Kaanapali or Wailea- Help me make a final decision!
 

My husband and I are going to be in Maui for only 5 nights/6 days in January- so we can only stay on one location and want it to be convenient to everything. I have already viewed others posts- and the concensus seems to be Wailea is less windy, better weather- nice beaches, BUT 45 minutes south of Lahaina and "the action". Kaanapali is only 5 min from Lahaina- has lots of people watching beaches, shopping, and good snorkling areas- so now I am confused!!!

Before we book, I want your opinions- for January- we are both around 30 yrs old- dont want to be in a secluded area, we want to do the night life scene- shop, watch people, do all the hiking/biking/snorkeling etc. and make it relaxing.- where do you think we should stay?

We will be going to Maui in June for our 25th anniversary. I done alot of research on both areas. We actually have enough time to split up our time between Kaanapali and Wailea. But since you only have five nights, I would opt for Kaanapali. From everything I've read, it is definitely more convenient! There is alot more restaurants to choose from in the Kaanapali / Lahaina area in different price ranges. The beach in front of the Sheraton (Black Rock) actually has a great reputation for being one of the best snorkeling areas off the beach. The beaches in Wailea are definitely known for a little better beach area, but yet are more secluded. Couldn't you make a daytrip to the Wailea area one day to spend on the beach and enjoy? We originally were only going for 6 nights, then after reading decided to extend to 9 days, so we have time for everything. Is that an option for you? Good Luck on your decision. Deblynn

People pick wailea because its a high end luxury resort area. Its not secluded at all. In fact, Kihei is right next door with strip malls and restaraunts. Both Wailea and Kaanapali have their pros and cons. i think your decision should be based on what Hotel to stay at. Wailea definetly has the "high end" luxury resorts.

Kaanapali is "where the action is". Wailea is a lot quiter. Many people will not go to Kaanapali because it is too busy and many people will not go to Wailea because it is too quiet. Your choice.

You have a better chance of good weather in Wailea in January, particularly if you want to spend good time on the beach. You can always drive to Lahaina/Kaanapali once or twice for more things to do. Snorkeling at Kaanapali is really dicey in the winter. There is decent shopping in the Wailea/Kihei area.

I have stayed at both places many times, I much prefer Wailea. But your list of night-life, shopping, people watching probably makes Kaanapali a better choice for you.

Wailea is not as crowded as Kanaapali/Lahaina area but hardly secluded. Wailea has great restaurants and shopping. If you want more shopping you can always spend a day in Lahaina. We definitely prefer Wailea, however if nighlife is really important to you, I would have to say you may enjoy Kaanapali better.

How far is the drive from Wailea to Lahaina?

Having stayed in both areas recently, I would recommend Kaanapali for you. Definitely some terrific restaurants, many activities and great hotels....fun.
I just helped my daughter and son-in-law with this same question. (they are in their early 30's). They decided on the Kaanapali area. Whatever, you decide will be wonderful. Enjoy!

I have stayed in both areas and Wailea is nicer. The drive to Lahaina isn't that bad if you want to go up there--and as someone else mentioned, Wailea isn't exactly "out of the way." There's plenty to do and see right in the area. You are actually more ideally situated in Wailea to travel to other points of interest (Pa'ia, Hana, upcountry, etc.) than if you stayed in Ka'anapali.

My wife and I (29 years old) just returned yesterday from a trip to Maui for 6 days. We stayed in Kaanapali (Hyatt and Westin). I honestly think that it would hit all of your wishes. The Hyatt, Marriott, Westin, and the Sheraton are all along the beach with a shopping area in between (Whalers Village). The whole area is connected with a walkway and people walk up and down all night. The shopping area has 3 nice restaurants not including the hotel restaurants (bit pricey) with outside seating and you can watch people walk up and down the walkway.

Lahaina has all sorts of shopping and some really cool restaurants on the water (10 minutes by car max). The area north of Kaanapali has some great coastal sights as well.

We went over to Wailea for a day and honestly saw nothing that would overdo anything on Kaanapali. The beach and hotels were nice but seemed a lot quieter. Both area have beaches that have been rated the best in America. People were snorkeling all along the west coast and there are some cool places to hike to as well.

You can drive to Wailea from Kaanapali (about 45 minutes without traffic) to do your activities in that area if you want.

I assume that if you can drive from Kaanapali to Wailea in 45 minutes you can also drive from Wailea to Kaanapali in 45 minutes. Right ?

You need to think what you want. If you want beautiful beaches, dry weather, lower rise hotels spread out perfectly (not on top of each other) and an excellent variety of food-it is Wailea. Wailea is actually an ideal location for going to Hana, Big Beach, Paia, etc. and you can always go to Lahaina for one night. That will be sufficient. Yes, it is more luxurious but it is just better planned. And anyone who has stayed in both will tell you that Wailea is a beautiful resort area. Kaanapali is old-35+ years and showing it's age. Besides next to Black Rock the beach is just ok. And it tends to be crowded. You do not feel that way in Wailea.
Enjoy

Coteacher, you say that they "need to think what they want". They clearly stated what they want but your advice ignores their wants.
Tsaluja, for 30 year olds who don't want to be in a secluded area, want to do the night life scene, shop, watch people, do all the hiking/biking/snorkeling etc. and make it relaxing the obvious choice is Kaanapali.

Kaanapali.
-Bill