Maalaea
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A busy harbor area from where fishing tours and excursions depart.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles63 reviews
Excellent
41
Very good
16
Average
5
Poor
0
Terrible
1

psudino
Weehawken, NJ4,422 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2020
This is the area where the snorkel boats launch, the aquarium is and there are beaches and condos and resorts. It close to the central part of the island in the valley, which is a bonus, but it doesn't appear to have the same amount to do as Lahaina. So if you are looking for quiet, this may be the place for you.
Written August 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Gary F
Edmonton, Canada83 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2014 • Friends
We spent a month at a Condo Resort in Maalaea, and our choice was based more on the unit we were renting rather than the area itself... but it turned out to be a very fortunate choice.
In fact this quiet central location was a significant part of why our vacation was so enjoyable. We were a short convenient drive to all the towns and attractions we wanted to see... and if you are going to Hana... well that's far from anywhere. We did drive around a lot and this location was a perfect starting point in every direction.
We heard about the windy reputation before we arrived, but quite frankly it didn't seem any different than all the other parts of the island. The Hawaiian islands, in our experience, are all somewhat breezy, but without that we would probably find the daytime heat too much. Also there are very few flying insects around in the open breezes... compared to what you find if you go into the interior bushy sheltered areas.
We had as beautiful a direct ocean font view location as you could want, with a nighttime view of the Kihei / Wailea lights, whales, turtles and boats and we never got tired of admiring it.
The condo developments in the area are somewhat upscale so it is a nice clean area and it was very quite at night, being away from any highway traffic and pedestrian activity.
There are a few eating places and small grocery store, but those are more for convenience than primary service.
When we go back to Maui, we will definitely stay in Maalaea again.
Written February 7, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Alana B
Townsend, DE78 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2014 • Couples
We stayed at a condo that had the sounds of the ocean 24/7. In the morning, we saw the sun rise behind Haleakala each morning; each sunrise more beautiful than the previous.

The harbor and the shops and restaurants are so inviting. There are whale watching tours and other tours available all day long, especially doing the winter months, when the humpback whales are there.

The local buses stop there all day long, and for $2.00 each way, you can go to other shopping areas and to Lahaina. Since Maalaea is only 13 miles from the airport, you can get a shuttle to and from the airport for a reasonable price. The shuttles are very reliable. One day, we took the first bus to Lahaina in the early morning to take a boat cruise to Molokai, and arrived in plenty of time.

The four mile beach is easy to walk. It is a great walk, especially in the morning. We did the four mile walk, watched the water activities, stopped for breakfast, and took the short ride back to the harbor on the local bus.

Some say it is very windy, but we found that is was just lovely, with a slight breeze. We found it to be a peaceful, friendly area.

Written March 27, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

travel
San Diego, CA1 contribution
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2020
Maalaea Yacht Marina condos. This older complex is ok but it fronts a boat harbor with muddy water at the little so called beach. But You should also know this is one of the windiest locations on the island as the wind funnels between the mountains through the valley. It is totally unbearable at times. My advise is pass on this place.
Written November 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

lenagh
Austin33 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2013
We had the best time! Quiet upscale condo and grounds. Not a lot of people and no kids. Very nice people to share their property and secret area. Windy? I don't know what people are talking about. When there was a breeze, it felt cool and refreshing. The harbor shops and restaurants were yummy! Aquarium and everything is walking distance. The sunset cruise ship is right there too. Stay if you want quiet and off the tourist path. Close yo Kihei and Lahaina.
Written September 8, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

McTWaid
Appleton, WI189 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2014 • Couples
What a great place! Located on the beautiful bay with a marina for small boats, this is a relaxing resort community. Don't overlook the Pacific Whale Foundation shopping, snorkeling and whale watching boat tours. Cute restaurants. Small grocery market. Everything you need for a week on Maui!
Written February 23, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

StrangeTripper
Chicago's North Shore, IL13,184 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2012
While Maalaea doesn't have the big, fancy resorts like West maui, or Kihei, it is centrally located.... It's 15 minutes to the airport, less than a half hour from Lahaina or Makena... Also, it makes the drives to Hana and the volcano summit more reasonable..... If you prefer to avoid the resorty and timeshare crowds, this area is worth considering.... The condo complexes, especially the last three, on the eastern end of the dead-end road, have direct access to the beach.... The beach is so-so (narrow, not great for swimming, tho i did see a few surfers and snorkelers), BUT, it's 3 miles long and great for walking..... The view from the beach is excellent---clear and direct view of Haleakala, and islands of Molokini, and Kahoolawe......

We stayed at 2 different vacation rental condos at Kanai A Nalu.... Both were first floor ocean view units.... The first one was beautifully done inside, except the kitchen appliances didn't work as advertised... The 2nd unit was nice, with an even better remodeled kitchen, but the bathrooms were neglected and rough around the edges.... That said, if you decide to stay in a vacation rental, just know that each unit is furnished differently... You may pay the same price, no matter what the condition of the unit is.... It's worth adding to this review, i checked out several other units in this complex, as well several others in 2 different complexes, which were located directly next door, and the next one down towards the dead end and public park... From what i could tell, Kanai A Nalu, was the nicest of the three.... The grounds were more open, and the pool seemed to be a nicer deal...

You should be aware when they burn the cane fields for harvesting, often Maalaea will be downwind of it.... So, if smoke bothers you, then you might wanna reconsider staying here... Of our 8 days there, we experienced it maybe 3-4 times, all during the late night... The first nite was strong, but the rest had a pleasant campfire aroma..... So, this was not a big deal for us... Also, it is usually very windy here... Again, not a problem, at least for us... It made for a nice cross breeze thru our condos and we never felt the need to use the AC, except for the last day, when the wind died down!

Overall, i would recommend staying here for the reasons mentioned... Would i stay here again for an entire vacation? Probably not. IMO, it's great for several days, maybe your last few days of your trip, to be close to the airport etc..... But, i found it to be a bit pricey for what you get---- after they hit you with the "cleaning fees", and other fees on top of the rental fees, it gets kinda costly....
Written April 6, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Pamela M
New Smyrna Beach, United States6 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2018
I am so glad that I rented a condo at Makani A Kai in Maalaea. I wanted to get away from the touristy areas, and this place was perfect. It was located about 20 minutes from Kihei and Lahaina. Sugar Beach is the beach the condo was on. When I come back to Maui, I will definitely be staying in Maalaea.
Written May 13, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Lira D
South Lake Tahoe, CA15 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2013 • Couples
Our condo was right in front of the ocean. Great view. Central location about 20 minutes to Lahaina, 15 minutes to Kihei. Wailea is around 20 mins as well. Perfect location.
Written October 9, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Bruce B
Austin, TX7 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2015 • Couples
We spent our 2nd week on Maui (many trips to Maul, Oahu and Kauai) moving here from an ownership resort at Ka'anapali. A VRBO condo rental.

In summary:
Pros:
- a more quiet and peaceful place than a busy family resort
- pretty views and wave sounds from ocean-front condos
- close to a handy small village with most of what you need
- close to dive and cruise boat facility (port)
- very quiet and nice beach a short walk away' most of the condos are along a seawall
- while it is nearly nowhere, it is close to everywhere and many buses come through the village
- Kihei town is 15 min away w/ lots of commercial/grocery stores
Cons:
- can be quite windy coming across the flatlands
- if upwind field is plowed, can be lots of red dust
- under airport landing/takeoff pattern
- if sugar cane being burnt off, can be smokey
- beach nearby not very good for either swimming or snorkeling
- condos have limited facilities and conveniences
- would not be suitable for kids> 5 y/o through teenagers; they'd be bored unless you were most days
Written June 11, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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