First time in Maui. 6 People (we need a 2 or 3 br). Seems to be good affordable selection in Kihei, especially around Kamaeole 1,2, and 3 beaches. These beaches seem very nice for families with little kids.

However, most of the postings here discuss how satisfied people are with Kaanapali and the beaches there.

Is there much difference in the areas?

Also, where are the best spots to take small kids snorkelling. Lot's of talk about Blackrock. Do you need to be a good swimmer here or is wading OK? Where do you park for access to Blackrock?

You'll find many fans of Kaanapali on this board. But it is a different world up there. High rises and golf courses with somewhat higher prices and more resort feel.
I like Kihei, it's more like a real town, strip malls and all. Kihei has a wonderful assortment of low cost eating spots.
The beaches at Kamaole are very nice and have easy parking.There is excellent snorkeling between I and II and II and III. Kam II is a perfect swimming beach with smooth sand and very little surf. Great for all ages.
There is a city park with restrooms and showers at Kam III. The beach is more rocky but has the most interesting snorkeling.
Both Kam III and II are perfect places for beginning snorkelers, easy entry , no long swims and plenty to see under the water.

There are very few people who would pick Kihei over Kaanapali if the cost was equal. The main reason most people go to Kihei is that it is much cheaper.

I agree with Rusty. Way back when I was a fledgling hawaii visitor, my Husband and I spent 1 week in Kihei at Kamaole Sands. It wasn't bad, but the beach was across the fairly busy road and it generally felt sub-standard to the other areas like Wailea, Kaanapali, and Kapalua. These are designated resort areas, whereas Kihei really is more of a town. The Kamaole beach parks are very pretty, good for a picnic, nice to stroll along etc... but it just doesn't have the lush, luxurious feel of other places. When we stayed here, we spent almost every day driving up to Kaanapali or Lahaina, or down to Wailea.

Unless you are staying in Kaanapali there is no reason to take a special trip to Black Rock for snorkeling. There is much better snorkeling elsewhere. We stayed at the Marriott and snorkeled at Black Rock and it was ok nothing special. We also went down to Wailea and snorkeled at Ulua beach next to the Renaissance. This beach has parking restrooms and showers. Here's a web site to get directions: http://www.maui.net/~tkern/Beaches/uluamokapubch.html

We saw eels and a sea snake along with an abundance of great fish. You just walk out to the reef which separates Mokapu and Ulua. This place was even far superior to Molokini.

Unless you are staying in Kaanapali there is no reason to take a special trip to Black Rock for snorkeling. There is much better snorkeling elsewhere. We stayed at the Marriott and snorkeled at Black Rock and it was ok nothing special. We also went down to Wailea and snorkeled at Ulua beach next to the Renaissance. This beach has parking restrooms and showers. Here's a web site to get directions: http://www.maui.net/~tkern/Beaches/uluamokapubch.html

We saw eels and a sea snake along with an abundance of great fish. You just walk out to the reef which separates Mokapu and Ulua. This place was even far superior to Molokini.

If you are set on going to Black Rock there is public parking at the Sheraton for this right next to the beach access path. We parked there and at the time there was plenty of spaces available. We could have walked from our hotel but we had been out and about and stopped there before returning to the Marriott.

sorry for posting twice. Didn't know the first one took.

We had a three bedroom at Kahana Village Condo's. Nothing fancy, but very good for a large group. You have two bathrooms and kitchen w/ washer & Dryer. The beach wasn't good, but it was a short drive to Kapalua bay to go to the beach there. There was a pool on the grounds and the unit we had overlooked the pool and ocean.

We had also stayed at Whaler's on a different trip with 5 people. Had to use the living room for the 5th person, so not as good for 6 people.

I think Kapalua Bay would be better to snorkel with small children as it is very protected and not much swell. Black rock is good, but depending on the weather can have some high surf.

When we stayed in Kahana, it was a short trip to most places, and I like Kaanapalii area better in general.

have a good trip

We just returned from staying the Embassy near Kaanapali and loved it. i know you can't argue taste, and to each their own, but we really disliked Kihei. We drove through it a couple of times, and found the traffic was miserable, it was made up of strip malls, and didn't feel tropical at all. I'd much prefer to stay in Kaanapali or Kapalua. Have fun.