First time definitely stay in the Kanapali area. It's a regular folks kind of area and more accessable to so much like Kapalua Bay, Lahaina, Whalers Cove. We stayed at the older Kaanapali Beach Hotel because it has a real Hawaiian flavor with entertainment every night by the pool. Rooms big, but average, which was fine with us. The staff is real nice. It's next to Sheraton Maui which is a better upscale hotel with gorgeous pools and grounds. The best snorkeling spots is right there, but, believe me the water is still cold this time of year and not many were in it this time last year. If you go on a whale trip you will only see a whale snort far off in the distance, for only a few whales remain. Definitely, drive down to the Wailea area as far as you can go to the lava. Many things to see and beautiful beaches. Also, drive as far north of Kaanapali till the road turns to gravel. It's a great way to get away from the crowds and see some beautiful scenery. The drive up the volcano is breathtaking.

Hi Sherrie,
If you need help with Hawaii or any other destination please feel free to e-mail me as I am a Hawaii specialist and lived on the the islands for many years. I can put togther a great package for you and your husband including airfare, hotels, car rentals and activities.
Lisa

Thanks Carol for the good information. Still undecided, but appreciate all the help. Keep those posts coming!!

Sherrie,

Ok, I'm going to confuse you even more, we just returned from Maui 3 weeks ago, and we stayed right next door to the Sheraton. We toured the grounds of the Grand Wailea, and it was beautiful, but felt very stuffy. There were too many lifeguards at the pool (great if you have kids, but not if you are there as a couple) I would feel like I was being watched. The pool there is a kids paradise, therefore there were alot of them.

Again, Kaanapali and Wailea are very different, we went for our 20th anniversay, and much preferred Kaanapali to Wailea, it is closer to all the action, Lahaina is wonderful, we went there almost everynight for dinner (lots of shops and restaurants) it is much more affordable to eat in Lahaina, than to eat in the resorts, (Wailea) is 40 minutes from Lahaina, vs 10 minutes from Kaanapali, Kapalua and the drive north of Kapaula (go to the blowhole) is a gorgeous area not to be missed, also closer to Kaanapali.

A special place for dinner (anniversary dinner) is the Plantation House in Kapalua (make reservations in advance) you'll get a table with a fabulous view.

The Sheraton, getting back on track to your question, is beautiful, has vast grounds, and the location is the best on Kaanapali beach. One of the 2 best choices of hotels on Kaanapali beach (the other being at the other end of the beach (beach location not as good) the Hyatt.

I wish we had stayed at the Sheraton, their lanai's are large, the pool is very nice. My niece stayed there on her honeymoon, and spent 3 nights at the Renaissance Wailea, and she preferred the Sheraton for the location as well.

Marie, I can't thank you enough. You have answered probably most of my questions, and have really pushed me toward the Sheraton. I think that will be the one. We are also planning a short visit to Ohau because my husband really wants to tour the Arizona Memorial. We'll probably stay at the Sheraton on Waikiki also, and I think we get some sort of discount for staying at Sheratons on both island, still looking into that one. Many thanks again!!

Sherrie, All the info you have been given so far I agree with! However, if you are planning to spend time on Ohau you may be greatly disappointed with Waikiki after having spent time in "wonderland"!! Waikiki beach (I have stayed at the Sheraton) is in the middle of the "city" of Honolulu. We were there in May and I felt like I was in a different country there were so many Japanese tourists there to shop, get married and sunbath! I would suggest you look for a place to stay away from Waikiki (North Shore has a Hilton, Marriott has a new property away from the hubbub) and just make a brief afternoon trip there. We toured Pearl Harbor and the island in a day--so everything is accessible by car. Getting my two cents in about Maui--I love Kaanapali beach! The weather is dependably nice and you can walk up the beach or on a "sidewalk" at least a mile past all these other properties (Westin, Marriott, Hyatt, etc.) and browse in their shops/bars/restaurants. Lahania is easily accessible. It depends if you want to be at a secluded resort or have other alternatives for things to do. Hope this info helps in you planning.

If you're speaking of the 'new' Marriott away from the 'hubbub' which is west, it was the Ihilani originally. Nice place, still close enough to Honolulu to get back and forth but feels (and is)secluded.

Hi Sherrie...We are planning a trip to Maui in August. We have been their several times prior, but were undecided where to stay on this trip. We love The Kaanapali and Wailea areas. They both offer different experiences. So, we are going to stay at the Kaanapali Alii for fiven nights and then move to the Grand Wailea for the second five nights. We will feel like we are going to two islands, without the airline hassles...

Sherrie, I am planning my first trip to Maui in August. The book 'Maui Revealed' by Doughty and Friedman along with this forum helped me to plan my trip. Also, Pleasant Hawaiian Holiday's web site http://2Hawaii.com allows you to price out air fare, hotel choices, inter island flights and rental cars without commiting to a reservation. The site also lets you view 360 degree videos of various hotels' rooms. That web site and the book publisher's web site www.wizardpub.com along with the Maui Revealed book will help you greatly. Like Carol, we are staying at the Kaanapali Beach Hotel - its not glitzy but it is less expensive and since its been there since the early 60s it has a great beach location in Kaanapali and I've read their employees are welcoming and warm hearted. We did book through Pleasant Holidays. Congrats on your 10th anniversary and have a great trip.