My husband and I are going to Maui in January. I've reserved a room at the Aston Kaanapali Shores and have recently read some review that were so so about the condo. I'm thinking about switching to the Kaanapali Alii. Anyone have any suggestions?

I think you will find that the location of your room makes a big difference at these properties. We stayed at Aston Kaanapali Shores a few years ago and were not happy with the condo we were given. (My elderly, handicapped mother was with us and the condo layout was going to present some mobility difficulties for her.)

The staff was helpful and let us check out about a half dozen other rooms until we finally got something that made us VERY happy. (ground floor, opening onto the pool and beach) I would certainly return because of the effort they made to accommodate us.

You can check out these resorts at the Maui Revealed website (google it and let me know if you can't find it). The aerial views will show you where the condos are in relation to the beach and pool and you can see that paying a little more gets you a better location.

Also, the Aston property is not on *the* Kaanapali beach with Whalers Village etc. It is about a 5 minute drive north. I stayed at the Aston and liked being away from it when I wanted to sleep, relax, etc. The Alii appears to be a little bit higher class of property.

www.pleasantholidays.com has virtual tours that helped me a lot.

BTW, the restaurant at the K-shores was absolutely great. People from other hotels/condos came to only eat.

We stayed at the Kaanapali Alii and weren't happy with our condo. It needed refurbushing big time and was way overpriced. We did enjoy the location of the property though. Next time I'd try and get the condo through a private party and see pictures of it ahead of time.

Been to Maui not there. Consult a guuide bookk.

There is no comparison. The Kaanapali Alii is superior in every way, and it is priced accordingly. The biggest problem with the Kaanapali Shores is that the beach is very poor.

I wouldn't say the beach was "poor" -- just small. It was ok for us. I should have mentioned above that our condo was quite comfortably furnished. Not brand new, but nice, comfy, lived in. It was a 2BR, 2BA, with a good-sized living room.

Kaye,

Stayed at the Kaanapli Shores twice, and LOVED this property. Would stay there again. We had a 1 bedroom oceanview condo. Plenty of space. Living room, spacious bathroom, small dinette table. Lanai... Definitely request an oceanview condo. Bedroom was spacious too. Perfect location. Grocery store right across the street. Kaanapali shores is located right on the beach, has 2 swimming pools, tennis court, restaurant, fitness center, & small arcade room. Only negative was the parking. They charge you for parking. I forgot what the weekly rate was, but I still recommend this property.

Kaanapli Shores. Nice condo's....Good area...

I really disliked the beach at the Kaanapali Shores, plus the fact that you have to drive to go to Kaanapali Beach. I'd never stay there again.