We are traveling to Maui in March and are considering staying at the Kaanapali Beach hotel. Has anyone stayed there in the past, and what did you think? Also, if you know of any great places to book rooms on Maui for a great price, please let me know.

Thanks

Never stayed there, but I've read far more good reviews than bad about the hotel. That said, I don't care for Ka`anapali, which is a highrise jungle, albeit one with a nice foreground and backdrop.
You might investigate rooms/condos in south Maui, Wailea or Kihei. That area may have calmer water in March. It usually gets a better class of humpback whales than those that frequent the west.

In light of what Lex1 just said:

We rented from Mana Kai in July. Although I was very disappointed they didn't have A/C in the condo (they DO have it in the smaller 'hotel'rooms they offer), the view was WONDERFUL!

Good snorkeling right in front of our condo at Keawakapu Beach, and only a short drive to other South Maui beaches (which are reputedly usually calmer that the West beaches).

We stayed in room 201, which I believe was probably THE best view of all their rooms. It looks south all the way to Pu'u Ola'i. Not plush, but adequate, and small BA.

We enjoyed seeing the canoe races each AM and watched a Hawaiian beach wedding just below our lanai one afternoon! (Blow conch and all that!) I imagine it would be perfect for whale watching, although none there in July.

I wonder if the March weather wouldn't be alittle more tolerable without A/C? Several posters say they don't need it anytime of year, but I do, esp. in July/August! There was plenty of wind but couldn't overcome the humidity/heat combo in July!

If you want to see some pics of the room and view go to worldisround.com look under olesouthernbelle & click on Maui 7/05.

Next door to Mana Kai is the Kihei Surfside, which is not on the beach but is on the ocean. It has a large grassy lawn/rocks instead of beach. They just walk over to the Mana Kai beach entry to snorkel, enjoy the beach! Several posters like this place as well. Mana Kai is located to the south of KS.

Wishing you a wonderful trip! Look for the Moonbows! Take plenty of pics and we'll be looking forward to your TR!

Belle

My husband and I stayed at the Kaanapali Beach Hotel in May of this year and loved it. I think it depends on what you are looking for. We were celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary and this hotel is quieter than most. No rocking bar until 2:00 a.m. But if you are looking for that you can just get on the walking path and go to any of the other hotels on the beach. It is an older hotel but well maintained and we found the staff to be very friendly and helpful. We would stay there again. The beach was great and you can walk to black rock to snorkle. Our room included the breakfast buffet or you could use a voucher for breakfast in their restaurant. Both were very good. We also had a beach view which I would recommend. Hope this is helpful.

The Ka'anapali Beach Hotel has been named the "Most Hawaiian Hotel" for many years, with good reason. The people are extraordinarily friendly, they go out of their way to explain their culture to you, and make sure you're well cared for. Every employee of the hotel takes Hawaiiana lessons. That being said, it's best to request POV or OV rooms in the Lanai wing which has the best views.

I happen to enjoy the Ka'anapali/West Maui area.

Lexl
What do you mean a better class of whales? Are you serious? I havent't seen anywhere that whales are class conscious.On the subject of Kaanapali Beach Hotel. We stay there everytime we go now. More our style(class?) Don't have to keep up with the Joneses there.It is a friendly place and a good view and place to watch whales

Kathryn-
KBH is my favorite on Maui.. They are NOT a big luxury Hotel. Low key and quiet. There is Hawaiian Music playing softly thru the lobby and grounds. The hotel staff are great and very welcoming. You can't beat the location and price. There is even a craft show in the lobby a few days per week. There is a shuttle into Lahaina. While we were there for the past 3 Januarys, we heard the whales underwater,and saw them several times above water.
A truly magical place!!!

Thank you to everyone for your input.