Where to stay in Maui?

[Paul65K]

I used to live in Maui and we have vacationed there many times. I rate vacation places (for us) in the following order;

1. Makena
2. Wailea
3. Kihei
4. Kapalua
5. Kaanapali

I am not a fan of high action when I go to Hawaii........If we moved to Maui full time we would definately head to the south side of the island (1-3). It is a much slower pace (albeit more expensive) and I can say for a fact that the single coolest place we have ever spent Christmas was Makena.........we went to Christmas service in a little church that was right on the beach and built in 1834 my the missionaries. What an amazing experience to share it woth almost 1000 people outside on the grounds. The local kids sang all the traditional Christmas Carols in Hawaiian......it was a cool experience