redeeming a lot of points, sort of figure we'll never get there again, so currently considering Ho'olei at Grand Wailea, Andaz Maui at Wailea, The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua , Fairmont Kea Lani, certainly open to other suggestions.. looking for great pool(s), great beach, location, other stuff to do etc. Spending a few nights in Oahu visiting family, most likely 4 or 5 nights in Maui.
Advice: Maui resort options for families...
- Thread starter shak66_psu
- Start date
My $.02
Stayed down in Wailea twice many many years ago.....several great properties, huge pools and certainly the best beaches on the island. But you are well south of Lahaina and Kanapali Beach which have a lot more activity.
Just at the north end of Kanapali Beach is an Embassy Suites. Not a great beach.....but an advantage insofar that breakfasts and happy hours are included, which each can add to your tab significantly at other properties. Plus I just like their "double-sized" rooms.
Kapalua is nice, very nice. But the beaches are much more exposed, much windier, more oriented for adults than kids.
If the focus is on the beaches and pools, Wailea is your goal.
GOOD LUCK.....HAVE FUN!
Stayed down in Wailea twice many many years ago.....several great properties, huge pools and certainly the best beaches on the island. But you are well south of Lahaina and Kanapali Beach which have a lot more activity.
Just at the north end of Kanapali Beach is an Embassy Suites. Not a great beach.....but an advantage insofar that breakfasts and happy hours are included, which each can add to your tab significantly at other properties. Plus I just like their "double-sized" rooms.
Kapalua is nice, very nice. But the beaches are much more exposed, much windier, more oriented for adults than kids.
If the focus is on the beaches and pools, Wailea is your goal.
GOOD LUCK.....HAVE FUN!
Grand Wailea is wonderful, best family resort I've been to. We really lucked out because when we arrived our room wasn't ready so they upgraded us to the Napua Tower. Gorgeous resort with great pools a beautiful beach and restaurants. Nearby Makena (sp) Beach aka "Big Beach" is one of the better spots we went to on the island.
Wow--this site is fantastic for OT!
I've learned a lot about biochemical engineering at PSU from posters this week -- my son will be entering as a freshman this fall.
And now , I was just surfing the web this morning looking to make reservations for a trip to Maui in July!
Keep it up!
I've learned a lot about biochemical engineering at PSU from posters this week -- my son will be entering as a freshman this fall.
And now , I was just surfing the web this morning looking to make reservations for a trip to Maui in July!
Keep it up!
Try the southeast coast of Maui - Kihei/Wailea. The pricing is better, and its not as "touristy" - at least by Maui standards. The West Coast of Kaanapali is lovely, and the beaches (well, the ocean) are much more serene (its a channel instead of the open Pacific) but I hate the thought of high-rise resorts on Hawaii.
Having said that, Maui is pretty awesome, so DO try to do all the touristy stuff like:
Visit Lahaina - its a tourist trap, but its fun, and the sunsets are amazingPlan a day to drive the road to Hana. (Consider that sunset is at 7 pm, and you don't want to be stuck on that road at night)Get up at the crack of ass and drive up Haleakala to see the sunset.Bring me back some beer from the Maui Brewing Company. Try the Coconut Porter.When looking for food, always go for the local divey place over the tourist traps. And eat as much fresh fish as you can. I once saw the fishing boats come back from Lahaina, and the restaurants would buy fresh tuna right off the boat and rush it back to their place seconds later.
Wear sunscreen. Liberally. Bathe in it. Re-apply it after going swimming. I may be a pasty white Irish boy, but this is still good advice. Worst burns ever were from the sun in Hawaii, and it took me out of action for a day. In which case, tea bags actually are a good remedy for burns.
Having said that, Maui is pretty awesome, so DO try to do all the touristy stuff like:
Visit Lahaina - its a tourist trap, but its fun, and the sunsets are amazingPlan a day to drive the road to Hana. (Consider that sunset is at 7 pm, and you don't want to be stuck on that road at night)Get up at the crack of ass and drive up Haleakala to see the sunset.Bring me back some beer from the Maui Brewing Company. Try the Coconut Porter.When looking for food, always go for the local divey place over the tourist traps. And eat as much fresh fish as you can. I once saw the fishing boats come back from Lahaina, and the restaurants would buy fresh tuna right off the boat and rush it back to their place seconds later.
Wear sunscreen. Liberally. Bathe in it. Re-apply it after going swimming. I may be a pasty white Irish boy, but this is still good advice. Worst burns ever were from the sun in Hawaii, and it took me out of action for a day. In which case, tea bags actually are a good remedy for burns.
We have stayed at Kapalua and Kaanapali (sp) on Maui. Kapalua was absolutely wonderful, and the bay is sheltered and has great snorkeling. It was called the Kapalua Bay Hotel at the time we stayed there. The Ritz is very windy, but there is another fine snorkeling bay near there called Honolua Bay. You have to walk about 1/4 mile through a rain forest to get to Honolua Bay, but it is well worth it. There was a good body surfing beach near the Ritz, but as I said, the Ritz is on the end of the island and is windy most of the time.
Both places are close to Lahaina and some nice beaches on that side of the island. For my family (teenage kids as well), we found Wailea to be out of the way from the things we wanted to do. We definitely like the area north of Lahaina the best.
If you haven't already, you should get the book, "Maui Revealed". That book has a lot of good and detailed recommendations for the island. Have a great time!
Both places are close to Lahaina and some nice beaches on that side of the island. For my family (teenage kids as well), we found Wailea to be out of the way from the things we wanted to do. We definitely like the area north of Lahaina the best.
If you haven't already, you should get the book, "Maui Revealed". That book has a lot of good and detailed recommendations for the island. Have a great time!
The Kea Lani is great, all suites. Right down the road from McKenna state park and baby beach. The beach is ok at hotel, pools are great. Service, as with any Fairmont, is outstanding. Go see sun rise at the crater. Bring some warm clothes and have the hotel give you some extra blankets. It's a very neat and some what spiritual experience. Dive or snorkel at Molokini.
Jealous that you're going to Maui! Wife and I had an awesome vacation there, and if I suggested retiring there, she would have her bags packed in 10 minutes.
We lucked out and were able to borrow a friend's condo in Wailea for a week. They live there and were able to leave us lots of tips and maps and such.
For us, it took awhile to get used to Maui speed. Especially outside of Lahaina, people seem more laid back and not in quite so much of a hurry. Sunset is a big deal, and picnic tables at the beaches and parks always look packed with families.
We highly recommend:
1. Old Lahaina Luau - touristy, but fantastic. This was the ONLY luau recommended by our local friends.
2. Road to Hana - pay attention to the books, and check out the waterfalls
3. Molokini snorkeling - well worth the money
4. Haleakala at sunrise - be prepared for cold weather near the crater (near freezing?). We stopped at the Kula Lodge for breakfast on the way back.
This was the most relaxing vacation I've ever had. Beaches were fantastic, with crystal clear water, and there was so much to explore. The seafood is awesome. I didn't have any red meat the entire time there, and didn't miss it. In fact, I didn't even realize it until I was talking to some of the guys at work about my trip.
We lucked out and were able to borrow a friend's condo in Wailea for a week. They live there and were able to leave us lots of tips and maps and such.
For us, it took awhile to get used to Maui speed. Especially outside of Lahaina, people seem more laid back and not in quite so much of a hurry. Sunset is a big deal, and picnic tables at the beaches and parks always look packed with families.
We highly recommend:
1. Old Lahaina Luau - touristy, but fantastic. This was the ONLY luau recommended by our local friends.
2. Road to Hana - pay attention to the books, and check out the waterfalls
3. Molokini snorkeling - well worth the money
4. Haleakala at sunrise - be prepared for cold weather near the crater (near freezing?). We stopped at the Kula Lodge for breakfast on the way back.
This was the most relaxing vacation I've ever had. Beaches were fantastic, with crystal clear water, and there was so much to explore. The seafood is awesome. I didn't have any red meat the entire time there, and didn't miss it. In fact, I didn't even realize it until I was talking to some of the guys at work about my trip.
I've been to Maui several times. My favorite place to stay with a family is Napili Point. See link below. Depending on your needs get a two or three bedroom. They have fully functional kitchens, large family room and a porch/balcony. The condos are right on a cove which is very good for snorkeling and just next to what I consider the best main stream beach on Maui (drive a couple of miles northeast for very secluded beaches). Snorkeling right off the beach is also very good and breakfast at the gazebo just up the trail is fantastic.
There is a Safeway supermarket just a few miles away for anything you may want at reasonable prices. Last time we were there I cooked Easter dinner for the six of us.
One warning: If you go to Hanna do NOT go northeast...it may look like a shortcut but will take you about 4 hours.
http://www.napili.com/
There is a Safeway supermarket just a few miles away for anything you may want at reasonable prices. Last time we were there I cooked Easter dinner for the six of us.
One warning: If you go to Hanna do NOT go northeast...it may look like a shortcut but will take you about 4 hours.
http://www.napili.com/
Plenty of good advice. I'll add that the Maui Marriott was nice for our family, kids 10 and 7 at the time. Most of the Kaanapali hotels have several pools/water features for their enjoyment. Have stayed at Kihei as well. Personally enjoyed Kaanapali better, closer to Lahaina. Kihei was nice walking to the little restaurants as well. If you enjoy preparing your own meals, the Marriott (and probably others) have gas grills in some areas. A steak or a burger can be a nice amid all that seafood and sushi.
Black Rock luau was very nice, a bit pricey, but right on the beach @ Black Rock. Nice sidewalk/path connects the Kaanapali hotels to each other.
Have golfed at both Royal Kaanapali and Kapalua. Spend more for Kapalua.
Drive to Hana. Have done it three times, and I still haven't seen everything or done it all out that way. It might be best to drive all the way there (Oheo Gulch and the "Seven Sacred Pools"), then hit all the sidestops on the way back. Usually you get sidetracked on the way there, and then you don't have time to see what you want and have to hurry back or drive that road at night. If you are so inclined, about 10 minutes past the pools at Oheo is a small church graveyard. Charles Lindbergh is buried there.
Have not done the volcano at sunrise (crazy to get up THAT early), but have done it for sunset. Whatever you do, dress warmly. It will likely be in the 50s at the summit and feel like 30-40. We saw people with parkas, hotel robes and, well, others in shorts that froze. Sunset was beautiful.
PIctures, pictures, pictures. Also cannot reiterate the advice about sunscreen: the UV index is usually off the charts.
My daughter (10 at the time), absolutely loved snorkeling. Son not so much. He preferred the pools. Surf is sometimes rough on littler ones. Try to hit sheltered spots. Snorkeling Molokini and Turtle Town were great for her. But you don't necessarily need to spend a lot to do it. You can usually just wade into the ocean and do it.
Have stayed on Oahu, but never at Waikiki. Turtle Bay (north shore) and Disney's Aulani. Aulani is great, but far from Waikiki. If you want action and convenience, stay there. Don't miss Pearl Harbor.
Just enjoy Hawaii. Have a plan to deal with the jet lag, or everyone's body clocks will be off for a few days. I wouldn't try to do a Hawaii vacation in less than 8 days. In 2012, we went for 16. If you can swing it, go for as long as you can.
Black Rock luau was very nice, a bit pricey, but right on the beach @ Black Rock. Nice sidewalk/path connects the Kaanapali hotels to each other.
Have golfed at both Royal Kaanapali and Kapalua. Spend more for Kapalua.
Drive to Hana. Have done it three times, and I still haven't seen everything or done it all out that way. It might be best to drive all the way there (Oheo Gulch and the "Seven Sacred Pools"), then hit all the sidestops on the way back. Usually you get sidetracked on the way there, and then you don't have time to see what you want and have to hurry back or drive that road at night. If you are so inclined, about 10 minutes past the pools at Oheo is a small church graveyard. Charles Lindbergh is buried there.
Have not done the volcano at sunrise (crazy to get up THAT early), but have done it for sunset. Whatever you do, dress warmly. It will likely be in the 50s at the summit and feel like 30-40. We saw people with parkas, hotel robes and, well, others in shorts that froze. Sunset was beautiful.
PIctures, pictures, pictures. Also cannot reiterate the advice about sunscreen: the UV index is usually off the charts.
My daughter (10 at the time), absolutely loved snorkeling. Son not so much. He preferred the pools. Surf is sometimes rough on littler ones. Try to hit sheltered spots. Snorkeling Molokini and Turtle Town were great for her. But you don't necessarily need to spend a lot to do it. You can usually just wade into the ocean and do it.
Have stayed on Oahu, but never at Waikiki. Turtle Bay (north shore) and Disney's Aulani. Aulani is great, but far from Waikiki. If you want action and convenience, stay there. Don't miss Pearl Harbor.
Just enjoy Hawaii. Have a plan to deal with the jet lag, or everyone's body clocks will be off for a few days. I wouldn't try to do a Hawaii vacation in less than 8 days. In 2012, we went for 16. If you can swing it, go for as long as you can.
Everyone's Comments Make Me Want To Go Back For A Visit, Too!
66 - Some pretty good feedback in this thread. You are gonna have a great time!
66 - Some pretty good feedback in this thread. You are gonna have a great time!
