We are planning a trip to Maui in October for the first time with our family. We will have our 3 young children and my mom with us and are trying to find the best place to stay for the week. I'm looking for a place on the beach where the kids can play in the "soft" sand and my oldest and I can snorkle or boogie board in the ocean. I would love a large enough condo or hotel for the kids to relax in the evenings and not feel cramped, preferably with a kitchen so we don't have to eat out all the time. A nice pool on the grounds would be wonderful. And some kid friendly places to go not to far away is a plus. I've heard good things about the Kaanapali Alii, But a friend got a unit there that was very outdated and in poor condition (couch falling apart, bugs ect...) was this a fluke? Help this first timer!

That was a fluke! This is usually a wonderful place to stay but with a smallish pool. If you'd rather have a resort in order to take advantage of a great pool, etc. - We had a suite at the Embassy which has a large pool with waterslide, free breakfast buffet every morning, parrots in the lobby, etc.! Those who are used to staying in the Ritz or the Four Seasons won't categorize it as super-deluxe but we loved it! Very family-friendly. The Sheraton or the Hyatt would also be good choices, but wouldn't include a suite unless you shell out some dough. If you want to stick to condos., there's The Whaler which is close to the shops and restaurants at Whaler's Village but not usually thought of as quite as nice as the Alii. Any other opinions out there?

Hello DeCosta5:
While I am a big fan of the Alii and have stayed there several times, my first visit was less than what I had expected. We had rented through an individual owner so there was no choice of changing rooms upon arrival. Our place had a terrific view, comfortable beds, but when one of my kids sat on a barstool, it collapsed to the floor (broken leg). The couch was old and lumpy. The screen door to the balcony was broken. The worst was the dishwasher, which was about 10 years overdue from replacing (there were literally only 10% of the plate racks that weren't rusted--basically the diswasher was unusable).

We did place a call to the owner, but of course there was nothing to be done once we were there. It was, after all, a great location.

Our trip was not disrupted because of it, but the next time we booked there, we went through an agency and have had nothing but superior, upgraded rooms since that time.

I guess my only advice would be to try to book with an agency that has a number of rooms available so you could switch if you needed it.

Happy travels! Aloha!

Thanks to both of you for your advice. I was thinking about booking the Aii with an individual owner to try and save some $ but your advice on sticking with an agency is a much better decision. I hadn't thought about the Embassy I'll definitely check it out. The kids would love the waterslide How are the beaches in front of the hotels you mentioned? Would it be better to find a more sheltered beach area, something cove like for the kids? or just drive a little ways to a nice spot to snorkel. So many things to consider...I'm thinking that no matter where we stay our trip will be fun

You're right, it's going to be fun no matter what! The Kaanapali beaches eroded quite a bit this past winter and have not fully recovered, I don't think. To me the beach in front of the Embassy was better for wading and looking at than swimming in - but the pool was so good we didn't care. The Sheraton, being right there at Black Rock, will be your better snorkeling, swimming beach. Driving down to South Maui or up to Kapalua Bay will probably give you better beaches, in general, than Kaanapali. If you're not married to that location, look at Kapalua Bay Resort and down south at the Kea Lani or Grand Wailea! Will cost more...

We also had a bad experience at The Kaanapali Alii. Our unit should have been remodeled 20 yrs. ago. The decor was terrible and we were very disappointed. It was very expensive too.

Hello again! Glad to be of help. When you're spending upwards of $300-$400/night, you want to make sure you get a good place for the money. I understand your concern.

The beaches (i.e. sand) in these areas has definitely eroded in past years, as is true in Waikiki like near the Sheraton. You will find that waves are minimal (that is, if no storms are brewing), which is good for swimming. You may even like the smaller beaches (easier for keeping track of little ones).

However, it is highly suggested that you go to Wal-Mart, Payless, or wherever before your trip and purchase some aqua shoes. There is tons of coral in the water around the Embassy Suites/Kanapali Shores area. Very sharp! Ouch! Not so much in the Alii/Kaanapali Beach area, however.

Also, while you're shopping, be sure to purchase several of those underwater disposable cameras. The kids will love taking pictures of the fish -- good spot to snorkle is Black Rock Beach.

Happy Travels! Aloha!

Hi As an owner in the Kaanapali Alii I can tell you that this is one of the most professionally managed properties in the world. I am sure that there are some owners that have let their units get outdated but thats the exception. The management requires the units to meet established standards or they will not be in the rental pool. Perhaps the owners that rent their own were kicked out of the rental pool? These units are million dollar plus properties and I can't imagine anyone letting them go as you have described.

Kopp, I don't understand your suggestion to purchase aqua shoes because of coral. I can't imaqgine going all the way to Hawaii, home of some of the best beaches in the world, and having to wear shoes in the water. A better suggestion is to stay on a beach where there is no coral. If you have to wear shoes in the water you are in the wrong place!!

Hello to Rusty...curious, your comment about not needing aqua shoes. Unless things have changed since I was there a year ago,the water around the Embassy Hotel or Kaanapali Shores Hotel is abdundant. And it hurts like heck if you step on it. You've obviously never had a young child come out of the water screaming with cuts all over their feet. Takes only once and you're a believer in aqua shoes.

Happy travels!

Kopp, you missed my point. I HAVE stayed at the Embassy and Kaanapali Shores and I know that the beach there is not swimmable there because of coral. So why stay there when there are so many other places on beautiful clear sandy swimmable beaches. I won't go back there because of the coral.

have stayed which was why stay at a place (like

Rusty, I agree with you. I wouldn't stay there again either. However, someone had mentioned the Embassy pool area being especially good for young'uns, and I was just trying to point out "preparedness", to minimize shock value if they do decide to stay there. I much prefer the Kaanapali Beach area or even in Kihei. Beautiful beaches and sand, to be sure.

Happy Easter!

And happy travels!