Westin or Hilton
First time visitor. We would like to stay at a Vacation Club due to layout. The beach is not as important to us as this is a quick two night prior to spending time at the beach at our next resort. Would you choose the Hilton Maui Bay Villas in Kihei or Westin Nanea?
I am leaning towards Maui Bay Villa due to proximity to the airport and it seems like a central location while we explore. Please correct me if I’m wrong!
Both the Hilton Maui Bay Villas in Kihei and the Westin Nanea offer excellent Vacation Club-style accommodations with villa layouts, making them convenient for short stays where comfort and space are priorities over beachfront access. Here’s a detailed comparison to help with your decision:
Hilton Maui Bay Villas (Kihei):
- Located in South Kihei, roughly 20–25 minutes from Kahului Airport, which is convenient for a short two-night stay.
- Central location makes it easy to explore Maui’s west and south side attractions such as Lahaina, Wailea, and Makena.
- Offers spacious villa units with kitchens, living areas, and washer/dryer—great for families or groups.
- Resort amenities include pools, BBQ areas, and some dining options, but it is not directly on a large sandy beach; the shoreline nearby is smaller and rocky.
- Shopping and grocery stores are nearby, making it convenient for quick stops.
Westin Nanea Ocean Villas (Ka’anapali area):
- Located in Ka’anapali on Maui’s west coast, about 35–40 minutes from the airport.
- Resort has luxury villas with full kitchens, washer/dryer, and expansive living areas.
- Beautiful resort pools, tropical landscaping, and access to nearby Ka’anapali Beach, although your stay is short so beach access may not be crucial.
- Close to the Whalers Village area for shopping, dining, and evening strolls.
- Generally higher nightly rates than Kihei properties, though you get a more resort-like experience.
Considering your priorities—short stay, villa layout, central location for exploring, and proximity to the airport—the Hilton Maui Bay Villas in Kihei is a sensible choice. It allows for easier logistics, more time to explore central Maui, and offers the Vacation Club villa experience without focusing on beach access. The Westin Nanea would be better if you wanted a more luxurious resort experience with immediate beach access and more on-site amenities, but for two nights, the travel time may not be worth it.
