Planning my first trip to Hawaii (my husband has been there several times). We do not want to spend all day lounging on the beach (although I do want a beautiful beach, lush surroundings, etc.) My husband says Wailea is too far from all the activites that we would be doing, and he would rather be in Kanaapali or Kapalua. Comments? Also, he says Wailea is flat, dry and volcanic? Is he correct? I'm obviously leaning toward Wailea from all the great posts I've read here before and the advice I've gotten on hotels. I'd appreciate anyones thoughts on Wailea vs. Kanaapali. Thanks.

People on this Forum seem to love Wailea but I think it's dry, flatter and not anywhere near as "tropical" looking as the Ka'anapoli or Kapalua areas (they do get more rain,hence they are greener). In 12 trips to Maui we have always stayed in the Ka'anapoli area and find it convenient for shopping/dining in Lahaina for instance. Wailea is a good 40 min. ride to Lahaina. There is a lot of traffic everywhere on Maui these days and the road is no freeway so you can take a long time to go a short distance. It's all a matter of priorities, if you enjoy a more tropical look go for Ka'anapali or Kapalua, if not Wailea is fine. Personally I think Wailea is overrated. You also have to drive through Kihei to get anyplace and it can be very crowded there as well. I am sure you will have a nice time whichever you choose, but it is definately not as green in Wailea (sure the hotels grounds are landscaped, etc. but the rest is not).

I have stayed at Kapalua and Wailea and dined in Kanapaali. I was not impressed with Kanapaali...too touristy, big groups, areas of the beach not usable, crowded. Kapalua is lush but very windy and rainier than the other 2 places. A drive to eat at any place other than your property and the furthest away of the 3 from Hana, etc. Now activities that you would be doing...this always confuses me as I see Hawaii as...yes, a place to do things,...but not on the same level as a metropolitan city. You will not need to drive into Lahaina for dining every single night. There are 4-5 crescent beaches in Wailea...Kapalua Bay Hotel has a lovely beach...best in the summer though. And the Ritz has a really lousy beach...often not swimmable. There are pros and cons to every area...I prefer Wailea from what I have seen and experienced.

We have just returned from our first time in Hawaii. We stayed in Wailea and loved it. I think its less crowded and touristy and have great places to eat. Seawatch and also theres a new place at the new mall with a great view but I can't think of the name. They have 3 places to eat all with ocean views and great food. The hotels there are great too and there is plenty of shopping. We went into Kaanapali a couple of times but I think Wailea was the best choice to stay. But I guess it would depend on what things you want to do. We did snorkeling excursions a dinner cruise, and a helicopter ride. I have never stayed in Kaanapali but just the view from the boats on our different sails told us we liked where we stayed the best. There is a wonderful walking/jogging trail that connects all the resorts and you always have a view of the ocean, its beautiful! Hope you have a great trip, we did!

As a former resident of Kihei I worked at resorts in Wailea, so I might be biased. Wailea has the best weather (read most sun) on Maui, and is centrally located to everything on the Island. It is true that it can take 45-65 minutes to drive to Ka'anapali, but there is no compelling reason to go there more than once, to see Lahaina. The resorts and condos are newer in Wailea, the bveaches are better, and the new Wailea Shopping Village which just opened in january, surpasses any luxury shopping options available in Ka'anapali. You DO NOt have to drive through Kihei to get anywhere, there is a "highway" (although two lanes, but only 5 stoplites) bypassing Kihei to Wailea, called the Pi'ilani Highway. It has been there for over 7 years. So take it from a former Maui Haole, Wailea no ka oi.

Thanks everyone ... but I don't seem to be getting any closer to a decision. I guess there really is no real "right" answer, and since my husband and I seem to have different priorities, it makes it tough. Maybe I should go alone??? (Just kidding!)

Laura, we have the same problem you have and we've been to Maui 4 times !! So what we do is split our time(4-6 days in Wailea/Kihei and 4-6 days in Kaanapali/Kapalua). We love both areas so much that since we've come all this way, we have to do both. JMHO

We stayed in Wailea and loved it because it was a little more peaceful. We took a day trip to the west end of the island and the difference was like night and day. It depends on what you want. I think you should go to the west end if you want to do things like shop, go to the movies, bar hop. There's more of a "beach town" feel...like Key West.
South side I think is geared more for the lounging vacationer plus you don't feel as cut off from seeing the rest of the island...like Hana and Haleakala.

I will be joining my husband on his business trip to Hawaii (Big Island) in August and we will be extending our trip to Maui for 5 nights. I too cannot decide between the Wailea area (Four Seasons) and the Napili Bay area (Napili Kea Beach Resort). I realize the resorts are in two different types of categories and not really comparable, but I am more interested in which has the better setting and beach ... definitely want to be able to swim and snorkle right off the beach. Can anyone compare and contrast these two areas ... which would you choose (in August)?

FOUR SEASONS! The level of service and luxury of that place is otherwordly.

It's a long way from anything interesting ( IE it's in Hawaii ). Go to the Caribbean instead.

Laura,
My husband and I took our first trip to Hawaii for our honeymoon and stayed at Wailea. We rented a convertible which was actually less expensive than some of the other cars. We went to Lahaina at least 4 times, to Haleakela, helicopter tour, snorkeling. I do not like being in a car but never felt that I spent too much time in one. The drives were so nice in that perfect weather and the Wailea Renaissance (runs from $250 - $500/night) was the most lush place on the island. Three out of four times going to Lahaina it poured. We never saw rain in Wailea. Good luck, you'll love it no matter where you stay. We're going back to Wailea Renaissance in September...I can't wait.

You can't beat the Napili Bay/Kapulua
area for no high rise hotels, off the
beaten path and beautiful beaches. Great place to eat in that area is Roy's. To me south of Kanapaali is too
dry and flat. North of Maui you may have more wind, but do not need air
conditioning...it's wonderful.

I've been to Maui 3 times and I don't think it really matters where you stay - you'll love it! Also, it doesn't take very long to get from one point to another. If I were you, I'd just flip a coin and get ready for a wonderful time.

Laura,

I vote for Wailea, after staying at the Renaissance Wailea for three vacations. Kaanapali Resort, to me, is like a big, fancy shopping mall compared to the Wailea Resort, (although still wonderful).

And Cheryl, I'd stay at the Napili Kai Beach Resort in August, although Wailea is normally my favorite place over there, simply because it will be breezier and a tad cooler in that area in August. Maui can get very hot and humid in Aug/Sept/Oct!!!

Whereever you stay, Laura, you'll have a wonderful time. After all, you'll be in Hawaii!

Aloha,

Lani

I just got back from a 2 week trip to Maui in March and the weather was perfect. Even though I enjoyed both Wailea and Kanaapali, I did like the fact that I could see the whales from one of the beaches in Wailea unlike Kanaapali. I can honestly say that both places have a lot to offer, it all depends on what you are looking for. I loved Maui so much that I'm planning to go there again between November 15-25 of this year. What is the weather like around this time and is it whale season?

Uche,

We just returned from Maui a few weeks ago, and we were able to spot whales from Kaanapali beach. I think it just depends on how active they are. November is early for whale watching, you may spot some but I don't think you'll see as many as in March. We saw them everday on our trip.