We leave in 2 1/2 weeks. Plan to stay at JW Marriott Ihilani in Oahu for 3 nights then at Renaissance in Wailea, Maui for 5 and last 2 nights at Hana Hale Malamalama.
I have read here that beaches in Kihei/Wailea got their once a decade wash out recently and aren't in a great state. The beach is big for us - my husband is not into hanging out by a pool at all. We definitely plan to explore and hike but chose south end of Maui because of descriptions of beaches in MR (yes I know they say the beach conditions can change!) and it sounds less built up than Kaanapali.
Then I read 2 really negative reviews of Hana Hale M on trip advisor.com and now I am getting really nervous.
We are spending a lot of money (who doesn't on a Hawaiian vacation?)and will be away from our kids for 2 weeks which will be difficult for our youngest.
I have heard, read and seen so many nice things about Hawaii. I just don't want to be disappointed. I am wondering if I should try to find something in Kaanapali or even try Priceline?

Maui reportedly has more beaches than any other hawaiian island, pack a copy of Maui Revealed to find 'em, there are several beaches closeby south of Wailea, as well as the three Kamaoles, and more distant Kaanapali, Kapalua to the north. Hope you find a great beach within reach.

Let me give you a little reassurance here. You have probably been planning (and if you are like me, obsessing over) this trip for a long time. You have made your decisions, booked your reservations and now you are having last-minute jitters. This is the time to stop reading reviews! There are always some nay-sayers on every accomodation out there. Our first trip to the islands, including Maui, was magical. It is so wonderful there is no way you can't have a good time. Relax and enjoy and be sure to post a trip report when you get back.

I agree with Maggi. You are going to have a wonderful time!!!

Came across some Kihei (Kamaole) shoreline photos from January;

http://kamsands.hypermart.net/storm.htm

and related news:

http://kamsands.hypermart.net/maui_headlines.htm

Thanks for reassurances. I know there will be many wonderful things to see and do! I am disappointed in state of beaches though esp after seeing those pictures of Kamaoles :0(

We were there in January and went to Big Beach near Wailea. The beaches were definitely narrower than our last visit. Regardless, you're in Hawaii for crying out loud. It is soooooo beautiful, even with no beaches. The Wailea area is gourgeous. Don't believe everthing you read on trip advisor either. The place we stayed at was quoted as being a "dump" by one reviewer and it was absolutely beautiful. The "no kids" for two weeks would be the deal sealer for me :^)

Just returned from Renaissance Wailea- GORGEOUS! There were two days that the beach at the resort was mostly covered by the tides- but there are several beaches nearby that you can walk to that are just as gorgeous. The entire Wailea area is stunning!

Try not to fret. Even IF all Wailea beaches were washed out (which I doubt), I would still rather stay in that area than change my reservations to Kaanapali. Wailea has many nice beaches, and so does the area south of it in the Makena area, such as Big Beach, which we didn't discover until our last day there. Also, in reading resort reviews, there will always be someone who writes a negative review of a place, no matter how nice it is. Trust your choices, relax and have a mai tai for me.

miscrapper.....
Please let us know how your trip went. We are going to the JW Marriott Ihilani in June and I am really excited to know if you liked it. Please let me know. I to am spending some money and want to know that I have chosen a great place. Although I am traveling with all my kids. Have a great time and last time I went to Maui my hubby said whenever we went back there we were going to stay on Wailea, it looks so beautiful and lush!
Aloha! Have a safe trip.

I live about 5 minutes walking distance from Kam III, and our beach was still there yesterday when I checked. My husband grew up here and spent the 60's and 70's in Makena. He, and other old-timers will tell you that this is normal winter weather and the drier winters we have seen were more an anomaly and a result of the drought, The beaches wash out in the winter, come back in the summer.

Don't worry! We just left Maui on Monday and spent our last two days in Kihei and we wished we'd discovered it earlier - WE WOULD HAVE SPENT EVERY DAY THERE! It's not as glitsy as the west coast, but that's part of it's appeal. Your kids will love Kamole (sp?) Beaches - great for boogie boarding!

JillandBen - Please do a trip report!
How was the weather? How was the traffic to and from the airport any construction? Mahalo!

OMG, no way!

We stayed at the Hana Hale Malamalama last July for two nights in the two story Bamboo Inn and we could have stayed there forever! I don't know which unit you're in, but the Bamboo Inn has a big jacuzzi bath tub on the porch which we adored (gazing at the stars!) and outdoor showers (and a great big glass indoor one too). The place rambles a little bit, the grounds are incredibly lush, with banana, coconut, and plumeria trees everywhere, and a path through it all down to the bay. The owner was very gracious and accomodating. Breakfast in the open air tiki hut "lobby" was awesome--wonderful fresh fruit and pastries, and it overlooks a huge fish pond and waterfall. I'll admit I didn't see the other units, and ours was one of the pricier ones, but the whole experience was just wonderful. It's very quiet at night, very laid back, it just has a marvelous feeling to it.

Hope this helps! Let me know if you want to know anything else!

love
roxy