I can book an ocean view at the Royak Lahaina for $90+ per night or a Whalers Condo ocean view for $150. Is The Whaler that much better than Royal Lahaina? Or would it be better to spend the money on doing things in Maui? Your help is appreciated.

We stayed at the Royal Lahaina last year and keep in mind that on top of the regular rate there is a $10 a day resort fee you have to pay for parking,in room coffee etc.
We really had read some negative things about the resort but we were pleasantly surprised when we arrived.
The beach was nice and wasnt as crowded as the other side of black rock but you still get the benefits of the shuttles,trollies etc. going to LAhaina town and the other resorts.
I wouldnt hesitate to stay there again but I did find the resort fee a little annoying.

By the way...when we arrived we had partial ocean view and tried to upgrade to ocean view...they wanted WAY more to upgrade to ocean view than $90 a night(they wanted 140 more per night to upgrade)....that really is a great price for the room!

Start out by asking yourself what amenities are important to you. What do you see yourself doing on this trip?
If this is a one-time trip, I'd definatly recommend taking an ocean room. Do you see yourself lounging in your hotel room with a beautiful view, or do you see yourself out sightseeing and doing other persuits from morning til night? If this is the case, then an ocean view may not be as important to you. Base it on what you see yourself doing.

What is so great about The Whaler besides the location?

I think the location of the Whaler is what makes it so great!!! The rates for a Condo steps away from the ocean are the best deal on Kaanapali Beach...
The views from the Condo in the spring when the Whales are there is fantasic!!! The grounds are pretty. The pool is nothing fancy... But the location is key for a relaxing vacation. I think most of the people that stay at the Whaler are people that have been to Maui before and like to hang out on the beach and not site see as much as others. Everything is there.. Whalers Village, places to eat, Luaus, snorkeling/boogie board at Blackrock and several excursion companies leave right in front of the Whaler. We like this location with our two pre teen boys because there is so much for them to do just steps away from the condo.. where they can come in and out all day for a rest or something to eat.