I love Lahaina. What's not to love? It's got a bit of history, from the whaling days. There are great eats (David Paul, Malo's, I'o). Most of the people seem like they are having a really good time. There's pretty cool shopping (love Maui Hands). Locals talk it down as over touristed but Lahaina is totally walkable (skip the really hot 10-3 pm stretch) and has plenty to do. Good surfing with two breaks right off the harbor. Really great sportfishing and other water activities. A real-life steam engine ride for kids, a relic from the sugar cane days. The one thing Lahaina lacks is lots of places to stay. One of the my favorites is the Lahaina Shores. It's a condotel set right on the beach. OK, the beach is not great, but the views are dynamite, its walking distance to all the shops and restaurants and (be still, my heart) to both the good surf breaks. These rooms are all decorated differently due to the diverse ownership,

They are fairly universally comfortable with decent kitchens for saving money on breakfast and lunch, if need be (a good option for families). The building is showing some wear but its generally in decent shape with nice, clean common areas and some obvious TLC that's gone into refitting the lobby and hallways. The rate is not low but its not too bad considering its a condo on the beach. Caveat -- these units really do not sleep four people comfortable (at least not the standard studio units) so make sure to ask. Also, the reef right offshore is sharp so swimming here is not recommended. Lastly, this property is not an architectural beauty. It's pretty much a box on the beach. But it's a comfortable, convenient, and rather pleasant one, at that.

Lahaina Shores Beach Resort
475 Front Street / Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii, USA. 96761
US and Canada Toll Free: 1-800-642-6284

—Alex, 07/31/07