We've been forced to extend our Hawaii trip (how awful!) and have decided to use the extra three days for a first-time trip to Maui. We'll be spending the first 1.5 weeks on the BI, staying in a condo 1 week and a couple days near the volcano. I'd like to find a fun "resort-type" place with a great pool for our kids (ages 11 & 9), but would rather not spend $350/night. Does this exist, or will we just need to fork out the cash? I know there occasionally deals, but we'll be there right after New Years so it's pretty limited.

Any advice?? Thanks!

P.S. We can get a rate of $250/night (no guaranteed view) at the Hyatt through Hawaii-Connections. That's by far the cheapest I've seen, but are they reputable?

Try the Napili Sunset condos. They are very nice and are on a lovely stretch of beach. Website: www.napilisunset.com

Kelly, We stayed at the Hyatt on Maui. Our kids were 3 & 7 and had a really great time. They loved the grounds and the pool & spa and it was along the walkway to Whalers Village where we ate outdoors at the Hula Grill.

Thanks for the responses. Hawaii-Connections called back and there is NO availability at the Hyatt afterall. Now I'm down to Westin in the Kanapalli area, or exploring Wailea. I've heard that the weather is pretty "iffy" in the Kanapalli area during Dec/Jan, and that Wailea is a better bet weather-wise. Is that true?

If you join Starwoods preferredguest, you can get 33% off hawaii rooms (if available). The westin is part of this promotion.
Free to join.

I'd love to explore that option, but the website seems to be a little messed up. Is there a number to call? Thanks

Aloha Kelly - not having children I can't say anything useful about hotels for them BUT I do live in Wailea and can tell you that in general it is definately the dry side of the island! Weather is almost consistently 88+ and sunny. It can cloud over in the afternoons and the wind picks up a bit but rarely will it rain and always it is beautifully warm (Having said that, when my mother came here in October it rained torrents for an entire day)

Thank Cath,

If only I could find a resort with a really fun pool for less than $450/night! The Wailea resorts seem much more expensive, but also beautiful. Tough decision. Since we'll only be there 2.5 days and are planning on doing a whale watching trip, it probably makes sense to stay where the action is...Kanapalli. I'm still working on the Westin, but would love suggestions for other great pools.

You can't find rooms at the Kea Lani or Renaissance for less than $450?

Actually, we may be able to get a garden-view room at Kea Lani for $395/night (still seems outrageous.) Our first choice, Grand Wailea is $530 for garden-view (won't pay that)! I'm still working on a better rate at one of the Kanapalli resorts, but if it's not much cheaper we'll probably go Kea Lani.

Could someone compare the pool areas/kid programs for Grand Wailea vs. Kea Lani vs. Westin vs. Marriott? That would really help us make our decisions. Mahalo!

top!

I stayed in Kaanapali for my last vacation to Maui. Very fun, and great for the kids. If you're looking for a lot of action in 2 1/2 days, you should stay in Kaanapali. I think there is far more to do there and it's right next to Lahaina.

We stayed at Hyatt Regency last time and it was incredible. We're staying at the Westin this time and thought that the hotel was comparable to Hyatt (they have an awesome seafood buffet!). On Kaanapali, you really can't go wrong with any of the major hotels on the beach.

You might look into availability at the Embassy Resort in Kaanapali. We have stayed there the past two years and have been very pleased. It is a good "kids" place with a great pool, scuba lessons, etc. We found the concierge to be very helpful in arranging outings. There is a daily full breakfast buffet by the pool and it sits on a perfect stretch of beach.

Try the Maui Marriott. We stayed there in April with kids from 3-13 and they all loved it.

Kaanapali is the place to stay. Beg for a room at the Hyatt. You and your kids will love the pool. Their breakfast buffet is the best.