We are going to Maui in March with our 4 children, ages 16-20, staying at Kaanapoli Alii. What are activities we would not want to miss with kids this age? I've read about sharp rocks and seaweed. Are water shoes a necessity? Three of the kids are summer lifeguards on Lake Michigan and love body surfing or boogie boarding on our rare big wave days. What beaches do you recommend? Also, any moderate, but good restaurants?

Water shoes are a good idea. The best boogie boarding we have ever done is right in front of the Alii. The Kanapali beaches are not shallow and serene, but not really great for surfing either. It is great for just body surfing too, but watch the warning flags. I got the wind knocked out of me one time and it was enough for me to realize that you can get hurt doing this!

Pick up a copy of Maui Revealed and follow their tips to find great hidden waterfall pools for a hike and swim along the road to Hana. Go snorkeling. (You can rent the equipment by the week). And yes, the boogie boarding is excellent; I couldn't keep my kids out of the water. We did it off the beaches in Wailea and Makena.

The Bamboo forest hike to the waterfall at Hana, snorkeling at Black Rock(5 min down the beach from your condo), Makena Beach(young peoples favorite--be careful of the waves), Cheeseburger in Paradise for dinner in Lahaina, and last a partial day at Kapalua Bay beach(great beach and easy snorkeling--drive there on the lower highway from Kahana(10 min from you)) Good Luck ---you'll have a GREAT time.

Pick up a copy of Maui Revealed and follow their tips to find great hidden waterfall pools for a hike and swim along the road to Hana. Go snorkeling. (You can rent the equipment by the week). And yes, the boogie boarding is excellent; I couldn't keep my kids out of the water. We did it off the beaches in Wailea and Makena.

I wouldn't worry about needing water shoes, especially on sandy Kaanapali Beach. Although I am sure some people use water shoes, in many visits to Hawaii I have yet to actually see anybody wearing them.

Just got back from Kaanapoli Alii. Had a great time. weather was around 80 every day and not to many clouds. Went into the water every day with snorkel. Did not need water shoes. Didn't see any seeweed or sharp rocks. Great lounge chairs around the pool. Coffee ready for you around 7:30 am and lemonade comes out around 11:00 am..both complimentary. They have eight gas grill barbeques between pool and ocean and tables to eat at if you so desire. Safeway is a short ride from Alii and also there is a Costco close to the airport if you want to load up on supplies. Everybody on the staff was very friendly and helpful. The whales were very easy to see and they put on quite a show.