Neighborhoods

Central Maui

Kahului -- If you're arriving late at night or you have an early-morning flight out, the best choice near Kahului Airport is the Maui Beach Hotel, 170 Kaahumanu Ave., Kahului, HI 96732 (tel. 800/367-5004 or 808/877-0051; fax 808/871-5797; http://castleresorts.com/MBH). The nondescript, motel-like rooms (the standard room is so small, you can barely walk around the queen-size bed) start at $120 ($112 if you book on the Internet) and include free airport shuttle service (6am-9pm only). It's okay for a night, but it's not a place to spend your entire vacation.

Wailuku -- Backpackers should head to Banana Bungalow Maui, a funky Happy Valley hostel at 310 N. Market St., Wailuku, HI 96793 (tel. 800/846-7835 or 808/244-5090; www.mauihostel.com), with $27 dorm rooms and some private rooms ($54 single, $65 double). They provide many amenities not often found in hostel-type accommodations, such as free tours of Maui, free Internet access, free airport pickup, and a Jacuzzi out back. Dorm-style accommodations ($25) and private rooms ($50 single, $65 double) are also available at the Northshore Hostel in old Wailuku, at 2080 Vineyard St., Wailuku, HI 96793 (tel. 866/946-7835 or tel./fax 808/986-8095; www.northshorehostel.com). Note, however, that women traveling alone might not feel safe here after dark.

West Maui

Lahaina -- Also consider value-priced Old Lahaina House (tel. 800/847-0761 or 808/667-4663; fax 808/669-9199; www.oldlahaina.com), which features comfy twin- and king-bedded doubles for just $69 to $139. It's about a 2-minute walk to the water just across Front Street.

Kaanapali -- The Royal Lahaina Resort (tel. 800/222-5642 or 808/661-3611; fax 808/661-6150; www.hawaiianhotelsandresorts.com). But skip the overpriced hotel rooms: Only stay here if you can get one of the 132 cottages tucked among the well-manicured grounds. Tip: Book on the Internet, where rates are $195 to $600 (half off the rack rates).

Honokowai, Kahana & Napili -- Also consider Sands of Kahana (tel. 800/326-9874 or 808/669-0423; www.sands-of-kahana.com), an eight-story condo/timeshare complex that's great for families. The one- to three-bedroom units have small kitchens and washer/dryers. The property is loaded with kid-friendly extras, including a large children's pool, a playground, and a stretch of beach that's safe for swimming. Rates range from $150 to $225 for one bedroom, $265 to $325 for two bedrooms, and $325 to $365 for three bedrooms (7-night minimum).

Consider Polynesian Shores, 3975 Lower Honoapiilani Rd. (near Kahana and just 2 min. from the Kapalua-West Maui Airport), Lahaina, HI 96761 (tel. 800/433-6284 or 808/669-6065; fax 808/669-0909; www.polynesianshores.com). Every unit (one to three bedrooms, $150-$290) has floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that open onto a private lanai with an ocean view. There's great snorkeling off the beach out front.

Consider Hale Maui Apartment Hotel (tel. 808/669-6312; fax 808/669-1302; www.halemauivacationrental.com), a wonderful, tiny place run by Hans and Eva Zimmerman and daughter Marika, whose spirit is 100% aloha. The one-bedroom suites (completely remodeled in 2007), which run from $105 to $135 for a double, come with ceiling fans, private lanais, and complete kitchens. There's no pool, but a private path leads to a great swimming beach.

Another option is Hoyochi Nikko, 3901 Lower Honoapiilani Rd. (in Honokowai), Lahaina, HI 96761 (tel. 800/487-6002, ext. 1, or 808/669-0089, ext. 1; fax 808/669-3937; www.mauilodging.com), which has 17 older (but well maintained) one- and two-bedroom units sharing 180 feet of oceanfront ($115-$230 double for one bedroom).

Kapalua -- If you're interested in a luxurious condo or town house, consider Kapalua Villas (tel. 800/545-0018 or 808/669-8088; www.kapaluavillas.com). The palatial units dotting the oceanfront cliffs and fairways of this idyllic coast are a (relative) bargain, especially if you're traveling with a group. The one-bedroom condos go for $269 to $289; two bedrooms for $379 to $399; three bedrooms for $549 to $569, plus an $18 a day resort fee. The numerous package deals (which include golf, tennis, honeymoon amenities, and car) can save you even more money.

South Maui

Maalaea -- I recommend two booking agencies that rent a host of condominiums and unique vacation homes in the Kihei/Wailea/Maalaea area: Kihei Maui Vacation (tel. 800/541-6284 or 808/879-7581; www.kmvmaui.com) and Condominium Rentals Hawaii (tel. 800/367-5242 or 808/879-2778; www.crhmaui.com).

Kihei -- Also consider the ResortQuest at the Maui Banyan (tel. 866/77-HAWAII or 808/875-0004; www.resortquesthawaii.com), a condo property across the street from Kamaole Beach Park II. The large one- to three-bedroom units are very nicely done and feature full kitchens, air-conditioning, and washer/dryers. Rates start at $175 for hotel rooms, $205 for one-bedroom units, $265 for two-bedroom units, and $400 for three-bedroom/three-bathroom units; be sure to ask about packages.

The Kihei Beach Resort, 36 S. Kihei Rd., Kihei, HI 96753 (tel. 800/367-6034 or 808/879-2744; fax 808/875-0306; www.kiheibeachresort.com), has spacious condos right on the beach. The downside is the constant traffic noise from Kihei Road. Rates are $155 to $190 for a one-bedroom unit (two people), $260 to $295 for a two-bedroom (sleeps four); there's a 4-night minimum and a $25 charge per extra person.

Check out Luana Kai Resort, 940 S. Kihei Rd., Kihei, HI 96753 (tel. 800/669-1127 or 808/879-1268; fax 808/879-1455; www.luanakai.com). This older condo complex has 113 units ($109-$189 one-bedroom; $129-$259 two-bedroom; $229-$299 three-bedroom; 4-night minimum).

Kihei Kai Resort, 61 N. Kihei Rd., Kihei, HI 96753 (tel. 888/778-7717 or 808/891-0780; fax 808/891-9403; www.kiheikai.com), has one-bedroom apartments ($94-$150 double; 4-night minimum in off season, 7-night minimum in high season) that are ideal for families ($10 per extra person).

Wailea -- For a complete selection of condo units throughout Wailea and Makena, contact Destination Resorts Hawaii (tel. 800/367-5246 or 808/879-1595; fax 808/874-3554; www.drhmaui.com). Its luxury units include studio doubles starting at $220; one-bedroom doubles from $235; two-bedrooms from $270; and three-bedrooms from $380. Other pluses about these luxury condos are free long-distance calls, high-speed Internet access, and free parking; one property, the Polo Beach Club, is completely nonsmoking, indoors and out. Children under 12 stay free; minimum stays vary by property.

Upcountry Maui

Makawao, Olinda & Haliimaile -- When you stay in the cooler upcountry climate of Makawao, Olinda, and Haliimaile, on the slopes of Maui's 10,000-foot Haleakala volcano, you'll be (relatively) close to Haleakala National Park. Makawao and Olinda are approximately 90 minutes from the entrance to the park at the 7,000-foot level (you still have 3,000 ft. and another 30-45 min. to get to the top). Staying in Haliimaile adds another 10 to 15 minutes to your drive up to the summit. Accommodations in Kula are the closest to the summit.

If you'd like your own private cottage, consider Peace of Maui, 1290 Haliimaile Rd. (just outside Haliimaile town), Haliimaile, HI 96768 (tel. 888/475-5045 or 808/572-5045; www.peaceofmaui.com), which has a full kitchen, two bedrooms, a day bed, and a large deck. The cottage goes for $120, and children are welcome. The owners also have rooms in the main house (with shared bathroom and kitchen facilities) from $50 single and $55 for two.

Kula -- Lodgings in Kula are the closest options to the entrance of Haleakala National Park (about 60 min. away).

Also consider Gildersleeve's Vacation Rentals, formerly known as Elaine's Upcountry Guest Rooms (tel. 808/878-6623; fax 808/878-2619; papag@hawaii.rr.com). The warm and welcoming hosts rent three rooms in their spacious pole house ($75 double; 3-night minimum).

East Maui

Twin Falls -- Budget travelers might consider the very affordable Halfway to Hana House (tel. 808/572-1176 or 808/281-3705; www.halfwaytohana.com), an adorable studio (complete with kitchenette) nestled in the jungle, just past Twin Falls, with rates from $85 to $105 double (3-night minimum).

Also consider the off-the-beaten-path Tea House Cottage (tel. 800/215-6130 or 808/572-5610; www.mauiteahouse.com): Hidden in a secluded tropical jungle, powered by alternative energy (no power poles!), this cottage gives you the chance to get away from it all while still having utilities, phone, and TV -- you can even plug in your laptop. Your private cottage has two decks, a screened lanai, a bedroom, a small kitchen, and a unique bathhouse. Breakfast is included daily for $125 double. Owner Ann DeWeese is on the property and can provide any helpful tips you need during your vacation on Maui.

Hana -- Mrs. Nakamura has been renting her Aloha Cottages (tel. 808/248-8420) since the 1970s. Located in residential areas near Hana Bay, these five budget rentals are simply but adequately furnished, varying in size from a roomy studio with kitchenette to a three-bedroom, two-bathroom unit. They're all fully equipped, clean, and fairly well kept. Rates run from $65 to $100 double. Not all units have TVs, and none have phones, but Mrs. N. is happy to take messages.