best part of maui in december?

hey all - we arrive in maui from dec 12-19 this year and are seeking advice as to the best part of island to book. we have been told that one side of maui is drier than the other side in december???

we are looking to do lot%26#39;s of sightseeing and will have a car so we plan on lot%26#39;s of driving, but would like to stay at a resort that has a nice (calm-ish) beach and sunnier conditions for the days we just want to lounge.

can anyone offer their opinion on a resort, and also the airport nearest that we would book?

fyi - we will be arriving AFTER our completion of the Honolulu marathon, so this is a shout out to anyone else who may be participating!

thanks for your advice.

best part of maui in december?

South Maui i.e. Wailea and Kihei tends to be a little more sunny in the winter. I however prefer the West side as in Kaanapali as there is more to do. Based on what you are looking for I would have to direct you to South Maui, but I can not give any good advice on hotels on that side of the island.

best part of maui in december?

Lucky for you, both the major hotel areas on Maui are located on the dry leeward, west-facing shores of the island. These are the Kihei/Wailea area in South Maui, and the Lahania/Kaanapali area on West Maui. Wailea is a little more dry but not by much. Just don%26#39;t stay in Hana, which is on the wet side. For either area, you will want to fly into the airport in Kahului (OGG).

Oops, typo, I meant ';Lahaina'; of course.

Maui%26#39;s main destinations are West Maui (actually the NW corner) and South Maui (actually the SW side).

The former is more go-go, hustle, bustle. It has Lahaina, the former whaling port that has become a row of galleries/bars/boutiques and offers the main nightlife on the island. Far north is a golf resort. there are condos, many of them high-rises. It has more rain and wind than S. Maui. There is more traffic within the area and getting to it.

The latter is quieter. Wailea has four top-notch resort hotels and deluxe low-rise condos. S. Kihei, bordering Wailea, also has very nice condos, both on and across Kihei Road from the beach. Kihei is strung out along the shore with lots of small restaurants and take-out places. The north end is just OK, becoming more welcoming across from its three lovely beaches: Kamaole I, II, and III. All of S. Maui%26#39;s coastline is beach -- just broken up here and there by some lava outcroppings. It is easier to get to the rest of Maui from this area.

For a short stay, either area should be fine. For a long stay...well, DH and I own in S. Kihei so you know our preference.

December is a great time to visit. Rates are low until the 20th, at least at our complex.

Hey everyone - thanks so much for the helpful info - i have booked a hotel in kaanapali - and i booked the molokini snorkel and the bike ride down the mtn - look fwd to exploring maui - appreciate all the feedback and also found this whole forum very useful as i browsed!

if anyone else is doing the honolulu marathon i wish you luck and fun!

vb