Maui Travel Forum

has anyone stayed at the marriott maui ocean club in lahaina or the wailea beach marriott? we are going to maui in may and are using points for the wailea stay or can exchage for the ocean club. the reviews of the ocean club weren't that good so i don't know what to do. i want a relaxing, romantic vacation in a nice place....any suggestions?

We stayed at the Marriott Wailea Beach Resort for Christmas. We used our points and had a wonderful time. We had two rooms as we were traveling with 3 kids (13,10, and 8) and my mother (57). The swimming pools are amazing and the kids had fun at the water slide. We did notice that part of the Hotel was under construction, but I did not see any guest staying in that area. We went to the breakfast buffet in the morning where the kids ate for free but adults were $24 a piece!!!

We enjoyed free Lei making classes and the rooms were nice, and standard for a Marriott experience. The shopping mall was across the street and a 5 minute walk where there were multiple restaurants and good shopping. I would definitely stay there again.

aloha!!

We've been to Maui three times, staying at the Marriott Wailea Beach Resort once and at Westin locations in Kaanapali. In my opinion it really comes down to whether you would rather stay in Wailea or Kaanapali. Both have walking paths connecting the hotels and shopping areas. Wailea is more upscale, but Kaanapali has more extensive beaches. Both have their good points, but they are somewhat different. I'd recommend you do your research to see what area you would prefer.

Another consideration - are you planning to do any sightseeing or boat trips while you're there? Wailea is closer than Kaanapali if you're going on any trips out of the Maalena harbor or Kihei boat ramp or if you're making the drive to Hana or Haleakala. The Ocean Club in Kaanapali is nice, but very busy. But it's a lot closer to Lahaina, if that's on your agenda. Both areas have great swimming beaches. You might want to get ahold of the Maui Revealed book from Wizard Publications -- they will give you lots of tips on what to see and do and if you go to their website (www.wizardpub.com) you can see aerial views of both properties and the surrounding area. You definitely will have a great time at either place!

I always prefer the Kehei/Wailea area over Kaanapali/Lahaina. The beaches are less crowded and there is good snorkling right off the beach. Also, there are more down to earth eating places like the Kihei Cafe where there are chickens roaming around the tables. Also, there are several grocery stores where you can pick up picnic stuffs like lomi lomi, a salad bar and head to Big Beach or down to Makena. There are still good restaurants around. then you can always drive up to Lahaina to explore the town. Also, it is easier to hit Molokini from Kihei than Lahaina.