaanapali. Great ocean views.
