Also sorry to add Lahaina Shores to the list also.

None of those is what I'd call "luxury", but then I'm not sure you'd ever get a luxury condo in Kaanapali for under $200 a night.

You should be aware that none of those places are on the stretch of beach known As Kaanapali where all the shopping and restaurants are. Those paces are really on Airport Beach which is north of Black Rock. Not nearly as swimmable as the beach south of Black Rock. I don't think of any of those as luxury either except maybe Kapalua Villas but there vary in quality as well.

I think you could enjoy a week down in the Kiehei/Wailea area and then also one up in the Lahaina/north area - so also check out staying at Kapalua and Napili, which are just north of Kanapali.

I/we prefer them as it's less crowded - and you can find nice beaches. There are a number of places - including those with condos, so just google away. In November - you should have plenty of choices.

And here is my favorite place - Napili Sunset - on your "own" beach. It's nice enough - and it has a grassy area in front of the units where you son could play, etc, and it's a little way from the water/protected by a hedge - so you wouldn't have to worry as much about his suddenly disappearing if you were temporarily distracted/whatever.

http://www.napilisunset.com/

Not to disappoint you, but we went in mid-November & did not see a single whale. I guess it's possible, but realistically, not probable. We did see plenty of spinner dolphins, a couple of bottle-nose dolphins, & a monk seal, though!

If you can do it, stay the whole time down in Wailea. Kaanapali Ali'i on the main portion of Kaanapali Beach is a great condo. It might be stretching your budget a bit, but would be worth it.

Thanks so much.I will look into Napili area & Kapalua Villas more in detail.Thanks mouseRD, if the probability of seeing whales is low maybe Fairmont the whole time may have to do it.My worry with that is that during thanksgiving week there may be traffic to get from Wailea to Kannapali.If I disregard the above condos which are on airport beach except Mahana, I like that one, how is the Whaler?
Between the Whaler,Mahana, Napili area,Kapalua & Fairmont what are your suggestions? Thank you so much, you have no idea how helpful this is.

I'd go with the Whaler for location.

The Whaler is in a great location. Other than that, it's "eh" -- certainly not luxury, although it's possible there are units in the building that are more luxe than the one we stayed in a few years ago. The pool is very small. The units are individually owned and decorated - no standard. Some are rented by the owners, via VRBO and the like, and others are rented through a company (we went with VRBO). Anyway, they're fine but if you're expecting the Ritz, you're certain to be disappointed.

The Whaler is right in the middle of busy Kaanapali.

Is there any condo - beachfront in the Kannapali area or area close to Lahaina that people recommend.My research so far with budget came up with the above stuff only. As long as its a 10-15 minute drive to restaurants on a nice strip of beach,in a condo development with as many amenities as an hotel ( I know these defer from condo to condo ) we would be ok.Any personal favorites?

What kind of hotel amenities are you looking for? And when you say "luxury", what does that mean to you?

We stayed at the Marriott Ocean Beach Resort on Kaanapali. It was great. .Great pool, very near Whalers Village, nice beach location I saw a rate of $251 for the 3rd week in Nov.

Thanks Suzie.Any extra amenities would be welcome but to be specific - a restaurant on site would be helpful,maid service is a plus but am OK without it as very few seem to have it.The rest I am all right without as long as the condo is clean,view very good & close to restaurants.I am starting to understand not to expect too much in terms of amenities.Anything more than this would be a plus.We do like modern rooms but I know each one is separate.I received an email from one owner of vrbo for Mahana - very modern, tasteful unit for $255 + 135 cleaning fee + 171 in taxes - its a 1BR oceanfront with views of Moloai & Lanai on the 10th floor.Reviews are good - we bring our own beach towels etc.What would someone think of that?Price wise it is comparable to the Fairmont.Totally comes to more than the Ritz - which maybe rainy I heard & windy.Still got to hear back from owner at whaler but will check out Mariott Ocean Beach Resort.Also would want to see dolphins, turles from lanai if not too early for whales.Thats the main reason not to be at Fairmont for the entire time.Let me know

SOrry at mahana - 7th floor unit

Suzie, we're staying at the Marriott in late September (we seem to be following you around!)

I'm not sure of the restaurant situation north of Black Rock. We always stay south of Black Rock (hence our stay at the Whaler a few years ago) because we like to be walking distance to the restaurants at Whaler's Village, like the beach path, for daytime and after-dinner walks. The Marriott has at least one on-site restaurant, but it's less critical there because of Whaler's Village - which even has a McDonalds.

We loved the Beachwalk Market on site at the Marriott. It had everything for a quick breakfast or a sandwich or pizza for lunch and also some lighter side or less sophisticated dinner. Had one of those sandwiches that you remember forever because they put something unexpected in it and suprises you with flavor. Also you were able to purchase a mug/covered cup for $35, mmaybe $40, but all refills are free. I think it includes both coffee & soda.

I think your son woudl really enjoy the pool.

We are currently here in Maui. We split our stay between Wailea & Kaanapali. We first stayed at the Fairmont (a few glitches, but we did really enjoy our stay there & it IS a luxury resort). The beach was wonderful there too.

We are now in a condo (more like a kind of timeshare rental - we do not own timeshare, but just rented directly) in Honua Kai resort. It is awesome! We have a HUGE 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom with full kitchen, washer/dryer, etc. Maid service each day too. It is new, clean, beautiful. There is a Duke's restaurant right on the grounds, the pool is fantastic (way better than the Fairmont for kids, IMO). I would stay here again.

Of the places you mention, Kapalua Villas would be the highest-rated. November isn't yet 'winter/rainy season'.

You are unlikely to see whales from shore in November. January-March is 'the season'. You will see sea turtles on the shores of both West Maui and South Maui.

Kapalua and Wailea are upscale. Kaanapali is mid-range; the Honua Kai is the only *newer* condo/tel there. There is greater density of tourists around Lahaina/Kaanapali -- it was developed around 1970 to lure people from Waikiki.

I would stay in one place with a child. I would prefer a deluxe condo and no hotel, but you seem to be fine with sharing a hotel room with your child. (My DH and I want our own bedroom in romantic Hawaii. I don't want to be confined to being quiet in one room for two weeks while my child naps and has early bedtime. I don't want to 'eat out' for every meal for two weeks, and I don't want to buy a child restaurant food that he doesn't eat.)

If you're fine with hotels, and your DH wants two islands, you could stay Waikiki and Wailea. If you're going to be 'moving house' anyway, moving islands probably isn't a huge deal. A 'hop' will take about four hours of your vacation time. Interisland tickets run about $100 pp per hop. You would not need a car on Waikiki.

Everyone says Honua Kai is really nice, and it doesn't sound like the OP necessarily wants to be near Whaler's Village, but I'm just noting in the interest of full disclosure that HK is on the part of Kaanapali Beach that is north of Black Rock.

Thanks so much everyone.The above is really helpful & i have been looking into it quite closely.Honua Kai does seem nice.At this point there has been a change where we are considering 10 days in Maui instead of 15 & then 5 days in Honolulu at the Hilton Hawaiian Village.We have stayed at HHV maybe 8 years ago, we liked it.Now I have reviewed its like a zoo.We like action packed but its more for my 3 year old who would like that many activities.I am an hilton honors gold member & had stayed in the Kalia tower all those years back.I know its changed but my husband prefers Maui first at the Fairmont & may split that with one of the above condos & then the HHV.Nothing is set at this time for sure as I am still going to read "Maui Revealed" & keep researching all above in Kannapali, Kapalua before deciding. I do like ChiSue's idea that if we are moving house, may not be such a big deal.Husband wants to do just Fairmont & HHV & not Kannapali.I am worried that to drive to Kannapali often from Fairmont we may be stuck in traffic.Any ideas on this change of plan?

Why would you drive to Kaanapali 'often'? (It's about 45 minutes in good traffic. Avoid 'rush hours' when the worker bees flood in and out of West Maui.) If you want tall buildings 'on sand', whether condos or mid-range hotels, stay Kaanapali. If you want upscale, stay Wailea or Kapalua. Staying Wailea, I'd take one day to drive to Kapalua, stopping at Lahaina.

I would not choose HHV. A Three will be happy wherever you are happy. IMO, HHV *is* a zoo! Lots of tour groups, people coming and going like a bus station.

I like Kaanapali and have stayed there each time we've been to Maui. But like ChiSue, I don't know why you'd need to go there from elsewhere on the island (there's no tourist attractions there). I don't even think I'd drive north of Lahaina -- one afternoon or evening in Lahaina should do it.

HHV is a zoo. I guess as long as you know what you're getting yourself into, it's fine.

I second the Honua Kai rec - it's a place I'm looking into for a 2013 trip and a friend stayed there and raved about it. The rates on VRBO for a 1-bedroom are usually over 200/night but you can find some deals for units where there are no views and it might be around the 200 mark.

I've also been looking at 1 bedrooms around the Napili and Kaanapali area and you can definitely get them below 200/night depending on your choice of view and "luxury". After finding VRBO, I don't stay at regular hotels anymore (unless free with points) because I love having a kitchen! Kaanapali will be closer to more restaurants but between that and Napili it's only like a 10 min drive. Napili seems to have better priced condos and there are some restaurants and supermarkets nearby too.

Driving from Wailea to Kaanapali is not a big deal, especially if you're from NYC (like me)
I commute from NYC to Jersey every day, and I'd much rather be stuck in traffic in Maui than in the Lincoln Tunnel. It's a much more scenic and less polluted ride.

Hope this helps!

Thanks. I thought majority of restaurants n shops are
In kaanapali. Also whale watching tour only one
Company offers it end of nov 3 rd week actually
If that's not the case maybe I have to just visit
Kaanapali once or twice?

There are several small restaurants (and carry-outs) in South Kihei. Every hotel in Wailea has a couple of restaurants. Shops At Wailea is an upscale mall with restaurants and shops. There are several free-standing restaurants in Wailea too: Gannon's, Joe's, Monkeypod Kitchen, Five Palms, Cafe O'Lei, Mulligan's On the Blue, etc.

Front Street Lahaina is a touristy mix with bars, restaurants, 'galleries' in what used to be a whaling port. Whaler's Village is a mall with the usual stuff.

Most 'fine dining' is Wailea and Kapalua.

Thanks ChiSue got Maui revealed excited try to book this w/e

So I was to book my maui trip this weekend & bad news, the Fairmont went up by $200 per night.Even called them & checked several websites but it has gone up.Unfortunately thats not affordable now. We are still thinking of Maui for 10 days & 4 days in HHV at Oahu. In Maui, we are back to the drawing board & are looking at Kaanapali Alii or Honua Kai Resort. These 2 are the main options at this time but I am open to the Mariott,Hyatt,Westin too.I am looking for good beach,restaurants etc closeby. Any ideas on the above?

We have traveled to Hawaii and most often to Maui more times than I can count. My youngest of our four kids was three years old the first time we all went together there as a family. I prefer the Ka'anapali area north of Black Rock. It is much quieter with fewer people on the beach. South of Black Rock is more Waikiki-ish on the beach.

We stayed for years at a small, older hotel called the Royal Lahaina. The fact that it was small made it easier with young kids and running back up to the room for naps or whatever. They remodeled about 5 years ago which was much needed. We stayed once at the Westin Ka'anapali Ocean Resort which is just a little farther north up from the Royal Lahaina. It was an easy family place to be - we had a 2 room lockout with one bedroom, pull-out couch, full kitchen on one side and a mini-kitchen and two beds in the second room (obviously you wouldn't need all of that, but the one bedroom side would work for you). For the last three years we have stayed at Honua Kai which just opened in 2009. We love it there! They have many options available from studios to three bedrooms. A one bedroom with den could work well for you, if you didn't want to go up to a two bedroom. We use a broker on Maui located near Honua Kai (Ka'anapali Beach Rentals).

As others have said, the Wailea area is more upscale. Don't worry about driving around the island - traffic isn't a terrible issue. If you do stay in the Wailea area, there isn't a reason you would NEED to drive north - all depends on what you are looking to do - but there are plenty of restaurants and things in Wailea or Kihei. Although I prefer staying north, we usually take a drive down to Wailea once during our stay and also a drive to Paia, as well as driving a little further north to Kapalua, etc.

Have you looked at Aulani, the new Disney resort on Oahu? That would seem a natural with a three year old! There are a lot of options for places to stay on Oahu. The Honolulu Zoo would be a fun outing. Have you thought about splitting your time between Maui and Kauai or the Big Island rather than Oahu?

I hope that helps!

Thank you MNMaui, I am keen on Honua Kai but read reviews about the wind factor & the rocky beach near shore.Mainly the wind factor worries me.If it waasnt the wind factor would have booked already.Hence also looking at Kaanapali Ali.
We will go to the Honolulu zoo but are thinking Oahu only because we are Hilton honors members & at the HHV where we have been we are sure we wont have to entertain our lil one, with so much to see & do.Did look at Big Island but surely ruled it out as we cant do much of the volcano experience till my son is older.Also from nyc we have a direct flight to Honolulu & so on the way back it helps to stopover there with a 3 year old.Thanks so much.

1) Please comment on wind factor at Honua Kai - going mid November.
2) Any opinions b/w Kaanapali Ali, Honua Kai resort & the Ritz Carlton ?

Thank you everyone so much.I am in a rush as I want to book soon.

HK does have a wind problem. More some seasons that others, but it's there. It is also larger than most hotels on Maui -- probably sleeps more than any since some of the units are 3BR.

In November the seas will have begun to change from calm north to calm south. Napili has sheltered beaches if you want West Maui.

Sorry the Fairmont is out of reach, but that gives you more to spend on a nicer condo -- I'd stay Wailea.

Hi everyone & thank you so much.This past weekend, one of the hotels I had lost earlier - the Fairmont dropped there prices again by $200 a night & was available. I had been very keen on the fairmont due to it being a suite, separation from my son, having a fridge & microwave so was ecstatic & have booked 9 nights there for the latter part of my trip.Yipee!!.The first 5 nights remains to be booked but I am considering booking Honua Kai soon.I like the option of condo & hotel. Except for those 5 days, everything else is booked & I am looking at various room options at Honua Kai at this point.I really thank you so much for this hotel/condo help & look forward to reading "Maui revealed" before planning my trip activities now.I also understand ChiSue mentioning Wailea over Kaanapali even weather wise in November.Thank you all.

We have stayed at the Sheraton Maui twice during the past 18 months and we really love it. The rooms have all been refurbished and the grounds are beautiful. The pool and beach areas are very nice and the snorkeling is very good in that area too. Whalers Village is a 5 minute walk with several shops and restaurants and only a 5 minute drive into Lahaina. We loved this place and will go back again someday.

So glad it worked out for you! You're going to have so much fun!

drsaloni: I noticed you keep referring to hoping to read Maui Revealed AFTER your booking your hotel/condo. I wanted to point out that MR can be very helpful in making your decision of where to stay.

They also have a very helpful website that has each place to stay mapped out. Click on it & an aerial photo of the hotel pops up.
Here is Napili Kai - which we only snorkeled but thought it would be very appropriate for your 3yo & good snorkeling for you. I hope to get to stay there one day.: http://www.hawaiirevealed.com/free-travel-info/maui/maui-resorts/napili-area/napili-kai-beach-resort

Click on any name listed on this map for more photos/info & reveiws: http://www.hawaiirevealed.com/free-travel-info/maui/maui-resorts

I'm glad your Fairmont ressie worked out. We dined there at Nick's Fish House one night & loved it!