South Maui Area

        South Maui's northern most town is Ma'alaea.  It was the site of the first airport on Maui, but the constant winds made landings too rough.  It is now known for its marina.  Most snorkeling and whale watching tours leave from here. We went on the Quicksilver Snorkel Trip.   It leaves around 7am and returns at noon.  We went to Molokini, but it was to rough to snorkel.  We finally ended up snorkeling at Coral Gardens reef.                                    

      Kihei is the outcome of Maui's popularity during the 70s and 80s.  It is a linear collection of condos and strip malls.  Kihei is a beach town.  We stayed across the street from the NOAA Humpback Whale Marine Sanctuary and the Ko'ie'ie Fishpond.  There is no "downtown area" but a collection of shopping malls interspersed with beaches. There are many places to eat.

      Wailea is the premiere resort area on the island.  Expensive resorts line its beaches.  The most plush is the Grand Wailea and the Shops at Wailea.  Beaches extend from the Grand Wailea to Kea Lani resorts.  The Marriott Hotel has a beach Luau which is the only one I found in the South Maui Area.