Questions and Answers About Maui, Hawaii

Maui Condo Rentals - an authentic Hawaiian experience at Maui's most popular beach resorts.

What is the most common city to stay in Maui?
We are planning a trip to Maui. We will only be there for 3 days. What is the most common city to stay in where we can see the popular highlights. Not looking for seclusion as we will have the kids with us. Also if you have any suggestions on what to do. Thank you!

Where is the best and safest place to snorkel on Maui?
We'd like to take our own equipment and go out on our own but have read that certain beaches can have rough water during certain seasons and sharks maybe? Has anybody snorkeled on Maui in May (and seen fish)?

What city in Maui, Hawaii is the best place to live and surf?
I want to move to Maui but I don't know which city.

What is the best experience you've had in Maui?
My husband and I are going to Maui for my birthday. We are doing the feast at Lele for sure, but I wanted to know what the best experience others have had to get some ideas.

What is the best condo for families in Maui, Hawaii?
My family is going to the island Maui in Hawaii this summer. We have four kids ages 7, 9, 11, and 13. We are looking for a good place to rent a condo in Maui for a good price, and in a good location. Any suggestions?

Where is the best place in Maui to get married?
Tell me the prettiest place to get married at in Maui.

Any suggestions on great backpacking trails in Maui?
We are looking for a 2-3 day backpacking trail in Maui but can't seem to find anything that doesn't mention Haleakala or Hana. We've gone backpacking in Yosemite, and are looking for something similar. Isolated and remote. Do you have any suggestions? It doesn't have to be Maui proper, it could be some neighboring islands as well. Thank you!

When is the best time of year to go to Maui?
I am planning a trip to Maui for next year (yes I am planning very early). But I would like to know when or what month I should aim to go.

What are the best snorkeling spots AND best luaus on Maui?
Where are the best spots to snorkel on Maui? How about the best Luau?

What part of Maui is best to visit and stay at?
I hear that West Maui is better than South Maui. I am getting married in South Maui, but do not mind staying in West Maui and driving to South Maui if it does not take too long. Please give suggestions!

Do you have any suggestions for a honeymoon in Maui?
My fiance and I are deciding between All Inclusive in Aruba and the island of Maui for our honeymoon. We are really leaning towards Maui even though All Inclusive is wonderful. Hawaii, I guess, just seems different from the Caribbean. I have a few questions though. Not that we will be penny pinching on our honeymoon but just to get some kind of idea, what would you say is the average price for a nice dinner in Hawaii? Is it a pain to charge stuff (like drinks at the pool) to your room? Any other suggestions? Thank you so much in advance!

What is the most common city to stay in Maui?
We are planning a trip to Maui. We will only be there for 3 days. What is the most common city to stay in where we can see the popular highlights. Not looking for seclusion as we will have the kids with us. Also if you have any suggestions on what to do. Thank you!

A. Probably Kihei--that's where there are affordable condos, and it's easy to get to both sides of the island. Kaanapali is the other choice.

A. The only places that would come close to being cities on Maui are Wailuku & Kahului, but they are not the parts of the island where tourists usually stay. Most tourists stay either in Kaanapali on the west side of the island or Wailea on the south shore. Kihei, also on the south shore, is also a popular destination, which is not as expensive (or as nice) as the other two places. If you are only going to be there 3 days, I would give the nod to Kaanapali; I think it would be a bit easier to see more from there. It is close to Lahaina, which is a fun town to browse & shop. If you are coming soon, a whale watching cruise would be a must do. If your kids aren't too little, a drive up to the top of Haleakala would be fun. Little kids are more susceptible to altitude sickness, so I would not recommend that until your kids are 10 or so.

Have a great vacation!

A. Kaanapali/Lahaina

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Where is the best and safest place to snorkel on Maui?
We'd like to take our own equipment and go out on our own but have read that certain beaches can have rough water during certain seasons and sharks maybe? Has anybody snorkeled on Maui in May (and seen fish)? Thanks in advance for your insights!

A. Here is something to remember. In the winter months, the north and northwest facing shores are rougher, and in the summer, the south shore is rougher. This is normally. In the summer months Maui has a little hidden bay on the west side that few tourist know about. It is called Napili Bay. North of there is Honolua Bay. It's a nature reserve. There's also one on the south shore past Wailea at La Perouse Bay. Napili Bay has best sunsets also.Also at Black Rock In Ka'anapali, they feed the fish so often, that you can snorkel close in all along the shore line. Also in Wailea at a couple of the hotels. Ulua beach is one.

For guaranteed fish photos, I'd stick to someplace like Black Rock or Ulua beach in Wailea. Naplili is just for shear beauty and peace and quite.

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What city in Maui, Hawaii is the best place to live and surf?
I want to move to Maui but I don't know which city.

A. Maui has basically three urban areas: Wailuku-Kahului, Kihei-Wailea and Lahaina-Kaanapali.

I live in Kihei and I think it is a decent place to live, specially the north end where it is somewhat more affordable. As far as surfing goes, people seem to prefer the Paia area which is near Kahului, although the beaches along the Honoapiilani Hwy (Road to Lahaina) always seem to have many surfers. Good luck!

A. Don't bother with Maui - it's overrun with malahine (newcomers), has very little local flavor, is overpriced, snobby and hard to find someplace to live.

Furthermore, if you don't know that Maui doesn't really have "cities", then you aren't ready to live there anyway. Wailuku and Kahului are both towns on the island of Maui, and that's where the majority of commerce is ... then you have Kihei and West Maui (Lahaina, Kapalua, Kahana) ... those are the tourist areas. Hana is far removed from everything ... and upcountry is where a good part of the population lives (Makawao, Paia, Kula).

Stick with Oahu ... better place anyway.

A. Kula has great surf breaks! But watch out for the sharks in Ulupalakua and Kanaio! Kula is a large, bustling metropolis with lots of Rodeo Drive type stores and amazing lingerie! And don't forget your sunscreen! But you can always buy it at the large shopping mall in Kula.

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What is the best experience you've had in Maui?
My husband and I are going to Maui for my birthday. We are doing the feast at Lele for sure, but I wanted to know what the best experience others have had to get some ideas.

A. Definitely go on a snorkeling adventure to Molokini sooo beautiful. I have been out there twice. defiantly worth it. ALSO go watch the sun rise on Haleakala. MOST BEAUTIFUL thing you will ever witness. its very cold so make sure you dress warm and bring a blanket. then go to HANA! OMG this is the most beautiful drive you will ever take... its like a 2 hour drive throw winding roads and beautiful scenery. its amazing. I'm getting goose bumps just thinking about it. I have family there. and I have been there two times. my favorite beach is big beach... then you climb over this big rock and there is a nude beach. Gosh just go all over that island. there are many things to see. and do. there will be 100s of brochures available any where you go. but defiantly go to Molokini, Haleakala and Hana.... those are A MUST!

A. After passing Hana there is the Ohe'o Gulch Seven Sacred Pools. It is amazing. Just remember to bring sturdy shoes if you want to do the whole hike and a swim suit if you want to hop in a pool.

A. I echo the snorkeling idea. It was amazing! I wear glasses, so I originally didn't want to do it, because I thought I wouldn't be able to see anything, but most snoring companies have prescription lenses for their masks!

We also did the Old Lahaina Luau, and we really enjoyed it.

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What is the best condo for families in Maui, Hawaii?
My family is going to the island Maui in Hawaii this summer. We have four kids ages 7, 9, 11, and 13. We are looking for a good place to rent a condo in Maui for a good price, and in a good location. Any suggestions?

A. Kihei and Lahaina are really hot. but those are the areas closest to the beach which I can imagine you will be spending most of your time at. if you want to stay somewhere cooler though I would suggest checking some places in Wailuku (15 minute drive to Kihei) or in Napili (Lahaina-ish). but Napili also has some nice beaches, which in my opinion is my favorite beach (Napili bay). you can get to just about anywhere in no time so don't worry about being closer to places. traffic isn't a problem until around sunset time, because a lot of people like to stop and look. I hope I helped. and its a very beautiful place, just I don't suggest moving here, its a very nice visit.

A. Don't know about the Condo - However, a must for your family is going to the Haleakala National Park. It's a summit that you drive to the top and you are actually above the clouds. It was one of the most unbelievable experiences in my life. A lot of people come to watch the sun rise b/c they say it's the prettiest sun rise on earth! I couldn't imagine the stars @ night there - but I will say in Maui star gaze and you are likely to see shooting stars ... me and my g/f saw 5 in one night.

A. Kihei is great. I stayed at the Royal Mauian there. It's located on the water with the beach (family-friendly) about 60 feet away. There's another beach on the other side past the next-door building, which is also condos.

Kihei itself is a little bit tourist-oriented, but it's not crowded or busy. It has all the usual stores you'll find at home (supermarket, gas, Costco, Taco Bell, etc....) and some nice restaurants too.

A. We always stay at the Sugar Beach Resort in Kihei.. its very affordable, low-key and right on a gorgeous beach. The location is really central, only about 15 minutes from the airport. All the units have fully equipped kitchens ( better than mine at home!) and washer/dryers. You'll want this for sure with kids!

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Where is the best place in Maui to get married?
Tell me the prettiest place to get married at in Maui.

A. The Maui Prince Hotel...very beautiful, my friend got married their last year.

A. Anywhere it is all so cool!

A. On a boat overlooking the island.

A. On the beach with the sunset behind you.

A. At the top of Haleakala.

A. Pick a beach, hire a justice of the peace or pastor, and get married next to the ocean. Paia (just east of the airport) is nice in the winter, because of the big surf. Kaanapali through Napili on the west side has a lot of nice sports, including cliffs overlooking places like Honolua Bay. There's also some nice beaches on the south end around Kihei and Wailea.

Or, maybe you could find the captain of a boat who can take you out and marry you at sea.

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Any suggestions on great backpacking trails in Maui?
We are looking for a 2-3 day backpacking trail in Maui but can't seem to find anything that doesn't mention Haleakala or Hana. We've gone backpacking in Yosemite, and are looking for something similar. Isolated and remote. Do you have any suggestions? It doesn't have to be Maui proper, it could be some neighboring islands as well. Thank you!

A. You probably didn't want another Hana suggestion but it seems nice with the waterfalls and all. You should probably consider stretching it out to 3-4 days or maybe even 4-5 and just take your time enjoying the scenery. Comparing it to Yosemite is tough since some of those hikes can be pretty nice. BTW, my friend and I did the Yosemite one and although she had some knee issues, she came through like a trooper and climbed the mountains like a billy goat! Whatever you do, have a great time in Maui!

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When is the best time of year to go to Maui?
I am planning a trip to Maui for next year (yes I am planning very early). But I would like to know when or what month I should aim to go.

A. Hawaii has a dry season April to October and a rainy season November to March. In recent years, however, even the rainy season has been very dry. The best weather is often found in April, May, September and October. These are also the months when you can find some good travel bargains. Airfare and lodging tend to be more expensive during the "high" season of mid-December to mid-April. If you plan to visit during this period, make your reservations early.

The summer can be hot and humid and the kids are out of school so things can get a big crowded at the beaches. The last week in April and first week in May are very busy in Waikiki. This is the peak season for visitors from Japan due to the Japanese "Golden Week" holidays.

Unless you plan to attend the Merrie Monarch Hula Festival, you should avoid the Hilo area of the Big Island during the week after Easter. The Ironman Triathlon in October makes the Kona area of the Big Island very busy also.

Hurricanes are rare but the hurricane season is from June to November. The last major hurricane to hit Hawaii was Iniki, which severely damaged Kauai in September 1992.

The water temperature in Hawaii is very consistent. The year-round average water temperature is a warm 74 degrees. It can reach 80 degrees in mid summer. If you want to see big surf the summer is not the time to go to Hawaii. Even Oahu’s famous North Shore waves are very tame. Winter is the time for the big surf in Hawaii.

There are many exciting events throughout the year in Hawaii. Check out one of the many events calendars to see what’s happening.

The weather in Hawaii is consistently good most of the year, but the prices are much higher during the "high" travel season. Decide what you want to see and do while you're in Hawaii and then find the best time of year to meet your requirements. If you're a return visitor, plan your trip in a different season. The islands have a different look at various times of the year.

A. You really cant go wrong.. but For weather probably April through November. The summers are drier and less showery, although the weather is basically great year round. The winters can be cloudier with more rain.

For crowds and prices try to avoid June and July ( honeymoon season) and around major holidays. I think April and May are great months to go if I was planning another trip out there.

A. I think it depends on what you want to see. The whales... love them... are everywhere in March. I have spend a lot of time on the island and I don't think the weather fluctuates much at all.

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What are the best snorkeling spots AND best luaus on Maui?
Where are the best spots to snorkel on Maui? How about the best Luau?

A. The best Luau on the islands is 'The Old Lahaina Luau' Expensive (open bar) but it's worth it and it sells out, so book when you get there. Snorkeling spots.

Black Rock: This spot, located on the Kaanapali Beach just off the Sheraton Maui Resort, is excellent for beginner snorkelers during the day and for scuba divers at night. Schools of fish congregate at the base of the rock and are so used to snorkelers that they go about their business as if no one were around. If you take the time to look closely at the crannies of the rock, you'll find lion fish in fairly shallow water. At night (when a few outfitters run night dives here), lobsters, Spanish dancers, and eels come out.

Olowalu: When the wind is blowing and the waves are crashing everywhere else, Olowalu, the small area 5 miles south of Lahaina, can be a scene of total calm -- perfect for snorkeling and diving. You'll find a good snorkeling area around mile marker 14. You might have to swim about 50 to 75 feet; when you get to the large field of finger coral in 10 to 15 feet of water, you're there. You'll see a turtle-cleaning station here, where turtles line up to have small cleaner wrasses pick off small parasites. This is also a good spot to see crown-of-thorns starfish, puffer fish, and lots of juvenile fish.

A. If you're adventurous, try Honokeana Bay right off the Napili Point and Napili Surf Beach resorts (west Maui). It might be difficult to get to if you're not staying in one of the resorts around the bay, and getting into the water is difficult as well (you have to climb down some painful rocks). But the snorkeling is fantastic; last time I was there, there were about 6 sea turtles in the bay, which you can get quite close to. If you're there in winter, when the waves are at their peak, it might be a little murky and you'll tend to be pulled out to the ocean. Nevertheless, great snorkeling.

The only luau I've been to is Drums of the Pacific at the Hyatt Regency. Although I don't have another to compare it to, the food and entertainment were both wonderful.

A. Are you ok with boats? If so go on a Molokoni Snorkeling tour. You'll love it. One of the best dive sites in the world. Luaus. How about the Royal Lahaina Luau gotta love the open bar.

A. Molokini island is the best for snorkeling....and the best luau is Lahaina.

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What part of Maui is best to visit and stay at?
I hear that West Maui is better than South Maui. I am getting married in South Maui, but do not mind staying in West Maui and driving to South Maui if it does not take too long. Please give suggestions!

A. Definitely west Maui! I have a condo at the Westin. Stay at either the Sheraton Black Rock, The Westin Ka'anapali, or the Ka'anapali Ali'i.

Ka'anapali is 5 minutes from Lahaina, which is a beautiful downtown area with lots of fun shopping, and restaurants. The beaches on west Maui are absolutely gorgeous as well.

Also, there is a cool town called Pa'ia which is about 20 minutes away from Ka'anapali it is on the tip of north Maui. It is an old plantation town where there is very cool shopping, and restaurants as well. very romantic also.

Hope this helps!

A. We've spent 45 weeks altogether on Maui we stay in Kihei it's drier there than west Maui. There is more night life in west Maui Lahaina, is a lively little place. South Maui costs less for condos except Wailea.

A. Some people prefer West Maui and others prefer South Maui. I personally prefer the west side because it is more lush and green and is the location of the great little tourist town of Lahaina. One reason some people prefer the south side is that it gets less rain.

It takes an hour to drive from one side to the other, so do not stay on the west side if you are getting married on the south side.

A. Dude I live on Maui. Go to the Grand Wailea Resort, it is in the south side, and is undoubtable the best resort on Maui. it is very luxurious and has a lot of good restaurants and shopping aswell. and if you are really dying to stay on the west side because you like all of the people and tourist attractions stay in the Westin. It is also a very good choice and is in a very nice location. those are the two locally favored resorts on Maui. and my friends dad actually manages the Westin so I have been there many times as well. And for snorkeling the Westin is way better.

Oh and depending on when you come you should look into the traffic situation. lately there has been major road work so traffic make the trips from west to south almost double in time.

One more thing who ever said Paia is 20 minutes from Kaanapali, Lahaina is either lying or just doesn't know, it is actually more of an hour drive around a mountain and through Kahului, the biggest city on Maui, but good try though. maybe if you looked at a map it would help a little.

A. West Maui
~ Kapalua - Kapalua Bay - Ritz Carlton - Kapalua Golf & Bay Villas (Condos)
~ Kaanapali - Search Kaanapali Beach
~ Napili - Napili Bay
100s of hotels & condos on the oceanfront in West Maui, I prefer West Maui but South Maui (Kihei ) is nice also. Wailea in South Maui has nicer (higher end resorts) than Kihei.
Price ranges vary greatly.

A. In my opinion, West Maui is better to visit. I was there this past May and will return next August. Go to Kaanapali or Lahaina.. Theres a lot to do and see there.

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Do you have any suggestions for a honeymoon in Maui?
My fiance and I are deciding between All Inclusive in Aruba and the island of Maui for our honeymoon. We are really leaning towards Maui even though All Inclusive is wonderful. Hawaii, I guess, just seems different from the Caribbean. I have a few questions though. Not that we will be penny pinching on our honeymoon but just to get some kind of idea, what would you say is the average price for a nice dinner in Hawaii? Is it a pain to charge stuff (like drinks at the pool) to your room? Any other suggestions? Thank you so much in advance!

A. Maui is the best. Way better than Aruba, unless the only thing you want to do is sit on the beach all day. Maui has loads of choices in activities and sightseeing and restaurants.

Dinner at a top restaurant on Maui can cost between $30 and $60 per person, depending on how many courses and drinks you order. But there are plenty of restaurants where you can eat dinner on Maui for half of that price, so you don't have to go to the fanciest restaurants every day of your trip.

Any of the big resort hotels will let you charge drinks on the hotel grounds to your room. And any of the major restaurants will let you charge food and drinks to any major credit card.

A. Check out the Grand Wailea Resort in Maui...awesome place! My cousin got married there in the little church on the grounds and stayed at the hotel.

A. Maui is great and amazingly beautiful. You can take a trip on the Road to Hana which winds you around the back of the volcano and see the black sand beaches. You can go whale watching with the Pacific Whale Foundation, and you can go to a luau at the Old Lahaina Luau. Each of these are special things so they'll cost you. Your regular meals will probably be around $20 a person, then you can splurge on a couple of special events/nights. Have a great time!

A. My husband and I honeymooned on Maui and had an amazingly wonderful time. We both cried when it was time to leave. It's a beautiful place and everyone was so friendly towards us. I've never been to Aruba but I still have to cast my vote for Maui. You won't regret it.

In terms of price...Maui (as is probably all of Hawaii) was expensive. When you include the price of a decent hotel or resort, airfare all the way from the mainland and car rental...things add up. Plus, it was so tempting to splurge once we were there and things didn't come cheap. We ended up eating at Taco Bell a bunch of times so we wouldn't have to spend too much. On our honeymoon we also spent around $1000 extra just on side trips but they were well worth it. We booked through a travel company and every detail was pretty much taken care of for us.

It depends on what type of trip you want to have. My husband and I, like I mentioned, splurged on a bunch of extra planned activities and ended up having a bunch of great memories to bring home. We didn't focus so much on expensive food the first time around.

We've since returned this past summer and had a somewhat different experience. We spent a little more time scouting cheaper local eats so I'd suggest a bit of up front research before you go. We also decided to go for the gusto and eat at a few higher end restaurants while we were there as well. A sunset dinner right on the water (or sometimes over the water) is well worth the $25 or $30 per plate tab. We didn't spend as much on extra trips and opted to plan our own trips. If you choose to do this however, I would also suggest research first.

I suppose the thing to take away from my answer is this...no matter what type of honeymoon you would plan to have on Maui (beach bum or active), the temptation will be there to spend more. It's so easy to do. Everything on Maui is pricey. BUT everything on Maui is wonderful. We didn't order ANY food that we didn't LOVE. We didn't go a trip we hated. We never met a cross or questionable local. Everything was fabulous. You just might have to try harder to make you're memories or be willing to shell out a few extra dollars. It will be WELL worth your time and money though. I promise.