ResortQuest Papakea
 

We leave for Maui this Saturday. Yea!! Does anyone have any experience with ResortQuest Papakea condos? Good? Bad?

Also, we have to be at the Kihei boat ramp at 6:45 am on Sunday morning. Does anyone know how long the drive is from the Kaanapali area to Kihei?

Its 45-50 minutes to Kihei. An hour to an hour and 15 minutes to be safe.

I stayed at Papakea several years ago, in a 1br oceanfront unit. The unit itself was good, fairly convenient location, but there really is no beach there. It's only a short walk to nice beaches, tho. They had a great activity director to suggested certain activities we probably wouldn't have done on our own - like Captain Steve's for whale watching. I've use his whale watch every year since then.

mauigirl50, did you walk to the beach in front of the Kaanapali Shores when you were at the Papakea? I'd heard the water there could be a little tricky with rip currents, etc. What time of year were you there? I'm wondering how good it would be for young kids (9-10) to swim there.

lym61, I'll be very anxious to hear your report on Papakea when you get back. I know someone who is going there in April for the first time.

we have a 2 bed, 2 bath at Resortquest. We will keep our fingers crossed. How far is a short walk to a nice beach?

Also, we have a 2bed, 2bath at Waikiki Shores for later in the week. Any comments on that one?

Waikiki Shore is in a good location. It is the only condo right on the beach in Waikiki. Its right between Outrigger Reef on the Beach & Ft. DeRussy. Ft DeRussy is one of the better Waikiki beaches.

Waikiki Shore does not have a pool.

Waikiki Shore is co-managed by Castle & Outrigger. There are also some units available through owners.

If you are in an Outrigger Room, you can use the pool & other facilities at Outrigger Reef. The reservation desk for the Outrigger rooms is also at the Reef.

The reservation desk in the Waikiki Shore is for Castle.

From a tip I read sonewhere: Make sure you get a room higher than the palm trees or your view will be somewhat obstructed.

I love Papakea. So much that we bought one of the condos there! The grounds are beautiful, and well taken care of. As I am sure you know, each condo there is individually owned. If you are not happy with what you get, ask to be moved. The condos are graded by ResortQuest. The higher graded units are rented out first. This forces owners to keep their units in good condition, or face no income due to no guests. We always have family and friends in other units while we are there, and most have had no problems.

As far as the beach and swimming conditions: There really is no beach, just a small strip of sand between the water and a sea wall. There is grass from the condos to the sea wall, so laying out in the sun is fine. The swimming is actually really good there. Of course, depending on weather conditions, water could be rough. Usually just ankle slapping waves. There are a couple reefs that run parallel to the beach, so the waves break farther out. During low tide, it is really calm inside the reef. You can snorkel quite easily (much better snorkeling at Honolua Bay though!). My daughter (8) has played in the water there since she was one.

Within walking distance are several restaurants, a grocery store, the farmers market, and a park. We often walk to Kaanapali Shores and eat breakfast at the restaurant there. I don't know about the rip currents there. Before buying at Papakea, we stayed often at the Embassy Suites, which is on the other side of Kaanapali Shores. We would swim far out from there to see a group of turtles, and I never experience any current issues. Better safe than sorry though!

We are back! Resortquest at Papakea was outstanding! We got upgraded to a 3 bed, 2 bath oceanfront. Watched whales nonstop from our lanai. Highly highly recommend it.

Did some snorkeling with Blue Water Rafting. They are a MUST. Go out in a 24-man zodiac to places that the big boats can't go. Snorkeled back side of Molikini as well as in the crater. Got to watch a baby, mom and escort humpback go right under our boat; hung over side with mask on. A sight I will NEVER forget! 10-15 feet away!

Waikiki Shores was AWESOME. Stayed on 14th floor in 2 bed, 1 bath. Incredible views. Learned to surf right off the beach at condo. Great guys, very patient. This beach is much less crowded than down toward the bigger resorts. Ate at Duke's. Great food and view.

Our trip was planned by an agency and they did a flawless job. If anyone is intertersted in using them, post and I will let you know the name.

lym61, did you go in the water in front of the Papakea or in front of the Kaanapali Shores? Wondering about rip currents, coral, etc.? Were there lifeguards? Thanks for your report! :-)

My boys did a little bit of boogie boarding right in front of Papakea but we snorkeled at Black Rock by the Sheraton. No rip current to speak of. Could even hear the whales singing while snorkeling! Although the beach at Papakea isn't great it is a short walk to nicer ones.

lym61 Which room did you stay in? I am looking into a condo for our trip in August and haven't decided which place to say.