I have traveled to Maui many times, but never with children, and the most recent visit, unfortunately, was over 10 years ago. Now, my husband & I want to go to Hawaii this summer with our 3 children (4,5 & 7). In previous visits (10+ years ago), we always stayed in Wailea oceanfront. As I understand it, Wailea is now highly developed. Is it crowded like Kanapali used to be? Should we consider Kauai? If so, what side? Condo recommendations?
We have never been to Kauai. Oceanfront with a nice beach and a nice pool are musts. Restaurants & shopping nearby would be nice. Quiet & uncrowded - but not remote. We would prefer a condo or a suite with a little room to spread out. Any & all suggestions welcome. Thank you.

I would stick with Maui and head to either Polo Beach condos or Makena Surf condos. If you can afford it, the Wailea Beach Villas would also be nice.

Thank you. We have stayed at Polo Beach years ago - It is such an expensive trip & long flight, that we want to make great choices.

What about Woupouli, Kauai? I found a nice looking condo on the beach there that is definitely more budget friendly than Maui. Thoughts? We have never been to Kauai.

What time of year is a condideration for Kauai as winter surf is big. The right time of year and that condo could be perfect.

We would go this summer - we are flexible on the month.

Poipu Beach area on Kauai is great for kids. Marriott's Waiohai Resort is excellent, stayed there last year, 2/2 units, very nice. Check redweek.com , tug2.net or Marriott themselves for rentals.
http://www.marriott.com/hotels/trave...ai-beach-club/

www.suite-paradise.com has rentals in the area, decent rates, have stayed in a 2/2 "GdnXDlX" in Poipu Kai, huge condo, walking distance to the beach (most condos won't have a/c).

See aerials at http://www.wizardpub.com/kauai/kauaerials.html

Good hunting

I would also highly recommend the Waiohai (we were also there last summer). Just be sure you do NOT get a unit in the back of building 4 -- it faces the parking lot. Every other unit faces gardens or ocean. You really want a unit facing the interior gardens if possible. If you look on Trip Advisor, there are quite a few "candid" photos (posted by travelers themselves)of the Marriott grounds. The property is on the beach, and has some nice pools and again, the landscaped areas are beautiful, and a fun place to play.

I also love Kiahuna Plantation (pretty much next door to the Waiohai), but I didn't recommend it because you specified a nice pool. While Kiahuna does have a nice pool, it's across the street at the tennis club, not near the beach (like the Marriott pool is).

dmlove
We were on the back of Hale 4 - they called it Ocean View !! Can't say we cared much, we were on a cheap rate for a timeshare "teaser" anyway, 5nts incl car for $800 or so..

pspercy, we were on the same deal -- but we complained enough that they moved us (to what I'm sure they considered the second worst set of rooms -- Building 5, but at least from the balcony, we had a garden view!)