Maui is the place to be for a Hawaiian family vacation. It's got it all: Phenomenal natural beauty, diverse ecosystems, limitless excursions, and activities catering to kids of all ages. There's enough on this island to satisfy everyone, from the most seasoned adult traveler to the child with the shortest attention span. But before you dive into planning out the myriad activities at your disposal, you're going to need to find a place to stay. It's undoubtedly the biggest decision of the entire trip-planning process. Maui offers a range of accommodations, from family-friendly condos to hotels and resorts. So how do you decide what's right for you and yours?
It all depends on what you want out of your trip. Is value a key consideration or is money no object? If you'd rather keep the cost down but not settle for a less than stellar trip then renting a condo might be your best option. Although you won't be catered to by a hotel staff and will have to clean up after yourself and your kids, condos are well appointed and extremely family-friendly. You can relax and soak up the pleasure of staying in a private space, complete with a living room, bedrooms, a kitchen, and a washer/dryer. You can spend your days hiking, swimming, and snorkeling and prepare a meal in your own kitchen using fresh, local ingredients. Or since you'll be getting more bang for your buck by staying in a condo, you could always go out for a delicious meal and stroll home afterwards.
On the other hand you might be looking forward to handing over the responsibility to someone else for a change—namely, a dedicated staff that can cater to your family's every need. If you're looking for something more lavish, opt for the luxury and service of one of Maui's many hotels or resorts. You could be lounging poolside, reading that book you've been too busy to pick up, and your children could be playing in the pool a few feet away. Forget cleaning the towels or tiding up—you'll meander back up to your room a few hours later, suntanned and relaxed, and will find the room spotless. When your family is hungry, you can sample the food at one of the fine hotel restaurants or have the concierge recommend some of the most delicious cuisine in the area.
Whether your family decides to lie low at a condo or live it up at a resort you're all bound to have the time of your life.
Lucia writes for the travel resource Ciao Bambino, a global guide to family-friendly vacation properties at Ciao Bambino.
