Lodging in Maui

I know people tired of this question === But, please define what you think is reasonable? Range of price you are prepared to pay. Remember reasonable, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder. And personally I would not plan anything for Dec. I don't expect a lot of change in the pandemic till well into next year.

lindah, we have stayed three times at the Ka'anapali Beach Hotel kbhmaui because we enjoyed it so much. It had been recommended to us by several friends and our travel agent. It's not the fanciest or most up-to-date property, but compared to other places we visited, it was a bargain each time. It is right on the best part of the beach, and has nightly free entertainment, including the sunset. Dont mix it up with similarly named properties.

If you look at other places, note carefully their descriptions. Sometimes places are near, but not on the beach. Also, the west side is great, but its about a 45 minute to an hour drive from the airport, and just about any day trip you make to anywhere else of interest on the island will start out with that drive along the one route around the west mountains. So plan timing to avoid traffic. Public transport is pretty limited.

Right now Hawaii is still requiring all visitors to quarantine in your hotel room for 14 days, so keep an eye on that.

We spent two weeks on Maui one December and it rained constantly.

We spent two weeks on Maui one December and it rained constantly. And locals asked why we came there in rainy season.

We stayed at the Whaler condos on Kanapali beach. It had a nice pool and the condo was newly renovated. We found it through VRBO. I don’t know what reasonably priced means, especially in Hawaii were a hamburger can set you back $30. The beach was beautiful but the wind blew constantly so we felt like we were being sandblasted. We spent almost the entire time at the pool. Nice, but we have a pool at home. We go to Kauai nearly every year and love the peaceful vibe, slow pace. Maui we’ve now tried several times and won’t return. Crowded, really expensive (even for Hawaii).

For best rates plan to leave before the 15th of December. Rates really jump after that.

The island is not that big, so anywhere on the west side is fine.

The Royal Kahana ( an Outrigger property) I think fits your needs as a clean reasonably priced lodging. Have been there twice and find it the best bang for $.

If you are a Costco member you can get a package deal that includes a rental car.

Have you placed this post on any Hawaii/Maui web sites? I went over there in february before the interisland shutdown went into effect. I have been in Hawaii for 6 months every year since 2001 and have visited since 1998. I recommend you get a " Maui Revealed" guide book which is by far the best one available. aloha charlie

I wouldn't be afraid of the occasional rain. I've been to Maui probably 8 times, half of those in December. I did ride out a storm for a few days once, but usually if there's rain it passes in a few hours. Maui is the driest island and typically has the best weather (Kauai is nice too, but tends to be a bit more rainy and expensive).

On the west coast, you're basically looking at staying in the hotels in the north west part of the island(Lahaina, Kaanapali, etc), the condos in Kihei, or the really nice (and very expensive) accommodations in Wailea. The views you are looking for are probably more easy to attain/find in the hotels of the north west, but I'd recommend looking harder at Kihei for more budget-friendly spots. You'll have to dig a bit deeper to find a condo rental with the view you are hoping for, but you should be able to find something like that in December for around $200 per night, maybe less depending on your needs (though the Christmas season may be booked out already making these diamonds in the rough rather... rough to find). Vrbo/airbnb/booking.com is a good place to start, and know that many of these listings are also listed on local rental websites where you're not paying for the vrbo/airbnb/booking.com markup. Those are tougher to track down, but Google Search is your friend.

I'd also recommend Kihei over the northwest as the beaches are better (particularly the Kamaole Beach Park I, II, and III) and you don't get stuck in the traffic in the single road that takes you to the northwest. Aka, easier transportation for whatever you may do during the day. Kihei is also fairly low-key... popular with young families and retirees alike.

I second the suggestions of Kaanapali Beach Hotel and The Whaler condos (via VRBO is best), and that beach is wonderful, plus there are a number of places to eat nearby and it's a short drive to Lahaina. You can also check out some of the other condo properties in that area - there are some very nice ones that are not too pricey. You can also look at bit further up the coast at Napili for low-key condos. Kehei has a wide variety of condos that are cheaper, but be careful where you stay because most are across the busy street from the beach and a bit more crowded. Try other sites for some good suggestions and reviews of places and get a guide book for suggestions about the different parts of the island. I have been there in December a number of times and found the weather to be fine - yes it sometimes rains, but that happens all year round and doesn't tend to last very long. Enjoy your trip!!!!

just to orient things a bit, the Whaler and the Ka'anapali Beach Hotel are next door to each other, and a short walk from the Whalers Village shopping center with shops and restaurants.

Please let us know what you see yourselves doing: sitting on your balcony and enjoying the sunset/ beach views, golfing, exploring the island, snorkeling, road to Hana day-trip, following local Hawaiian bands, eating out,.... folks love Maui for many different reasons: some just to stay put as Polynesia Paralysis takes over, or others to be active and explore. You may chose your location depending on access to your activities. For some folks, a room with an ocean view is mandatory; for some, not so.

I would suggest the first two weeks in November. Altho Hawaii really doesn't have an "off" season, we have found this time to be rather quiet. The locals are resting before the Thanksgiving and xmas crowds arrive, and even the Lahaina sidewalks are fairly empty. However, the whales don't arrive until December, if whale-watching is important to you.

The Costco is located by the airport; we always stock up on drinks and snacks as soon as we land.

I agree the Kihei is a great choice : bohemian in nature, but note that most sleeping options are across the street from the beach.

Our favorite area is Wailea, but we are golfers, and we love the Wailea Marriott, with its disappearing-edge adults-only pool, with great sunset views. And Mulligans-on-the- Blue Irish Bar and Restaurant has great food and nightly entertainment, and is less than a mile away. [RIP Uncle Willie, local entertainer.]

Napili, on the upper side of the island, is also a great option, closer to Lahaina town. Note that the wind and rain can increase the closer you get to the northern part of Maui. Wailea/Kihei have less rain and wind.

We hope that we will return to Maui this November, if any travel can be enjoyed- safely- by then.

Good luck!

hey hey lindah
congrats on your birthdays. don't know what your budget is, though reasonably priced, maui, ocean view and december is a tough pill to swallow, how many days, will you have a car and cost of parking, taxes and fees, hotel/apt/condo with amenities
don't want to burst your bubble, it is a very busy time of year and many rooms are probably booked. keep a look out for quarantines, when the islands open without restrictions will they raise prices since the loss of income for many, discounts just to be happy tourists are coming back, we have no clue.
i'm from the big island and had a trip home to see family may 11 to may 30 for graduations and visits. of course that didn't happen so waiting when is best and will celebrate grad parties then, no quarantines, businesses open. yes it does sound gloomy but do keep your eyes and ears open.
booking.com
hotelguides.com
tripadvisor.com
mauiseasidehotel.com
pakimauiresort.com
kaanapalioceaninn.com
just a few places to research, check cancellation policies, read fine print, travel insurance and the coverage it intitles you to.
hope this helps you out with some decisions, any questions about what to see and do just ask. don't know what's important for you guys to see, i'll be more than happy to give you some info if needed. enjoy and have fun
aloha

Thank you all so much for this information! It’s really very helpful.

I'm going to also put a plug in for either the Whaler or Kaanapali Beach Hotel. KBH has some of the prettiest grounds on the island I think. When we went in March it was slightly cooler, but sitting in the grounds was lovely as it was sheltered. The boardwalk in Kaanapali is fabulous to walk.

The Whaler will cost you more ( and bear in mind they both have added fees) but you can get a kitchen there. We didn't worry about cooking though, just picked up breakfast and lunch items for the room and walked to Whaler's village for dinner.

Have a lovely trip.

I'm just happy that the Kaanapali Beach is still going. Had a great time there in 1979 on a company jolly. Good to hear.

We have stayed several times at the Mahana....just south of Napili. We rent a condo online through a private owner. We travel to Maui in October, and we require central air at that time of year. If we were going in December, We would stay in Napili. It’s just so charming there....but air conditioning is pretty much non existent up there.

Napili does sound great. Do you remember where you stayed? We are just 2 people, so we don't need anything fancy, but would love an ocean view. Thank you so much to everyone for your wonderful suggestions.

We stayed here a few years ago: [Napli Bay Resort) https://www.alohacondos.com/maui/napili-bay-resort
Reasonably priced studios. Right on the beach studios with kitchenettes. Allowed us to eat breakfast and lunch (or dinner) in. Beach is right there.

Thank you for the recommendation about the Napili Bay Resort. I just checked it out and am so disappointed because the dates that we plan to go are not available at any of the studio condos listed. I do appreciate the suggestion, tho, and will keep looking.

I prefer to stay in Honokowai ( we like Hale Ono Loa but no AC there but reasonably priced) or Kapalua. We have traveled to Maui many Decembers and yep it can rain but it can also rain in June, July and August. Weather is weather - I never travel without my light weight rain coat. I'm not sure I would be planning a trip to Hawaii until the 14 day quarantine is lifted OR I knew I could get a full refund if it isn't lifted and you have to cancel.

This is such good advice. Thanks so much

hey hey lindah
keep reading the news about hawaii "star advertiser". they have extended the 14 day quarantine until the end of july.

a group of 21, religious/cult group "carbon nation", arrested on big island for breaking order with $2000 to $4000 bail, along with owner of airbnb who rented to them. they planned to stay in jail and then live off the land. they have agreed to leave the islands because of "death threats" and the local residents don't want them. they have lived within different areas of central america and kicked out of every country for their inhumane lifestyles.
they lied where they were staying, didn't know about quarantine which was signed by all, went to beach with their "god/natureboy" petting a sea turtle, a federal law to protect their hawaiian
spirits and royalty.
friends of mine just cancelled their trip to napili maui end of september for 2 weeks. keep abreast of all the news and virus updates about the islands.
aloha