Beachgirl -
I understand totally, as I'm a resort junkie! I just reread your post and realized that you asked for the most "luxurious" place to stay, including Kapalua. That would be the Ritz! However, you'll have a lot of fun at the Hyatt. I do not believe the pools are heated. Can anyone who's stayed there address whether you can walk to Whaler's Village from the Hyatt? You can from some of the Kaanapali properties and that's a plus... (When I was there, we stayed at the Embassy Suites in Honokowai and had to drive a short distance.) I do not believe the beach in front of the Hyatt is very nice but you'll get plenty of nice beaches in Wailea. Go to Wizardpub.com and read the reviews for Hyatt vs. Westin vs. Sheraton vs. Ritz and some of these pool, beach, proximity questions will be answered. If you have the Maui Revealed book you can type in the code and see the aerial views of the properties as well.

Hi and thanks -

Read about the Ritz but am a bit concerned with weather up there. Have read that it can often be rainy there vs. the Hyatt area - and it would be nice to be very close to Lahaina too.

I have read that the Westin has heated pools - so people who stay at Sheraton go to use the Westin pool as they have shared priviledges but I really don't want to do that given we won't be there that long. BUT the Hyat is nicer than the Westin. Thks for suggestion for Wizardpub - did that. Read all the reviews with my password - but I did not notice them mentioning proximity to Whalers Village from those hotels - but will have to look again.

Thks!

Is the Hyatt really nicer than the Westin? That surprises me for some reason. Has anyone stayed at - or walked through - both of them?

Okay, you're right. If MR is to be believed, Hyatt gets a gem and Westin does not. But look at those pools...
Looking at the locations of the resorts on the map, I'd have to guess that you can walk to Whaler's Village from the Westin but not the Hyatt. Anyone?

Hi again -

Yes it does appear the Westin is closer and within walking distance to shops etc - infact I think I have read that is the case.

I will have to closely compare the Westin and the Hyatt! :)

The Westin is right next door to Whaler's Village. It is exactly one mile from Whaler's Village to just a little past the Hyatt (my daily running route). To the Hyatt it is about 3/4ths of a mile, about a ten minute walk. Go to this web site for an aerial view of the properties and their proximity to Whaler's Village.
http://www.kaanapaliresort.com/accommodations.html

Thanks Rusty - great website!!!

Hi - Just spoke to a few people (brides) who have stayed in the area. They said they Hyatt's pool is heated and is very nice. They also said shops and restaurants are within walking distance. And that the Hyatt is at the end therefore has a bit less traffic.

another nice thing about kaanapali in general is that there is a shuttle to lahaina. for $1, you can get a ride to the old lahaina luau, or to the village itself. you dont need to worry about parking or a DWI. =) the shuttle picks up on the road that leads to the Hyatt.

we stayed at the hyatt and loved it, though we had a standard room that we wouldnt consider "luxury." the pool was lovely. the beach by the hyatt can be quite small though the size of the beach changes all the time due to erosion. we walked down towards the sheraton when we wanted to hang on the beach.

~fiasco

I stayed at the Westin for 5 days last year. Our room was in the middle of the building on a high floor and had the most amazing view I've ever seen. The pool is nice (there's a quiter adult pool) but drinks were pretty picy. Make sure you get to hapy hour at the Moose.