We are Marriott Platinum members and thinking about spending the first half of our Maui vacation at the Ritz Kapalua in early May. The second half we will be in Wailea. Should we bother trying the Ritz Carlton? We have a 10 year old son and wondering if it would be a good hotel for him? Pool? Beach? Thanks in advance.

I think so, our kids love the Ritz.

They have a multilevel pool, and shallow in many parts so thats good for a 10 yr old. There is a large grassy area with shuffleboard and hammocks, so that works for a 10 yr old. However the walk to the beach is steep and it can have some large waves. You might find yourself walking or taking the free shuttle to Kapalua Bay.

I don't agree with Frank on this one... although the Ritz is a beautiful property, it is built on a cliff away from the Beach because there is sacred Hawaiian grounds between the ocean and resort... the Pool area is upscale and lacks the kid friendly water attractions of most Resorts...

When I took my teens there, they couldn't wait to get to the car and head to Lahaina and the more active beaches...

The property is much more tailored to couples, spa types, and special occasions... not a 10 year old

I would choose the Marriott Ocean Club in Lahaina... the pool and attractions as well as location are much better... especially for a 10 year old... Save the Ritz for your non-kid getaway... have fun

Too bad you drove all the way back to Lahaina gary, as the Napili area just South of Kapalua has fantastic beaches. The shuttle would have taken you to them for free, just ask to go to the Napili Kai. I think Kapalua/Napili/Honolua has far better beaches than anything in Kaanapali or Lahaina not to mention easier free parking

btw: Its important to note that Marriott Beach Club is in the Kaanapali portion of Lahaina, 15 minutes from the town of Lahaina. Normally if someone says they are going to 'Lahaina' they mean Lahainatown not Kaanapali. Anyways the Beach Club does have better pools for kids,but are you flying 3000+ miles for a pool?

Frankie frankie... driving to Lahaina is the direction of the more active beaches... they let us stop on the way...

...and I hardly think "...a large grassy area with shuffleboard and hammocks" works for a 10 year old, compared to waterslides, wavepools and a pirate ship as well as beach access... but maybe it kept your kids challenged...

How long will you be on Maui? Think it's worth moving? All of the island will be lovely in May. When I see a family staying Maui I always recommend a condo setup. Nothing like 'home away from home' but this home is on Maui!

I'd champion the Kaanapali area better if your 'child' was over 21.

Marriott Wailea is very nice, with rooms that are almost IN the ocean and fine beaches on both sides of it. You'll be steps from Shops At Wailea with several restaurant choices -- still more restaurants and family beaches up the road five minutes in South Kihei.

For kids the Westin Resort hotel in Kaanapali is a hundred times better than the Ritz. It has the fantasy pools of a lifetime for kids with grottos, tunnels, waterfalls, and slides. And a good sandy beach just steps from the pools. The Ritz has none of this.

Well bob,
We have a water park here in town , so we dont travel for slides. However, not only did you recommend a blah beach with no lifeguards for a 10 yr old, but the experts and I dispute your taste in fine beaches and accommodations

http://www.drbeach.org/Maui.htm

"Kapalua Bay Beach was the first National Winner in my annual survey of America's Best Beaches.

Kapalua is a perfect beach for swimming and snorkeling in the calm, clear waters that are protected by two headlands, formed long ago by lava flows into the sea. The name Kapalua means "arms embracing the sea," and this beautiful crescent-shaped, white sand beach is bounded by these rocky anchors."

The world is full of experts: http://www.tripadvisor.com/TravelersChoice-Beaches. So who are you gonna believe? I'd personally choose Kapalua or Napili Bay beach over Ka'anapali every time, but for a 10 year-old? Not enough action.... And I'd think the same is true of the Ritz's pool.

(thought that would take you directly to travelers' picks of the top 25 beaches, but I guess you'll have to click on the "Beaches" link on the left)