I want to warn anyone that has booked a room facing the courtyard that there will be constant, very loud noise from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm Monday-Friday. We booked through an owner for 2 rooms, on high floors, one back from ocean front in tower 1. We were not told of the construction and awoke on the first morning to a loud jack-hammering noise. We called the realtor and management company and they ended up moving us to a 2bdrm ocean front unit. I would not advise getting any room that faces the courtyard until the construction is complete. You cannot sit on your lanai because the noise level is so high. We picked our rooms because they faced the courtyard and on a previous visit, it was the perfect location to hear the ocean, not now though. Run, don’t walk, away from the Whaler until the construction is complete!!

The Whaler, Maui, Unit 201; check "www.mauikauai.com".
Our family had a wonderful experience in Maui. This condo is
right on the Kaanapali Beach and near the Whaler's village. The Unit has been remodeled with a beautiful kitchen and baths and
even "Tommy Bahama" furniture!! Spectacular views of the
pool, ocean,Black Rock etc. The "Wrap around deck" is
incredible, we had breakfast out there every morning! It
doesn't get much better than that! The owners of this unit have
spared no expense in remodeling this Unit. Check it out!

Pat Coppe
Saratoga, California

We just got back from our trip to Maui. I had read the reviews of the hotel before we left, and found them helpful.

The hotel is under construction, which was the only inconvenient part. The rooms I saw and stayed in were a bit older--some dated, but that didn't seem to matter because the views are amazing, the beach in front is private, and the staff is the best I've seen. They were so honest, sincerely helpful, prompt, and friendly.

Our concierge, Vida, was helpful and friendly.

If you are on a budget, you can easily forgo the Molokini trips for snorkeling and just head to black rock up by the Sheratin. Off all the trips we took, the best snorkeling was to be had in our own neighborhood!! Also, my 11 and 13 year old sons did the "5 Star Scuba" experience up at the Sheratin with Sean as instructor. I cannot say enough positive about that experience. Everyone involved with "5 Star" was so helpful and patient with the boys. I would recommend that experience for anyone who wants to "dabble" at scuba diving. My boys were thrilled and were under water for 45 minutes to an hour--after training in the nearby pool. Just fabulous people and experience.

We ended up at the whaler by accident. We were supposed to be at the Mahana up the road but they completely stuffed up out booking for 7 people and only booked one apartment. The Whaler is by far better. The beach is great whereas the other hotel's beach area was full of coral and you couldn't really swim there. Also much better placed, right next to Whaler Village and restaurants. Our condo's were okay nothing really flash but we had stayed at the Embassy Suites in Waikiki and they are very nice so you have to put it in perspective. Staff were all fantastic and they ladies on the sightseeing desk were well informed and great with recommendations. Had a great stay in Maui and would return to the Whaler again. Go and see Lynn down by the pool area and he will set you up with a great pair of Maui Jims. Tell him the Kiwis who play real football sent you!!.We also flew in on Island Air to the small airstrip up the road (about 10mins) and flew out at the bigger airport to Honolulu at night which is about 45mins away. We did not end up hiring a car since we were not confident driving on the other side of the road but probably will next time. there is an ABC in the Whaler Village next door for a few basics.