Maui's Neighborhoods

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Back to MauiHawaii: Maui Neighborhoods - Beyond Kahului

Central Maui

Kahului-- If you're arriving late at night or you have an early morning flight out, the best choice near Kahului Airport is the Maui Beach Hotel, 170 Kaahumanu Ave. (tel. 888/649-3222 or 808/877-0051; fax 808/871-5797; http://castleresorts.com/MBH). The nondescript, motel-like rooms (the standard room is so small, you can barely walk around the queen-size bed) start at $120 ($105 if you book on the Internet) and include free airport shuttle service (6am-9pm only). It's okay for a night, but it's not a place to spend your entire vacation.

Wailuku--Backpackers should head to Banana Bungalow Maui, a funky Happy Valley hostel at 310 N. Market St., Wailuku, HI 96793 (tel. 800/846-7835 or 808/244-5090; www.mauihostel.com), with $20 dorm rooms and some private rooms ($40 single, $50 double). They provide many amenities not often found in hostel-type accommodations, such as free tours of Maui, free Internet access, free airport pickup, and a Jacuzzi out back. Dorm-style accommodations ($20) and private rooms ($40 single, $50 double) are also available at the Northshore Hostel in old Wailuku, at 2080 Vineyard St., Wailuku, HI 96793 (tel. 800/9HOSTEL or tel./fax 808/242-1448; www.northshorehostel.com). Note, however, that women traveling alone might not feel safe here after dark.

West Maui

Lahaina-- If you dream of an oceanfront condo but your budget is on the slim side, consider Lahaina Roads, 1403 Front St. (a block north of the Lahaina Cannery Shopping Center). Reservations can be made c/o Klahani Travel, Lahaina Cannery Mall, 1221 Honoapiilani Hwy., Lahaina, HI 96761 (tel. 800/669-MAUI or 808/667-2712; fax 808/661-5875; www.klahani.com). The 17 units here go for $125 for a one-bedroom unit (for up to four). A 3-night minimum stay is required.

You may also want to consider the oceanfront condos at Lahaina Shores Beach Resort, 475 Front St. (tel. 800/628-6699 or 808/661-4835; www.lahainashores.com); studio and one-bedroom units go for $185 to $225, or value-priced Old Lahaina House (tel. 800/847-0761 or 808/667-4663; fax 808/669-9199; www.oldlahaina.com), which features comfy twin- and king-bedded doubles for just $79 to $129, plus a one-bedroom apartment across the street for $140 to $160; it's about a 2-minute walk to the water just across Front Street.

Kaanapali-- Try the Royal Lahaina Resort (tel. 800/44-ROYAL or 808/661-3611; fax 808/661-6150; www.hawaiianhotelsandresorts.com). But skip the overpriced hotel rooms; only stay here if you can get one of the 132 cottages tucked among the well-manicured grounds. Tip: Book on the Internet, where rates are $195 to $375; rack rates are double that price.

Honokowai, Kahana & Napili-- Sands of Kahana (tel. 800/326-9874 or 808/669-0423; www.sands-of-kahana.com)is an eight-story condo imeshare complex that's great for families. The one- to three-bedroom units have small kitchens and washer/dryers. The property is loaded with kid-friendly extras, including a large children's pool, a playground, and a stretch of beach that's safe for swimming. Rates range from $150 to $265 for one bedroom, $265 to $375 for two bedrooms, and $325 to $435 for three bedrooms (7-night minimum).

Also try Polynesian Shores, 3975 Lower Honoapiilani Rd. (near Kahana and just 2 min. from the Kapalua-West Maui Airport), Lahaina, HI 96761 (tel. 800/433-6284 or 808/669-6065; fax 808/669-0909; www.polynesianshores.com). Every unit (one to three bedrooms, $155-285) has floor-to-ceiling sliding-glass doors that open onto a private lanai with an ocean view. There's great snorkeling off the beach out front.

Another option is Hoyochi Nikko, 3901 Lower Honoapiilani Rd. (in Honokowai), Lahaina, HI 96761 (tel. 800/487-6002 or 808/669-8343; fax 808/669-3937; www.mauilodging.com), which has 17 older (but well maintained) one- and two-bedroom units sharing 180 feet of oceanfront ($115-$170 double for one bedroom).

Also consider Hale Maui Apartment Hotel (tel. 808/669-6312; fax 808/669-1302; www.maui.net/~halemaui), a wonderful tiny place run by Hans and Eva Zimmerman, whose spirit is 100% aloha. The one-bedroom suites, which run from $95 to $125 for a double, come with ceiling fans, private lanais, and complete kitchens. There's no pool, but a private path leads to a great swimming beach.

Kapalua-- If you're interested in a luxurious condo or town house, consider Kapalua Villas (tel. 800/545-0018 or 808/669-8088; www.kapaluavillas.com). The palatial units dotting the oceanfront cliffs and fairways of this idyllic coast are a (relative) bargain, especially if you're traveling with a group. The one-bedroom condos go for $209 to $369, two bedrooms for $309 to $579, three bedrooms for $435 to $585. There are numerous package deals (which include golf, tennis, honeymoon amenities, and car) to save even more money.

South Maui

Maalea-- I recommend two booking agencies that rent a host of condominiums and unique vacation homes in the Kihei/Wailea/Maalaea area: Kihei Maui Vacation (tel. 800/541-6284 or 808/879-7581; www.kmvmaui.com) and Condominium Rentals Hawaii (tel. 800/367-5242 or 808/879-2778; www.crhmaui.com).

Kihei-- Consider the Aston at the Maui Banyan (tel. 800/92-ASTON or 808/875-0004; www.aston-hotels.com), a condo property across the street from Kamaole Beach Park II. The large one- to three-bedroom units are very nicely done and feature full kitchens, air-conditioning, and washer/dryers. Rates range from $200 for hotel rooms, $260 to $285 for one-bedroom units, $345 to $385 for two-bedroom units, and $510 for three-bedroom units; be sure to ask about packages.

The Kihei Beach Resort, 36 S. Kihei Rd., Kihei, HI 96753 (tel. 800/367-6034 or 808/879-2744; fax 808/875-0306; www.kiheibeachresort.com), has spacious condos right on the beach. The downside is the constant traffic noise from Kihei Road. Rates are $130 to $185 for a one-bedroom unit (two people), $180 to $250 for a two-bedroom (four people); there's a 4-night minimum and a $10 charge per extra person.

Also check out Luana Kai Resort, 940 S. Kihei Rd., Kihei, HI 96753 (tel. 800/669-1127 or 808/879-1268; fax 808/879-1455; www.luanakai.com). This older condo complex has 113 units ($99-$179 one-bedroom; $119-$199 two-bedroom; $219-$269 three-bedroom; 4-night minimum).

Kihei Kai Resort, 61 N. Kihei Rd., Kihei, HI 96753 (tel. 888/778-7717 or 808/879-2357; fax 808/891-9403; www.kiheirentals.com), has one-bedroom apartments ($100-$140 double; 4-night minimum in off season, 7-night minimum in high season) that are ideal for families ($10 per extra person).

Wailea-- For a complete selection of condo units throughout Wailea and Makena, contact Destination Resorts Hawaii (tel. 800/367-5246 or 808/879-1595; fax 808/874-3554; www.drhmaui.com). Its luxury units include studio doubles starting at $200, one-bedroom doubles from $205, two bedrooms from $245, and three bedrooms from $345. Children under 12 stay free; minimum stays vary by property.

Upcountry Maui

Makawao, Olinda & Haliimaile-- When you stay in the cooler upcountry climate of Makawao, Olinda, and Haliimaile, on the slopes of Maui's 10,000-foot Haleakala volcano, you'll be (relatively) close to Haleakala National Park. Makawao and Olinda are approximately 90 minutes from the entrance to the park at the 7,000-foot level (you still have 3,000 ft. and another 30-45 min. to get to the top). Haliimaile, which is about 10 to 15 minutes driving time from Makawao, adds additional time to your drive up to the summit. Accommodations in Kula are the only other options that will get you closer to the summit so you can make the sunrise.

If you'd like your own private cottage, consider Peace of Maui, 1290 Haliimaile Rd. (just outside Haliimaile town), Haliimaile, HI 96768 (tel. 888/475-5045 or 808/572-5045; www.peaceofmaui.com), which has a full kitchen, two bedrooms, a day bed, and a large deck. The cottage goes for $120, and children are welcome. The owners also have rooms in the main house (with shared bathroom and kitchen facilities) from $50 single and $55 for two.

Kula-- Lodgings in Kula are the closest options to the entrance of Haleakala National Park (about 60 min. away).

Consider Gildersleeve's Vacation Rentals, formerly known as Elaine's Upcountry Guest Rooms (tel. 808/878-6623; fax 808/878-2619; papag@hawaii.rr.com). The warm and welcoming hosts rent three rooms in their spacious pole house ($70 double; 3-night minimum).

East Maui: On the Road to Hana

Twin Falls-- Budget travelers might consider the very affordable Halfway to Hana House (tel. 808/572-1176 or 808/281-3705; www.halfwaytohana.com), an adorable studio (complete with kitchenette) nestled in the jungle, just past Twin Falls, with rates from $85 to $105 double (3-night minimum).

Also consider the off-the-beaten-path Tea House Cottage (tel. 808/572-5610; www.mauiteahouse.com): You park your car and follow a fern-lined path to a secluded hideaway in the jungle, powered by alternative energy (no power poles!). Here's your chance to get away from it all while still having utilities, phone, and TV -- you can even plug in your laptop. Unfortunately, the rates have crept up over the years and are now at $125 double (which I think is high for this place; perhaps owner Ann DeWeese will return to her once affordable rates).

At the End of the Road in East Maui: Hana

Mrs. Nakamura has been renting her Aloha Cottages (tel. 808/248-8420) since the 1970s. Located in residential areas near Hana Bay, these five budget rentals are simply but adequately furnished, varying in size from a roomy studio with kitchenette to a three-bedroom, two-bathroom unit. They're all fully equipped, clean, and fairly well kept. Rates run from $65 to $95 double. Not all units have TVs, and none have phones, but Mrs. N. is happy to take messages.