Trying to plan a trip to Maui over new years 2004/2005 (yes I know it rained this past year, what are the odds it could happen again?). We usually stay in Kaanapali, but ventured south and drove through Wailea this past time. Any suggestions? I don't mind spending money, but would like a resort that's quiet (not a lot of screaming kids) and not stuffy. Is that possible in Wailea? I have seen various comments on Four Seasons and Fairmont, which is worth it?

Try the Kea Lani. Nothing finer IMO. Happy travels and aloha!!

We loved the Kea Lani, but that was 5 years ago before Fairmont bought them out. We loved the room and the beautiful grounds. Not a ton of kids around either.

The week between Christmas and New Years is THE busiest here. School is out and families come in droves. If you want to avoid kids as much as possible go with the 4 $easons. The Kea Lani gets more kids cause it's got better pools. If you really want it quiet, go a little further south to Makena, a resort called the Maui Prince. Not stuffy, not many kids, great beach!

4 seasons is filled with kids too!

Kea Lani gets my vote--honeymooned there and didn't notice a ton of kids. Plus, they have an "adults only" pool. Four Seasons is nice, but stuffy.

I LOVED the Outrigger when I was there 2 years ago... I understand that it has been taken over by Marriott since then, so things may have changed, but it is just gorgeous!

Gptravel, We had both previously stayed in Kanapali, but this trip was for our honeymoon and we chose Wailea. And what a good choice it was, so peaceful. I have had the luxury of staying at some lovely five stars over the years, but in our search for a hotel in Wailea, none met ALL of our criteria except the Renassiance Wailea, which is usually described as a four star. You can do a search and see my trip report, but just to give you a quick review... We found this resort to have an understated elegance that was so appealing. Really lovely, but on a smaller scale and not stuffy. We stayed in their section called the Mokupu Beach rooms, and the views were fantastic. Whale watching from our balcony, it was heaven. WHEN we return to Wailea, this is where we will stay. It was wonderful, and alot more reasonable, which was not essential but nice. Pleas ask if you have any questions.
Aloha! Tiff

Thanks for all the tips. Has anyone stayed at condos close to the beach in Wailea (the Elua or Ekahi Village)?

Just returned from Wailea- we stayed at the Renaissance and LOVED IT! I checked out all the other Wailea resorts and the Fairmont was packed with kids. The Renaissance was wonderful, private, and had the best views. We stayed in the Mokapu section and there was not a better room in all of Wailea. Can't wait to go back!

Tiff and Shelby - thank you for your posts. DH and I are staying in Mokapu wing in 2 weeks - can't wait!

Shelby, what is beach like in front of Renaissance? I have read some posts here that many beaches in South Maui have been washed away some.

KEA LANI, KEA LANI, KEA LANI, KEA LANI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Someone asked if anyone has stayed at the Ekahi - yes. The condos very very nice, but some of them that are supposed to be close to the beach are quite a walk. There are several small pools & one larger pool. Many families.

I've stayed at both the Kea Lani and the Renaissance, and both were fantastic. Kea Lani is great if you are looking for a honeymoon-type experience (huge luxurious suites), with amazing pools and didn't seem to have very many kids at all. Renaissance is great if you're looking for a similar type experience at half the price, but with a smaller room and a smaller pool. We return to the Renaissance more frequently, but also love the Kea Lani for special occasions.

I would not recommend the Grand Wailea if you are trying to avoid kids-- they all swarm there because of the waterslides and such. Plus, it costs about the same as the Fairmont but the rooms are half the size-- you're paying for the water park and such.

No matter what you choose, Wailea always seems to be quieter/more romatic/more Hawaiian/less kids than Kaanapali to me.