I have been to many different places for vacations such as Costa Rica, Dominican, El Salvador and Panama but none come close to the Ka'anapali Beach Hotel in Maui. It is definitely the best value and the nicest location, It is nestled between two high priced hotels that can't hold a candle to Ka'anapali Beach Hotel.
The Ka'anapali Beach Hotel is on 10 acres. Nobody ever has to go without a lounge chair. You are allowed to pull the chair anywere on the property and there is plenty of sun and shade locations. The adjoining properties only allow people to sit in a small area around their pools in close quarters.
The rooms are excellent. The beds are extremely comfortable and provide for an awsome sleep. We stayed in the older wing, and chose to go for the cheapest room known as the Aloha rooms. We had a partial ocean view and had a large balcony. There is not a bad view in the place. The property is beautiful. The hotel is right on the beach. On the other side is a world class golf course and a great view of the mountains.
The staff were amazing. I wanted to book an island flight to Oahu. I went to the guest services desk and was met by Malihini Keahi-Heath. She called the airport and within 5 minutes, the flight was booked at a great price. Thank you Malihini....you are awsome!! She was also very informative in all other questions. Our housekeeper, Florita was great too! She gave us excellent information on good places to check out and made sure our room was spotless every day. Thank you Florita!! All the staff members would go out of their way to help out. Everyone is very easy going at the resort.
We were awoken early one morning and learned a tsunami was heading our way. There was no panic whatsover from the staff. We were informed every hour on the hour what was going on and were provided clear instructions on the evacuation plan. We were all instructed to go to the 6th floor of the tallest buiding for one hour prior to the tsunami hitting the beach. They brought up chairs and fed everyone lunch (including Maui Gold pineapple). Their calmness rubbed off on the tourists and nobody seemed to panic as a result. Thankfully, there was no damage and a few hours later, we were given the all clear to resume our vacation.
Although it is not an all inclusive and it is a bit more expensive to stay there, people can do so on a budget. A refridgerator is provided in all the rooms free of charge. There is an excellent bus system. A bus stop is located 2 minutes from the hotel. For $1 you can get a 10 minute bus ride into Lahaina where you can get your groceries at Safeway. There are two malls there as well.
The Whaler's Village is a small shopping mall in walking distance from the hotel. We bought fresh fruit and yogurt from the ABC store and had cheap breakfasts. The Cane and Taro is a restaurant located at Whaler's Village. On Tuesday and Wednesday's if you place your order between 5 and 6 p.m., all food is 50% off. Two of us ate gormet dinners, prawns/ steak etc and paid no more that $20 each and that included a heafty tip. Whaler's Village also has a food court with Mcdonalds, Chineese Food, a pizza place and a sub shop. Another way to dine on a budget.
Another great place to eat is CJ's. A short walk up the hill behind the golf course leads to a strip mall. CJ's is like a roadhouse and had great prices. We also stumbled upon coupons from an information booth along the beach which gave us 50% the second entree. The food here is great.
The Ka'anapali Beach Hotel also has excellent food but it is a bit more pricey. Probably due to the fact there is a word renowed chef working there. The Tiki Grill has hamburgs, hot dogs , onion rings etc for a reasonable price.
The entertainment was fabulous. It is the only hotel that had free entertainment from 6-9 every night. There is music and some hula shows. During the day, the hotel offers numerous activites all geared to demonstrate the Hawaian culture.
The beach is awsome. Lots of room for everyone. People were snorkeling by Black Rock while others were boogy boarding. We saw a huge turtle and lots of other marine life in the water right near the hotel. You don't have to pay big $$ to see any of it, its all right there. We also saw countless humpback whales right from the beach (good time to go for viewing whales is in February). Beware thought that the rip tides are very strong. If you are not a confident or strong swimmer, heed the warnings and your stay will be a safe one. The hotel will notify you everyday if there is any warnings or concerns.
I do recommend the Atlantis sub. You go down to 130 ft and see a tremendous amount of marine life and a sunken ship. It was an amazing experience. You get on the sub in Lahaina.
I don't recommend the taxi's though. Very expensive. You are much better off to rent a car for a few days or take the bus.
We brought food and extra clothes but none of it was needed. They have washing machines and dryers available for the guests.
Eveyone that stays there is considered family. Upon departing, everyone gets a special lei that is handmade by the staff. If you return to the hotel you bring your lei back and they will add a different nut to the lei.
Maui is truly a garden of eden and the Ka'anapali Beach Hotel is by far the best place to stay on the island. We look forward to going back as soon as possible.