1. Rent the car for the entire time you are there and don't delay. Rental car rates are high this year.

2. You could chose two locations to stay. Wailea and Kaanapali offer slightly different experiences.

3. Determine a budget. This is going to impact your choices.

4 Grand Wailea is a kid magnet because of the extensive pool system, but they have a reputation for nickel-and-diming so make sure you take all expenses into consideration- especially meals for a family with two kids.

5. Hyatt or Sheraton get my vote on Kaanapali. Again pool system and location.

6. Another consideration is a condo, like Honua Kai which has great pools, but can save you considerably on food, as you will have a kitchen. Feeding a family of four out of a hotel for 10 days would be a big expense. I doubt you could do it for less than $200 a day.

I would stay in a condo over a hotel and for me the cost has very little to do with it. I just like having a living room so the four of you can congregate not in a bedroom, and having the kitchen is convenient for drinks and snacks, even if you don't make your own meals (that said, if you're around the condo during the day, it does make sense to make your own breakfasts and lunches, maybe even barbecue your dinner). Take a look at the Kaanapali Ali'i which is in between the Hyatt and Marriott, and at the Marriott villas (not the ocean club - all part of the same complex, but the villas are larger full units, up to 3 bedrooms, whereas the Ocean Club is a conversion of the former hotel units, so they are 2-room suites, but more like studios).

Weadles, are there? (she's a Fodors forum member to whom I recommended Kaanapali Alii and she has been raving about it ever since)

I agree with all the above suggestions. Another issue is what pools and beaches are best for kids. IMO the best swimming beach for kids is Wailea Beach. The second best is the beach in front of the Sheraton which also offers the easiest snorkeling for kids as the fish are close to shore. At Wailea Beach snorkeling requires a longer swim out from shore. The pools at the Westin, Marriott, and Hyatt in the kaanapali area are vastly more exciting for kids than the pool at the Sheraton. However the beaches in front are not as good for kids as at the Sheraton and no good snorkeling. If it were my family, I would opt for the hotels with the best pools because you can easily walk to the beach at the Sheraton from the other kaanapali hotels. But you can only use the pools at the hotel where you are staying. Also the whole Kaanapali area has many more fun things for the kids to do in the immediate community than in Wailea which is in a more upscale less kid oriented neighborhood.

Another reason to get a condo: You'll have access to a washer/dryer, which means fewer clothes to take, and hence smaller,lighter suitcases.

We spent a week on Maui in February (5 nights at the Marriott Wailea followed by 2 nights at the Hyatt in Kaanapali.

We loved both hotels and traveled with our 14 yr old daughter.

Our favorite area was Wailea. It's beautiful!
Although we rented a car for the whole week we didn't use it for the last 2 days at the Hyatt.

Things we did
Drove up Haleakala ; great views, the crater is huge, interesting to read the info at the look out points. Highlight of our trip!

Snorkeling trip to Molokini; saw turtles, fish and lots of whales. We went with Trilogy and really enjoyed this trip.

Half way to Hana; we tried the road to Hana but decided to turn around at the half way point. My daughter liked the water holes and we enjoyed stopping at the various view points but it was a long day, mostly in the car.

Snorkeling at various points from shore around the Wailea area and south.

Hanging out at the pool (the Marriott is a beautiful place to watch sunsets but the pools are cold in February so swimming was abandoned in favor of lounging (the ocean was warmer)
The Hyatt pool was heated and we spent the better part of 2 days at the pool.

Drove to the Iao Needle and took a short hike. Pretty area

Strolled around Lahaina and shopped (only for an hour or so as it was busy and not our cup of tea)


I'd recommend splitting your stay especially if you don't get a car for the entire time.
Maybe a week in a condo and 3/4 nights at the Hyatt?

Another option would be to head out to Hana when you land (assuming nobody gets carsick too easily)- but such a beautiful drive/intro to Maui) and spend a couple nights there, enjoying the 7 Sacred Pools among other things http://tinyurl.com/7aqr5zt and then come back and spend a couple of days either up by Kaanapali/Napili - and or down Wailea/Keihe way (we first had a 2 BR condo here back in '77 - the Maui Sunset - and it was great http://tinyurl.com/7nxbhze - and then end up getting a condo for a week at the other one.

Sometimes - where you get the best deal ends up determining where you stay - but my favorite is Napili - such as the Napili Sunset - where you can get a 2 BR with kitchen and Oceanfront view and a lawn in front to boot http://www.napilisunset.com/) - for being tucked away - yet close enough to the main road (and a small shopping center) - to zip back out and up or down the West Coast of Maui.

As they say: Here today - gone to Maui.

Guess the Napili Sunset page didn't copy too good - so here it is again: http://www.napilisunset.com/

From Doug at VIE

A condo in south Kihei within walking distance of Kalama park is a great option for a family who wants to maximize on activities. There is always something going on in and around the park like rollerskating with pickup games on different evenings for hockey, soccer and basketball. The Cove park is great for learning to surf or launching a kayak. There is good snorkeling just off that point.

For many of the days you won't have to rent a car if you plan to unwind and enjoy a few beach days in a row.

There are a variety of good restaurants and the grocery story is across from the main Kalama park entrance.

We stayed at the Four Seasons in Maui. It's a little bit of a splurge, but it was the most amazing hotel experience we've ever had. The beach was gorgeous, and the hotel was just amazing!

Hi everyone,

Thanks so much for all of your replies as all of your posts were interesting and informative.

We think we will stay in a resort hotel(s) in the Kaanapali area. We have looked at the more upscale resorts in the Wailea area, but although they are really quite nice, their daily rates are simply not worth it to us (almost $250 per room per night more than a comparable resort in Kaanapali).

Would you be able to give us your opinions on the following three hotels: Hyatt, Sheraton or Westin. Would it be a good idea to split the time in two of these hotels? In this way, we could have the better pool in the Hyatt or Westin and then have the better beach directly in front of the Sheraton?

Thanks for everything.

Andrea

There is absolutely no point in changing hotels within the Kaanapali Beach area. You can easily walk from the Hyatt (one end) to the Sheraton (the other end) - there's a path between the beach and the hotels.

The Hyatt and the Westin are much more upscale than the Sheraton. The latter is nice enough, low-key, with a pleasant pool and, as noted, it's right at Black Rock (excellent snorkeling). The Westin is "glitzier" and the Hyatt is classier. In order, I'd rate the pools Hyatt, then Westin, then Sheraton.

That's if you don't take my original suggestion and stay in an upscale condo

The Sheraton is by far the easiest to get to good snorkeling -as you just walk across the beach and swim out along Black Rock and even around the point, where we had almost unlimited visibility one day. Fun pool right by the beach, etc. I would still suggest you try to get out to Hana when you arrive and then plop down and relax at whatever place you choose.

Also - rent your gear for a week at the Snorkel Bob's of this world. Pick up the tourist mags when you arrive and see who has the best/easiest deal. http://www.snorkelbob.com/

And you can also easily drive down to Kiehi/Wailua (a beautiful drive in and of itself) - just not during "rush hour".

Hi....

Although the snorkelling is better at the Sheraton, we have narrowed the choice to the Westin or Hyatt. I know it is a personal choice, but your pros and cons of each and your recommendation between these two would be very helpful.

Thanks again guys....

Andrea

Although both resorts are beautiful, IMO the Hyatt is the most beautiful of the two. It's a much longer walk from the Hyatt to the main restaurants and shops and a very long walk from the Hyatt to the great beach and snorkeling in front of the Sheraton especially if you are carrying stuff. It is much easier and quicker to get to all of these things from the Westin. For a couple without kids looking for the most romantic setting, I would recommend the Hyatt. For a family, I'd recommend the Westin due to its proximity to all the things kids would want to do.

Just one more question (I hope)...

Is it worth the extra $$$ to spend 4 or 5 nights in Wailea? Is the scenery and beaches that much better then in Kaanapali?


Thanks


Andrea

No point in changing resorts within the same area imo. I'd just pick one of those in Kaanapali that best fits your budget and your expectations and go with that the entire time.

For things to see and do on Maui my personal favorites were: going up Haleakala, Old Lahaina Luau, U'lalena (a show at Myth & Magic Theater in Lahaina), and the self-guided historic walking tour in Lahaina town.

I'd also recommend a condo for a family of four. The Westin Villas are an excellent choice in a great location IMHO. The pools are great and the snorkeling in front of the resort is excellent. They have a complimentary shuttle available into Lahaina also.

http://www.westinkaanapali.com/

The Wailea beaches and scenery aren't worth $250 a day more.

If you stay at the Grand Wailea, it's the very extensive pool complex and grounds that you are paying for. I would chose Grand Wailea over Hyatt and stay at Honua Kai in west Maui.

I, too, think that a condo would be a good choice for your family.

I don't think you have to pay $250 more for Wailea.
The Marriott Wailea is a beautiful resort and it's next door to the Grand Wailea. It's a short walk to the beach there. By the way the unheated pools shouldn't be a problem during the summer months.
I preferred the Wailea area but I wouldn't pay $250 a night more to stay there but 11 nights at one resort would be too long for me so maybe split your stay 9:2 so you get a taste of Wailea without breaking the bank.

Hi,

We were thinking of the Marriott Wailea but some of the reviews we have read were not all that great. As well, we could stay at the Fairmont Kea Lani in Wailea and get a suite type room for 3 or 4 nights for an additional $200 a day. That would be reasonable, considering the extra privacy and the change of areas.

So, in Kaanapali, the Westin or Hyatt for 7 nights, and in Wailea, the Marriott or Fairmont for 4 nights?

You guys are great!!!!

Andrea

It's just under a mile walk from the Hyatt to the Sheraton, with the Westin mid-way to each. The Westin is also closer to Whaler's Village, which is a big advantage with teens. I'd choose the Westin.

I prefer Wailea but we don't have kids! You need a car the whole time...no way to do Maui without a car. The Kea Lani is a great hotel and is pretty kid friendly (but please respect the adult only pool, as many unfortunately, do not). If you can afford a villa there...it is great and has a grill, patio and plunge pool.

The main pool is two pools linked by a waterside and also has a swim up bar. The kids will enjoy it. The beach there is nice but the water can rough, so pay attention. There is a great pathway that leads to other hotels and restaurants along the coast there, and it is convenient if you have dinner plans offsite.

The hotel is all suites and the bathrooms are huge!

I have stayed there twice and really like it! We love Maui.

Hi,

So we are booked at the Fairmont in Wailea for the last 4 nights in Maui, but we still cannot decide between the Hyatt and Westin in Kaanapali. We would prefer to stay at the Westin due to its midway location on the beach, but their rooms are considerably smaller than those at the Hyatt.

Please help !!!!!!


Andrea

I liked the Hyatt rooms but noticed they were smaller than the Marriott Wailea so if the Westin rooms are smaller still then perhaps you'd feel cramped after a whole week.
Are you sharing one room or two rooms? Definitely go for the bigger room for 4.

If it's that difficult to make a decision between the two then split the stay for a change of scenery!
Check out of one hotel at noon, leave your bags in the car or with the front desk and have lunch there or move to the other hotel for lunch and check in after lunch (request early check in/or late check out )

Wear your swimsuits and cover ups so that you can access the pool if you wish.

Being happy with your room is essential to having an enjoyable vacation. So sounds like the Hyatt might be your best choice. There is no way you would regret staying there. It is IMO the most gorgeous resort property on Maui. It will be very easy to get in your car and drive to the good swimming and snorkeling beaches from there. I would recommend Black Rock and Kapalua Bay. I would also recommend getting the Maui Revealed travel guide to find out the best restaurants, activities, excursions, beaches, entertainment, sights, and hikes.

How big are the Hyatt rooms? Weston rooms? One room or two? What is the bathroom configuration in each? Any place to sit other than the bed?

If you stay at the Hyatt - which someone said is the furthest away from the Sheraton/Black Rock snorkeling - just drive to the Sheraton and park in the lot and walk in to the beach. Afterwards, if some want to stroll down the boardwalk to your hotel, great - and one of you can drive the equipment back to the hotel, or you can continue further north and snorkel at say Kapalua, or Napili or the best - Honolua Bay - which takes a little work to get to.

Also - you might want to take a catamaran tour (the ones leaving from down by Kiehi are the closest to the moon shaped island) - out to Molokini Island - and usually best to go snorkeling in the am when it's calmest and the visibility is the best.

http://tinyurl.com/79md2y4


http://www.maui-vacation.net/snorkelmap.html

I just looked them up -- 340 sf for a regular room at the Westin and 451 for the Hyatt. That's a big difference. I'd go nuts in 340 feet with 4 people for a week. (But then, that's why I like the condos at Kaanapali Alii, which are something like 2000 sf ).

Hi....

What great advice from all of you.

Would you know where teens ages between 13 and 16 usually hang out in the evening/night? Do they hang by the hotel where they are staying (the Hyatt pool is open 24 hours) or do they congregate at Whalers Village? The reason we would lean towards the Westin, which is right next door to Whalers Village, is to be close to Whalers so we do not have worry much if our boys want to go out on their own. We have heard that many teens hang out at Whalers Village in the evening so, if this is the case, being closer would be preferable.

Is it to far for our boys to walk over from the Hyatt to Whalers Village in the evening by themselves to meet up with other kids their ages? Is the path lit and safe? How long is the walk from the Hyatt to Whalers? Is it that important to be closer to Whalers?

We prefer the Hyatt, especially the room sizes (the larger rooms at the Westin are considerably more expensive), but we want to make sure that our kids will have a great time, even with the Hyatt being further away from the Whalers Village. My husband even had a suggestion as to splitting our time between the Hyatt (one larger room) and the Westin (two smaller rooms).

Sorry for all of the questions and thanks again to all of you.

Andrea

No need to split time. For teens it is a very easy and fun walk from hyatt to whalers. For parents too. Both teens and adults love to hang out at whalers. Beach path is well lit and definitely not dangerous. You will have a fabulous vacation at the Hyatt. Go for it!

Forgot to mention. The walk from Hyatt to Whalers is about 10 minutes.

Ditto everything montereybob said. Splitting your time between two hotels less than 1/2 mile from each other would be crazy!! Everyone is out at night on the path and at Whaler's Village (you'll wait an hour or more for a table at the decent restaurants).

(Kaanapali Alii....Kaanapali Alii....Kaanapali Alii....I'm trying to hypnotize you LOL)

I am a difficult person to hypnotize.....

Let's make a final decision.....Hyatt or Westin? This unofficial poll will guide my booking.

Thanks.

Andrea

Between the two, I vote for the Westin, for its proximity to Whaler's Village.

Hyatt, enjoy the beach front walk to Whaler's and have a bigger room

Hyatt, the most beautiful resort in kaanapali.

Have you looked at the "traveler's photos" on TripAdvisor -- they're usually much more accurate and give a real feel for a place, much better than the hotel's own professional photos.

Thanks again for everything guys,

We finally decided to reserve at the Hyatt for the 11 nights. We think that this is the most luxurious and sophisticated of the hotels, away from the huge crowds around Whalers Village but still a short and beautiful walk when we decide to walk over to the village and also a short walk to the better parts of Kaanapali beach.

Thanks again.

Andrea