I've been to Maui many times and have always stayed at the Whaler. This trip was the most (actually, the only) disappointing one we've taken there. Heed warnings of prior reviews...the construction there is awful - no landscaping, jackhammers and backhoes running all day - it's like Beirut on a bad day. Future visitors be forewarned - they are closing the pool in September. Maybe I'll go back one day once construction is complete, but I won't rent directly from an individual unit owner again. We weren't told about the construction prior to our trip (even though the owners KNEW we had stayed there many times and that we chose the units we did because of the great courtyard view, people watching and "serenity"). I feel like I've been duped. If you do go between now and end of 2009, book through the Whaler itself. Occupancy seemed pretty low (gee, I wonder why?) and at least by going through them you have the option to change rooms to one of the outward facing sides vs. courtyard facing. We had no options but to deal with the deafening noise, dirt and ugly view. If you do get stuck there, go to the Barefoot Bar at Hula Grill and ask the bartenders for a Jackhammer (Amy's special drink with a dark rum floater). It takes the edge off! Good luck.

I stayed at The Whaler from 8/7 thru 8/20 and had a great time in this unit. It was in tower 1 facing Black Rock and the lanai opens right out into the side garden with a perfect view of the ocean and Black Rock. I couldn't hear any of the construction but parkign is kind of a pain since alot of the spaces are being used for construction so if you don't get underground parking early you'll be parking outside.

The studio was furnished nicely and I liked the accomodations better than my stay at KBH last year. I would recommend it.

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