Am planning a trip to Maui April 2004. We stayed at Hyatt last year and loved the boardwalk and Whaler's Village area but I'm looking for a beachfront condo this year. Found some between Kaanapali (sp?) and Kapalua that seem reasonable. Mahana and Hale Mahana in particular. Is there anything wrong with this area? I know it was windier at The Ritz when we visited it last year in April. Also found one at Papakea Resort and Maui Eldorado (don't know where they are) Are they in good area?

Yes, lots of places north of Whalers Village, some are truly excellent value for money and a lot cheaper than the high dollar places touted so often. Take a look at www.wizardpub.com you can see aerial photos tho' not reviews (unless you buy the book) - gives a good overview of location etc.
To answer your question Papakea is just north of the Embassy and Mahana just south, there's an aerial pic of the area at www.themahana.com click on "More Pictures" & scroll to the bottom. Will be there in the near future myself... can hardly wait

Mahana is a nice beachfront condo in Honokowai about three miles north of Kaanapali. Hale Mahana is on Kauai, not Maui. If you mean Hale Mahina, it is also in Honokowai but does not have beachfront. Papakea is also in Honokawai and has no beachfront. Maui Eldorado is in Kaanapali. It is a right behind the Sheraton, and a few minutes walk to the beach.

We have stayed at the Papakea 3 or 4 times and love it. The grounds are beautiful and it is a short drive to nice beaches. Kapalua Bay is my favorite, also the beach park to the right of black rock, I think the locals call it airport beach. My favorite condominiums are at The Whaler, but it is very expensive. Have fun, wherever you stay. Oh, the Papakea is close to the Mahana and I really like this area...called Honokawai. Only a few miles north of Kaanapali.

The Whaler Condo is great!!! The Kaanapali Alii is also wonderful. If you rent directly from owner it will be alot cheaper. Try VRBO.COM (vacation rentals by owner. The Whaler and Alii are right on the Whalers Village Boardwalk and beachfront. Let us know what you decide.

The Maui Eldorado is just behind the Sheraton (at Black Rock) in Kaanapali. I stayed there in June and was very pleased. I rented direct from owner at VRBO.

The Maui Eldorado is not beachfront. WuWuWu wants beachfront.

are you really stuck with the west? what about the wailea area or kihei?? great beaches, and a very different atmosphere than kapalua

We stayed at Kaanapali last year and loved it. We like the idea that we can hang out in the evenings without driving. We could eat, watch the sunset, shop, be entertained and people watch. Can you do that in Wailea area? Any condo suggestions there? Kapalua seemed a little far away from things like that. Enlighten me if I'm wrong.

If you want a lot of places that you can walk to, Kapalua and Wailea are much more limited in terms of night time dining and entertainment, especially within walking distance. You liked Kaanapali from your last visit. If you want a beachfront condo on Kaanapali Beach there are only two choices - The Kaanapali Alii (expensive) and the Whaler (moderate). If you have stayed in Kaanapali previously then you probably already know something about these two properties.

Thanks Rusty. I heard the beach was bad in front of Alii. What is so great about the Whaler besides location? Do you know?

The Whaler is my favorite place on Maui. The price is reasonable (especially if you rent directly from the owner). Other than that it is a very good but not exceptional property. The pool is not a lot larger than most back yard pools. There are few amenities and no on site restaurant. There is an exercise room and tennis courts. However, as a condo you have the convenience of a full kitchen. The location is great, right in the middle of the beach and right next door to Whaler's Village. It is more like a home away from home. You do not have the service like at the big hotels.

The beach is badly eroded in front of the Alii at the present time but I hear that it is improving. You may have to walk a short distance to get better beach. If money is no object than go for the Alii.

Hope this helps.

...... and best of all about the Whaler is that you can walk to many bars and restaurants, get smashed, and walk (stagger) back to the Whaler !!!

Aloha WuWuWu,

We stayed at Papakea a few years ago and LOVED it. We booked a 1 BR oceanfront condo and were literally steps away from the surf. The whales seemed close enough to touch!

The grounds are impeccable... the resort quiet and low key...private and yet close enough to Lahaina for dining.

I especially loved the bamboo trees along the backside of our unit... they would sway in the tradewinds and make the most memorable "tinging" noise. (the small things we remember )

Great prices for the digs. Happy decision making.

Aloha!

We just sent our deposit in for unit #201 at The Whaler. It is an oceanfront 1 BR/2 Bath unit with a wraparound lanai for $350.00 per night. Found it on www.vrbo.com We decided to be in the middle of all the action on Maui because we will be staying at a condo on the North shore of Kauai the week after. (supposed to be more laid back) I can't wait! Thanks for all your help.

WuWuWu... Your Condo will have a great view in a great location.. I am jealous.. we will be at the Whaler December 6th for a week and again March 2004. We are staying in ground floor studio at the Whaler...We also rented our on VRBO.com. $150.00 per night... Being right in the middle of all the action on Kaanapali Beach is wonderful.. You will not be sorry. Have a great time!!!!