Maui Schooner - OK for someone never been to HI?

[kccpa]

I have a possible trade into the Maui Schooner for a 2BD. I'm doing the trade as a gift for a friend who has NEVER been to Hawaii. I'm worried that Kihei won't have that Hawaiian flavor. The dates would be late May 2011.

HELP! I need to decide ASAP.

I was hoping for a trade closer to the Kaanapali area...maybe the SOK. Granted Whalers Village isn't real Hawaii but it's close to Lahaina and there are lots of beautiful beaches up and down the coast.

I'm just not sure about the beaches in Kihei. The only beaches I recall or the Kamaole 1,2 & 3.

Suggestions, thoughts, needed. Fellow tuggers comes through for me!

Thanks!

Kathy

 

[ciscogizmo1]

I think, it is a matter of taste. Personally, I don't like the Kihei area as much. Don't get me wrong there is nothing wrong with the area except that has more a residential feel to it rather than a resort feel. There are great beaches near by but you do need to drive to them. I'm not sure if this particular resort has a swimmable beach in front. So, I guess, it depends on what your friend is looking for. To us, a swimmable beach is VERY important. I discovered that on a trip to the Westin Princeville in Kauai where you need to walk down a huge mountain to get to the beach. I did not enjoy that. I prefer to walk out onto the beach. It is the reason I go to Hawaii. I don't go to Hawaii to load up the car and drive to a beach. But as I said before it is all personal preference.

 

[stevelb]

I was also thinking of a trade into this resort, but am now worried about the disruption that may be caused by the renovations. Any thoughts?

 

[Luanne]

We love Kihei and prefer that side of island. And yes, we have to drive to our favorite beach. But, that's fine. It just means there are less people there.

 

[kccpa]

Luanne,

What beach was that? Would you share? I'm really having a hard time with this decision.

Do we know when the renovations are going to start? Or have they already started?

Thanks!!!!

 

[Luanne]

That is Maluaka Beach. We've been going there since before there was a hotel on site. The hotel used to be the Maui Prince, but now it's the Maui Beach Resort (I think). However, it doesn't seem like many of the hotel guests use the beach. It's more crowded on weekends when the local come. The beach is located in the Makena area.

 

[falmouth3]

I got a Maui Schooner week for my nephew's honeymoon. They loved it and have not been to Hawaii before.

Sue

 

[kccpa]

Thanks everyone. You all were a big help. Knew I could depend upon my fellow TUGgers.

I took the Maui Schooner. My friend said that the place would be a landing spot anyway and he expects to be doing a lot of traveling in seeing the island. What really swayed me was seeing Maluaka Beach. Beautiful. I'd certainly be happy to drive to that beach.

It's a 2BD so he might get lucky and get something with a view. Fingers crossed. It will be the end of May so weather should be nice.

Appreicate all your help.

Kathy

 

[Kauai Kid]

All the rooms have a view. A building looks directly out on the ocean. B building you have a view of the pool and the ocean.

Sterling

 

[Luanne]

All the rooms have a view. A building looks directly out on the ocean. B building you have a view of the pool and the ocean.

Sterling

The pictures from their website look lovely.

 

[barefootnAR]

Luanne,

What beach was that? Would you share? I'm really having a hard time with this decision.

Do we know when the renovations are going to start? Or have they already started?

Thanks!!!!

Renovations might start April 2011 if owners vote yes...See Kauai Kid's post on Schooner Assessments for more detail.

 

[Kauai Kid]

Another plus for the Kihei area.

It is closer to the major must see sights. Up country, Road to Hana, the mountain.

Also much closer to the airport than west Maui.


Sterling

 

[kccpa]

Thanks everyone!

Thanks all!

I did take the trade so my friend will have a wonderful 2BD accomodation when he said he would be happy with a studio. No way could I put a newbie in a studio. I told him about the potential for some construction noise and he was again OK with that...said the condo would be a jumping off place for his excursions so it shouldn't be a problem.

He already has the aloha spirit!

 

[BevL]

It's his first time in Hawaii - a tent on the beach wouldn't be that bad. A two bedroom place on Maui - not too shabby.