My husband and I stayed in Maui for 2 weeks last year. We stayed in the Wailea area. We spent 4 days at the Kea Lani hotel which is really lovely. Wailea is quieter I believe, than the Kaanapli Beach area and closer to the rain forest and windsurfing areas on the north coast. Great snorkeling in the Wailea area as well. We also ate very well.

Enjoy

We stayed at the Westin,but one day we drove down to the Waliea area. We parked at the Grand Waliea. It and the Four Seasons had the best beach, but at 5:30 p.m. seemed to be very quiet and not much going on. We walked over to the Kea Lani, and they let us look at a room , which was very nice, then we ate there. It was real good and friendly service. Then they gave us a complimently limo ride back to our car. So I was very impressed with the Kea Lani. The Westin was real nice too. The resorts were first class but not as nice as the Wailea area. I would stayed again at Kaanapli beach area. I'm in my mid-30's with kids, and would say that the Westin has many many kids. Snorkeling boat is right in front of the Westin, a very short walk front the Sherton. I think the Sheraton is suppose to have great snorkeling at the Black Rock. Go to Maui. All the places are great to stay at. I've been 4 times and I'm going to stay at the Four Seasons this July. I liked the Westin so well, I'm wondering if I should change my reservation.

Wailea wins hands down. There is no comparrison. Great condos in Wailea as well as great hotels and great restaurants plus great beaches!

Maui is awesome. A trip up to the Volcano is a must. So is drive out to Hana. I remember that trip more than anything else about all of Hawaii. Stay over a night there...the drive itself is a blast. And of course Lahaina is great too. Do the Old Lahaina Luau...it rocks!

Terri: You will love the Wailea area. We stayed at the Kea Lani w/ our 2 boys ,12 & 10 this past November. The Hotel is beautiful! Beach is nice and good snorkeling right off the shore. Try Nicks Fish House in the KL. If your budget permits take a helicopter tour. That was awesome. Also, go to Joe's Bar & Grill. Good food. Have a great trip.

Wailea for 2 reasons:
1. Better planned (prettier and more upscale) resort area than Ka Annapali (Yeah, I know I butchered the spelling). May not have as much nightlife as Lahaina, but the Lahaina atmosphere was more like rowdy spring break to me.

2. Wailea is more centrally located on Maui, which is a better place to see most of both East and West Maui. We stayed at the Renaissance but would prefer the Four Seasons, or Grand Wailea. If you want real solitude, go further south to the Makena area

Where you stay depends on what you're looking for. The Wailea are is nice if you don't want much activity. Me, I can't sit on the beach all day and night so I thought Kaanapali was great. I loved the walk along the beach. So much to see and do. To each his/her own. I would be so bored staying in Wailea.
Have a great trip!