Planning is in the works for an anniversary trip to Hawaii in April. We are an active 30ish couple who enjoy, a nice beach, lounging by the pool, nightlife, and touristy entertainment. We have never been to Hawaii before. This will be a fairly short trip (5 nights in Hawaii and 2 nights travel) After reading numerous informative posts on this board, I think we have chosen Maui as our destination. (Oahu seems to commercial and Kauai, while beautiful, seems too sedate).

Basically for our 5 days, we plan to lay on the beach and at the pool a lot, snorkeling one day, maybe golf one morning, Old Lahaina Luau and one day touring. Main questions for you guys: 1) if we stay in the Kaanapali beach area, is a rental car necessary? We live in chicago so are used to walking everywhere. and 2) any recent reports on Kaanapali Beach hotel? don't want to spend the money on most expensive hotel but one something moderately nice with pretty grounds,nice beach and pool. We do not want a condo. Any other hotel suggestions?

Sorry for the lengthy post,your help is appreciated!

Yes, you need to rent a car. Even though there is a lot to do in the Kaanapali area, there are so many wonderful things to see all over the island--you don't want to be trapped!

Rent a car, you will not regret it. Even if you are planning to spend most of your time at the beach/pool, a car will expand your dining/nightlife options beyond the limitations of the Kaanapali hotel strip as well as giving you a chance to see a little of Maui (which should not be missed, especially a leisurely ride "upcountry"). Car rental is fairly cheap and will almost pay for itself in transfering to and from Kahului airport and your hotel.
Believe me, a rental car is a "no-brainer".

Maui is much more than just the Kaanapoli area and you will need a car to go anywhere else. They are not very expensive. We used Dollar last time but most every agency is there. As far as hotels, I would recommend the Sheraton primarily because the grounds are very nice and its located on the best part of that beach.

I agree with the reantal car. I am going back for our 10th aniversery in March (Even though our aniversery is in April). When we went in April for our honeymoon, we missed the whales. This time we wont. Just in case you wish to consider early celebration as well.

I was afraid of that, that we might need to rent a car. Would you suggest renting one for the entire week? Do hotels charge for parking? would it be better to set aside just one day for tooling around the island and maybe rent like a jeep jsut for that day? (my husband's idea) Any comments on Ka'anapali Bech Hotel? Sheraton is more than I wan to pay as I don't intend to spend much time in the room. Thanks for the responses!

You will need a car. We've been to Maui many times, and a car is the best way to get around. Even staying in Kaanapoli (which we do) you need one if you want to go into town at your convenience. There are shuttle buses but it's a pain.
You can walk between some of the hotels but not all. If you want to go out to eat you will need a car. As for charging for parking, I think it's free at most places. We've stayed in condos and hotels and never paid but I think there are a couple of places that might charge (ask!). Walking is not much of an option (really) - you'd take your life in your hands trying to walk into Lahaina - lots of traffic, no sidewalks.

Nancy, you definately need a car on Maui. However I would caution you to stay away from Hertz. Their rental contract has too many loopoles and exculsions. Their customer service is poor as well. I recommed Budget when traveling to Maui.

I would spring for the convertible too. You won't regret it in Maui. Budget offers Ford Mustang convertibles and Sebring convertibles.

Have a good trip.

Well Nancy, I just returned a couple weeks ago and I realized that a car was NOT necessary. We stayed at both the Hyatt and the Kaanapali Beach Hotel. You could walk between them in about 15 minutes. There is a nice walkway with Whalers Village in the middle (restaurants/shopping, ABC store). For only five nights, you could definitely rent a car for just one day from your hotel. The Hyatt was lovely--no complaints, and the Kaanapali Beach Hotel has recently renovated rooms that were fine. KBH pool is minimal, no jacuzzi, but the best snorkeling is next door at the Sheraton (Black Rock). There is a shuttle to Lahaina (great restaurants), or take a taxi. I didn't go to Hawaii to ride around in a car all day. The tour companies all come to pick you up for tours, or there are vendors on the beach for water trips. Good luck!

I just returned from Oahu, Maui and Kauai, If you are going all the way to Hawaii and plan to stay in Kaanapali most of the time, I would recommend going to Florida instead. Kaanapali so generic and boring. It is just lined with hotels and condos with very crowded grounds, crowded beach and crowded pools. It is also very hot and humid. Of all the island maui was my least favorite. And on Maui, Kaanapali was my least favorite area. If you really want to relax and enjoy Hawaii in the beauty you imagine, go to kauai. It is not dull. There are tons of things to do and very beautiful uncrowded beaches. If your set on Maui, stay in Wailea. It is very beautiful and there are many great restraunts. The Renaissance is fairly priced and very beautiful.

Nancy: I was on Maui last summer and stayed in the Wailea area. I agree with Dave that, from your description of what you want to be able to do, Wailea would be better for you than Kaanapali. The beaches in Wailea are exactly what you have imagined. Kaanapali is a long strip of hotels, (very nice hotels, to be sure), lots of people, lots of expensive shopping at Whaler's village.

Hi Nancy,
We honeymooned in Maui 3 years ago and will be in Kauai and Oahu in Sept. We stayed at the Kannapali and loved it. Our AA Flyaway vacation included a rental car and we needed it to see the entire island. Not a must, but definitely adds to the experience. KBH has a very accomdating staff and excellent facilities. It's not a posh place, but you won't be disappointed. Have fun.