We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.
Back to The Whaler on Kaanapali Beach

The Whaler on Kaanapali Beach – reviews, photos

3.5 of 5
2481 Kaanapali Pkwy, Lahaina, Maui, HI 96761
Hotel amenities
Offers & Announcements
$195 per night
The Whaler on Kaanapali Beach
Ranked #14 of 30 hotels in Lahaina
4.0 of 5 stars 402 Reviews
Show the lowest price for this hotel*
Show Prices
*from our partners
Write a Review

402 reviews from our community

What travellers say about this hotel
  • Black rock(36)
  • Ocean views(17)
  • Hula Grill(12)
  • Studio unit(9)
  • Right next(8)
  • Shopping center(6)
  • Very helpful(6)
  • Pool area(6)
  • King size bed(5)
  • Great Place(5)
Traveller rating
    206
    131
    32
    22
    11
Only show reviews for Family (92) | Couples (153) | Business (4)
Date Rating
sig
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
14 helpful votes 14 helpful votes
“Just right”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 30 January 2012
7
people found this review helpful

The Whaler was just what I wanted, although I did not know it. It is great as much for what it isn't, as much as what it is.

I rented a studio condo unit from the owner for the second week of December, just before high season. Real value. It was spotless, with a great balcony view.

The first night was a treat. Arrived, easy check-in, walked left next door to the outdoor Hula Grill. Dinner at the edge of a lawn, a path, lush bushes, and the ocean right behind. Welcome!

It's only 100 yards from Black Rock, so if you like to snorkel, get up at sunrise (when the fish are having breakfast undisturbed and the tourists are snoring). And if you want, you can walk the path along the resorts from the Sheraton to the Hyatt, pop in, check them all out, check out the prices, and flee.

The Whaler has a nice, modest pool where people get together during the day. The guests and owners mostly (not all) are adults 50+, very friendly, welcome kids and grand kids, AOK. Very wide, clean, uncrowded beach. Near Lahaina. Lahaina: don't miss the Annabell comedy show--witty, funny, fresh, and with a baffling musical secret. A+. Honest!

What I especially liked is the Whaler is human size. It's not a big, fabu, look-at-me, institution. I felt at home. The landscaping is pretty, and adequate. It does not have a lot of facilities or add-ons. Laundry, fitness, plenty of parking underground, soft drinks, yes. Restaurant: no--so what? I wanted to tour and discover, who needs more? My Maui is "less is more". I love the air, the ocean, visiting with the sea creatures, the variety, discovery, the flowers. Lodging that is imposing is a distraction and gets in the way. It was just right for me. If you want to get knighted, and pay like a king, you won't be happy here. Nice touches, no pretense.

I wanted it on Ka'anapali Beach. The only other condo is the Al'li--nice but much more expensive, and the Ka'anapali Beach Hotel is a hotel. I liked saving money using the full kitchen and the outdoor BBQ, and the coffee for guests at the pool in the morning. Do stay off their internet, though--it's way too expensive.

I toured all the hotels on Ka'anapali, north of the Sheraton to Kapalua and the Ritz, Lahaina, Kehei, and the Wailea resorts. I would come back here before the others. I liked it. I'm just a regular guy, with Southern efficiency and Northern charm. The Whaler: nice, lovely site and location, and nice people. That's good enough for me.

Room Tip: Rent from an owner with lots of good reviews if you can. Get 3rd floor or above, as close to ocean...
See more room tips
  • Stayed December 2011, travelled solo
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 4 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 4 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 4 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 3 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes
See 2 more reviews by LittleBiffOne for Lahaina
Ask LittleBiffOne about The Whaler on Kaanapali Beach
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Allen, Texas
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
“Great Location Excellant Service!”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 29 January 2012
1
person found this review helpful

I allways enjoy my visit to the Whaler as a multiple repeat guest. The staff is excellent many have been there ten years or longer. This last trip the property was under construction but dont let that bother you. When your in the room you dont here any of the construction noise its very minor construction and not a major room renovation. Just FYI the property plans to have the construction done by Feb the 28th. I would highley recommend this property to anyone its truely a great value.

  • Stayed January 2012, travelled with friends
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes
Ask JT H about The Whaler on Kaanapali Beach
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
1 review
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
“Great lovation, beautiful room”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 26 January 2012
1
person found this review helpful

Stayed recently on an anniversary/birthday vacation. Having lived in the area in the past we were very familiar with the area and knew the location was great. The condo matched the location and was very clean and comfortable - would definitely stay here again!

  • Stayed January 2012
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes
Ask Scotthib about The Whaler on Kaanapali Beach
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Mission Viejo, California
1 review
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
“Paradise”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 19 January 2012
5
people found this review helpful

Where do I begin? Paradise. The first thing you notice when you walk in the condo is the view. The entire oceanfront and view of black rock is amazing. We spent more time on the lanai than any other place. Go around the corner and there are views of the mountains! The condo itself is so luxurious and well appointed. The beds comfortable, the sound of the surf makes one so relaxed...Getting to know how to turn on all the lights is a bit tricky, but if this is all I can say in a the remotely negative vein, shame on me! Every detail of this condo has been thought out and the decor is just beautiful. The location is within walking distance of Whaler's village and all the Resort hotels in the area. We stopped by Costco before we went to the condo, and to be honest, I never wanted to leave. Having the washer/dryer was so helpful. The bathrooms were so beautiful...I could go on and on. We will return and stay only here. Thank you JaNell and Simon!!

  • Stayed January 2012, travelled with family
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes
Ask Susan F about The Whaler on Kaanapali Beach
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Baltimore, Maryland
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
“30 Years. I have been coming here.”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 18 January 2012
6
people found this review helpful

True to form many people do not do their research prior to leaving home. The whaler is a condo, each one is owned by a person or group that may or may it maintain the unit the same as the next.
The Whaler is a laid back lifestyle where you are not hit up at every trip to the beach to buy a timeshare. The Hotel/condo is dead center on the beach, perfect views of the islands next door. Nope there is no bar, bring your own in an insulated mug and enjoy without the cost or tip.
Renovation, yes it is still going on and the 8th floor tower 2 will be done on the 31st of January. Ya it would be nice to have it done but we knew this going in and the owner took care of us. Why are you oh going to Hawaii and sitting inside anyway?? If you want all sorts of nightlife walk down the beach and party down. If you want a perfect place that you can relax and bring the kids this is a great place.
The building looked tired 2 years ago, now it looks brand new. The Marriott south of here looks tired, great stay great beach

  • Stayed January 2012
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes
Ask Jim E about The Whaler on Kaanapali Beach
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

Travellers who viewed The Whaler on Kaanapali Beach also viewed

Ka\
4 of 5 stars 1,615 Reviews
Lahaina, Maui
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d101357?&src=ShowUserReviewsHotels&fromServlet=ShowUserReviews&Action=QC_AlsoViewed
Aston Kaanapali Shores
4.5 of 5 stars 1,178 Reviews
Lahaina, Maui
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d87290?&src=ShowUserReviewsHotels&fromServlet=ShowUserReviews&Action=QC_AlsoViewed
Aston Mahana at Kaanapali
4.5 of 5 stars 858 Reviews
Lahaina, Maui
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d87306?&src=ShowUserReviewsHotels&fromServlet=ShowUserReviews&Action=QC_AlsoViewed
View all 30 hotels in Lahaina, ranked by popularity »

Been to The Whaler on Kaanapali Beach? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos Add Videos

Additional Information about The Whaler on Kaanapali Beach

  • Whaler On Kaanapali Beach Lahaina
  • Whaler Kaanapali
  • Whaler Kaanapali Beach
  • Kaanapali Beach
  • Whaler
  • The Whaler Maui
  • Whaler On Kaanapali Beach
Address: 2481 Kaanapali Pkwy, Lahaina, Maui, HI 96761
Price range (per night):* INR11,016 - 21,250

Owners: What's your side of the story?

If you own or manage The Whaler on Kaanapali Beach, register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.

  • Manage your listing
The Whaler on Kaanapali Beach
Show the lowest price for this hotel (from our partners)
Show Prices