dmpalena

We are planning a ten day trip to Maui next January. Originally planned on spending the entire time at the Whaler in Kaanapali, but after reading several posts on this site, we have decided to split our time between west and south Maui. Also we are concerned about the weather and understand that south Maui is more likely to be "sunny" in January.

Because we have already planned a two week vacation with our sons out West (Grand Canyon, Moab, Yellowstone and Grand Tetons), we are on a "budget" with this Hawaii trip. We were fortunate to get one roundtrip ticket free with our United Mileage Plus account. After falling in love with Maui after our first visit in August 2004, we decided this time to go when we could "see the whales".

We have a unit reserved at the Whaler for a reasonable price, but are having a tough time finding something within our budget for the Wailea/Makena area ($250/nt). It seems that all the exclusive hotels in the area are $500/nt and up. I did see some condos available in the Ekali Village in Wailea, but understand that these condos are not on the beach and have read mixed reviews about this complex.

I did find a reasonable rate with the Maui Prince (slightly above our budget, but it is an oceanview room--so they say anyway). Tried tripadvisor for reviews and they seem mixed on this place also. Some reviews criticized the rooms, others that this hotel is too far out of the way. It seems that most agree it is on a nice beach (which we are really looking for).

Anyone have any feedback on the Prince, or even the Ekali Village? I would really appreciate all the help I can get!!

Thanks to all for your anticipated responses!

fivestar

We just got home from Maui and Oahu. We went down to LaPerouse (sp) bay and on the way back we stopped at the Maui Prince. It seemed like a throw back from the 60's. We only walked around for a few minutes and saw the beach. The beached looked very nice, but the hotel was REALLY old looking. We saw pictures on tripadvisor of this place and we thought the rooms looked plenty big but the bathrooms looked like the grout was all stained black. If you don't mind the oldness of it you should go for it. It's only a five minute ride up to the Main hotels in Wailea. Makena is so beautiful. We love riding around Makena.

ms_go

We stayed at the Maui Prince last month, and I included some some comments in my trip report (which I just realized I never finished - ah, work....).

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=34781174

I also have some pictures from around the grounds in this album, although I neglected to take any pictures of our room:

http://community.webshots.com/album/549041179hrAiqG

I would characterize our room as dated but not shabby.

beanweb24

"Dated but not shabby" is an excellent description. We didn't stay there, but did have Sunday brunch there last month, and I totally agree with that assessment. Their Sunday brunch is fantastic, albeit a bit expensive -- about $80 for 2 adults. Fabulous buffet - one of the best I've been to and I'm normally not a buffet person. Unlimited champagne, too. Excellent views from the property. I actually like the location of that area -- out of the most congested areas in South Maui.

Ag3046

I adore the Maui Prince. It is on a superb swimming and snorkeling beach that is never crowded. It is tranquil and relaxing. The decor may not be the latest hot trend, but you are not paying for all that fake stuff anyway. I was told they are doing a cosmetic makeover of the rooms. If you do get an oceanview, one of the higher ones, you can see whales from your balcony. (best with binoculars). And the Sunday brunch is divine. The hotel will not satisfy those looking for non-stop action, trendy decor, people-watching, or splashy pool complexes. It is perfect, however, if you are interested in pure relaxation.

Ag3046

I had prearranged a trip where I was staying first at the Maui Prince, and then moving on to the Ritz-Carlton. I was staying in one of the larger suites at the Maui Prince and I really regretted moving to the Ritz. The Maui Prince was a real place. The Ritz was a big overhyped fake.

Gellers

Honestly, I think the Prince is much nicer than the Whaler.

dmpalena

Thanks so much for all your responses. I think after reading them, as well as the many posts made on tripadvisor by recent visitors, we will definitely try the Maui Prince in January. It would seem that the most common issue is that the hotel is "dated". But at the same time pretty much everyone admits that it is clean...which to me is so much more important.

I know it may not be as luxurious as the other five star hotels in Wailea, but we're not going to be spending much time in our room. I really like that everyone seems to agree that the beach is outstanding and that the snorkeling is very good at this location. I was wondering, though, is the water cold in January? I live close to the Jersey coast and the water here in the summer is never really warm so I usually don't swim at the Jersey shore. Besides there's just no comparison between the two places!!!

Anyway, thank you for all the input, it is much appreciated. Mahalo!

Ag3046

I was in Maui in January and I found the water was cold for Hawaii. It was a chilly surprise and not all that pleasant to get in the water, even though it looked divine. I would suggest you take a skin or some other light wetsuit-like covering for swimming. I also found that both the beach and water were too chilly to be really enjoyable when it was overcast.

dmpalena

Ag3046: After reading your last post, I'm not sure we made the right decision to go in January!!! I really loved the beach and water when we were there in August and especially enjoyed snorkeling. My husband was anxious to go this time in January or February so that we could experience the whales!

Also, do the days tend to be overcast in January? That was one of the reasons we chose to stay in Wailea because we thought the weather was more reliable.

I know we're talking about Hawaii (and I'm sure it's beautiful no matter when you go), but I was really hoping that we would enjoy the weather and water as much as our first trip.

Thanks all for your help!

Ag3046

I've been to Hawaii twice in January, three times in March, a couple of times in July, August, October. Once in January the water was blissfully warm. This last time the water was just cooler than I remembered. It wasn't unswimmable, just noticeably cooler. I'm sure the water in March would be just perfect, but I wouldn't change your plans. You will find Maui is so wonderful in all respects that you'll be planning your next trip before you've even left.

Ag3046

This is an interesting question, though. Maybe you should start another post about water temperatures in January and if they are comfortable for swimming, etc.