We are making arrangements for our first visit to Hawaii next year and would appreciate any and all help. First, we're planning on going to Maui. We are a family of 4 (2 teens). Looking for a Condo that is on the beach that isn't too rough so we can swim. I realize there will be a pool at most condos but, if at all possible, we were hoping to find a condo that offer a swimmers cove type seeting. My son and I will hit the links once or twice (we plan to be in Maui for 2 weeks). We'd like to do a luau. Like a nice condo that would offer, at least, 2 beds and a pullout, pool, our own private deck or porch with BBQ and maybe many things for the kids to keep busy with. I'm reading everything you all post here also so if I've asked a question that has been posted already, please forgive me. Thank you

You don't say how much you want to spend but the Ka'anapali Ali'i might be your place. 264 units, pool, keiki pool, spa, 3 lighted tennis courts, air conditioning, bbqs, fitness room. Rooms are spacious starting at 1575 sq. and mostly upscale in furnishing. The oceanfront units (which are corner condos) have nice views. There are four 11-story buildings and 1 & 3 are closest to the water, but some views are blocked by palm fronds. The fitness center is small but functional (and free). Ka'anapali Ali'i has an calm, spacious fairly luxuriant feel and is certainly a tightly run ship. Right on the beach along Kaanaplai and jsut down from great snorkeling at Black Rock. The teens will like the action in the area and it's close to some nice links. Most hotels along here have luaus or you can reserve the Old Lahina Luau in Lahaina which is close by. Here's a link for this place: http://www.classicresorts.com/ka/ka_index.html

If that's too much then try The Whaler which is close by and has the same amenities like 360 units, pool, spa, 5 tennis courts, bbqs, air conditioning, fitness center, massage room, daily maid service. This property consists of two 12-story towers on Ka‘anapali Beach. daily maid service which is great for a condo. They have private lanais.

Hi Mel: My family of 4 (1 pre-teen/1 teen)love the Makena Surf in Makena. Great beach out front for swimming/2 nice pools/daily maid service/BBQ's on property. Most units are direct oceanfront, but all units have oceanviews. The unit comes with beach chairs, umbrella, etc. Separate 3 story buildings. We stayed in the "E" bldg and really enjoyed it (I think Bldgs E and F are the best for direct views). Our unit had 2 bdrms-1 with king/1 with 2 twins which was perfect. Our kids boogie board and, sitting on our lanai, we were close enough to the beach below to keep an eye on the kids when we wanted to take a break from the sun. Also, Makena is near "Big Beach" which is beautiful. There are quite a few golf courses right near Makena in Wailea. It's about a 40 minute drive into Lahaina from there. My kids took surfing lessons in Lahaina which was fun (they take pictures of you from the pier that you buy -most everyone gets up and my kids really enjoyed showing their friends. Check Makena Surf out online...it is a great spot. Have fun!

The Plantation course is beautiful to play.

Kapalua Bay has a wonderful swimming cove. You can drive to it but parking is a hassle. I love to snorkel in the calm waters there as the abundance of fish and diversity make it a great experience. Walk up from there to the Kapulua Hotel and have a drink and sit in their lounge chairs on the lawn and look out and down at the Kapalua Cove. Nice way to spend some time. Have a great trip.