Garie Beach

Fun Maui beaches & resorts for 21-year-old & friend?

We're going to Maui in January. The beaches in West Maui look great, but someone said S. Maui would be better in winter. Is that true? Where are good beaches and condos for 21-year-olds to have fun and meet people. We'll be with my parents, but they are easy-going. We love to play volleyball and boogie board and also sleep and tan, dance and shop. Thanks!

Public Comments

1. I'd go here: www.uctwithme.com and click "Concierge"- you can call or email the Travel Agents at the Concierge Desk and ask them this question- these professionals have great suggestions and many have been in the industry for over 15 years. This is a free service- and I bet they can even get you a great deal, too-I've never found anything cheaper after talking to them.
2. West Side would be best for waves in January (unless you ride monster waves, then North Side). South Side should be calmer and great for swimming and snorkeling. January you should be able to catch a good whale-watching cruise out of Maalaea or Lahaina. Unless tourism picks up quite a bit between now and then, there may not be anybody for you to meet except us locals. On the other hand, it can be kind of nice to have half a great restaurant to yourself. Otherwise, both west side and south side tend to have lots of visitors, young and old. If you didn't have the parents with you, I'd tell you to stay at the Banana Bungalow in Wailuku. Lots of Americans and Europeans in their twenties over there, a real happenin' social scene. And there are lots of windsurfers and kiteboarders at Hookipa Beach, a bit east of OGG.
3. The beaches everywhere are great. If I were you I would stay around Kihei. Its relaxed, not so touristy, has a lot of bars close together, and isn't as pricey as resort areas like kaanapali or wailea.
4. Younger people tend to stay on the West Side, it has the best beaches, nightlife, variety of food choices, etc. Wailea (the South Side) is more expensive and quiet atmosphere. I would definitely put a 21 year old client on Kaanapali Beach. You can walk to all of the resorts, shopping, food, bars without getting in the car. As for weather, the West Side will be windier and get more rain. I would not stay in Kapalua (the most northern location on the west side) during January as you woudl receive a lot of rain. In Wailea (the south side) it is also called teh dry side of the island. It depends on what you are looking for, and if rain for a few minutes here and there is an issue. There is an hour+ drive between the South side and the West side. Almost all activities for first time visitors are on the West Side. Hope this helps!!
5. You would love bar hopping at Front Street in Lahaina (West Side). Lahaina is a compact town. Easy to get around. Kaanapali Beach(West side) is a nice white sandy beach, great for swimming. Lots of young people. Kaanapali Beach has volleyball nets set up. Kihei is very spread out. You have to drive to get places. They have nice beaches there too. There are bars, but they are more dangerous because Kihei has an ice problem. I would recommend you stay in Lahaina. Maybe take the dollar trolley up to Kaanapali Beach, to experience a world class beach. There is boogie boarding in Lahaina though.