We want to send our parents to Maui -50th anniversary. We are thinking about the Marriott in Wailea or a hotel in the Kaanapali area. Any suggestions? We are worried that are parents who are still very active may be bored in Wailea (not enought action & they do not care for "upscale" shopping and feeling "secluded"......on the otherhand, the noise/hustle & bustle of the Kaanapali area may be too overwhelming. Can you suggest a good hotel around 5 stars?

My husband and I are going to Ka'anapali next week, staying at the Westin Spa and Resort. It sure looks like a wonderful place with lots to do in the area. Some of the noise/hustle and bustle depends on time of year you would be visiting Maui. Certain seasons are prone to many more tourists (ie Christmas vacation, etc.)

I've stayed in Kaanaplai 4 times all off season and loved it for the things we could do. We had no crowds that many people complain about though so it was fantastic and probably the reason I really like it there.

Kaanapali would be my choice for the things to do & the shopping in Lahaina (one of my favorite towns in the US). It is so central to everything to do on Maui and taking a day trip to get away from the noise/hustle is just a beach or waterfall away (as long as they are still able to drive).

I'd chose Wailea. Kaa'napali is getting dated and looks tacky to me.

Wailea is not exactly slumbertown, but is certainly more upscale than the Kaa'napali area.


Good hotel around 5 stars? Four Seasons, Fairmont. Then there's the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua.

We have stayed in Kaanapali many times. Unless it is the middle of the summer I don't think there is a lot of hustle and bustle. In fact, in the current economy, I don't think anything is going to be overcrowded. We were at the Sheraton twice this year, and we love it there. I don't think it is 5 stars. We have stayed at the Hyatt, which is also lovely. I think I have read that maybe it needs refurbishing or they had refurbished.

I'm sure the Ritz Carlton is 5 stars, but it is so far away from everything and time consuming driving up there. Also it is cooler and more rainy in the winter than Kaanapali.

Depending on when your parents are going to be there, you can probably get some bargains. I think the hotel occupancy rate in Maui is about 60% right now.

My husband and I just returned from a trip to Maui, celebrating our 40th anniversary. We stayed at the Westin Maui Resort and loved it for its ambience and location - we didn't have to walk far to anything. We were close to the nice restaurants in Whalers Village and twice we walked to the Sheraton Black Rock area for snorkeling. The Westin has lovely grounds and pools and a beautiful outdoor lobby area with waterfalls, swans and parrots. We stayed in the Beach Tower where the rooms are larger than in the Ocean Tower. We booked a Deluxe Ocean View but were upgraded to a Premium Deluxe.
We also enjoyed walking along the beach path connecting the hotels- it was very pleasant in the morning or at sunset. It was not crowded at all in September although I've heard there's a lot more families there other times of year. I didn't notice any noise - most of the tourists were people our age (50s-60's), honeymooners and families with preschoolers. On our last day in Maui, we visited the Wailea area and walked through the Marriott which I also considered. To me, it looked dated and in need of refurbishment, and the grounds/pools were not as impressive. It is not directly on the beach either. So I was happy with our choice and wish we could have stayed another week!

Softato1:

I am planning a trip to Maui in January and would like to stay in the Wailea area. GOSH, I sure would like you to give me some advise on finding a hotel deal. Just called the Four Seasons and they want an average $700.00 per night. I would think in this economy they would be more willing to get around $400.00 per night and fill the place rather than $700.00 per night anf have 60% accupancy. HELP!

We just got back from Maui and had a wonderful stay in Wailea. Our group included 7 family members ranging in ages from 2-78. We rented 2 condos at the Ekahi. 29D, a 1 BR unit was amazing and 28 D, a 2 BR unit was OK, but a bit tired. The location was perfect, the property wonderful and close to all sorts of amenities. The location appealed to all age groups. The walk along the ocean was great and was close enough to the big resorts for entertainment eg music and food.
The sales at the mall were incredible. In our opinion, eating out every day is a bit tiresome as well as expensive.