Hello - I am beginning to put together a family trip to Maui next June. We will have our 13 year old daughter with us. My husband lived in Hawaii during Navy days - his favorite is the Big Island, so our prior trip was Oahu and Hawaii , and we enjoyed it tremendously. This time around, I'd like to see a different island, daughter wants great beaches & shops (naturally!), husband is now a golfer, so that's important to him.
I researched here & also grabbed 2 books: Fodor's & Frommer's. From reading Frommer's,it seemed an easy decision: I decided Lahaina/Kaanapali area, since Frommer's seem to disparage Wailea: too much money thrown at resort development without concern for taste, one resort is "so gauche you gotta see it", etc.
From scrolling through this a.m., though, it seems that most forum users prefer the Wailea area. Can any of you who have seen both please help me decide? Since my husband would just as soon return to BI, I don't want to play into his memory of Maui as being just too crowded, etc, and I surely don't want the rest of us regretting the decision either!

We want: access to lovely water, snorkeling, etc; not to sit in traffic jams on regular basis when heading out to explore; variety of restaurants, with shops that appeal to a teenager and her mother comfortable lodging (hopefully condo, but I can find that). Altho none of us are the type to just sit in a beach chair all afternoon, my daughter has added in that she wants a great pool with a water slide....might be a factor in the decision!
While we know to expect the daily shower, does Lahaina experience longer showers many days? details like that will really help!
Thanks tremendously! Jo Ann

Went in June of this year with 15 and 9 year olds. We picked central location of Kaanapali for same reasons you stated. It was an easy drive north to Kapalua, or south to Wailea, and was definitely centrally located. The beaches are swimmable and great snorkeling is right there at Black Rock. Lots of shopping and restaurants at Whalers Village. The whole area is connected by a cement walkway along the beach and very easy to get around. Didn't see any condos with slides, but the Westin and Hyatt had pretty good slides. We stayed at the Hyatt and I had trouble finding my kids for dinner as they were having so much fun. Would go back there again.

I have just finalized my travel arrangements for my first trip to Maui in November. After much research and asking questions of friends who have been there before, I decided on Kaanapali (specifically within the "Kaanapali resort" area) for the same reasons as you -- to be close to the beach, shops, restaurants, etc. without having to drive everywhere just to get off the hotel property.

The consensus seems to be that Black Rock is a great snorkelling site. Your hubby can take advantage of the Kaanapali "championship" golf course.

HTH

thanks to you both! I think I'll go with my first (scouting) instinct and search Kaanapali. I had hoped for a condo, but since my daughter wants the fancy pool, may just do a hotel for that portion. and since Jerry isn't mentioning weather problems, I am relieved! Great help!
Jo Ann

Before you make final plans get yourself The Unofficial Guide to Hawaii, found at Bookstores everywhere. It is a purchase you will not regret. I stayed in Wailea and loved it. We stayed at The Grand Wailea and the pool is the best. Good Luck in your search.

If one of your goals is to convince your husband Maui is not crowded and touristy, Kaanapali is the worst place on the island to stay.
It is crowded and touristy, moreso than anyplace in all the islands except Honolulu.
It has its good qualities of course. All those people staying there need places to eat and shop, etc.
The better beaches are beyond Kaanapali.

Hello again! We drove to Wailea to see what the chatter was all about (45 minutes from Kaanapali), and did not regret out decision to stay in Kaanapali. It seemed very upscale, so perhaps that is the market. You could split your time in Maui between the two areas if you are indecisive.....please both the teen and the husband!! Hope YOU have a good time!!

JoAnn-
I was in Maui recently and we stayed in Wailea. After visiting other parts of the island, I am SO glad we did. Yes, Wailea is upscale, but not in a gauche or gaudy way. It is quiet, relaxing, beautiful...just how you would picture Hawaii. The beaches are beautiful and several of the hotels have waterslides. In Wailea, you are only 25-30 minutes south of Lahina which has lots of shopping and activity. It is a bit on the cheesy side (Lots of timeshare booths and people trying to sell tickets to Maui activities) The most amazing golf courses are in Wailea. You've got lots of advice to choose from, either way, you'll have a wonderful time.

Aloha Jo Ann,
They say "Maui No Ka Oi" (Maui is the best!). I am a resident of Honolulu and enjoy staying at the Sheraton Maui Hotel. It's absolutely beautiful and it's on prime Kaanapali beach, fronting "Black Rock". It's great for snorkeling. Just a little tip: be sure to take along some beach sandals as the sand can get REALLY hot, and you could easily burn the soles of your feet (no kidding!). Have a great trip!

this is all so helpful! Sara - I didn't realize how close Wailea was to Lahaina - maybe that would be close enough to satisfy my "shop constantly, spend seldom" daughter!
I am beginning to think about dividing our time a bit - especially since we want to get to the sunrise & bike down the volcano, and Wailea seems so much closer to Haleakula.
Thanks to you all - any further comments greatly appreciated!!!
Jo Ann

Stayed @ Sheraton-Maui in May. Kaanapali is the place to be. Just enough people so it wasn't dead and not too many to make it crowded. Whaler's Village and the boardwalk are cool. Black Rock great to snorkle.
I think it would be a hassle to drive from Wailea to Lahaina. That is a main highway and it gets crowded. Lahaina is more centrally located. Also closer to the Kapalua courses, which are unbelievable.
As for weather, we had none the whole stay at the Sheraton (10 days).
I know what an agonizing decision it can be on where to stay. BUT, the island is so awesome I am sure you'll be satisfied anywhere.

I think anyone who has been to Maui is either a Kaanapali person or a Wailea person, and anyone could spend a good amount of time telling you why you should stay at "their" area. I think it just comes down to what YOU want.

Kaanapali is a younger crowd, busier (more touristy), closer to Lahaina, there is good snorkeling, beaches, great shopping, and golf.

Wailea is more reserved, upscale, about 30 minutes from Lahaina, closer to Haleakala/Road to Hana, great golf, beaches, shopping is okay (they just finished the "Shops at Wailea" which are VERY nice (read: expensive)). It's just a matter of taste. I personally prefer Wailea because of the somewhat secluded nature, but it's up to you!

Oh, and one more note...in the two times I stayed in Wailea, I never experience bad traffic on my way to Lahaina, Kaanapali, Etc. We made 2-3 trips to those areas each time we went and it was fine.

Decisions, decisions! We had a wonderful time at the Maui Westin! Great hotel and our kids loved the many pools, slides, and swim grottos. Positioned next to Whaler Village, there were plenty of restaurants to choose from (our favorite "The Hula Grill" where you can dine outside.
Just beyond the Whaler Village were a few Condo Complexes, but can't remember the name. Heard the Hyatt is also fantastic. Not too far from Lahaina, the charming shopping village. Hard Rock Cafe there, but our favorite was "Kimo's" with great casual outdoor dining on the water. Have a great time.
Can't wait to go back to Maui!

Wailea is NOT that close to Lahaina, so don't assume you'll always be able to take the drive in 30 minutes or so. Depending on the time of year, it can take much longer.

I also think Wailea is beautiful, but I still stay in Kaanapali every time and visit Wailea one of the days.

Our family has been to Maui twice - 1995 and 1998. In 1995 we stayed in Kaanapali area (crowded) and 1998 in Wailea at the Kea Lani (fantastic!!!), beautiful, serene, relaxing, very close to Haleakala and Road to Hana, both of which should not be missed !! Kea Lani hotel and staff is superb and drive to Lahaina/Kaanapali area is short and to Whalers Village....much prefer Wailea !!! Also, Wailea is close to the Upcountry (not to be missed)! Maui is indescribeable and the mountains and water gorgeous! The Haleakala sunrise is spectacular and breathtaking (seen on our first visit) and in 1998 we went up later in the day and came down at sunset (again spectacular) and at one point coming down we pulled over and all we could see were clouds and clouds and got out and took pictures of the clouds and changing sunset there!! Wow!! God is so good!! Even now, I can close my eyes and see misty blue-green velvet mountains, clear turquoise waters, plumeria, rainbows, the sunrise and sunset at Haleakala and outstretched Road to Hana with its unmeasured beauty. Enjoy your trip to Maui. All of it is beautiful!

which place had the better weather?

Wailea definitely has the better weather!

Thanks.

I have to agree with Wailea and The Kea Lani just left there last week. Hotel is wonderful, staff number one and service was number one. Went to Kihei shopping they have several shops and a small open air marketplace on south kihei rd about 10 minutes away and Lahaina about 30 minutes away several times no traffic. Walked the Beach path from Kea Lani to check out Four season's and The Grand Wailea. Also shopped at there shops. Must it dinner your first night at Nick's at The Kea Lani. You'll defintely go back for dinner before you leave. Wherever you choose to stay enjoy.