KonaKini

I so agree with FrankS. Kapalua Bay is fantastic. That's where we go when on Maui to get the calm waters and get some snorkeling in. I guarantee you that your wife will love it. Just remember to go early because the parking lot is small and it fills up fast. Have a wonderful time!

chadnycity

Thanks so much everyone. We're really looking forward to going and I'll report back.

jtaggart

Hi, Chad,
My husband and I have been vacationing in HI and on Maui for many years. I am not affiliated with Marriott, but you should know the current beach front Maui Marriott in Wailea is very nice and if you sign up as a Marriott Rewards member (free), you will qualify for some great values, especially in October (Marriott Rewards Member offers on their website or inquire with a Marriott reservation agent). The hotel has 3 pools plus a children's pool and the beaches in Wailea next to the hotel are fantastic for swimming and snorkeling. Sunsets are exceptional. Most of the beaches in Wailea are very calm in the morning hours (children wade in the water and swim easily). There is a wonderful paved walkway along the coast and you will enjoy the walk from the Marriott to the Fairmont Kei Lani Hotel, which is a little over a mile. The views are fabulous, nothing like it anywhere else in HI. All of the hotels along the walkway are easily accessible to explore and enjoy different dining experiences, from the Grand Wailea Resort to the Four Seasons Resort. Some of the more expensive restaurants in the hotels even have early evening 3 course prix fixe meal dinners for a reasonable price. The Marriott is next to Shops at Wailea so you can walk to art galleries and a variety of different restaurants and stores. You will have a choice of beaches to walk from Marriott as all are public beaches and accessible from the walkway along the coast. It's a very nice resort area with lovely beaches easily accessible. Remember though, the morning hours are best for calm waters on the beach….

chadnycity

Thanks jtaggart, I think we'll stay either at the Napili or the Marriott. Based on the posts here, these two seem to have the best beaches for my wife and are reasonably priced. I'll ask my wife to make the final decision between the two.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to post a response. We really appreciate it.

Odin

I'm not a strong swimmer at all although I snorkel and scuba dive - I'm ok with Napili Bay especially toward the Napili Kai end of the bay. Napili Kai is really gorgeous, I especially like the evening walks in the sunset along a path in the rocks and you can see turtles in the sea.

hmmm

Napili is a beautiful bay with great views of islands across the channel. You should be aware that in winter, which starts around November in Hawaii, the swells at Napili, and other places along that west coast, can be brutal. If you encounter them you can always drive south to the Kihei/Wailea area.

Enjoy your trip.

chadnycity

Thanks for the tips on Napili. I looked at Napili Kai and it looks very nice, but the reviews make the place seem a bit more dated and spartan than the Marriott or the Fairmont. On the other hand, the latter sound very crowded and the reviews at the Marriott are mixed.

I'm able to reserve an ocean view room at any of the three, along with a jeep rental for $1650 for 5 nights, but I have to prepay. Any final advice on which to pick?

LittleWing

I have great respect for this thread because you are wise enough to come from a place of respect to the oceans power. Educate yourselves and never turn your back on the ocean, learn about riptides and respect. You've gotten some great advice, but you came with the best advice - respect the power of the ocean. Maui has some beautiful waters to enjoy carefully.

chadnycity

Ok. reserved with Napili Kai. Thank you everyone for your help. We feel much better about the trip now. I'll report back.

FrankS

Great chadnycty! You will love the Napili Kai. Did you go with the Orchid on the BI?

kamaoleman

Kamaole beachs 1,2 or 3 in S, Kihei are great. Our kids and grandkids swim here. very calm waters.