Nestled on one of Maui's calmest crescents, the Napili Kai Beach Club is a 46-year-old family-run classic that channels old Hawaii, with Don Ho–era decor in its public areas and 163 rooms. Strength: Packages include a rental car, a fifth night free, or kids' meals. Weaknesses: Less expensive rooms might be dated; beachfront rooms have fans, not air-conditioning (808-669-6271; napilikai.com; doubles, $235–$385).

You might know Wailea and Makena for their top-end resorts, but they're also condo country. Destination Resorts Hawaii specializes in rentals in seven communities, and options range from studios to multi-bedroom villas; daily housekeeping and concierge services are available. Strength: A seasonal Mother Earth package that includes a rental car and carbon offset credits starts at $203 a night for a studio (five-night minimum). Weakness: Some rentals are in the Polo Beach Club, which has great views and a beach but shows its 1982 birth date (866-384-1365; drhmaui.com; studios and one-bedrooms, $216–$360).

The best of old and new Hawaii meet in the Old Wailuku Inn at Ulupono, a ten-room property on a quiet street in Wailuku with a front porch filled with vintage rattan and homegrown orchids. Choose from traditional Hawaiian-themed rooms or more contemporary suites, some with whirlpool tubs. Strengths: Fantastic breakfasts; ten minutes from Kahului Airport. Weakness: No pool (808-244-5897; mauiinn.com; doubles, $170–$195).

In laid-back Hana, the Guest Houses at Malanai offers a one-bedroom love nest with a living room and a full kitchen, as well as a more casual two-bedroom home—both within walking distance of the beach. Strengths: Decor; the hosts. Weakness: Not on the beach (808-248-8818; malanai.net; doubles, $235–$385).

Dining
Kihei Caffe, a beachside breakfast-and-lunch institution, serves legendary breakfast burritos and pineapple coconut pancakes (1945 S. Kihei Rd.; 808-879-2230; entrées, $4–$6). Cafe O'Lei, on the top floor of Kihei's Rainbow Mall, offers well prepared fresh fish and salad bowls heaving with local greens at reasonable prices (2439 S. Kihei Rd.; 808-891-1368; entrées, $15–$29). With tiki torches blazing above the Kapalua Bay Course, Pineapple Grill is an ideal setting for drinks and pupus, especially on Fridays and Saturdays from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., when it has half-price specials and live music (200 Kapalua Dr.; 808-669-9600; entrées, $10–$38). Nearby, local favorite Sansei Seafood Restaurant and Sushi Bar also offers a great weekend deal—half-price sushi on Fridays and Saturdays from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. (600 Office Rd.; 808-669-6286; entrées, $16–$43). In historic Lahaina, Aloha Mixed Plateis a casual outdoor café on the beach. Dine on grilled mahi-mahi to the sound of drums and chants from the luau next door (1285 Front St.; 808-661-3322; entrées, $5–$13).
Sallie Brad