Hi,
I know that there are a lot of posts about Maui Condos, but I am still confused. We ( two adults 37, two kids 16 and 12) will be heading to our first trip to Maui next year. I found some pleasant looking condos on private rental sites ( like VRBO, which I have used before). Still, I am a little cautious. We would like a very beautiful two bedroom condo, with resort like amenities like an extensive pool area. Great views are important, but if the walk to the beach is up to 15 minutes, that is acceptable. Also, in order to keep the teens happy, easy acccess to shops and entertainement would be great. I am looking to spend around $ 300 per nite for 10-14 nights. Does anyone have any good (specific) suggestions? Your help is greatly appreciated.
Kirsten

Kaanapali Alii is an upscale beachfront condo property on Kaanapali Beach. It is just two properties away from Whalers Village, an open air shopping centre with shops, convenience stores, restaurants, and bars.

Another option is The Whaler, also beachfront on Kaanapali Beach and right next to Whalers Village (but with only a small pool).

For an aerial view that shows the location of the hotels and condos on Kaanapali Beach go to:

http://www.kaanapaliresort.com/accommodations.html

The Alii is a top choice, but $300/night might not be enough to secure the one-bedroom unit (which is, by the way, large enough for 4 - huge places, about 1500 sqft.) 2-bedrooms also available, but more $$$. Great choice! Kids will love the shuttle that goes from Whaler Shopping Center into Lahaina. My kids did it a few years ago when they were about your kids' age. No problem with safety. Try the Maui luau, great fire dancers (as I recall, about 5 or 7 of them!)
Aloha!

The only ones I have stayed at in Maui and thought were very nice were the Aston Kanapali Beach Hotel in the condo units.

Islandmom, do you mean Kaanapali Shores, which is in Honokawai, a few miles north of Kaanapali ? The Kaanapali Beach hotel (right on Kaanapali Beach between the Sheraton and the Whaler)is not a condo.

You can rent a two bedroom two bath at the Kaanapali Alii for $290 - $320 per night if you rent directly from the owner of the condo.

I would be interested in a good rate for the Kaanapali Alii, does anyone have a link or a contact?

This is the web site for one owner direct rental at Kaanapali Alii:

http://www.maui.net/~agcon/

thanks for all your help. I have heard positive things about Kaanapali Alii. I am a bit worried about the fact that they are "individually" decorated ( by the owner.) What if the unit we get is really unattractive. Do the owners of Alii condos have to adhere by certain guidelines? Has anyone stayed in a particularly nice Alii condo? Thanks for all your replies,
Kirsten

I have rented numerous condos from owners and the quality of decor and furnishings does vary from owner to owner. Most owners provide photos on their web sites. If not, ask for photos to be sent to you.

You can usually guage the quality by the price. If two condo units are the same in size, layout, and view and there is a significant difference in price the reason is has to be because of decor and furnishings. That said the Kaanapalii Alii is an upscale building and I don't think there is much chance of getting stuck with anything less than luxury.