Please advise a NICE hotel/condo to stay at in Kaanapali Maui... Also, how does Kaanapali compare to Wailea??? We are leaning towards the Kaanapali area.
Thanks!!

We've always stayed at the Mahana (at least the last 5 times!). Check out their website. ALL condos are ocean front -- I mean none face anything other then the ocean. The Mahana is just north of Kaanapoli and about 7 miles from Lahaina. It's convenient, there are stores, etc. nearby as well as all the resorts, golf, Whaler's Village etc. of Kaanapoli. Personally we prefer Kaanapoli to Wailea but it's just our personal preference - it's greener for one thing and more tropical looking, also much closer to Lahaina. There are so many nice places - it really depends on your budget. By the way The Mahana is fully air conditioned and each unit has a full kitchen and a washer/dryer and daily maid service as well.

Kaanapali I personally feel isn't as nice as Wailea. Kaanapali has a lot more for activities and restaurants although Wailea has the best beaches and is also located in a less busy location. In Kaanapali I would probably choose the Hyatt Regency, although if you are traveling past December of 2000 I would then go to the Marriott. The Marriott Maui is currently under major renovations although when it's done it will probably be the best place in Kaanapali. When finished they will have a 3.5 acre pool and a new atrium lobby.

If going to Wailea I would stay at the Grand Wailea or the Kea Lani. Another place that you might want to look into is the Four Seasons although I like the first two listed better.

Hope this is of some help!

There has been so much discussion/debate about this topic on this board that I am not sure you will get a ton of responses. You would do best to do a search on the topic...you will get a ton of information.

Thanks for the info!

We always stay at the Kaanapali Alii. It has very nice 1 and 2 br units. The 1 br units are very large with a den and 2nd bathroom, so could be big enough for a family with two kids. The complex does not have a restaurant but it is right in the midddle of Kanapali beach right in between the Mariott and the Westin. Easy walking distance to Whaler's village for shopping and restaurants. Price I believe is around $300 for 1 br. Only drawback is you cannot get a one bedroom oceanfront, best you can do is ocean view. The only oceanfront units are the two bedroom. As far as Kaanaplai versus Wailea, I think the above posts are correct. Wailea is quieter, more laid back, with better beaches, while Kaanapali offers more activities, nicer mountain views, and close access to Lahaina. If you opt for a hotel instead of a condo I agree that the Marriott when finished will probably be your best bet. It was nice before the renovations.

Second vote for Kaanapali Alii condos. Very nice units, great location, daily maid service. Only drawback is the small pool.

Thanks for info?
We may look into a condo.
Anyone stayed at Aston Kannapali Shrores or The Whaler?

Lilly:

If you decide you want a hotel in Kaanapali, I don't believe you will find anything nicer than the Hyatt Regency. It is simply a spectacular hotel/beach/pool! A must is breakfast or dinner at Swan Court in the Hyatt. My husband and I stayed here for a week a few years ago and we dream of returning there someday! Absolutely, heaven on earth! Enjoy!!! Susan

I stayed at the Kaanapali Shores this past August. I liked the property a lot. We had a unit with a lot of privacy; others looked quite exposed. It has a resort feel ... little shops, good pools, decent restaurant, etc. It is not on *the* Kaanapali beach where you can walk up and down looking at other hotels, shops, etc. but that area seemed more crowded and noisy. I liked our privacy and quiet at night. You can drive to Lahaina for fun and excitement.