My husband and I will be in Hawaii for two weeks in Feb. 2007. One week is earmarked for a conference at the Royal Hawaiian in Honolulu. We would like to spend the other week on a different island. We're looking for a crowded (not remote) beach, restaurants within walking distance, and a nice resort/hotel. We were thinking of Maui as an option, K'aanappali or Lahaina. My sister in law suggested Kapalua, but it seems too remote. Are there any other recommendations/suggestions? Thanks in advance for your time. I use these boards religiously, and they help a alot!

I agree with Kaanapali area. There are great accomodations with many restaurants within walking distance from all of them. Sheraton, Westin and Hyatt are my favorites. You are close to Lahaina for additional fun and food. Good Luck.

Kaanapali on Maui is probably your best bet. I would stay on the stretch south of Black Rock - there is a Sheraton and Westin that are nice. There are also condos - The Whaler - for rent. Some are dated but some are very nice. Whaler's Village has a few restaurants and shopping and Lahaina is a short drive.

My husband and I went to Maui in 2004 and will be back again in November 2006. We stayed in Wailea in '04 at the Fairmont Kea Lani, and will again in '06. We LOVED Wailea...we're very picky about where we lay our heads at night, and it is a very upscale resort area that is absolutely gorgeous and has spectacular restaurants in several of the hotels. The great thing about Maui is that wherever we went for dinner, if it wasn't in Wailea, was only about a 30-min drive or less away! No bigee! Look into staying in Wailea for sure!

Hi..
I have stayed several times at Napili Shores Condos and it is in between Kapalua and K'aanappali..also, there is a beautiful beach that is perfect for swimming and at times snorkeling..
I love Kapalua but Napili is a perfect 10 minute drive to both and the beach is gorgeous..
I would suggest going to the Kapalua Clubhouse for breakfast or lunch..one of the best kept secrets on Maui for stunning golf/beach views and excellent food and under $10 bucks for Salmon Benedict..
I will be staying at the Royal Hawaiian in Sept. and I love the Mai Tai Lounge and the grounds are so gorgeous..
kapaluavillas.com
napilishorescondos.com
Have a wonderful time..it is a magical island.

Another vote for the Kaanapali area and the Sheraton or Hyatt. As Allmadden stated, the Whaler's Village is a stone's throw from the Sheraton and just a leisurely stroll down the beach walk from the Hyatt.

We loved Lahaina which is just a couple of miles down the road. We drove there and parked (which is paid parking but not as difficult as you might think).

My choice would be the Kaanapali Beach Hotel on Kaanapali Beach. We have stayed there two times. Once in 1999 and the other time was in 2002. It's not a fancy hotel, but it was clean and the staff was very friendly. There was a free nightly hula show that we really enjoyed.
The grounds were neatly kept and the beach was very nice and not too crowded. We also enjoyed snorkeling at Black Rock. We saw green sea turtles and alot of other marine life. It is right there to walk to. I mean close. We are looking forward to the time that we can return. We will stay there again.