My husband and I have been to Maui 3 times (have always stayed in Wailea) but now am planning a trip to Maui for my entire family who have never been there before. Mom, Dad, single brother, older brother, wife and 5yr old. We have decided on Kaanapali as it is more central to the activities we have chosen. We can't get too outrageous on overall cost, so I am looking at the Kaanapali Beach Hotel (KBH)-at first, I thought it was a budget property, as some tour operators rate it as a 3 and others as a 4. But it looks like it has all the amenities, just on a smaller scale. I don't want my family to be disappointed with the rooms or have a bad experience on their first visit to the islands. We were also considering the Sheraton Maui as the beach is good there with snorkeling at Black Rock. This looks like a much nicer resort -prices higher of course, is it worth it to pay that much more at the Sheraton?

I stayed there a few years ago and I would stay there again. It is nothing fancy for sure, but it is a great place in an EXCELLENT location. It is right next to the Sheraton, so this a great part of Kaanapali beach. It is a bit worn around the edges, but for the price, it is a great value. I liked it because it is very low-key and unpretentious. The pool area is old-style with a pool the shape of a whale (very fancy in 1962 when it was built), but the place has a certain amount of funky Hawaiian character. Watch your expectations and you should be okay.

We also stayed there a couple of years ago. Nothing fancy but a great location and a good value for the money. Room was large but not fancy. KBH has only a small, ordinary pool so if you have young people who want to spend a lot of time at the pool this may not be the place.

We stayed there this past April (Easter) and it was wonderful. Everyone treated us very well. I would definitely stay there again.

We really like The Aston Kaanapali Shores - this is north of the places you mentioned. The unit re rented was a condo. Once, a 2 BR, and then a 1 BR. We are going back soon. Our condo was always clean - the entire location was very clean. The grounds are really pretty, and the restaurant near the beach is excellent. Do a search on this location. If you decide to go there, you will not be disappointed.

Orchid I stayed at the Aston Kaanapali Shores and I was extremely disappointed. The property advertises it self as being on Kaanapali Beach but the beach in front of the Aston Kaanapali Shores is practically non existent.

My husband & I stayed @ Kaanapali Beach Hotel in October for a week and thought it was great. The rooms are very basic and when we were there it looked like they were updating some of the ocean view rooms. We just got a gardenview since we were never in our room. We are hoping to go back to Maui again and would stay there again. The staff is very friendly and helpful. Our room was always very clean, and they leave the best cookies on your pillows everynight. Beach area is just as nice as the Sheraton's since they are right next door to each other. Nice location, we walked to Whalers village almost everyday to either eat, or get some film developed. Have a great time!

I know 3 folks who stayed there inc. two honeymooning couples last summer-no problems.

My husband and I stayed there 2 years ago. I loved the crafts/classes they had. I made a lei, made a woven book mark etc. They really take great pride in teaching you local culture. The concierge was very helpful. I loved the whole vibe of this resort. The beach is
right next to a few other resorts. We walked on the beach at night and got to see their evening shows-albeit with a bit of shrubbery between us. Caught a great view-saw right into the tent where the male polynesian dancers changed costumes. LOL
We loved this resort. The only complaint may be a lack of parking. All in all a very nice place. Aloha!

luv2travel,
We just returned from Maui on Saturday. didn't stay at KBH but had dinner there one night. I stopped in just to look around and ask about the free hula show. The concierge was very nice--made reservations for us for dinner, gave us a coupon for free dessert. The place does look older but feels more "hawaiian" than the big resorts. I was so impressed with the friendly and helpful staff I would stay there simply for that reason alone.

We stayed here two years ago--it is pleasant and in a great location but definitely a budget hotel.

Here are a few things that disappointed us: There is no room service. The bathrooms are extremely unluxurious. The pool is tiny and there is no poolside waiter service from the bar. There is no jacuzzi. The in-room TVs are old and very small. The restaurant choices are minimal.

Overall, the hotel has an "old" feel. You will be comfortable, but it doesn't have a "special" feel to it.

Again--we haven't been in a couple of years so perhaps some of these factors have been changed or updated.

I realize this makes us sound a little snobby, but just want to warn anyone who is looking for a "luxurious" vacation--you won't find it here. The shortcomings are made more obvious being situated right next to the beautiful Sheraton.

On the plus side, the staff was lovely--very friendly and accomodating. The beach location is wonderful. And this is a restive, quiet hotel with very beautiful landscaping.