Neighborhoods

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 or www.elleairmaui.com). 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 online) 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.

Inexpensive -- 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 $25 dorm rooms and some private rooms ($60 single, $71 double). It provides many free amenities not often found in hostel-type accommodations, such as tours of Maui, high-speed Internet access, airport pickup, beach shuttle, and a Jacuzzi out back. Dorm-style accommodations ($23) and private rooms ($50 single, $60 double) are also available in old Wailuku at the Northshore Hostel, 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.

Lahaina

Inexpensive -- In addition to the following choices, 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

Another option to consider, in addition to those listed, is 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. Book online, where rates are $195 to $600 (50% off the rack rates).

Honokowai, Kahana & Napili

Expensive -- 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 $450 for two bedrooms, and $375 to $445 for three bedrooms (7-night minimum).

Moderate -- In addition to the choices below, 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-$285) 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.

Inexpensive -- In addition to the choices below, 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 start at around $95 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 ($140-$230 one-bedroom double).

Kapalua

Expensive -- 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 $279 to $579; two-bedrooms for $389 to $809; and three-bedrooms for $549 to $799, plus a $20 daily resort fee (which covers parking; unlimited local, national, and international calls; and high-speed Internet access). Numerous package deals (which include golf, tennis, honeymoon amenities, and car) can save you even more money.

South Maui

I recommend two booking agencies that rent a host of condominiums and unique vacation homes in the Kihei/Wailea/Maalaea area: Kihei Maui Vacations (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

Expensive -- In addition to the choices listed, consider the ResortQuest at the Maui Banyan (tel. 866/77-HAWAII [774-2924] 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 ($149 if you book online), $215 for one-bedroom units ($173 online), and $275 for two-bedroom units ($231 online); be sure to ask about packages.

Moderate -- The Kihei Beach Resorts, 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 $180 for a one-bedroom double, $260 to $270 for a two-bedroom (sleeps four); there's a 4-night minimum and a $25 charge per extra person.

Inexpensive -- In addition to the choices listed, also 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-$209 one-bedroom; $129-$229 two-bedroom; $249-$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 ($115-$149 double; 4- to 7-night minimum) that are ideal for families.

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 $230, one-bedroom doubles from $250, two-bedrooms from $280, and three-bedrooms from $420. Those rates include free long-distance calls, high-speed Internet access, and parking; one property, the Polo Beach Club, is completely nonsmoking (indoors and out). Children under 12 stay free; minimum stays vary by property.

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 (reviewed in the next section) are the closest to the summit.

Inexpensive -- 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 double.

Kula

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

Inexpensive -- In addition to the options listed, 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 ($80 double; 3-night minimum).

Twin Falls

Inexpensive -- Hidden in a secluded jungle, powered by alternative energy (no utility poles!), the off-the-beaten-path Tea House Cottage (tel. 800/215-6130 or 808/572-5610; www.mauiteahouse.com) gives you the chance to get away from it all while still having electricity, 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. Rates of $120 single (3-night minimum) and $135 double (2-night minimum) include breakfast. Owner Ann DeWeese is on the property and can provide any helpful tips you need during your vacation.

Hana

Inexpensive -- 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 $70 to $100 double. Not all units have TVs, and none have phones, but Mrs. N. is happy to take messages.