After much consideration, the vacation spot has finally been chosen: Maui. However, the research begins to intensify when the choice of lodging becomes the focus.
The second most popular island in Hawaii features a wide assortment of hotels, resorts, bed and breakfasts, condos, and private rental houses. This is the dilemma facing more than 2 million vacationers who annually pick Maui – where to stay?
Lodging research can be tedious and time consuming, but it’s necessary to pick that ideal location on this sun-drenched paradise island where the prevailing feeling upon departure: when can I return?
Maui literally has something for every brand of tourist, whether it’s an active family with kids, a group of young friends seeking some thrills, retirees in search of a laidback vacation, honeymooners, couples of all ages seeking a romantic getaway, or a beautiful wedding location.
Hotels and resorts are the most traditional tourist accommodations. There are reportedly 7,500 hotels in Maui, ranging from small budget-saving lodging to extravagant luxury suites. The majority of Maui’s hotels and resorts (think elaborate hotel with upgraded facilities and amenities) are located in West Maui locations like Kapalua, Ka’anapali and Lahaina.
Another popular option is condos and villa rentals that offer in-room kitchens that can be extremely cost-saving because dining is not cheap throughout Maui. Depending on one’s vacation budget and the size of the group, condos and villas can range from compact studios to three-bedroom locations with a spacious living room and naturally a sizable outdoor deck for enjoyment all hours of the day. There are no lack of condos and villas – a Maui website reported there were an estimated 7,000 options.
Understanding the terminology is another factor when picking accommodations. It’s important to understand to avoid disappointment upon arrival.
- Beachfront: located right on the beach
- Oceanside: directly facing the ocean, but may or may not be on a beach
- Ocean view: typically near the ocean (like across the street)
- Partial ocean view: side view or obstructed view; not panoramic
- Mountain, garden, pool, golf course views: offers those views, but not an ocean one
Naturally, one can expect to pay more for beachfront and oceanside accommodations with gorgeous views. But mountain, garden, golf or pool views can be beautiful as well. Afterall, this is Maui, where the scenic Haleakala mountains (a dormant volcano) are located east and the West Maui mountains can both inspire a classic Facebook photo.
For the best lodging deals, try October, November or springtime from March through May. Expect the island to be packed and the prices high during the Christmas holidays. Winter is a busy time because people want to escape their cold-weather climates and Maui is the best place in Hawaii during whale watching season.
During a 2015 fall visit to Maui, my wife and I experienced two different, yet equally enjoyable Maui lodging experiences. Here’s a glance at our lodging.
Ka’anapali: Hawaii’s first master-planned family resort, Ka’anapali is an extremely populated area that has nearly three miles of hotels and resorts that face the renowned beach.
There’s also Whalers Village, a huge shopping and restaurant complex, and two 18-hole golf courses that wrap around the slope between beachfront and hillside properties. For a treat, check out the evening show at the Wailele Polynesian Luau.
Our stay was at the Westin Maui Resort & Spa, where our room had a spectacular view that overlooked the immense pool complex and Ka’anapali Beach. The intoxicating sound of waves crashing on the beach could be heard all evening with the deck’s sliding door open.
This oceanfront resort hotel is clearly for the masses and was packed with families, couples, single folks, and seniors. Despite the crowds, it was a terrific place to call home for a few days and revel in a fun atmosphere.
Park the car at the Westin for a week and chances are you may only need it a few times because everything is within walking distance. Despite the one-stop resort location, it’s recommended to hop in the car or take a complimentary shuttle bus to visit Lahaina Town. Ka’anapali is only three miles from the colorful historic harbor town, formerly the royal capital of Hawaii. The charming town has some unique restaurants and retail stores.
Although most rooms are typically nothing spectacular (other than the view), the major attraction at the Westin Resort & Spa is the pool complex. It’s an amazing aquatic playground that features five pools and tropical gardens on a multi-level complex.
Anyone who has gone down the Westin slide won’t forget; it’s as good as it gets for providing thrills and excitement. The pool area also has cave-like areas one can swim through, a basketball hoop, numerous hot tubs, plus a bar and one pool designated for adults only. And the complex is also located alongside the beach, where the sizable waves provide a great contrast from swimming in the pool.
Wailea: Located in the southern coast, Wailea is a lush region that’s green and meticulously manicured. It features five soft, golden sandy beaches and has terrific views of Molokini and Kaho’olawe islands. The region caters more to people who are seeking a getaway, escaping the crowds for a more intimate vacation.
Although Wailea locals can keep a tight lid on the news, there’s a chance you may catch a glimpse of a celebrity, public official or even royalty because apparently this is a favored vacation hangout. The rich and famous favor the upscale beachfront hotels – Four Seasons, Fairmont Kea Lani and the Grand Wailea Resort Hotel & Spa, the largest (787 rooms) and most elegant hotel in Maui.
The search for that “just right” lodging experience can be accomplished through Wailea Grand Champions by Destination Residences Hawaii, a company that offers a collection of privately owned Maui condominium rentals and vacation homes in seven beach, ocean and golf-front resorts throughout Wailea.
Our stay was in a two-bedroom, two-bath villa rental that featured a large outdoor deck overlooking the Wailea Blue Golf Course and a distant view of the ocean. The villa featured all the comforts of home, including a stylishly decorated living room, ceiling fans, large couch (sleeper bed), two comfortable lounging chairs, flatscreen TVs, beautiful plants, dining area right off a fully-equipped kitchen, and a washer/dryer.
Although a gorgeous beach was in walking distance, a short drive was preferable in the rather muggy weather. We also had two pools we could access; the larger one was designed for adults and had two gas grilles for barbecuing.
Much like the more populated areas of Maui, snorkeling, parasailing, scuba diving, fishing, sunset dinner tours, golf, and shopping are prevalent in Wailea. The dining choices are not nearly as plentiful and diverse as West Maui, but the area has a variety of fine restaurants.
Jeffrey Weidel can be reached at skiweidel@gmail.com. Visit his website at www.tahoeskiworld.com.
