Where to Stay on Maui, Hawaii: Wailea vs Kaanapali | How to Pick the Place Right for You

We split our last trip between the two areas: first Kaanapali where we did a lot more activities (whale watch, snorkeling, west maui loop, etc) and then spent the back half of our vacation in Wailea, where the focus is much more geared toward putting your feet up on a deck chair with a drink and a book as you watch the whale spouts and wait for the sunset. We love Ka'anapali but prefer Wailea since it's so close to Kihei and generally just more centrally located.

Spent my childhood vacationing in the Ka'anapali area, so I'm partial to it. Like the nightlife that Lahaina provides and all the water activites during the day.

Wife and I are headed over in February! Thank you for all the great UPDATED information. Great channel.

You can't go wrong! We visit Maui once a year and usually a different month/time of year. Prefer Kihei area, central for us to go in any direction and we venture out almost daily. Sunsets are just gorgeous there. Love beaches and snorkeling on both sides. Busier on Lahaina side and quieter in the Kihei area. We have also stayed in Hana which is your super chill town and we loved exploring that side for a few days. Not just doing the drive but really checking out all it has to offer that you don't see from the road. Red and Black Sand Beach and of course the Bamboo forrest all the way to the waterfall. Paia is my favorite little gem of a town. Love your videos!

We went twice in 2019. We stayed in Wailea first and Kaanapali second. It's basically Wailea/Kihei vs Kaanapali/Lahaina/Napili Bay, because those areas are so close together. My wife and I both agree...Kaanapali - hands down and that's where we will return to after the pandemic.

Been to Maui 17 times. Have stayed in both locations but we prefer Kaanapali and always stay at KBH. We always take a day trip or two to Wailea during our stay.

They're both beautiful areas, but I'm a big Ka'anapali fan. We'll be staying there again in a few days but also have plans to chill in Wailea too. Always love your vids and its great you're raising your little man to have an appreciation for one of the most beautiful places on earth.

Mahalo, another great video! We looked at both areas when we were there. Whalers Village was a huge disappointment due to the horrendous parking charges just to look around. The mall at Wailea was a lot more friendly until they started to charge for parking to shop, it’s far more expensive than mainland parking, that’s another reason when shopping to go into Kahului and shop there. Personally we like staying in Kihei using a condo just across from the beach with plenty of reasonably priced restaurants and easy access to the grocery stores, but to each, their own. Aloha you three, stay safe!

My wife and I have stayed in Kaanapali at the Hyatt and we loved everything about it, the location activities going to Lahaina town. I agree with you that cost would come in to play and staying in Kaanapali affords us to 3 or 4 more days in Maui. We would go to Wailea for the day and enjoy the sites Kaanapali is where I would stay again. Great video guys, loved it. Mahalo Steve and Lori .

Stayed at the Westin Maui several times. Great location and beautiful resort. Great video thanks for sharing guys!

We actually like to split our time between Wailea and Kaanapali. We usually go for the resort experience for half the trip and typically go to Wailea. Like you said you get a more luxury experience in Wailea, and we think you get the best family experience and the Fairmont. It is absolutely amazing for Families with essentially an all suite set up. We have found we like the vacation rentals in Kaanapali a lot more than in Wailea since you are more likely to find a good vacation rental on the ocean in Kaanapali, and there are more driving adventures in West Maui vs South Maui, so we feel less inclined to be at a resort when we're in West Maui.

Thanks for another great video!

When we went to Maui we stayed in the Grand Wailea which is a nice and private resort that offered a beach with great snorkeling and reefs to visit, also an activity pool with bars and slides for people to enjoy. This is the more kid friendly hotel in Wailea and offers rooms and condos. Staying in the condos offered us a beautiful sunset along the resort.

Aloha! I am so excited to be planning my honeymoon on Maui in May 2022! We have already decided to break our honeymoon into two parts: 3 days on the East side of Maui where we'll stay at the Hamoa Bay Bungalow and zipline and hike and experience more adventurous things and then the final 4 days on the West side of Maui at the Royal Lahaina Resort where we plan to snorkel, kayak, beach comb, maybe have a spa day and take a sunset dinner cruise! I have enjoyed watching your videos. Perhaps you could create an itinerary for couples that want to break up their travels like I am planning! Just a thought. Mahalo!

We had a first time visit planned for April 2020, we were staying at a vacation rental in Lahaina. Looking forward to rescheduling once things settle down. Can’t wait to see Maui!

Love watching you guys. Very practical informations. My family just got back from Maui last week. Second time here , initial plans was at Kauai but due to stricter rules and vacation time from work getting closer , we decided to go back to Maui. Stayed this time at Westin villas at Kaanapali . Plenty of stores open to buy poke , shaved ice, loco moco and all this different Hawaiian dishes. Even got to do whale watching and then the next morning, just a walk from our hotel to the beach,was a whale, spouting water. Very exciting . And most importantly , the kids were able to play golf at Kapalua golf course . Their reason in joining us on this trip😉. Best time to go visit Maui is now, not as crowded yet & less traffic. Weather was perfect and everybody had a good time . We are already planning for our next Hawaiian trip and of course, I will be getting information from you, Jordan & Erika! Please continue sharing your experiences with us, I really enjoy your videos. Good luck and MAHALO🌻🌻🌻

You are the best channel about Hawaii! Ghank you!

We love Maui and will visit there soon.

Both, there’s so much to do on Maui. Divide your time and do the activities close to your accommodations. Don’t spend your whole vacation in the car, except to do the road to Hana.

Great content, thank you! We like Kana…lots to do! I especially like the adventures and tips on rental car companies.