Jan

Hi Kat

We just returned from Maui 2 weeks ago and loved Kaanapali and Wailea. We stayed at the Aston Kaanapali Shores. Very nice Condo/Hotel. We liked Kaanapali due to the shopping, restaurants/activities. Always on Front Street. Wailea is about a 45 minute to 1 hour drive from Kaanapali. Both areas are beautiful!! Wailea seemed to be more quiet and laid back. Kaanapali is more activity. Kaanapali was very beautiful despite what some people may think. Trust me, it's not like Vegas overcrowded, we would stay there again. Either area is great!!
Have fun!!

Cruiser

"Ken": Aruba is "Dismal Looking" ?
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH !

lh

hi kat,
i just returned from maui last week.

i stayed at both the Renaissance Wailea for a few days and in Napili Bay (which is just a few minutes north of Kaanapili).

One key criteria to consider is:

1. Location: Kaanapili is closer to Lahaina (which has many great restaurants, shops and nightlife, as well as departure points on boating/snorkeling trips). Wailea is a bit closer to Hana/Haleakala and right next to Kihei.

lh

Cheryl

lh:

Where did you stay in Napili Bay? By any chance was it at the Napili Kai Beach Resort. I am also trying to decide between Kaanapali area and Wailea. I ruled out the Kaanapali; I think it will be a bit too touristy for what I like, and was leaning towards the Four Seasons in Wailea. However, I was also considering the Napili Kai Beach Resort on Napili Bay. I realize these resorts are in two different classes, however am considering NKBR because of its closer proximity to Lahaina (without having to be in the busy Kaanapoli area). I heard that Napili Bay is a nice beach. However, do you know what the atmosphere is like? Is is essentially glorified condominiums with a restauarant and pools on the property, or is there an "ambience" there to give more of an island feeling? Also, I do not want to be somewhere that is overrun with families and children at on the beach and at the pool. Do you know whether NKBR tends to attract families with children? (We would be going in August.) Thanks.

MissMaui

Mahalo everyone! If you want information about the VERY best of everything, including comparisons of hotel minutia, plus the best tours and gift shops, just e-mail me! Don't do a search on this forum, whatever you do! Yes, as someone pointed out, there are hundreds of posts about Kanaapali alone, but that's all yesterday's news! You have to post new Hawaii questions every single day, preferably with separate headers for each question, in order to receive the VERY latest information! Things change fast on the islands, so keep up!

Not an agent, e-mail me for more information! Mahalo!

Michelle

A post from Jennifer said not to stay at the Ritz Carlton. Why? Going in a few weeks and staying there.

Lori

I haven't stayed at the Ritz Carlton, but have been at the hotel many times. It is absolutely gorgeous and I would think you would have a very nice stay there. It is a distance from Lahaina, but that can be a plus.

Eileen

I just returned from 10 days at The Renaissance Wailea, and would recommend it highly. We had excellent weather while there, although a business acquaintance staying in the Kaanapali area called to say he had had rain every day. Wailea is in the rain shadow of Haleakala and, therefore, is drier than other parts of the island. The wind would kick up most afternoons, but not to any degree to chase us off the beach. Keep in mind, also, that you will spend more time driving to points of interest (Haleakala, Hana, Iao Valley, etc.) from the Kapalua/Kaanapali area than from Wailea. Have fun! I wish I was returning soon! The Renaissance staff is friendly and helpful, the food is excellent (good wine, too!) and the grounds are impeccable. Tasteful and elegant. Hope my comments help.

Joy

To Kat: I agree with everything Eileen stated in her message. The Wailea area is wonderful,beautiful, and uncluttered.The Rennaissance Hotel could not be better. We have stayed there 3 times. The hotel is immaculate, inside and out. In the last 3 years, most of the staff is the same, I assume they like their working conditions. Good luck on your decision.

Brandon

I am traveling to Maui next week and just heard that there is a large construction project next to the Renaissance Wailea resort. Is this still continuing? How distracting is it?
Any info would be appreciated.

Al

To Cheryl; or anyone else concerned like us about places being overrun with kids,the solution is to pick a nice hotel(not condo)& go during the school year(not summer or school breaks)to minimize your run in with all the kids. Also wailea is not that much closer to Haleakala or Hana than ka'anapali if at all you still have to go to Kahului first from either place.

123

Yes, there is some construction at the Renaissance. The "Shops at Wailea" are under construction, with signs stating Opening Winter 2000. I didn't see a problem with disturbance, but Wailea has much less shopping then Kaanapali. But if you want quiet, it's the place to be.