Hi,
i plan to get married this june at the Four Seasons Wailea. We have family and some friends joining us...some are bringing young children. They have been asking us what part of Maui they should stay.
My fiance and I are thinking about staying in Kaanapali for four days and then Wailea for three (we have to stay in the Four Seasons after our ceremony). This isnt a big deal to us because we dont mind packing and moving to another hotel.
For our guests, I was thinking that Kaanapali might be better (pricewise, things to do, etc) because most of them will not be able to stay at the mega resorts such as the Grand Wailea, FS or Fairmont in Wailea. I am also thinking that Kaanapali will be better for our friends that have young children. There is also a 13 year old in the group. Many of our guests will be on a budget and it seems things are a little more economical on the west side (other than Kihei). Am i wrong?
My only concern is that on the day of the wedding, we would need provide transportation (or if they didnt drink and they wanted to drive themselves they could) from Wailea to Kaanapali. The wedding would probably not be over until 9pm or so and I am not sure if that drive will be too much for some of our guests (with provided transportation or not..).
Should I steer everyone to stay in Wailea or on the outskirts? I know there are some inexpensive places to stay in Kihei, but it seems Kaanapali is nicer and since this is the first time our guests can see hawaii, I want them to get the most bang for their buck and have the BEST vacation possible!
Is the drive from Wailea to Kaanapali for the wedding too crazy? It would just be one night, but if the drive is dangerous or TOO long I dont want my guests to endure that. help!
thank you all!
becca

I would think the drive would be a bit long if they had a few drinks, or, were tired after an evening affair. The roads, while few in number, can be a little confusing at first. If it's an option, I'd encourage them to also stay in both places. While staying close to the reception area, they could see Haleakala. The beaches by Wailea are also better than Kaanapali. There are other resorts near the Four Seasons that could be an option [Renaissance, for instance].

Your best "bang for the buck" depends on what you want. I've stayed several times on both Kaanapali (Hyatt and Sheraton) and Wailea (Kea Lani and Grand Wailea) and the experiences are very different. What is most important to me is the beach and as Lois said the beaches in Wailea are better. The waves and undertow are much more gentle. You'll find Wailea beach in front of the FS one of the best beaches in the world. I've been on that beach a total of over 30 days and never experiences waves that I couldn't handle. At Kaanapali, I've not been able to get into the ocean at least 1/3 of the time I've been there (around 20 days).
We prefer Wailea and spend all of our Maui vacation time there now.
The food is cheaper and there's more "new age" artzy type things over in Lahaina, but I prefer Wailea.

You can get some decent prices at the Rennaissance and Outrigger. I know that you can get a pretty good deal using the Entertainment card at the Rennaissance and the Outrigger prices are much cheaper than the 4S, Grand Wailea and Fairmont. We stayed in Wailea a few years ago and loved it! We visited Kaanapali and were that much happier that we stayed where we did!

Perhaps you could book all 5 units at Aloha Pualani in Kihie...perfect for a group. I think they will allow children if you book all of the property, which seems likely for you group..gl

Me being "Alohamom" and everything,I come at this from the perspective of a guest with children. I personally would not want to have to travel the distance(approx 45 minutes) with the kids at night after already having them stay up late etc..Having said that, I do know the drive along the coast at night in Maui is one of my all time favorite things to do because the stars over the ocean (if it is clear) are incredible. You feel like you can touch them, especially in a convertible! It is breathtaking and would be a great topper to your evening ceremony. Why not compile a list of 3 or 4 hotels/condos for each area in the moderate/superior/deluxe categories for you guests to choose from. Present them with all the options including the drive and let them choose what is good for them. I know you probably have a million other things to think about regarding the wedding but I know if I were a guest I would certainly appreciate it. You could even ask a travel agent to do so for you if you are not sure about properties, locations etc... I also second the Renaissance and Outrigger as affordable Wailea area choices. Sounds like it will great!

thanks. ALoha mom, i love your idea. I think i will do something like that and then not worry about it anymore.
take care!
becca

Also, the pool area is very nice for young children at the Outrigger.