We had a great honeymoon!
By A Yahoo! Contributor, 10/29/07
When booking our honeymoon, we knew we wanted a place with a private beach, and access to local activities/entertainment. We booked the Maui Kaanapali Villas based on internet reviews (and pictures) and it met--and exceeded--our expectations.
We stayed in room 616 (in the Aloha Tower), which was a one-bedroom studio with a kitchen and ocean view. The kitchen and bathroom were nicely upgraded (new cabinetry, full-size refrigerator, new oven, stove, and dishwasher), but the bedroom area was a little more modest. Also, the lanai off the room was just big enough to stand on. I had envisioned a larger outdoor patio, which some units have, but ours was small. It really didn't matter, but if that matters to you, you might want to call and request a room with a larger patio.
Everything was clean and the staff was wonderful (extremely friendly). The beach in front of the property is by far one of the high points of this hotel. It is gorgeous, and quiet, with some of the best snorkeling reefs in West Maui! They also have a restaurant on the property, "The Castaway Cafe" which is located right on the ocean, and was extremely convenient. We ate many meals there... the prices are low and the food was delicious (plus, happy hour $1.50 draft beer!). While we were there, the main pools (on the beach, next to the cafe) were being completely renovated. If we had kids, that would have been a disappointment, since the other pool is not overlooking the ocean (and it's smaller). But, when they are completed, they will be a huge asset to the property.
A trolley runs (for free!) from the Villas to surrounding hotels and the nearby Whaler's Village. The hotel also has a travel corrdinator which was extremely helpful when booking activities. We received discounts at a local spa for 90 minute massages, tips on helicopter tours (which I HIGHLY recommend), and driving to Hana. We will definitely return to Maui Kaanapali Villas, it was great.
If you really love having valet parking, a bellman, and an elaborate lobby, this hotel isn't for you. If you want a place on a beautiful beach, with local access to restaurants, shopping, golf, etc. for a lower price (less than the $500+ night nextdoor hotels), consider the Kaanapali Villas. We loved it there.