My husband and I will be traveling to Maui in late August, early Sept. for the first time and cannot decide between Ka'anapali, Wailea or S Kihei. We are on a budget, but great beaches/oceanfront units are important to us. We like to be able to walk down a sandy beach without stumbling on big rocks, and being able to get into the water easily from our hotel/condo is of huge importance. We like floating and snorkeling. Wailea is so expensive but I've read here that the Wailea beaches are way nicer than Ka'anapali, so is that true? And we've looked at places in S. Kihei and the one place that fit our request was the Hale Hui Kai and it's closed for renovations during late August and all of September. Is the difference in the beaches really significant between those areas that we'd be sorry we didn't stay in Wailea? Plus, it does seem Wailea is closer to sights we want to see. Any thoughts? What about the Maui Prince? Is that a nice hotel? Sorry this is so long! Thanks to anyone who can make suggestions.

Sorry, I meant the Hale Pau Hana is closed for renovations in late August and all of Sept.

Remember, it will be hot in August and September so make sure you get a condo with A/C (I can't imagine a hotel without one). Wailea beaches are quieter than Kanapaali beaches, and the snorkeling is easier. I like the Maui Prince very much, as it is a mellow, restful hotel on a superb beach. It's the only hotel on it's beach so the beach is quiet and terrific for snorkeling (Turtle Town where the snorkel cruises go is the south end of the beach there). There is also a beach-side catamaran, so you don't have to drive and park if you want to go on a snorkeling or sunset sail cruise from the hotel. I would encourage you to check out the Maui Prince. (The Sunday buffet is unbelieveable)

It's too bad Hale Pau Hana will be closed for your visit. I stayed there in September a couple years ago and loved the easy-access beachfront location. That stretch of So. Kihei, from Kam I beach down to Keawakapu, is my very favorite on any of the islands.
The beaches are the very best. I like the shops and restaurants in the immediate area, and enjoy going the short distance to Wailea to enjoy the plush hotels for breakfast, or maybe a drink, followed by a stroll throught the lovely public areas and grounds. Other condo complexes I've stayed at right on the ocean are Royal Mauian, Hale Hui Kai, and Kamaole Nalu. Most units don't have A/C, but I know the Royal Mauian and Hale Hui Kai have a couple of units that do. You might call their offices to check.

To answer your first question, Wailea beaches aren't way nicer than Ka'anapali, just a bit quieter, like Ag said. My wife and I love walking along the water at sunset, then head to the Hula Grill for an appetizer dinner and drink. We typically stay at the Ka'anapali area because of the attractions we like to do and with the closeness to Lahaina. Good luck!

If you don't want to blow your budget but do want to stay oceanfront on great beaches, I'd follow Barbara's advice, and find a condo in South Kihei! But do make sure it has A/C that time of year ...

We just went last summer for our anniversary. We split up our time and spent 4 nights at Kaanapali and 4 nights in Wailea. We liked both, but the convenience for walking to shopping, beaches, and snorkeling seemed better in Kaanapali. One of our favorites was also to go to the Hula Grill, right on the beach to have a drink and eat dinner. If you want seclusion, then Wailea is better. We stayed at the Maui Prince Hotel and loved it. It was quieter and the snorkeling was good too, just not as convenient to nightlife. The Maui Prince was a more reasonable hotel for the Wailea area and we had oceanfront rooms which were beautiful. We will probably always split up our time, because we like both areas, but if I had to choose and could only stay one area, it would be Kaanapali. We stayed at the Sheraton on Black Rock. Awesome rooms!!

We loved the Sheraton Maui at Black Rock. The beach, pool, & snorkeling was great. The staff was very happy & helpful. It was extremely clean. The food was excellent (especially the breakfast buffet, appetizers & beachside lunches at the grill.) It was in walking distance to the Whalers Village and our favorite sunset eatery(The Hula Grill) for great food & drinks.

My stepdaughter and SIL just arrived home from Maui Ginger and they also stayed at the Maui Sheraton. This was their first visit to Maui. They were very pleased with the Sheraton in fact so much so they are planning on returning there this coming January.