I used to live on Maui and work at one of the big hotels. From that vantage point I learned about the best beaches, the most luxurious spas, the restaurants to avoid, and the best hotels.
by Big Louie on November 2, 2000
The best thing to do on Maui is to swim and snorkel on friendly pristine beaches. Beaches in Hawaii are open to the public. Many of the best resorts are located along the best beaches. Even if you can't afford the Four Seasons, you can swim and relax at their beach, which is one of the nicest on the island. ${QuickSuggestions} Maui hotels, especially those in Wailea (which are the ones I discuss here), are very expensive. If you decide to splurge, these hotels are worth it. However, if you want to get a taste of the luxury without breaking the bank, then I would suggest renting a condo for the week or staying at one of the less prominent hotels or small bed and breakfast inns. You can search the web for listings. ${BestWay} Most people will rent a car on Maui. A car is very helpful for buying groceries, seeing other parts of the island, and finding other beaches. If you stay at one of the Wailea hotels, you may not need a car -- there is a shuttle bus that circulates through all of Wailea and you can take a taxi for occasional trips (to Big Beach or to Kihei).
The Four Seasons is luxury at its finest. The staff is discreet and professional. The sofas in the common areas are as comfortable as can be -- a great place to read the Sunday New York Times (available in the hotel's gift shop). The fountains leading up to the pool are just as beautiful in person as they appear in the print ads. The spa and exercise room are modern and decently-equipped. The wooden outdoor showers by the pool are a nice detail. Smoothies by the pool are perfectly blended. The sandy beach is swimmer friendly, and it's a good place for low hassle snorkeling. I saw the usual tropical fish here, including an octopus. On one occasion I saw Steven Tyler from Aerosmith (sunbathing, believe it or not!). The restaurant buffets are pricey but they are also better than those at other nearby hotels. There is a pool table in the bar where they play surf videos. Great place for a frozen mudslide!
The sandy beach is swimmer friendly, and it's a good place for low hassle snorkeling. I saw the usual tropical fish here, including an octopus. On one occasion I saw Steven Tyler from Aerosmith (sunbathing, believe it or not!). The restaurant buffets are pricey but they are also better than those at other nearby hotels. There is a pool table in the bar where they play surf videos. Great place for a frozen mudslide!
When you drive up to the Kea Lani, you will see an exotic, whitewashed palace that defies description. When they built this place, they spared no expense. Notice the details, such as marble floors, iron outdoor furniture, and a beautifully tiled pool. You can get a poolside massage beneath a white canopy. There is snorkeling in the rocky areas at the ends of the beach. If you're staying at another hotel, it's worth stopping by Cafe Ciao for fresh bread, Italian sandwiches, and lattes at a reasonable price (a rarity in Wailea). All of the rooms in the main hotel are suites -- so you've got plenty of room to lounge around. Although a room with a view is a nice extra, you can easily skip it and use the savings on something else. Remember that views of the ocean are available from just about every common area in the hotel.
Carelli's has a 4 star view of the Maui sunset. There are tables that are literally along the water. When I was there, the seared ahi salad was the best appetizer. The cioppino was much more than a seafood stew -- it had lobster, crab, tasty noodles, and more. If there is anything to watch out for here, it's the prices. A glass of wine could set you back what you'd pay for a nice bottle on the mainland. Still, if you want a romantic dinner, Carelli's is pretty surefire. Star sighting included Michael J. Fox and spouse.
Makena Beach (Big Beach to the locals) is a few miles south of the big Wailea luxury hotels. Big Beach is big! If you're staying on this side of Maui, it will be the longest beach you see. As a natural wonder, it's a great view, but the undertow can be strong. Observe other swimmers to get a sense of it. I've had good snorkeling here, especially along the rocks on either side of the beach. If you go straight out, it gets deep pretty fast. I'd be very careful unless you're an excellent swimmer. A less touristy beach is 'Little Beach' which is north of Big Beach. To get there, you go to Big Beach, then hike up over the hill on the northside of the beach. Ask other beachgoers if it isn't obvious. When you get to the other side, you'll see Little Beach. There is nude bathing. It's also a good spot for boogie boarding, body surfing, and wading. Again, be careful about the undertow. Little Beach is usually more mellow (since it's more sheltered).
http://www.igougo.com/journal-j3049-Maui-Luxurious_yet_reasonable_Maui.html
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