We are planning a family trip to Maui in late Oct. We have 2 small kids and want them to have fun and not worry aboutthem being too loud(not a stuffy hotel) . How is the Sheraton? or Kea Lani? I want a nice pool with other places than the hotel to eat at close by. I notice most Condo's do not have really nice pool areas. Last time we stayed at the Hyatt so I really like the Kanapalli area.

I will say it again, just as I have in my last 3 responses, The Ritz Carlton Kapalua, 5 star hotel, voted best service in the world by Travel Magazine last year, its paradise, and the best thing, they have a program for hotel guests' children called Ritz Kids. My daughter spent a month there because my sister is PR Director and brother in law is the golf pro at the Bay Course. It is basically an all day "daycare" for the kids so mom and dad can relax, sip mai tais at the pool and never have to hear their kids voices all day long. The prorgram is very educational, adventerous and entertaining - they will not be bored. They learn to hula dance, they go on field trips around the grounds and learn things about the Hawaiian customs and history. They will love it. Many other activities as well, just cant think of them. My daughter had to be physically removed from the hotel when it was time to come home.

I would definitely recommend the Kea Lani. We were just in Wailea and while we stayed at the Grand my sister in law was on a business trip at the Kea Lani (rough job). The rooms are great for a family with a bar sink area and fridge and a seperate living room with a pull out couch and a separate TV so everyone can get some privacy. Bathrooms were beautiful with all marble and a separate jacuzzi tub and shower. They are building a new shopping center in Wailea due to be complete in Fall of 2000 so I don't know if it will be complete when you got but it had a food court and a ton of shops. There is also a good sized pool area at the Kea Lani with a water slide an adult pool. While the Grand Wailea was obviously just that "grand" we would consider going to the Kea Lani due to the value for the money. My sister in law was there for 3 weeks so if you have any other questions let me know. Also, they do have a kids program I believe at the Kea Lani as well.

Why bring the kids if you just want to dump them all day and enjoy the trip yourself? Leave them with grandparents and they'll get all the attention they need and not be just an inconvenience to you. I've been to hotels where they have different activities for kids (Ka'anapali shores) but all day daycare is stupid.

The Grand Wailea for kids.

We could not get our kids away from the pools (which did limit our sightseeing however). Foun the Kea Lani more sedate and the pools were no comparision.

I would agree with CB on the Grand Wailea for kids - waterslides everywhere, a rope swing, lazy river pool. Let the kids go in the morning and they will be occupied the whole day. They also have a big water trampoline in the ocean that was a ton of fun. If you can spend the money than do it, however it is a bit more expensive than Kea Lani.

O.K., folks, guess what hotel in Maui Debbie likes. Seriously Debbie, stop advertising on this forum. No one really cares about your opinion when you're such an obvious "homer" about a certain hotel. Kara asked a legit question and you respond with "stay where my family works" No thanks Debbie