Planning a trip to Maui and torn between the Marriott Maui Ocean Club and the various Westin properties in Kaanapali? You’re not alone! Each of these resorts offers a unique slice of paradise, but which one is the best fit for your dream vacation? Let’s dive into the details and find out. We’ll compare the following hotels:
- Marriot Maui Ocean Club
- Westin North and South Kaanapali Villas
- Westin Hotel at Kaanapali
- Westin Nanea
Kaanapali Beach offers a unique blend of luxury and convenience that sets it apart from other parts of the island of Maui. With its soft golden sands and crystal-clear waters, it’s the perfect spot for both relaxation and adventure. Unlike some of the more secluded beaches, Kaanapali is lined with top-notch resorts, providing easy access to the beach and a range of amenities. Imagine waking up to the sound of waves and stepping out of your hotel room straight onto the beach with your freshly brewed coffee in hand – pure bliss!
One of the standout features of Kaanapali Beach is its family-friendly atmosphere. The gentle waves and shallow waters make it a safe and enjoyable spot for kids to swim and play. Families can also enjoy a variety of activities together, from snorkeling at Black Rock to exploring the nearby Whalers Village, which offers shopping, dining, and even cultural experiences like traditional Hawaiian hula shows. There’s something for everyone, ensuring that both kids and adults have a memorable vacation.
For those seeking adventure, Kaanapali Beach is a haven for water sports. Snorkeling at Black Rock is a must, where you can swim alongside vibrant marine life, including colorful fish and giant sea turtles. Paddleboarding, jet skiing, and parasailing are also popular activities that will get your adrenaline pumping.
But what truly sets Kaanapali Beach apart is its vibrant atmosphere and stunning sunsets. The beach comes alive with a mix of locals and tourists, creating a lively and welcoming environment. As the day winds down, the sunsets at Kaanapali are nothing short of magical, with the sky painted in hues of orange and pink, casting a golden glow over the ocean.
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Access and Ease of Getting to the Beach
Most of these hotels are connected via the boardwalk that follows the beach/perimeter of this part of the island. The Maui Ocean Club weaves off of the boardwalk a bit, but there are signs for how to pretty easily get to the boardwalk again. All of these hotels are truly right on Kaanapali Beach, so you can’t go wrong with which hotel is directly on the beach. Below are some finer details about each hotel.
Marriott Maui Ocean Club: Nestled right on Kaanapali Beach, the Marriott offers direct beach access. You can step out of your room and be on the golden sands within minutes. The beach here is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and even some snorkeling.
Westin Hotel at Kaanapali: Located centrally on Kaanapali Beach, this hotel provides easy access to a lively beach scene and the bustling Whalers Village. Whalers Village is an open air shopping area that is right on Kaanapali Beach and the boardwalk. It’s perfect if you enjoy being in the heart of the action.
Westin North and South Kaanapali Villas: Both North and South Villas are also beachfront properties, with easy access to the quieter northern end of Kaanapali Beach. We have snorkeled here many times because there seem to be more fish and turtles in this area. The North Villas are slightly newer and have a more modern feel, while the South Villas offer a bit more space. These Villas are a 10 minute walk away from Nanea.
Westin Nanea: Situated at the northern end of Kaanapali Beach, Nanea offers a more tranquil beach experience. It’s a bit further from the main attractions, but the serene setting is worth it.
Hotel Rooms and Suites
- Marriott Maui Ocean Club: The rooms here are spacious and designed with families in mind. You’ll find suites with separate living areas, kitchenettes, and balconies with stunning ocean views. It’s like having a home away from home.
- Westin North and South Kaanapali Villas: Both properties offer villa-style accommodations with full kitchens, washers and dryers, and plenty of space. The North Villas have a more contemporary design, while the South Villas are slightly larger.
- Westin Hotel at Kaanapali: The rooms here are luxurious and modern, with a focus on comfort and style. Many rooms offer ocean views, and the Hokupa’a Tower provides exclusive amenities like a private bar and infinity edge cocktail pools.
- Westin Nanea: Nanea’s villas are the newest and most modern, featuring full kitchens, spacious living areas, and beautiful decor. It’s perfect for those who want a bit more luxury and privacy.
Pools
Marriott Maui Ocean Club: The Marriott boasts a massive “super pool” complex with waterfalls, a waterslide, and a separate kids’ pool. It’s a paradise for families and kids of all ages.
Westin Hotel at Kaanapali: This hotel features six outdoor pools, including an adults-only area and a large waterslide. The pools are beautifully designed and perfect for both relaxation and play.
Westin North and South Kaanapali Villas: The South Villas have a larger main pool with a waterslide, while the North Villas offer three smaller pools, including a pirate ship-themed kids’ pool. Both properties provide plenty of options for relaxation and fun.
Westin Nanea: Nanea offers a more serene pool experience with a lagoon-style pool, a children’s pool with a small slide, an activity area with water cannons, and access to the pools at the neighboring Westin Villas. It’s ideal for those looking for a quieter poolside experience.
Restaurants
- Marriott Maui Ocean Club: The Marriott offers several dining options, including a beachfront restaurant, a poolside bar, and a casual cafe. You’ll also find plenty of dining options within walking distance at Whalers Village.
- Westin North and South Kaanapali Villas: Both properties have multiple dining options, including Italian cuisine at Pulehu and casual fare at Pailolo Bar and Grill. Auntie’s Kitchen offers poolside dining with a Hawaiian twist. The Westin will also shuttle you directly to Whalers Village, and you can also walk the 1.4 miles to Whalers Village along the boardwalk.
- Westin Hotel at Kaanapali: The hotel features five restaurants and bars, ranging from fine dining at Waicoco Restaurant to casual eats at Mahele Market & Eatery. The variety ensures there’s something for everyone. Whalers Village and all the restaurants there are an easy 0.3 mile stroll away.
- Westin Nanea: Nanea’s dining options include Mauka Makai, which offers farm-to-table Hawaiian cuisine, and Inu Pool Bar for casual poolside dining. The resort’s proximity to Duke’s Beach House is a bonus for delicious beachfront dining.
Family Friendliness
- Marriott Maui Ocean Club: With its spacious suites, kid-friendly pools, and a variety of activities, the Marriott is a top choice for families. The resort also offers a kids’ club and plenty of family-friendly amenities.
- Westin North and South Kaanapali Villas: Both properties are great for families, with spacious villas, kid-friendly pools, and a variety of activities. The South Villas’ larger pool and waterslide are particularly popular with kids.
- Westin Hotel at Kaanapali: The hotel offers a children’s club, family-friendly pools, and activities like hula dancing and lei making. It’s a great option for families who want to be close to the action.
- Westin Nanea: Nanea is perfect for families looking for a quieter, more relaxed vacation. The spacious villas, children’s pool, and access to the amenities at the neighboring Westin Villas make it a great choice for families.
Booking Your Trip Soon? Here are Travel Resources to help you book easily and cost effectively.
Book Your Flight
I use Booking.com for flights. They offer flights on all of the airlines I’m interested in, and have deep filters that allow you to get really specific in what is going to work best for your family.
Book Your Hotel
I use Booking.com for hotels and other accommodations. They have a large repository of options, and the filters allow you to get really specific in what is going to work best for your family. Also, we’ve found that Priority Pass gives us access to all the airport lounges we need to keep our wee travelers comfortable, fed and quiet-ish.
Book Your Car Rental
I recommend using Booking.com for your trip to Maui. I’ve found that they’re inventory includes a solid range of vendors (like Ace, Alamo, Avis, National, Sixt and others), and is one of the few that let you rent from the airport as opposed to downtown Maui.
Book Your Tours & Adventures
I use Viator or Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences, and tend to check both because their offers vary depending on the location.
Use My Packing Checklist!
This is my own personal, comprehensive packing checklist that I use for trips to Maui with my kiddos. Download the Ultimate Packing List for Warm Weather
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