mimi1

We have a trip planned to Maui and are considering staying either at the Hyatt Regency-Westin-or Kaanapali Ali in Kaanapali or the Four Seasons-Kea Lani in Wailea.Any suggestions on which area and hotel?
Also would like to know how everyone seems to upgrade to better rooms? We never seem to be able to.

mlc

I don't think yo can go wrong in either place. Wailea to me seems a little more upscale than Kaanapali - more ritzy feeling (not saying that's bad!!!!). The resorts at Kaanapali are all primarily along the Kaanapli beach - a long, but very pretty beach. Lots of shopping and restaurants there, and probably more people. Conversely, Wailea's hotels share a couple of very beautiful crescent shaped beaches. Not nearly as many shops or restaurants in Wailea. We looked at the Four Seasons while we were playing on Wailea Beach, and it looked incredibly posh. Wailea supposedly gets a little more sun, but it seemed about the same when when we were there last week (we stayed just north of Kaanapali). When we upgraded to an ocean front room, I asked if they had any available, kind of schmoozed the clerk, and hemmed and hawed a little on the price till they lowered it considerable. Other people use their hotel club/reward points. Have a great time.

padme

Hi Mimi!

We were in Maui for a holiday in early Dec, 2002. We stayed at the Ritz in Kapalua. I would definately stay at the Four Seasons in Wailea. Although it was quiet when we were there, Kanaapali has alot going on and all the resorts are very close together(re-no beautiful grounds, pool areas right on public walkways etc).It is a beautiful area with great restaurants and shops but I wouldn't want to stay there if you are looking for some peace and quiet in a luxurious and serene setting. Wailea is more private with great new restaurants and shops(the Shops of Wailea are amazing-drop loads of $$ there).The Four Seasons has had nothing but amazing reviews and it looked beautiful.The beaches there are also breathtaking.The Kea Lani looked great as well and it always receives good reviews from posters.The Ritz Carlton Kapalua is also beautiful and private-in breathtaking kapalua.Have a great trip!!!

kendallg

You don't mention who's going on ths trip, which might influence where you stay. Here is our expereience, having been to Wailea (the Kea Lani) in October and just returning last week from the Sheraton Maui on Kaanapali:
If this is your first trip and you like to be able to walk or take a shuttle to shops and a variety of restuarants (not just in the hotels) I'd recommend Kaanapali. This was my parents' first trip and we walked the beach "boardwalk'' just about every day, whether for breakfast, happy hour, shopping or whatever. Also, you are much closer to Lahaina (about 10 minutes) which is good to visit at least once for souvenirs, restaurants, etc. There is a shuttle ($1 per person each way) or you can easily drive.
That said, we loved Wailea, too, but all we did that trip - literally - was hang out at the pool with our kids (ages 2 and 5). We went to dinner at night when they had a sitter or we stuck close to the hotel and ate there with them. The Kea Lani was FABULOUS. Pools not as flashy as a Hyatt or Westin, but very nice and plenty of room. There is a classy adults-only pool that we, unfortunately, only walked by! Rooms, as everyone here as noted, are huge and wonderful. Gourmet deli/grocery on site was a nice touch. Only drawback: you couldn't walk to much from here (at least with the kids in tow). Kea Lani is at the far end with no big resort right next door. It's a beautiful walk to the four seasons and grand wailea but a bit far to the shops.
One note on the Four Seasons: we had two great meals there but I perosnally wouldn't stay there, with or without the kids. I like nice pool features and it only has one pretty sedate pool. It looks gorgeous at night, though!
On Kaanapali side, we have stayed at sheraton, westin and hyatt. Hyatt and Westin are tops, in that order, for us. Kaanapali Alii rooms like huge, with great views close to the beach, and there are a lot of cookouts, but pool is again kind of boring. (my bias!).
You can't go wrong on either side, it just depends what's on your itinerary.
Wailea is closer to airport and Maalea Harbor, where a lot of snorkel trips go out of. And as someone mentioned, it is a little more classy and less touristy. You're also closer to the road to hana.
If you have any specific questions, let me know.

vivi

I am a big fan of Wailea's upscale tranquility. But if you are interested in being in the midst of "the action" then you'd probably prefer Kaanapali.

anneofingleside

Wailea is more upscale, but far from the action, in my opinion. I prefer Kaanapali, which is near Lahaina. I think it's a good area for vacationing families. In Kaanapali, the best hotels are the Hyatt and Westin--great pools, beautiful lobbies.

Loungin

My wife and I stayed at the Kea Lani last June for our Honeymoon. It is absolutely beautiful. The service from everyone was fantastic. In my opinion, it has a perfect beach area with great views. The pool areas are great and the adult pool is right on time. The Kea Lani has a big breakfast buffet every morning and great places to eat lunch when just lounging at the beach or one of the pools. It also has a great spa & gym if you're interested in exercising on vacation. Hope you choose to stay at the Kea Lani but even if you don't, make sure you go to Nick's Fish Market at the Kea Lani. Food was excellent and best service I've ever experienced in my life. I think we had 5 or 6 servers serving us the whole time we were there. We cannot wait to get back to the Kea Lani. Have a fun and safe trip.

llkshep

We just honeymooned in Wailea and absolutely loved it! Stayed at the Renaissance. Any of the 5 or 6 resorts on the walking path there in Wailea are great, including the 4 seasons. We drove all over the island, but loved Wailea best. Have fun!

10273eko

Agree with the above posters. We stayed in Kaanapali and loved it. Convenience was #1 for us. Wailea is 30+ minutes from Lahaina where Kaanapali was under 10 minutes..... Both were beautiful.

10273eko

Agree with the above posters. We stayed in Kaanapali and loved it. Convenience was #1 for us. Wailea is 30+ minutes from Lahaina where Kaanapali was under 10 minutes..... Both were beautiful.