We are planning a last minute trip to Maui in Feb. We can get a great deal on a garden view room at the Hyatt or spend $600 more for an ocean view room at the Sheraton. We have two kids(6 & 9) and we really enjoy snorkeling, so the Sheraton seems great. However, we can get a better rate (although a non view room at the Hyatt), and the Hyatt looks like it has a much better pool. HELP! We have to book this really soon and I am not sure what to do. We would love some input!

Also, are the beaches in that area fairly calm in Feb? We want the kids to be able to swim and splash safely in the ocean. We could try and move down to Wailea if that is much calmer, but the prices were higher. We really want a resort atmosphere and cannot afford the Four Seasons or The Grand Wailea.

I know this is a lot, but if anyone can answer quickly I would really appreciate it!

smilen1, We were on Maui a few weeks ago and stayed next door to the Sheraton at the Kaanapali Beach Hotel. I can't comment on your hotel choices but I would say that the swimming/beach is better in front of the Sheraton than the Hyatt.

The Hyatt is located at on end of Kaanapali Beach and the Sheraton at the opposite side so it would be alot of walking back and forth to snorkel.

We took our boys 2002 when they were 8 and 10 and stayed at the Sheraton.. It is a great place and snorkeling right right in front of the Pool. February the waves will be strong and you will need to watch your kids closely.. if you get at chance take them to Kapalua Bay it is much calmer and a short day trip to spend the day snorkeling and swimming just for something different. We have not stayed at the Hyatt at the other end of Kaanapali Beach but we were there in Dec. 2003 and the pool has been redone. I think the Hyatt pool would be fun for you kids, and probably alittle more fun the the Sheraton, but you will have to pack up all your stuff to go snorkeling at Blackrock in front of the Sheraton. The beach in front of the Hyatt is not as good as in front of the Sheraton and alot bigger waves. (not as safe for your kids). If you can get a really good price at the Hyatt, yes, I would stay there. But the Whales will be there and if you have a good view at the Sheraton you will be able to see the whales from your lani. Good Luck and let us know what you decide.

Thanks for your replies! I kept searching and searching and ended up with a cheaper rate at the Sheraton that included a car. It is garden view, but we will ask for an upgrade when we get there and cross our fingers. The good thing about the Sheraton is that their website says you can also use the pool at the Westin and at Kapalua for free. A "Stay at one, play at all" type deal. I heard the Westin's pool is great! After reading your two posts I am glad we got in the Sheraton. If you have any more great advise about the upcoming trip, please post it. Kids are going to be so thrilled.

Be sure to take your kids on Whale Watch. We went out of Lahiana around 9AM for 2 hours. It was just perfect the kids attention span. Also be sure and order a smoothie for your kids at the grill by the Sheraton Pool. Also if you order an adult lunch. The kids eat free. We rented a Cabana everyday at the Sheraton. If you tell them you plan to rent everyday your daily rate will be cheaper. Pool closes at 8pm which was kinda of a bummer for the kids. For fun places for kids to eat go to the Hula Grill and Bubba Gumps. Have fun.

Do you happen to remember which Whale Watching Company you went on the tour with? I was researching this when I checked on my post. Also, did you attend a Luau? If so, which one and did you like it? Thanks for your help!

Smilen1, thanks for your post. I just called Sheraton and did the same package. Maybe my kids and I will see you at the Westin. Sounds like a good package.

Smilen1, I think that the Pacific Whale Foundation is suppose to be the best. We took the Trilogy whale watch tour which left next door from the Sheraton. The time was 3:30-5:30pm. I'm not sure if they had a morning watch. Basically we just watched for whales while they told us some facts.
We also got to see dolphins which played around the boat for awhile.

I second the recommendation for Bubba Gumps. It was a fun lively place. We actually ate there twice. Anoter place in Lahaina for good pizza is B.J.'s. I can't remember the whole name, sorry.

B.J.'s Chicago Pizzeria, on the mauka side of Front Street in Lahaina. You might also enjoy Cheeseburger in Paradise, also on Front-sandwiches, music, good t-shirts (though not as good as Crazy Shirts).
We've used Pacific Whale Foundation for 2 trips-Molokini snorkel/whale watch and Lana'i dolphin watch/snorkel on 2 visits. They are well versed in the subjects-a not-for-profit research institute.
I would not count on the waters at that beach being calm in February. The north and west are prone to rough seas and tall waves in winter. Look south for your snorkeling and swimming in the ocean. In Wailea you might investigate the Outrigger or Renaisance, often available at steep discounts from rack rate or even a condominium such as Ekahi or The Palms. Often condominium renters are extended pool privileges at a cooperating resort hotel. The snorkeling in the Wailea area matches or betters Black Rock or Honolua.

In 2002 we booked the Whale watch thru Maui Dive shop. I don't remember the name of the company. The Maui Dive Shop is located in the Whalers Village Mall just down from the Sheraton. We booked the Whale Watch with our Snorkel Gear Rental. It was nice to pickup and drop off gear right there by the hotel. It was cheaper to book excursions with gear also. In December 2003 - I tried the Optical Snorkel Lenses, they were great! They can also can sale you discounted Maui Ocean Center tickets and Snorkel trips. In 2000 we used them for early morning snorkel trip to Molikini and turtle town. We left out of Kihei. We like to do our excursions in the morning when kids are fresh and not tired from day in the sun & water. In 2000 we went to the Old Lahania Luau. We booked well in advance online. We didnt take the kids on that trip. We have not take them to a Luau yet. Didnt think they were old enough to enjoy it. This March we may decide to take them to the Royal Lahinia Luau (just on other side of Blackrock from the Sheraton). Last time I checked one child under 11 was admitted free with each paying adult. We thought our kids would enjoy the fire dancers.. If you have never been to a Luau and arent planning on going back soon, I would go to the Old Lahania Luau. The Cannery Mall (Safeways and Longs Drug) in Lahania also has a free Hula show everyday around 5 or 6pm. I think your kids would enjoy that.

Thanks everyone for your great information. We will have to try Bubba Gumps from the sounds of it. I think we will also try the Pacific Whale Foundation for the whale watching after reading the posts.
I am still not sure of the Luau. We are going to go to one for the kids since my husband and I have been to a couple, but it is a first time for the kids. I think we can do one less expensive than the Old Lahaina Luau and make my son happy with a fire dancer. Is the Renaissance Luau any good? I have seen the Hyatt's Luau (in Kuaui, though) and it was ok, but we saw one in Maui 12 years ago somewhere in Wailea area that we liked, but cannot remember the name of the hotel. I thought there used to be a Sheraton down that way. Losing my mind and memory I guess.
If anyone else has any suggestions I am all ears!