I need help. Trying to find nice condo accomodations in Maui for April 2001. Will be traveling with husband and two teenage daughters. It appears to me Kaanapali is the area that may interest teens. Is this true. How is the area around Kihei. How is the beach there. I was trying to stay in a location that would allow us to trave to some sights with in a reasonable amount of time. Originally I was thinking of the Wailea area. Any help would be appreciated.

Cheryl

Kaanapali is the winner. Kihei is UGLY.
Nothing very remarkable.
Wailea or Kaanapali recommended; not Kihei. Maybe I'm biased. We love the Kaanapali Ali'i. It's a wonderful condo.
Stayed twice. Can't wait to go back.
You get 7th night free until July 1

Cheryl: We've been to Maui several times and have stayed at Kannapali, Kahana and Wailea area hotels/condos. I would recommend Kaanapali beach for the following reasons: (and be advised that it's different from the places advertised in the "Kannapali area", such as the Embassy Suites -- which is NOT on Kannapali beach), We had a 2-bd,2-bath condo at the "Alii" for a week this past May and LOVED it, wonderful unit (nice and comfortable but not overly fancy), great personnel and nicely appointed grounds without being overbearing (the pool area is nice but not fancy like the next-door hotels, but it does have towel service). Our Mt. View condo was just as nice as the pool/ocean view ones and was less expensive. But be aware that they are "owner units" so they will differ in appointments, unlike standard accomodations in hotels. It has gas BBQ grills and tables by the pool for guest use (which lots of people used - saved $$$), too and a great conscierge (sp?) office who will book dinner reservations and lots of suggestions/ booking for other points of interest day trips. Also, the Alii has charging privileges for several resturants at other hotels on Kannapali beach which is nice when you want to eat nearby and not carry alot of cash. Its perfect for a family and the whole Kannapali beach area is very safe for your teenage girls to run around during the day without "nervous supervision." The beach is beautiful in Kannapali and the Whaler's Village is fun to walk around and shop at (day or night) and the whaling museum is very interesting, the many restuarants and hotels there are easy to access by walking along the beautiful beach walk and getting in your car to go to other outstanding restuarants is easy from that location. Don't forget, of course, that Lahina is a short 5 minutes down the highway (about 1/2+ hr. drive coming up from Kihei/Wailea), with lots of fun stuff to see and do (for a day or two at least - Don't miss the Maui onion rings at Cheeseburgers in Paradise!). All in all, IMHO: There are many wonderful hotels/condos all over Maui, do your research and scan more of this board before you decide what is best for your family's particular needs/wants in a vacation. Kannapali is very nice, and a good location for a family with teenagers (more "action", I doubt they would be bored), the North area toward Kahana is less expensive than Kannapali beach (although getting up into the Kapalua area is outstandingly beautiful but more pricy) but also more isolated so you'll need to get in the car unless you want to stay by the pool/beach a lot. Also, open parking is VERY limited at Kannapali beach (just a few spots next to the Whaler's Village) if you're not in one of the condo/hotels with guest parking, so forget about saving money by planning to spend your time there but staying outside, it's not worth the parking hassle every day. Wailea is beautiful, usually drier weather so not as "tropical" down there, nicely upscale and is where to go and relax and get away from it all (with great golf course selections, although Kannapali has great golf too) the Grand Wailea is not to be missed to go see and if you want to spend the money, you'll love it there (we did)! It is spectacular!!! I haven't stayed there but the Kei Lani has a good reputation for all-suite accomodations and for families too. Kihei is good if you're looking to save money on your vacation, its hotel/condo selections are somewhat inexpensive but Kihei is not as scenic as some other areas on the island. I hope this helps, and have a wonderful time.

I've stayed at the Alii the last three years for Thanksgiving and the condos are absolutely wonderful.If you have the choice there is no choice.
The two bedroom is huge and really a great floorplan.
If you log on to classicresorts.com they have the floorplans. Have fun!

Why do you think the beach in Kaanapali is so beautiful? It's just a plain, brown sand beach, rather unremarkable, very similar in look to ones you find on the East Coast!