Hello, I am trying to decide where to stay on Maui's west shore for a trip in early September. I have heard from some friends that Kaanapali is the place to stay, and it appears that the travel books lean in that direction too. I am looking into the Westin, Marriott, Hyatt, Sheraton, etc. They all look promising. However, I also noticed that there a little further to the north, in an area called I believe Kapalua, there are a couple of really nice hotels as well - Ritz Carlton, Kapalua Bay Hotel, etc. Would it be better to stay up in that area, or are we missing out on too much of the action down in the Kaanapali area? Would be interested in hearing lodging advice from anyone who has visited this area, as this will be my first trip to Maui.

Thanks!

Both are nice, but in my opinion Kapalua just can't be beat. Beautiful.

Depends on if you're the type of person who likes quiet relaxation or more activity. Kaanapali is much busier both day and night.

Depends on what you are looking for...if you want to be in a more lively atmosphere and near the action or have kids then I would suggest Kaanapali. However, if you would like a more peaceful and serene setting then you would want to look into the two hotels in kapalua (Kapalua Bay and Ritz) or a private house/villa.

We stayed at the Kapalua Bay Hotel in May and absolutely LOVED it. It's small, charming, quiet, and oh so beautiful. The property is the best we saw on the island and we truly felt like we were in Hawaii...not a cheap, disney world rendition. We explored much of the island and enjoyed coming home to our little slice of heaven at the end of the day. Especially, after visiting Kaanapali beach which was overun with families and kids, IMO. Kapalua Bay has a stay at one play at all policy..so you can use the facilities at the Sheraton or the Westin on Kaanapali.

If you would like to see pics of our recent trip to Hawaii and Kapalua Bay hotel, let me know.

aloha!

My vote is Kaanapali. We've stayed several times in Kaanapali area. To us, it was still relaxing, and beautiful. You are closer to Front Street & Whalers Village where the activities, shopping and restaurants are. We usually stay at a condo when we go. We like that, more spacious and we can cook breakfast every morning. The Hyatt is very nice. We went to a luau there. Beautiful hotel. I hear the Marriott is very nice as they remodeled this hotel recently. We prefer Aston Kaanapli Shores or Aston Papakea Resort. Beautiful condo propertys.
Also if you can, the best luau on Maui is The Old Lahaina Luau located on Front Street. This was voted the best Luau in Hawaii. It always sells out, so its best to get your tickets early. Expensive, but worth it.

I'm jealous.... Have fun!!

Travel Luvr
Having just returned from a week ,I'll confirm bogart's observations. IMHO Kapalua was much quieter and more beautiful than Kaanapali ,which was more crowded than I ever would have imagined. The beach is smaller and there was significantly more cloud cover over Kapalua last week , even though it's only a few minutes drive. We also spent a lot of time in Lahina , and even though Kaanapali is closer ,the drive from Kapalua is nothing major .
Don't miss Warren & Annabelle's magic show. It sounds hookie but it was amazing and a fun time.
Larry in San Diego

Thanks for the feedback on where to stay on Maui. Definitely sounds like it's a matter of deciding whether we want to be closer to the "action" or whether we want more of the seclusion that comes from the Kapalua area. We will not be traveling with children, so perhaps on this visit it makes sense to stay closer to the Kapalua area? Although I have read, as Hackenbush mentioned, that the resorts in Kapalua can have worse weather - more windy, less sun, etc.

Thanks for the advice on the shows as well. I actually have made reservations for both the Old Lahaina Luau and Warren & Annabelle's magic show. Can't wait to get there!!!

Before going to Old Lahaina Luau, you might want to research the Feast at Le Le. For a laua it is widely regarded as having better food. I went there and it was fabulous. It is individual table service of gourmet island foods as opposed to the buffet style poorly rated food of OLL.

Also we stayed at the Ritz-Carlton in Kapalua. It was heavenly. The weather was a little cooler and windier than Kaanapali but because of that was more pleasant for us. It is still very very warm. Never needed more than a tee shirt and shorts----even at nite. There are several beaches near the Ritz that are much better than those at Kaanapali ---and less crowded. Ask the concierge or Snorkel Bob's beach rentals and they will cheerfully descrbe how to get to them.
As for the hype about Kaanapali area-----it definitely is the most touristy. However, Kapalua is far more scenic, serene, and tropical.

Have a great trip.

Kaanapali hands down. Not too much action. Of course we went in October. Kapula is beautiful too. Further drive.
You can't go wrong with either. I do recommend The Old Lahaina Luau. Excellent!! Food was great also.

Kapalua is only a short drive from Kaanapali, less than 10 minutes. Assuming you will rent a car, you can park at the Whaler's Shopping Village and every shop or restaurant will validate for parking with purchase. I guess what I am trying to say is that you can get the best of both areas very easily as they are so close. In the spring we stayed in Kanapali but really just used it as a home base and spent our days in Kapalua, Wailea, etc...I find Kapalua Bay a more swimmable beach than Kaanapali and I have been there a many different times of the year. Both areas are really nice.

its definitely a personal choice,but we prefer kaanapali. just got back and thought kapalua was considerably much windier. it was hard sitting non the beach with so much wind.

Bogart

Have the rooms been recently renovated (specifically carpets, bedding (new duvets), beds) Read many trip reports about musty, old carpet and terribly hard beds. However, a press release from the hotel indicates these have upgraded. also, how about the beach chairs -- we they comfy or standard? Please let me know -- I would love pictures, by the way.

anybody?

I found the bed linens, carpet etc. to be just fine, nothing special...but not dingy or anything. The only things that we really noticed were the dings on the door. Everything else, albeit not plush, was fine and no strange smells. Beach chairs were comfy and plenty of them...so no race to snatch 'em up early in the morning.

If you want to see pics(no room pics though, sorry) email me at [email protected]

aloha!