Kaanapali Beach Hotel- Maui

Old Oct 16th, 2004, 12:32 PM
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Kaanapali Beach Hotel- Maui

Hello all! I am a long time lurker and first time poster, as is evidenced by the fact that I neglected to put my message in the "Hawaii" topic and it ended up in the general information section. I'm reposting hoping for more precise information. Thanks to everyone for their informative and humorous postings.

I was hoping someone could confirm Kaanapali Beach Hotel's reputation as being the "most Hawaiian" hotel.

Has anyone stayed there? Which wing would you suggest? We leave October 23 and I am so excited I just can't stand it.
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Old Oct 16th, 2004, 02:03 PM
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I've stayed at several Kaanapali Hotels and can assure you that Kaanapali Beach Hotel has the most Hawaiian feel to it, from the "aloha spirit" down to everything else. Be aware it is NOT a luxury hotel, but its location and friendliness more than make up for that. Sorry, I can't recall exactly where I stayed at the hotel.
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Old Oct 16th, 2004, 02:25 PM
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My husband and I have stayed there twice and I agree that it is a nice, laid back place to stay. If you are on the beach looking at the hotel, our room was to the right of the lobby and four or five floors up. The view was great. Although the rooms have been redecorated, the hotel still has a dated feel but it was NEVER dirty or uncomfortable. The staff is great. We didn't really have one negative experience there. Don't worry, you will have a great time!!

I think if we were to go back to that area I would look at the condos that are next door (to the south) and get a place with a kitchen. I like eating out, but having the option to eat in is nice because eating out there every meal can get quite pricey. We even had a casual dinner from the grill at the pool bar and it was good. The restaurants at the shopping area directly south are good. Hula Grill is right on the beach, the tables and chairs are in the sand. They had a great band of four young Hawaiian guys that are there one night a week, you should call and see if they are still playing because it was a fun time. Kimo's, a sister restaurant in Lahaina, is also great. Have fun!!
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Old Oct 16th, 2004, 03:17 PM
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I have stayed there before. It is a great place and its on one of the finest parts of Kannapali Beach. I may be mistaken, but I think it was built in 1962. It is NOT a luxury resort, but as other have said it a very laid back and relaxing place. The pool is in the shape of a whale. The grounds are very nice and tropical with plenty of room to lay out and relax. Keep your expectations on the low side and you will love it! My rooms have always been on the third floor on the wing closest to the Whaler condo with a view through the gardens to the beach.
It is a good value for the money.
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Old Oct 16th, 2004, 03:37 PM
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I stayed at the Kaanapali Beach Hotel several times in the 70's and 80's and loved it. I can remember telling my husband that I liked the more natural feel of it rather than the commercialized Hyatt, etc. We're going back to Maui next summer for the first time in 20 years and not sure where to stay. However, I can tell you the KBH gets great reviews on tripadvisor.com. It is definitely STILL the best value on Kaanapali Beach and I wouldn't hesitate to stay there again. The manager has been there since the mid-80's and is known for incorporating the aloha spirit there. Have a wonderful time!!
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Old Oct 16th, 2004, 03:48 PM
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The claim of the Kaanapali Beach Hotel that it is the "most Hawaiian" hotel is a joke!

However, it is a a good value non-luxury place to stay in a grat location. Another option is The Whaler condominiums right next door (especially if you rent directly from the owner).
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Old Oct 16th, 2004, 04:01 PM
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I have know several people who have stayed there- no complaints. There is an article in the latest issue of Hawaii magazine inre to this property,the gist of it being the managers special emphasis to his staff to provide that special extra touch and friendliness.
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Old Oct 16th, 2004, 04:17 PM
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DH and I stayed there in 2001. I enjoyed making leis and weaving-both classes available on site. The staff was great. As others have said-not fancy-but clean and comfortable. Nice location-best snorkeling around at Black Rock. We would stay there again. I loved the vibe and aloha spirit.
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Old Oct 17th, 2004, 12:32 PM
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Thank you to everyone who replied. I knew it was not a luxury place, but we are not "resort" people and are going to Maui to be outside, so as long as it is clean and has working showers and AC, we'll be fine.


This has to be the best talk section I've ever encountered. I really enjoy learning from the best people out there "Fodorites".

Thanks again,
Stephnie
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Old Oct 18th, 2004, 05:51 AM
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Have a great time, post when you get back, and tell us all about the KBH!
-Bill
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Old Oct 18th, 2004, 06:37 PM
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The Aston Kaanapali Shores, to the north of KBeach hotel is terrific. We are leaving soon for our third stay there. The accomodations are wonderful, a 1 BR condo is roomy, a living area, bedroom, and, of course, bathroom, a really nice kitchen area - full size fridge. And then the grounds - they are very well maintained. The beach Club restaurant, onsite, is excellent. The food is terrrific and the prices are very reasonable. We love it there. After spending many vacations at The Rennaissance in Wailea. we found this a very welcome change. Even though beforehand, eating out seems wonderful, you really do tire of it. And, if you don't there are are plenty of restaurants in Lahaina or Kapalua or Kahana to choose from. Think about The KShores -it is a lovely place.
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Old Oct 19th, 2004, 03:15 AM
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Orchid, how is the beach at the Kaanapali Shores ?
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Old Oct 19th, 2004, 08:48 AM
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The thing I most enjoyed about KBH is the music that is played thru the entire Hotel including grounds. This is my fav Hotel on Ka'anapali Beach. We've stayed there 4 times and are looking forward to going back soon. The other Hotels are OK.. Could be at a Hyatt or Marriott anywhere but KBH is unique! Mahalo
 
Old Oct 20th, 2004, 04:49 PM
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Hi, Hawaiian music is also played in the lobby of Kaanapali Shores. At KShores the condo rooms are VERY accomodating. A very complete kitchen, the counter-sink area faces the ocean. Living area is roomy and comfortable, and bright. A restaurant is only a few steps away from your room. The food is excellent - breakfast and dinner, especially. And, very reasonably priced. Check it out.
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Old Oct 20th, 2004, 05:51 PM
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How is the beach at Kaanapali Shores ?
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Old Mar 1st, 2015, 09:21 AM
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I wanted to follow-up and let everyone know since I first made this post (10 years ago), we've been to the KBH 5 times. The Kauai wing is the best wing, but I have stayed in all of the wings. The rooms are clean, but more like staying with an aunt who lives on a beach rather than at a resort. You can NOT beat their beach location especially when you compare the price. Other things to know is that there is a shuttle that picks you up from the mall down the street from the hotel that will take you in to Lahaina. It was $2 the last time we used it ant completely worth it if you want to go shopping, eat at different restaurants, or just walk around town. The staff is friendly and the place is very welcoming.
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Old Mar 1st, 2015, 11:55 AM
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Wow, a follow up after 10 years! Thanks for posting an update
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Old Mar 1st, 2015, 03:12 PM
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Wow! 10 yrs. later. Well thats pretty nice!!

Mahalo. .
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