Lookin_Glass

Well now that you've decided on Hawaii I will comment on Maui. I have stayed at Kea Lani and think it is a perfect choice as the suites are spacious and give a separate room for the evenings and nap time. It's been a few years, but the beds were heavenly.

Save Kea Lani for the end of your vacation. We once made the mistake on Kauai of staying at the then Princeville Hotel and then the Sheraton Poipu. It was a miserable transition downgrading.

We often move around when on Maui. That way you can leave your lodging for the morning or afternoon and still have down time with your child. And each area offers a variety of things to see and dining options.

I would start in Napili/Kapalua/Honokoai area. Try vrbo.com to search for rentals. So you begin in a condo, so with cooler in hand, you have a kitchen and some provisions.

I would then head to Hana for 2 nights, if you're child does car trips fine. They will have by then adjusted from the plane ride and you can plan the drive with their nap time in mind. Many will say that is the journey but for us Hana is the destination and there is plenty to see. Find a nice rental and with the rest of your provisions from the condo you will be all set.

Then head to Kea Lani and luxuriate in resort life. They have a lovely little provision store where you can get bfast items, sandwiches, gelato, wine . . . .

Well that's the way I'd roll! Good Luck with your plans.

Oh and in November I would not worry about ac on the west end or Hana at all!

suze

1)

padams421

I have taken a 3 year old to Hawaii. I suggest you split your time between Maui (either Wailea or Kaanapali) and another island. A condo or suite works much better than a single hotel room for a child that age.

starrs

Check out kureiff's trip reports. She has several. Here's her Maui trip report when her little one was 4yo - http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...rip-report.cfm

drsaloni

Thank you so much.I checked out kureiff's trip report, she is funny especially with the digging in the sand part.Thanks starrs, it was informative.
Thanks Lookin Glass, I checked out vrbo, its confusing but will review it in more detail this weekend.Have never rented a condo before so will take time to get familiar with it.We will do Fairmont later - they are suites with a separation from my son while he sleeps so we are good with that.
ChiSue, I will check out those names you have provided for sure. So far on vrbo I have looked at Mariott ocean club, Lahania Shores, Ashton Kannapli shores. Still have to get a handle on it.Fodors is so so exciting that I couldbe here all day & I have a good time everytime I post or read here.Thanks so much everyone.Any preferences people have with condo develop - we are looking for beachfront with more amenities than just a condo if possible.Also do they have daily maid service? beach service? unbrellas & chairs? Sorry hope I am not expecting too much out of a condo but am open to knowing more.Thanks

sf7307

Your question about condos is actually a very astute one. Some condos are just that - buildings owned in common by a bunch of people, some of whom rent out their units. Others are operated like hotels, and have all the associated amenities. I would say that daily maid service is probably unusual, although you can get it (for ex. at the Marriott Ocean Club) for an extra fee. As for the ones you mentioned note that some are on the main part of Kaanapali Beach (south of Black Rock) and others are north of Black Rock. I think they've built a path so you can now walk from north to south, but someone else will have to confirm that (unless you can wait until late September, when I'll be there LOL). If true, that makes the north part of Kaanapali Beach more desirable than it used to be - I wouldn't stay there before, because I like walking on the beach path at night, usually to Whaler's Village for a drink or dinner, or just to poke around.

ChiSue

I was also going to mention that you'd only want your 'dessert' (Fairmont) at the end of the trip.

*I* would just get a very nice condo and pay for a sitter when you want to go out to a spa or for an evening. Kids generally don't like 'moving house' once they've settled in, and you have two long flights at each end of your trip. Most condos have everything a hotel has except room service. If maid service is not in the rate, it can usually be arranged for a small fee -- as often as you want it. Most condos have a closet full of beach gear, including a cooler, beach towels, chairs, umbrellas, sand toys, etc. I'm not sure just what 'hotel amenities' you are talking about. Do you want valet service, a mint on your pillow, bar service at the pool, someone to spray you with Evian? -- LOL! (All of these come complete with palms outstretched, you know.) In Hawaii all beaches are public.

You need to decide WHERE you want to stay on Maui, then look for your condo. (I wouldn't choose Lahaina Shores -- plain, no beach, just off Front Street with its bars.) I like the 'ends' of Maui best: Napili/Kapalua and Wailea/South Kihei. Wailea and Kapalua are more upscale.

(I would not be walking all the way from north of Black Rock to Whaler's Village mall, certainly not in the heat of the day.)

drsaloni

Hi all. Thanks so much for above suggestions.I am more perplexed......I have checked VRBO website & condos are expensive too.Here is my question in November is it too rainy,windy to stay in Kannapali?Lahaina? As mentioned above we will do a 2 week trip mid november.The last week will stay at Fairmont but the first week I had asked for something under $200 & was rightfully directed to VRBO.After checking it out I know I would like a change in scenary, something more close to restaurants etc & was thinking of not renting in Wailea in the beginning.

1) Would Kannapali be fine for November? I am looking only at beachfront condos & hopefully something walking distance to restaurants, shops.5 min drive would also be all right.

2)Can anyone comment on Whaler at Kannapali & Ashton Mahana? These are fitting my budget from expedia but are more expensive on vrbo at the time.Its surprising but alot of the condo hotels are more expensive from the owner plus cleaning fee as compared to expedia.

3) Does anyone have suggestions for abeachfront condo in november for myself, my husband & 3 year old son? under $200 if possible.I also welcome any specific condos you have stayed at.Would love to have an ocen front condo where we can see dolphins, whales ( I know whales may not be there yet but sitting on the lanai with a view of the ocean is my dream.)

4)Sorry for so many questions, but is a trip to Lanai with a 3 year old worth it?for a day trip?Are the waters too choppy?

Thanks all so much

drsaloni

Oh and also Kapalua Villas - please comment if you have stayed there.Thanks again

ChiSue

Kaanapali will be fine, weather-wise. It's not my cup of tea, but take a look at this realtor's offerings for West Maui: Chase N Rainbows. (Sorry, I don't know their web address.)

No, I would not take a child on the ferry to Lanai. The returns are especially apt to be rough.

As for VRBO condos being more than Expedia, remember that all condos are owned by individuals. Some are much nicer than the ones in a rental pool. However you book a condo, you want to be able to see photos of THAT unit. Also, don't hesitate to ask an owner for a better price than he shows in his ad. You should not have to pay a cleaning fee for a stay of a full week either! (Well, we don't charge it.)

drsaloni

Thanks ChiSue any other condo suggestions?

ChiSue

Check this site for South Maui condos. The site manager has vetted the units before she will take an ad. www.mauiownercondos.com

The agency we employ to look after our guests rents its pool of condos. I would use their websiste to get a feel for some complexes, then try to rent a specific unit from its owner. www.crhmaui.com

If you were not splashing out on the hotel for a full week, you'd have a wider choice of beachfront condos. If you'd be all right with a condo NEAR a good beach, you'd find more in the under-$200 range -- in both Wailea and South Kihei.

drsaloni

Thanks ChiSue, I will look at those.Will also post a new thread for the same condo search as I have so many questions before booking.Thanks for your help.