We stayed at the resortquest Kaanapali shores from 12/28/07 thru 1/2/08. We took our entire family which numbered about 20. I had read a lot of reviews for different places to stay on Maui and this place seemed the best. I had read some poor reviews, not very many and most of the reviews were ALL good, but I was still a bit worried. I was VERY VERY happy when we got to the resort. It was all and MORE than we expected. We had 4 condo units with ocean view. Rooms 737 and 752 were remodeled and were very luxurious. I can't remember the other room #'s, but they were very nice as well.The restaurant on site was very resonable and had good food. We saw a few whales while eating breakfast. My husband and I renewed our 32nd wedding anniversary vows on the beach. We went through Madie Galafant. She is the wedding coordinator at the resort. She did a fantastic job, and was very resonably priced. She also helped us get tickets for the Warren and Annabele magic show. That show was amazing and it is at the top of my list for things to do while in Maui. None of us could figure out how he did the things he did and to top it off, he is incredibly funny. This show sells out weeks in advance, so you will need reservations. The pools were very spacious and clean. There were a lot of people there, but we never felt crowded. The bar/restaurant are right beside the big pool and are good about coming to check and see if you want anything. The bar also has a tv and a lot of the guys were watching the football game. The grounds are absolutely gorgeous. When we checked out we left our video camera in the safe in our room. When we got home and unpacked we realized this and called the next day. After several calls, our video camera was found and they are mailing it to us! AMAZING!!!!!! We were totally sad as our entire video from the vow exchange was on it. We plan on returning to Maui and would not even think about staying anywhere else. Everything was a TEN!

When my wife and I began planning our honeymoon, we spoke with a travel agent, who recommended the Kaanapali Shores to us. Now I ALWAYS book travel myself online and I NEVER use a travel agent, but surprisingly, the travel agent was able to get me a better price for a flight/car/hotel package than I would have gotten online. That being said, I have a tendency to always try to book the finest hotel out there, but when I began to research prices, I just didn't want to spend $500/night at the Westin or Hyatt for the 5 star experience. Many of my friends have stayed at the aforementioned, however for the same total price, I was able to stay 3 or 4 days longer for the same total price, which I would highly recommend.

When I originally booked the hotel, I was a little confused how the place operated since they are supposedly individually owned units. Let me tell you that this place is a HOTEL. The lobby is gorgeous, the landscaping is unreal, the staff is over-the-top, there is housekeeping, a concierge, and you have the ability to charge meals and services to your room... From a guest’s perspective, the place operates no differently than any other resort.

We checked into the hotel at night, after a LONG flight from Buffalo, and after a quick and easy check-in, we were shown to our 6th floor studio room. I did offer the check-in clerk $50 for a room upgrade, but he told me the hotel was booked, which was understandable considering it was early July. When I booked, I opted for the studio because it was cheaper, and since there were only two of us, room size was not an issue. We entered the room and were extremely impressed. Hardwood floors, new Tommy Bahama furniture, much nicer than a typical hotel room, and larger also. The kitchenette was well equipped, and although we had good intentions at the outset, we really didn't put it to use. The bed was a Murphy bed (pull down from the wall) and was reasonably comfortable. The screened in balcony was nice, and although it wasn't considered a premium view, it wasn't a bad view. Housekeeping came everyday to sweep up the sand, make the bed, and deliver new towels.

We didn't take advantage of too many of the services at the resort although there were plenty (salon, gift shops, massage, gym) we did however spend a fair amount of time at the Beach Club Restaurant. I must say that this is not your typical hotel restaurant. My wife and I went there for breakfast almost everyday. The food was EXCELLENT and INEXPENSIVE. Breakfast for the two of us averaged about $20 for the both of us. There was a cheery waiter by the name of Myeron who often served us, and some of my best Hawaiian memories are of looking out at the ocean, eating French toast with coconut syrup with my wife at the Beach Club. We never ate any other meal there, but I did sip many a Mai Tai (nice happy hour specials) from the Beach Club bar while hanging at the pool or beach, which is just steps away.

The beach here is PERFECT. I read a few reviews here that the beach is rocky and such, but I think that’s nonsense. This stands up to any of the beaches in Florida, and I think some people just need to find a flaw. The beach isn't extremely deep, but it never felt crowded. It is the beach you think of when you think paradise.

There are two pools here, one in the courtyard, closer to the hotel, and another pool between the beach and the Beach Club restaurant. I never went to the first pool, only the second, and it was great. I was afraid because of the price there would be a ton of obnoxious kids, but surprisingly there were few. Waiters came around to take drink orders which was nice as well.

In terms of location, the hotel was in a nice spot. There are two stretches of Kaanapali Beach; one North of Black Rock and one South of Black Rock. This hotel is North of Black Rock. This is definitely the quieter stretch. The fancier hotels (Hyatt, Westin) are on the South stretch as is Whalers Village. There is also a nice path that stretches along the South stretch in front of all those hotels. I have to admit that it would have been nice to be on that stretch, but not that nice that I would have paid more to be there. It is a two minute drive there from the North Stretch, which we did a few nights. You cannot walk to that stretch along the beach for various reasons.

In terms of where to stay on the island, Kaanapali Beach/Lahaina is where you want to be. We spent a lot of time exploring the island and believe me, there is a reason why Kaanapali is the older section; if you had the undeveloped island to yourself, the most desirable place to build a resort would be Kaanapali, hands down. There is a reason that all the newer developments are in Wailea, because that is the part of the island that nobody wanted. Still nice, but nothing compared to Kaanapali. Do yourself a favor and stay away from Kihei and Wailea.

NO DOUBT, I will go back to Maui and stay at the Kaanapali Shores, no doubt. Not the finest hotel on Maui for sure, but the cost savings will allow you to extend your stay, and you'll be glad you did. This is as nice as a hotel I have ever stayed in, and I have done a good amount of traveling. I'll finish up with a few DO's and DON'T's for your Maui stay:

DO's:
Do stay at the Resortquest Kaanapali Shores
Do eat breakfast at the Beach Club restaurant
Do purchase the book Maui Revealed. The restaurant reviews are spot on
Do snorkel at Black Rock. Park at the Sheraton, rent the gear at the shack on the beach for $5 or whatever and snorkel
Do the road to Hana, just don't stay there (see my review of the Hana Maui Kai)
Do rent a convertible
Do eat dinner at Roys, Plantation House, David Paul's
Do Bike down the Volcano. I understand that they have suspended that trip, but if they continue it, do it. My wife hasn't rode a bike in years, she was nervous, and it turned out to be the highlight of her, and my, trip

DON'T's:
Don't stay anywhere else but Kaanapali
Don't do the snorkel to Molokini trip (see my review of the Pacific Whale Foundation Four Winds II) save your money and snorkel at Black Rock
Don't eat at Cheesburger in Paradise. Super expensive for a McDonalds quality burger
Don't spend the night in Hana. Kaanapali is paradise and if you leave you'll wish you didn't

We stayed in one of the studio penthouse condos on the 9th floor with a distant ocean view. The room was in good condition with older quality furniture. The A.C. was at best adequate, but was overly noisy. The good part: firm bed, no noise from other rooms or outside, full kitchen, nice beach onsite. The bad: no washer/dryer in unit, small lanai. At best it is a good choice only if the price is right when you book it as compared to your other choices. Shop well for the best choice for your needs. Unlike Oahu, Maui does not offer much in terms of budget dining so a kitchen is useful and there is a Safeway Supermarket across the street with the usual high island costs. (the meat looked n.g.) In any event do not eat at hotel restaurant as it is not of high quality. We liked the restaurant two condos down. Walk left from Kaanapoli Shores on the beach path. (Sorry, for forgetting the name)

Just returned from my 9th visit to Maui and my 4th consecutive stay at the Kaanapali Shores. I highly recommend this hotel for many reasons; it is located on one of the top ten beaches in Hawaii, it is a perfect location with easy access to downtown Lahaina, the rooms are clean and beautifully furnished with both garden and ocean views, but most importantly because everyone that works there creates the most welcoming environment by living the Aloha spirit in everything they do.

As a Manager in the Service industry on the Mainland, I set very high expectations on great service; which means only superior service will meet my expectations. And the staff has continued to exceed my expectations.

From the first stop at the Front Desk, to the concierge desk, the housekeeping staff, fitness center, the hotel stores, the poolside crew and the restaurant, there is consistent dedication to spreading that Aloha spirit and ensuring my stay is the best it can possibly be. I sent my parents there for their anniversary this past May and their experience was just as wonderful!

Mahalo nui loa! See you next year!