Kaanapali or Wailea?
 

My husband and I are planning to visit Maui this July. Although I've read so many reviews of each area, I'm still not sure where to go. We do like some nightlife and action, but is Kaanapali too hectic? We'd also like to relax, but is Wailea too quiet? We are also thinking about staying at the Hyatt, Sheraton, Kaanapali Beach Hotel or the Renaissance. Any suggestions, please let me know. Thanks for your help!

He Jennifer, <BR> <BR>I highly recommend the Sheraton on Kaanapali. They recently spent about $12mil on rebuilding and renovatons. The hotel is beautiful and has the best snorkeling. In fact people from all the other hotels you mentioned come there to snorkel. You can walk down the beach to a great outdoor mall with lots of restaurants and specialty shops. The beach at Kaanapali is one of the best in Hawaii. Have a great trip. <BR> <BR>Jerry

Thanks Jerry! I appreciate the information. Did you find the Kaanapali area to be a bit too crowded? We are planning on visiting in July and have heard that it can be quite congested. Any opinions?

My wife and I visited maui for the second time in november. (and there will be a third visit) I would recomend <BR>the kaanapali area. The beach is walk is wonderfull, there is shopping at whalers village-right off the beach, and there are some great places to eat. You are also only a short ride to <BR>Lahaina town. we stayed at the Westin hotel and loved it. The Hyatt is also beautifull. I was told by a team of travel agents from san diego that the Sheraton was redesigned rather poorly-kind of choped up-spread over too large an area. They were there for hotel inspections and -in their opinion- <BR>the Westin and Hyatt were the best. Be sure to check out the Old Lahaina <BR>Luau, Hula Grill-at whalers village-, <BR>Trilogy Excursions snorkel to lanai,ride to the top of haleakala,kimo's --i could go on and on.-Get Frommer's 99 guide to maui--any questions-e-mail me. <BR>--greg

You are not going to love me for this, but I dislike Kanapaali. Prefer Wailea. When I go on trips, people always think I am too fervent about my plans, but I do a lot of research, tons. We stayed at Kapalua and Wailea. Wailea is far more classier than Kanapaali. There are many areas of the beach at K, where you cannot enter because of the coral. It is not at all like Waikiki. Hardly any sandy areas, lots of tour groups. You have to wear bands at some of the hotels, to prove you are staying there in order to get a towel. Congested. I booked by best friend's honeymoon last month and gave her the same advice and she can back having agreed with my totally. Whe checked out K, and didn't at all like it. Wailea has lots of terrific hotels, lined up in a row. We stayed at the Kea Lani, they at the Four Seasons and thought it was to die for. Arnold Schwarzenneger was there when they were for what it's is worth. The hotel couldn't do enough for them and everything, spa, tennis snorkelling gear, parking, everythinw was included plus they had a stay 4 and get the 5th night free rate. They didn't have one lousy meal and loved every minute of it. Feel free to email me for more info and hotels. I really don't mind. Please don't stay at K. <BR>

Hi Greg....Thanks for the advice...any reason that you prefer Kaanapali over Wailea...I've read so many conflicting opinions that I'm a bit confused...thanks for the advice! <BR> <BR>Jen

Hi Greg....Thanks for the advice...any reason that you prefer Kaanapali over Wailea?..I've read so many conflicting opinions that I'm a bit confused...any opinions or ideas are greatly appreciated! Thanks! <BR> <BR>Jen

Hi Annemarie...thanks for the words of wisdom..are you talking about the discount in the entertainment guide? We've already done the honeymoon thing, so....we are looking to spend some money but not TOO much...any idea how much more the Four Seasons are than the Renaissance? Any information is greatly appreciated! <BR> <BR>Jen <BR> <BR>

My husband and I stayed at the Hyatt in November and would recommend that property and location to anyone. I also heard that Kaanapali would be too congested but that was not the case while we were there. The only congestion we found was when a cruise ship docked and the streets in Lahaina were a bit congested. What we loved about the area was that we could walk to Whalers Village for lunch and drive 5 minutes to Lahaina where there are many fine restaurants. The Hyatt was absolutely beautiful and the service could not have been better. I agree with the previous post that Trilogy is a must. It was one of the great highlights of our trip. Have fun! <BR>

Jennifer, I think the key to the differing opinions lies in the time of year. Because you are going in July, I would agree that Kaanapali-Lahaina area is far too crowded. I expected shoulder- to- shoulder crowds in Waikiki (and didn't encounter them) but was so disappointed to find them in Lahaina in July. Next time, I will take previous writer Annemarie's advice and try the Kihei-Wailea side of the island. <BR>

Thanks to all who replied to my questions. I was very torn as where to stay, but I think due to the time of year, we will be best in Wailea. Now we need to decide which resort...I think it will be the Renaissance. Thanks again! <BR> <BR>Jen

Hi. Just emailed you again with the rates and my computer din't seem to act up. So you should have the Four Seasons and Renaissance rates inc. their phone numbers. Let me know if you didn't receive this and I will repeat the message on this forum rather than directly to you. Let me know, how it goes. Annemarie. P.S. I can recommend some restaurants to go to that are not that pricey in the Wailea area. Please keep in touch. <BR>

First of all, I second all the opinions of picking Wailea over Kaanapali. Wailea is much prettier, relaxed and has the best weather on the island. The only drawback to the area is that most of the restaurants are in the hotels. But it really is not a big deal to take a half hour drive up the coast in the evening to dinner. <BR> <BR>When I was there last year, my fiance and I stayed in the Renaissance. It's a little older than most of the other hotels in the area, but everything was very nice. This year when we returned for our honeymoon we stayed at the Four Seasons.....AMAZING! It's very expensive, but worth every penny!

Wherever you stay in Wailea...you may wish to spend some time at The Spa In the Grand Wailea Resort. My wife and I loved it there(although we stayed elsewhere)...the spa is as close to decadent as one can get. It is a little pricey...but we deserve to be spoiled occassionally...don't we.

HI Annemarie! I've looked into the Four Seasons....the rates are more expensive than the Renaissance...is it worth it? I know that meals are also expensive...the Renaissance has a food and beverage credit..I guess I just need to decide if I should listen to the practical side of me or just go for it....I don't know when I'd get to visit Hawaii again...Thanks! Jen

Gosh, what a decision. As I said, My sister in law stayed at the Renaissance and really enjoyed it. I booked my girlfriend's daughter at the Four Seasons for her honeymoon in October and she said it was the best place ever. It was not country club like. People can't do enough for you apparently. Very friendly. Very high ratings in conde nast. Do you have a large book store nearby? Sit yourself down and read Fieldings report, Gault Milans report and grab the Zagat survey book for properties in Hawaii. I believe they rate both properties.(This book is great) They are definitely not at par but it is not my money I am spending. I hope more people answer your entry to get an opinion. I would say there is a noticable difference. I saw the Four Seasons and it is beautiful, the rooms are large, coffeemakers in them, VCRs,etc. I just don't know what to say. Annemarie <BR>

Gosh, will I ever shut up!You would think I was going. About the food. They have a regular coffee shop at the Four Seasons that serves good food as not so expensive prices than the more elegant ones. The Kea Lani, where we stayed next door has a great little coffee shop with gourmet coffees to stay or go, great pastries, muffins, cold pastas, etc. Not so pricey. Walk over there in the morning, great oceanside walkway. You can take the shuttle from the FS to the little shopping plaza in Wailea and purchase some juices, etc. I think you have a frig in the room, better check. The Sandcastle there in the plaza is another reasonable place to eat, and good. The Maui Onion poolside at the Renaissance has terrific burgers and fries, rings at reasonble prices. You are not stuck in the FS complex for eating. There are ways you can save and live in luxury at the same time. Annemarie <BR>