lllaros

I've read a lot of things about Kaanapali vs. Wailea and I'm still confused on where to stay. We are a family of four (kids 13,15) who like to see/do things rather than just hang by the pool - YET - a good pool is important to us. We tend to like resorts rather than condos. We plan to rent a car, see the crater, do the zip line, snorkel, maybe whale watch, do the road to Hana. We can't afford the very top end places and since we're going over Easter, it seems there aren't any deals. The places I'm considering are: Hyatt Regency Maui, Westin Maui, and Wailea Marriott. (I would have loved the Fairmont Kea Lani or the Grand Wailea but they are $100 more per night!) So - should we do Kaanapali or Wailea? Which property? Thanks for your help!

TravelTess

Either area is beautiful, Wailea is less-crowded. Go with what you can afford.

offlady

I'd probably go with the Hyatt for the pool or Westin for its location next to Whalers Village. They are both in the Kaanpali Resort and has easy walking access to the shopping, restaurants, and beach activities of Kaanapali.

RickyB

Illaros,

Like you, I could not afford a top end resort. I stayed at the Wailea Marriott and was very pleased. The hotel had good Hawaiian vibes, the pool and room were more than adequate, and the property fronts a very picturesque section of the coastline. There is a scenic walkway in front of the hotel that you can use to visit the upscale neighbors -- Grand Wailea, Four Seasons, and Kea Lani. You can explore their public areas without leaving your money there.

MauiWendy

There is a lot more action in Kaanapali for teen agers.They can walk to any activity or shopping venue and it is a short ride to Lahaina. Wendy

lllaros

Can anyone compare the Hyatt to the Westin? The Westin is slightly more expensive.

offlady

The Hyatt and Westin were both built by the same developer. Personally I think the Hyatt has a nicer lobby, pool, and grounds. I think for kids, Hyatt. The Westin is still nice; but it was an old hotel that the developer purchased and extensively refurbished like new. I can't tell you how new the rooms are, but I think the Westin was renovated a few years ago. You might want to call and find out when they each renovated last.

DawnCt

We are staying at the Alii next time which will put us right on Ka'anapali Beach. It is a condo but last time we went we stayed at the Mariott Ocean Resort, right next door. Its gone "timeshare" but you can rent a one bed room suite which was perfect for the five of us. There is a master bedroom with a king sized bed, a queen sleep sofa in the living room, two tvs, two bathrooms and a kitchenette with a dishwasher, coffee maker, fridge, toaster and microwave. It also has all of the amenities of a hotel and the pool area is wonderful. I would stay there again but we are looking for a full kitchen next summer.

fivestar

The Westin was renovated in 2000. The Hyatt was at about the same time. With all the hundreds of thousands that stay at these hotels yearly, there will be considerable wear and tear.

Suzie

That's a crazy thing to say. We've stayed at the Hyatt 3 times and it never looked worn or torn. We also stayed at the Marriott Ocean Resort and kids said they much preferred the Hyatt. Sis stayed at the Westin and her 3 kids loved it there. I imagine that either place would be great for you.

Candy210

The Sheraton Maui was excellent on Kaanapali Beach. It had a great pool/lagoon/kiddie pool, snorkeling at Black Rock(right at the hotel beach), walking distance to Whalers Village, and it was sooo clean and friendly.We loved it. It also isn't far from seeing other sites. We also drove to see Haleakala crater, Iao needle, Lahaina,snorkeling at Honolua bay,natural sites north and throughout the island.We opted to go with a tour that picked us up at the hotel (Valley Isle) to explore the Hana Highway.It gave my husband a day to relaz instead of intense driving. It was a great time. I hope you consider it. We loved it.

lschrage

Keep in mind that if you stay at the Westin, you can also use the Sheraton's facilities as well (like their pool)since they are both Starwood resorts. That benefit is nice if you are planning on spending any time down by Black Rock.

With the Hyatt, you can't use any other pools.

lllaros

I've read quite a few posts that indicated the Westin/Sheraton no longer share facilities despite the fact that they are both Starwood. Many people were upset about this issue.

delor

All the ones you mentioned are well over $200 a night.
Frankly, I think Kaanapali is better for kids, although we prefer Wailea.
The Marriott Wailea is due for a major remodel soon. Check with the hotels for remodel info before booking. Could save you a big hassle.

Suzie

The Starwood "stay at one play at all" does not apply to the pool areas. It's right on their web site for the Maui hotels.

sunshine

Suzie: We just stayed at the Hyatt late Sept/early Oct. and our room was very worn. I complained to management and was told that the rooms are due to be refurbished in the near future. That's great, but it didn't do us any good. We'd never stay there again. The room rates are outrageous for what you get.

Gellers

If you want a fun pool, stay at either the Westin or Hyatt. There's a little more "action" in Kaanapali than Wailea and I think your teens will enjoy it more.

We stayed at the Hyatt in June 04--the resort is not run-down at all. We had a lovely time. The Hyatt is at the end of the Kaanapali resort "strip" whereas the Westin is smack in the middle and feels a bit more crowded (to me). We chose the Hyatt over the Westin for this reason (having been to Maui previously and seen both properies). If you do choose the Hyatt try and get a breakfast buffet package. You and your kids will love it. Also, I recommend the "cheap" rooms--the terrace view. They are in a quiet wing of the hotel with carpeted hallways so noise is at a minimum.

Melissa5

My husband and I liked the Maui Prince hotel just south of Wailea, and you can snorkel right on their beach. The water is most calm in the morning, on all the beaches in the area. Try to snorkel before noon. We were there in the winter and my husband was very excited to see a turtle. Apparently in the summer it is even easier to see turtles in the water off this beach.

The pool is only mid-sized and the jacuzzis are too small. The main draw is the nice uncrowded beach for snorkeling. There isn't much else to do, but that's fine if you have a car and are planning other activities. We drove up to see Kaanapali (too overbuilt for us); shopping in Lahaina and to see the Feast of Lele (dinner and dance show); drove up to see the crater in the afternoon; and also spent 2 nights on the Hana side of the island so we could enjoy the Hana road and beautiful waterfalls and pools at a leisurely pace. (We stayed in a pricey searanch cottage at the Hotel Hana Maui, but they also have cheaper garden rooms. Very nice pools on their grounds, and I saw basketball courts nearby too.)

Have fun!