Maui Travel Forum

My family is going to Maui in a few months and we really want to stay in a condo. I have read reviews on both in Trip Advisor. There are both positive and negative responses to both. I just don't know which would be better for my 2 kids. I want to stay in that area so if anyone can compare these two places, I would appreciate it. Also, any other suggestions would be welcome.

Hi Allyson,

When we went to Maui for our wedding, we stayed at The Kapalua Villas. This is the only Maui condominium rental property with Kapalua golf and resort privileges (provides golf packages, complimentary tennis, access to resort beaches and charging privileges in shops and restaurants on the Kapalua Resort). Each villa community offers private recreational facilities (swimming pools, barbecues and private garden areas).

Our fully furnished condo (which included a private lanai, fully equipped kitchens, washer/dryers, two televisions, VCR, iron and ironing board, hairdryer and two telephones) overlooked the golf course and we had an unobstructed view of the Pacific Ocean as well as the island of Moloka'i. It's located approximately 12 - 15 minutes north of Lahaina on Highway 30.

Phone: (808) 669-8088
Address: 500 Office Road
Website: http://www.kapaluavillas.com

BlewJay

We stayed at the Kaanapali Alii and I found that the condos are inconsistent. The put us in one the first night that we didn't like at all. The next day we were moved to one we liked much better. So I guess my response is that you take your chances. But don't be afraid to speak up if you're not happy with where they put you. Maybe you'll get improved.

Aloha, another suggestion. My wife and I, with our two sons, stayed for 10 days at the Kaanapali Shores in a two bedroom two bath condo, and then I surprised my wife's parents with joining us for additional week. A total of 17 days and they were great! Good beach with reef for snorkeling and only a couple of miles from the Whalers Village restaurants and shops. There is a Camp for the children on the grounds with all types of activities. See their website: http://kaanapali-shores.com/

We have stayed at the Alii 5-6 times and we like it. We rent directly from the owner of two units and depending on which is avaialbe we always know exactly what we are getting. The Alii property manager is great and with plenty of units in their rental pool you shouldn't have a problem moving if you don't like what you get. However, you will pay more going through them than renting directly from an owner.

We have been on the grounds of the Ocean Resort Villas and they seem great, also.

I just looked at www.vrbo.com. You can rent directly through the owner (vacation rental by owner). They have several Kaanapali Alii units and include lots of photos and info. You'll really be able to see the unit you're getting.

We stayed at the Westin Kaanapali Villas for a week, just returning 8 days ago. Everything was great. You probably know that the place is pretty new, so the rooms and furniture, grounds, pools, etc. were all in excellent shape. The kitchen was well equiped and had everything we needed to cook with. They have a place near the pools for outdoor bbq also.

The beach in front is not as busy as on the south side of black rock, and it is great for snorkeling. Not as good for swimming, however, because of rocks and coral (hence the sea life for snorkeling).

They have one bedroom units, plenty big, and studios. Both have kitchen areas and nice bathrooms with jacuzzi tubs and a shower. The units at the north villas all have little patios; at the south units, which were built earlier, the studios don't have the patios. If you have more questions, let me know.

Thanks so much for your reply Where are the best rooms to stay at the Westin? Is there any good swimming in front of the condos?

Thanks to everyone who has helped with this decision

Hi Alison - I don't think there are any bad rooms at the Westin. If you have a choice, however, asks not to be in the oldest building; it has the fewest ocean views and is closer to the road. We were in building six, and I think five and six are the newest, mostly with views.

Like I said earlier, the swimming at the beach in front of the hotel is OK, but not the best because while the beach is great sand, not far out there are rocks and coral. You don't want to touch the coral because it damages it.

The Westin also has a free shuttle bus that leaves every 15 minutes that goes to Kaanapali, just minutes away. The beach there is great. They stop at the Sheraton and next to Whaler's Village. There is another shuttle that leaves every hour to Lahaina. This is a nice perk for Westin visitors.