Hello,
I am traveling to Maui in August with my husband and our 21 year old son. I have tentative reservations for 7 nights at Kea Lani, due to the reviews of posters here. It seems to work out for a family very well, with the suit set up.
My question is this:
Should we stay all 7 nights in one place on Maui, or move to another part of the island? If so, do you have any ideas of where to go, specifically that will accomidate a family without reserving two rooms, similar to Kea Lani?
This is our first ever family vacation and I really would like to make it quite special- yet remain reasonable financially- under $350.00 per night.
Thank you kindly,
Beth

We are also staying at the Kea Lani in August , and we are so excited! We have never stayed there, but we have stayed at the Westin. It is a very nice resort with a great beach. Also next to it is the Marriott, Sheraton, Hyatt, and some condos. Believe me, you can't go wrong staying most anywhere in Maui! Kauai is also very nice. Look on the net at the Hyatt in Kauai. We stayed there three years ago and loved it!!!!!! The Kahala Mandarien is a great place to stay in Oahu. The only place I didn't like was the Hilton Hawaiian Village. It was too commerialized and they rented 10 to a room to locals who wanted to watch the fireworks on the 4th of July. It made the place way too crowded. They have over 1000 rooms. The Hyatt and the Prince resorts give a 50% discount on the second room. The Westin gives A 25%, I think. Some hotels on the big island give you a second room free. Look up the Kaanaplii Ali. It is a condo in between the Marriott and the Hyatt. You could rent a two bedroom condo for that price, I think or The Whaler.

Having just returned today from our 5th Maui trip, my advice is to split the stay between the Wailea area and west Maui(Kaanapali/Kahana/Kapalua). There is so much going on in Lahaina at night that it is hard not to want to spend some nights eating and exploring there and if you are in the Wailea area the drive to and from Lahaina is 30-45 minutes. Also, there are some great beaches and snorkeling spots in west Maui that we just don't want to miss after traveling so far. Our problem is we just love it all. Good Luck !!

Beth,
We stayed at the Grand Wailea in Wailea. We loved it. Wailea has great weather and beautiful beaches. I also went over to look at the Kea Lani, it looks lovely. I would stay the full 7 nights there. If you start moving back and forth you will not have a chance to relax. We went over to Lahaina and Kaanapali and we thought it was too crowded. I would take a day and visit Lahaina and Kaanapali and I think you would agree. Also take the ocean walk to the Four Season and Grand Wailea and check these hotels out. They are also very beautiful. Have Fun.

My family of 4 stayed at the KeaLani several years ago. We had a wonderful vacation. When our children saw the Westin, etc they loved it but they also loved where we were. We tried to do a lot in one week which they thought was too much because they liked where we were. My children both dive and the inhouse master diver Sammy was great with them. The underwater pictures are fabulous. Everyone was wonderful and the rooms are as nice as they look on the posters and internet. We didn't mind the drive to the rest of the island. We did a day trip for sailing the road to Hana and Lahaina each and they put their foot down and said lets relax. It was one of our very best vacations ever and we have traveled extensively.

3 times to Maui now and our favorite is when we split the trip between Wailea and Kaanapali. Kaanapali is a little busier but short walk to several resturaunts and activities. Short rides to Lahaina and Kapalua (great golf). Driving from Wailea to Kapalua would take over an hour from Wailea.
Several Hotels are converting to Time shares but you can rent the suites just like regular rooms. We got a suite at the Marriott and loved it. Great pool and views. Snorkel at black rock is nice as well (about 15 minute walk on paved path or beach). I be glad to answer specific question if you want to email me.

The very big advice I have for you is
TAKE ME WITH YOU!!!

Hi Beth,
I would vote for staying in one place. When we were there last year, we stayed "upcountry" and drove all over the island and didn't find it to be a problem. So much to see and so little time...Compared to some of the distances we routinely drive in Maine, it was a piece of cake. I think you would waste the better part of a precious day on Maui packing/unpacking and checking in/out. Hope you are having fun planning!!
Laurie

5 minutes to check out, 5 minutes to check in. If it takes you better part of a day to pack and unpack for a 7 day trip, I would say you have to much ....

Thank you all for the advice, I appreciate it!
Beth