Went to Maui 8 years ago for our 20th wedding anniversary and returning next summer with 4 kids (in their teens and twenties). They love to snorkle, play golf, hike, etc. Friends highly recommend the Ka'anapli Beach Hotel. Wondering whether to stay there or in a condo somewhere. Any recommendations?

Need to know your budget and any other restrictions.
If you can go for three connecting rooms at the Four Seasons or Grand Wailea, that would be my recommendation.

My wife and I were in Maui in June. We stayed at the Four Seasons in Wailea, which was amazing. The hotels in Wailea are a little more upscale than the chains that are found farther NW in Ka'anapli. Ka'anapli was the first resort area in Maui and it feels a bit more crowded and run down than Wailea. Of the hotels in Wailea the Four Seasons and the Grand Wailea are spectacular. Also there is a resort called the Fairmont Kea Lani which has all suites and is very nice. The Snorkeling and beaches are best in Wailea due to the fact that it gets real windy in Ka'anapli and Kapaula in the afternoon. As for golfing of the best courses on Maui only Kapalua is not in Wailea. (if you play there do it early before the winds pick up). There are three highly rated 18's at Wailea as well as a couple other 18's close by. My vote is Wailea over Ka'anapli any day.

My favorite is the "Palms at Wailea". these are 1, 2 or 3 bedroom condo units. The complex is not right on the beach, but is about a 5 minute walk away.It is on a bit of a hill, so you can see the ocean from anywhere. There is a beautiful outdoor pool/hot tub as well.
The units are large, modern , clean and very well equipped (washer/dryer/ tv/vcr etc.) and you can rent movies right at the front desk. Many good restarants are a short walk away. Most of the units are privately owned, and as a result are well looked after.
I know I sound like an advertisement for the place (honest, I dont own one), but I was so pleased with the place I cant say enough about it.

The Palms is okay but given the Palms or Grand Champions (also Wailea) having stayed at both, I'd choose Grand Champions in a New York minute. We rented a unit on the golf course directly from the owner and loved sitting on the lanai having breakfast or lunch watching the golfers go by. The unit also had an ocean view which we really enjoyed. Either search the web for websites of units privately owned or call the management office on the property and they'll fax you a list of owners who rent directly.

To answer your question, the Kaanapali Beach Hotel is the best buy in Kaanapali--right next door to the Sheraton and Black Rock (best snorkeling!) We were there in June and my kids loved the location. The pool is very average and no jacuzzi, but the ocean is right there and great! Shopping in Whalers Village is convenient and Lahaina is right down the road (we ate there every night almost). For a condo in that area, there is the Whaler and the Kaanapali Alii--you might price them and see if it fits your budget. I Vote for the Kaanapali area--no need for remoteness/romance/expense with active youth around!!

If if do stay in Kanapalli, do yourself a favor and don't drive over to Wailea. If you do you'll be disappointed that you chose Kanapalli over Wailea.

No, you won't be disappointed if you drive to Wailea and stay in Kaanapali.
They're both equally beautiful in their own ways! Kaanapali is a better choice with kids because your closer to Lahaina town and can pop over into town quickly at night, whereas Wailea is a little more remote. Most folks go to Kaanapali on their first trip to Maui, at least those who I've known, and that constitutes just about everybody that I've known that's gone to Maui. And most of those always return to Kaanapali.

On our first visit to Maui we stayed in Kaanapali, this past summer, Wailea. The hotels, beaches and surrounding area is much prettier in Wailea, however, the older (19 and 22) boys were bored in Wailea because there is a lack of night life and it is a drive to get to Lahaina. If I were to return, I would still stay in Wailea, it was nice not wondering where they were.

I don't get it. My boyfriend and I went to Maui last January and stayed at the Marriott on Kaanapali Beach. We drove to Wailea, but we didn't spend much time down there because there wasn't that much around. Kaanapali is a very beautiful area. What it so great about Wailea besides that fact that the hotels there cost more money than anyone can afford? It took way too long to drive back to Lahina. Stay in Kaanapali, the kids will thank you for it.

Hey Dana:
If your impressions were an accurate representation of the facts, then virtually no one would be vacationing in Wailea!
Wailea is the fastest growing, and statistically most popular, part of Maui.
It's not for everyone. But people who haven't been to Hawaii who take your comments at face value would think Wailea is deserted.
I'm one of the many (virtually everyone I know) who visited Kaanapali my first time to Maui and haven't been back since.
I guess that means the truth is somewhere in between.

We stay in Kaanapali everytime we go to Maui. There's much more to do and we like being able to walk to shops and restaurants. The hotels in Wailea are beautiful, but I agree that it's too far away from Lahaina and Kaanapali and it's a very isolated area. My husband likes to snorkel at Black Rock in front of the Sheraton.

I live on Oahu -- we prefer to avoid the predictable touristy areas, like those recommended so far. If you're interested in a lovely, more Hawaiian place to stay, try Olinda Country Cottages B&B located at 4000 ft elevation on the slopes of Haleakala. This lovely, peaceful, gorgeously landscaped B&B has a breathtaking view of the ocean. It's in Makawao, close to the airport and only 15 min from the beach. Willie Nelson lives here! Try http://www.mauibnbcottages.com. Good luck!

Thanks for all the input! I didn't mention that we took the kids to the Big Island and Kauai a few years ago, staying in the Princeville area on Kauai. Most of them preferred Kauai...

Thanks again for taking the time to share your thoughts.

It really depends what you want. In term of luxury, the Four Seasons in Wailea, or the Ritz Carlton in Kapalua are both excellent resorts. The weather is probably better in Wailea. If you want access to activities, then stay in Kaanapali or Lahina. A goo dmid-range place to saty is the Sheraton In K. great beach and snorkeling, plus a recently remodelled resort.

Hey JMJ-------3 rooms at the Four Seasons ???? What kind of money do you think these people have ?? Just having some late night fun. By the way Nature Lover, with kids stick to Kaanapali(much closer to Lahaina).

I'd choose a condo over any of the hotels. You then have more space, usually a full kitchen, so you don't have to eat at restaurants all the time if you don't want to. There is a beautiful gated townhome community at the south edge of Lahaina. It's called Puamana. There are 3 pools, tennis courts, clubhouse with small library & more. You're within walking distance of everything on Front Street, but can return to quiet after your busy day!