Suzette, this helps a lot!! Thank you!

Wailea is a great resort place to stay and just north of it Kihei is more budge friendly. The beaches on the South end gentler, great snorkeling and more diverse. Please rent a car. Too much beauty and variety to stay at the resort!!!

Yes, we will rent a car so we have the flexibility to go where we want. Any more restaurant suggestions?

Our boys' (ages 11 and 8) favorite is Sansei - delicious Japanese food. We go to the one in Kapalua (just north of Ka'anapali), but I think there's another one on Maui. I'd recommend making reservations because it gets packed. We're also big fans of Ono gelato, which is in Paia and now in Lahaina on the main drag.

Every time we've been to Maui, we've stayed at Ka'anapali because we use hotel points for rooms at the Westin or Sheraton. Of the two, the Sheraton has a superior location. It's wonderful to just wander straight out after breakfast and have a fabulous snorkeling spot right in front of us at Black Rock. (When we stayed at the Westin, getting down to Black Rock with all our stuff felt like a slog, but the kids were younger then.)

I'm so jealous about your upcoming trip! We love Maui.

<<<Of the two, the Sheraton has a superior location>>>

I actually prefer the location of the Westin (hotel) because of its proximity to Whaler's Village. I've enjoyed taking the walk to Black Rock, but then you're right, that was without young kids.

I'm not a huge fan of Whaler's Village, but it's not more than a 10-minute walk from the Sheraton. I think either hotel works well--just depends on priorities.

Agreed, although I do like having Whaler's village for the convenience of walking to restaurants, hanging out after dinner, that kind of thing.

We have already booked a hotel in Wailea so we don't need hotel recommendations. We would love recommendations for activities and restaurants. Thanks.

Also, what do you think about the road to Hana? We have heard mixed things. Is it worth doing?

Your kids might like Cheeseburger in Paradise in Lahaina. Usually pretty busy but it's right on the main street and next to the water. Usually a guitarist every evening. You'll probably take at least one trip up that way.