Kihei or Laheina (Lahaina, Kaanapali, Kapalua: condos, credit card, hotels)

[Tipmart87]

Wife and I
Mother in law
4 year old boy

We are looking at locations for our first trip as a family to Maui

Looking for a condo or some location with a kitchen. Don't want to use a hotel as we want two separate bedrooms to give the wife and I some privacy and i don't want to pay two separate resort fees!!

Can't use AIR BNB because I want to use my credit card points for our stay

Our son is adventurous and loves the outdoors, swimming splashing around, frisbees and stuff like that No beaches with big waves as I want him to stay safe near the waters edge. We will be with at all times but i want him to enjoy splashing around

What are the main difference between the Lahaina and kihei beach areas? Is one of them more kid friendly?

We will have a car with us

Thanks

[whtviper1]

Originally Posted by Tipmart87

What are the main difference between the Lahaina and kihei beach areas? Is one of them more kid friendly?

Lahaina doesn't have a beach - you'll always have to drive. Kihei gives you the possibility to walk to the beach and is more central.

[Tipmart87]

Thanks for the reply

Only someone mentioned the baby beach, Lahaina in a prevous thread and so i thought there were beaches in the area

[whtviper1]

Yes, there is a small beach - not the size of Kihei or Kaanapali

[mauialoha]

"Lahaina" is an area covered by two zipcodes that extends all the way north to Kapalua. You might check what area you are considering as lots of places say Lahaina but are actually in Honokowai, Kahana, Napili etc.

[hothulamaui]

Baby beach is big enough and a great spot for kids. Lahaina side also has many beaches just farther up the road. However any beach Lahaina or Kihei will be as rough or calm as that days weather. Baby beach always calm and protected from big waves

[Futuremauian]

My opinions:
Kihei has rougher water, is much drier than West Maui, and many condos are across the busy road from the beaches. Also has more "shark encounters".
Wailea is nicer but much more expensive.


I personally would not stay in Lahaina. Hot, crowded, limited beaches, etc. Drive there as needed.
Further North, Honokowai and Kahana are less expensive areas in West Maui but are still very nice.
Kaanapali, Napili, and Kapalua are more expensive. All are 10-20 minutes drive from Lahaina.


Kaanapali Royal is a nice complex with all two-bedroom units. It is behind the hotels on a golf course so the ocean view is limited but is a short walk to Kaanapali Beach. There are several high-end ocean-front condo buildings in Kaanapali as well.


Honokowai has low-rise buildings, mostly 2-4 story with small beaches and awesome views. It also has a supermarket and a number of restaurants and businesses. Good values here!


Kahana area has high-rise towers so congestion is greater. Several restaurants here too.


Napili has a great beach but many studio units. Probably not many two-bedroom condos. Two restaurants.


Kapalua has lots of nice condos but they are typically at the top of the price scale. Many are clifftop or golf course locations. Water can be rough here too. More wind and rain as well.


Good luck and have a great time!

[Tipmart87]

Originally Posted by Futuremauian

My opinions:
Kihei has rougher water, is much drier than West Maui, and many condos are across the busy road from the beaches. Also has more "shark encounters".
Wailea is nicer but much more expensive.


I personally would not stay in Lahaina. Hot, crowded, limited beaches, etc. Drive there as needed.
Further North, Honokowai and Kahana are less expensive areas in West Maui but are still very nice.
Kaanapali, Napili, and Kapalua are more expensive. All are 10-20 minutes drive from Lahaina.


Kaanapali Royal is a nice complex with all two-bedroom units. It is behind the hotels on a golf course so the ocean view is limited but is a short walk to Kaanapali Beach. There are several high-end ocean-front condo buildings in Kaanapali as well.


Honokowai has low-rise buildings, mostly 2-4 story with small beaches and awesome views. It also has a supermarket and a number of restaurants and businesses. Good values here!


Kahana area has high-rise towers so congestion is greater. Several restaurants here too.


Napili has a great beach but many studio units. Probably not many two-bedroom condos. Two restaurants.


Kapalua has lots of nice condos but they are typically at the top of the price scale. Many are clifftop or golf course locations. Water can be rough here too. More wind and rain as well.


Good luck and have a great time!

Great, thanks for all that info. Will have a look around those places this weekend and see what I can find online

[Jungjohann]

Originally Posted by Futuremauian

My opinions:
Kihei has rougher water,

Really? Channels between West Maui and Molokai aren't named the Ka Iwi and Pailolo for nothing. Some of the nastiest waters in the state. Waters off Kihei are generally much calmer.

But don't tell anyone

[Futuremauian]

Originally Posted by Jungjohann

Really? Channels between West Maui and Molokai aren't named the Ka Iwi and Pailolo for nothing. Some of the nastiest waters in the state. Waters off Kihei are generally much calmer.

But don't tell anyone

Chances are, the 4 year old won't be swimming out in those channels. I was referring to the water along the beaches (but you knew that). I have experienced much rougher waves and stronger currents along the Kam beaches and at Big Beach than at Kaanapali, Honokowai, Kahana, Napili, or Kapalua Bay. West Maui beaches seem more kid-friendly to me until you reach D.T Fleming Beach in Kapalua and north of there.
After many trips to South and West Maui, I chose to live on the west side because of the beaches and the more tropical climate. Again, my opinion.