Aloha :-) ------------ We're coming back for a visit :-)

[Johnny C]

We stayed at the Westin timeshares just north of Ka'anapali and we loved it. It was close to lahainatown, which has loads of shopping, tours, and restaurants. Here is a pic of the view from our room balcony:



The beaches there were very nice, including a beach walk. The snorkeling here is also very good and is just outside your door. The grounds have two lovely pools and some decent (but overpriced) restaurants.

The weather is quite windy on this part of the island because it is not as protected from the trade winds. Not a deal breaker, but just be aware.

[Thinking-man]

WOW, how pretty....

[whynot?]

Yes, both Westin Villas properties are new(ish) and on a nice beach. The Westin hotel is older but also on the prime part of Ka'anapali Beach. The other difference between the villas and the hotel is that the villas are timeshares, and therefore have kitchens. The hotel has mini-fridges only.

In response to your earlier which-would-I-choose question, it really depends upon your preferences. The Westin hotel is in Ka'anapali resort proper -- where the golf courses are -- right next to Whaler's Village Shopping Center, and along an oceanfront row of other hotel and condo properties. The two villa complexes are about 1 1/2 miles farther north, and share that beach area primarily with Honua Kai. There's less shopping in the immediate area, but it is within reasonable walking distance of a strip mall with a couple of pubs and a grocery store.

The Ritz Carlton Kapalua is an altogether different kind of property. Kapalua is more of an enclave-style resort, set off from any local neighborhoods. There are (at least) three great beaches, several condo and single-family communities, two golf courses, hiking trails, shuttle service, a few really nice restaurants, a general store, etc.

I read earlier that you prefer the service level of hotels v. condos, and I believe any of these would fit that bill. They all have in-house spas, restaurants, etc. So IMHO, it really depends on whether you prefer a "busy" (not crowded, though) hotel with adjacent shopping (Westin) or a more solitary-type hotel (Ritz) or something in-between (Westin Villas).

Best of luck.

[Thinking-man]

Originally Posted by whynot?

Yes, both Westin Villas properties are new(ish) and on a nice beach. The Westin hotel is older but also on the prime part of Ka'anapali Beach. The other difference between the villas and the hotel is that the villas are timeshares, and therefore have kitchens. The hotel has mini-fridges only.

In response to your earlier which-would-I-choose question, it really depends upon your preferences. The Westin hotel is in Ka'anapali resort proper -- where the golf courses are -- right next to Whaler's Village Shopping Center, and along an oceanfront row of other hotel and condo properties. The two villa complexes are about 1 1/2 miles farther north, and share that beach area primarily with Honua Kai. There's less shopping in the immediate area, but it is within reasonable walking distance of a strip mall with a couple of pubs and a grocery store.

The Ritz Carlton Kapalua is an altogether different kind of property. Kapalua is more of an enclave-style resort, set off from any local neighborhoods. There are (at least) three great beaches, several condo and single-family communities, two golf courses, hiking trails, shuttle service, a few really nice restaurants, a general store, etc.

I read earlier that you prefer the service level of hotels v. condos, and I believe any of these would fit that bill. They all have in-house spas, restaurants, etc. So IMHO, it really depends on whether you prefer a "busy" (not crowded, though) hotel with adjacent shopping (Westin) or a more solitary-type hotel (Ritz) or something in-between (Westin Villas).

Best of luck.

thank you so much.
we're leaning towards the Westin hotel. I've found it for 9 nights in November including a garden view room, and a full size car for $2900.
Can anyone think of a better deal/hotel out there?