I am going to Maui in a few months and need suggestions on which area to stay in? I have heard good things about both locations. Can anyone tell me anything about the Renaissance Wailea or the Westin? I need help with accomodations.

We just returned from our honeymoon. We stayed in Wailea at the Grand Wailea Resort & Spa. It was incredible! It is the most beautiful resort on the island. I would definitely recommend staying there.

We go to Maui each winter for at least 2 weeks and we love the Wailea area. It is so much more peaceful than Kaanapali , where the Westin is located. The whole Kaanapali area is bustling and after a few hours it really gets to you. Too many people in my opinion, although worth a visit for a night for dinner or shopping. You will love the Wailea area. It is beautifully landscaped, and all of the resorts there are great. There is a walkway that goes for a coulpe of miles in front of all the biggest hotels in Wailea and you can walk and stop at any hotel to visit the grounds or go for lunch, dinner, or sunset cocktails. If you want the hustle and bustle drive over to Lahaina or Kaanapali for the evening and do the shops and restaurants there, Art night in Lahaina on fridays is fun at the galleries. But for more peace and quiet abd natural surroundings and beauty, I vote for Wailea. You'll have a great time no matter where you go on Maui. mwalnyrbdsatataeiitiothorr

Yes, Wailea is a bit quieter however, the hotels are definately more expensive. Any other questions about Maui let me know! I live in Maui! -Sarah

My wife and I stayed at the Renaissance Wailea in early March and loved it. Great room overlloking the beach, nice size lanai, good food, nice beach for snorkeling, and the walking path windsin front so you can walk and explore the other resorts. The pool is a bit small, but who cares, just go to the beach or rent a Jeep and drive around the island. Wailea is soooo much nicer than Kaanapali, we went up there for one day and both agreed it was to congested and overbuilt. Go to Renaissance. Eat at Mama's Fish House, the Sea Watch in Wailea (at the Wailea clubhouse, great views), do the sunrise bike down Haleakal with Maui downhill and have a great time. Any questions, e-mail me. Aloha!

Maui no ka oi:
Maui is the best! I stayed at the Sheraton at Black Rock on Kaanapali in July 1984 and it was a great time. While I am certain it has changed over time, the best luau on Maui was there at Black Rock and at sunset, a diver jumped off the Black Rock into the ocean as diners watched from the restaurant above. Be sure to catch the Sugar Cane Train from Kaanapali to Lahaina, as that is a nice trip for an afternoon. There is also great golfing at Kaanapali, although I did not golf when I visited 14 years ago. Enjoy your trip to Maui, regardless of where you stay.

Glad to hear so many people raving about Wailea. We are affiliated with an airline, so we have had the good fortune to stay in different areas of Maui over the years. Wailea is head and shoulders above the rest. If you want the hustle and bustle, spend a day or evening in Lahiana. Otherwise, Wailea offers the tranquility and beauty that you hope to find in modern Hawaii. I walked for miles early every morning among beautiful flowers and wide beaches on safe walkways past golf courses and landscaped hotel grounds. Guess this is getting long! We stayed in a condo hotel called the Outrigger Palms Wailea that was fabulous. They have a web site, go to "Outrigger". Enjoy your stay!
Kathy in Spokane

I need help! I am planning a first time trip to Maui in a few months and have not been able to choose between Wailea and Kannappali. If we stay in Kannappali we will stay at the Hyatt. If we stay in Wailea my agent has got some great deals on the Renaissance and Four Seasons. Because this is my 1st visit, I am looking to be near restaurants and
surrounded by beautiful beaches. I have to book my vacation soon and would appreciate any help as I have no idea which area to choose.

Grand Wailea is the place to stay. It is expensive so even if it is just one night do it, eat at Mc Donalds whatever. The hotel has an outstanding pool with a 5 story water elevator. Lots of stars hanging around if you recognize them without their make-up, ha. The setting is truly beautiful and the artwork that is there is spectacular and the wedding chapel is a lovely spot. We always stay there at least one night. Very romantic, and huge. Eat breakfast at the Intercontinental which is a few doors down and has a wonderful view.

The Marriott up Kanappali way is old but usually you can get an excellent rate there and it is in the hustle and bustle with easy walking to everything.

We go up to Kapalua Bay Hotel and eat breakfast and go to their beach which is a safe cove to swim and I think the prettiest setting on the island. We saw a mother octopus and her baby and they where bright pink while snorkeling there. Bring frozen peas or corn and the fish will form a wall around you. THe boat ride out to the Molokini Crater was the best spot we found for snorkeling. We do that trip every vacation. It is a short boat ride and the fish are so unusual and dense.

Let me know if you need more help. Bring casual clothes, everyone is cas.