We had Room 316 on the first floor overlooking Kaanapali Beach. It was perfect. The room was beautiful, and the bedrooms and baths were up to date and always clean. We enjoyed just sitting on our lanai watching the people on the boardwalk or in the ocean. I enjoyed the first floor as we could just step over the rope and be on the boardwalk. I always enjoyed walking up and down the beach. We walked to Black Rock and enjoyed Whaler's Village. Try the Nachos or burgers at Leilani's. Great food and a beautiful view. Kimo's in Lahaina is a favorite, especially at sunset. Also enjoyed Hula Grill. Delicious fish as always. We saw several turtles at Black Rock, but our best snorkeling was at Honolua Bay. You have to go a ways out but perfect.

If you have time, Paia is a cute town on the opposite of the island. We enjoyed walking around the town, then heading just up the coast to watch the windsurfers ride.

Maui is our favorite vacation spot. Always something to do.

Long story short, I love this hotel. Kaanapali is not my favorite beach on Hawaii due to overcrowding, but this hotel is far enough from Whaler Village that it has a bit more privacy. Also, being one of the smaller hotels on that beach, it's possible to get pool chairs and use the fantastic BBQs! I've stayed here twice, and is the only hotel on Kaanapali that I would recommend whole-heartedly.

We have been staying at the Alii since it opened - 25+ years ago. We love it there.
However, I have to agree with one of the negative comments - that is that the rules have been gradually relaxed over the years. We find that we can no longer use the hot tub as it is usually filled with underage kids and the staff tolerates this though it is against the rules and signs are posted with an age limit. They do not enforce the restrictions.

Otherwise, we have always found the staff to be more than helpful especially the front desk, and security guards. All are friendly, polite and more than willing to provide whatever is needed for your comfort.

I agree some of the rooms are becoming rather unkempt. and in need of a remodel, but you get what you pay for. The property itself is wonderful and the setting great ( long, beautiful beach for walking and shopping ).. It is an older property so one must tolerate some water shut offs, etc. for repairs. However, it would be nice to be informed before making a reservation.

Regarding Brian, one of the pool staff - he has never been anything but helpful and polite. However, we have seen unruly and undisciplined children around the pool whose parents have not taught them any manners. I expect this might have been the case
in one of the reviews I read complaining about Brian. If anything, we have sometimes found the pool staff to be a little too tolerant of ill mannered adults who disrespect the rules (bringing beer bottles in, and undisciplined children throwing balls and other objects around (also against the rules) in the pool area.

The pool and office staff is ALWAYS friendly and helpful, many times going above and beyond expectations in making sure you enjoy your stay. We have grown to love many of the people there as though they are family - including Glenda, Ron, Dean, Kurt, Manny,
Brian, Sheldon, and Dan.
In recent years a change in management has not lived up to the Alii motto of Alii No ka Oi, but we are willing to tolerate it because of the wonderful people who work there and who try their best to insure you enjoy your stay.
(roughly translated - Nothing finer - the best!)

We chose the Kaanapali Alii and booked it through Maui Beachfront Rentals. In comparing the price we paid for the week, I believe we saved well over $1,000 instead of booking directly through the hotel. We received two free nights paying $500/night for the other five and it was well worth it. We have traveled extensively and have rarely felt that paying extra for ocean view was really worth it. It was here! Our view was superb from our 10th floor, large 2 bedroom, 2 bath. The lanai is huge and easily could accommodate the five of us. We watched whales as well as sunsets from the lanai. The Alii is on the best stretch of Kaanapali Beach. We walked to several of the many restaurants and bars along the beautiful beachfront walk. The grounds are beautiful, the barbeque area is really nice and cleaned thoroughly every night. The pool area is slated to undergo a complete overhaul in the fall. It is a rather nondescript pool, but there are plenty of lounge chairs, towels, and other pool/beach amenities. It is a relaxing setting...not a lot of action or crowds as in neighboring hotel pool areas. This stretch of beach is beautiful with many activities available and the Alii is a wonderful place to stay and to enjoy them.