Having the hardest time deciding

Question

So I'm coming to Maui with my wife and 4 year old daughter. We are getting a car but we also like the idea of being in walking distance of shops and restaurants. Don't want to have to get in a car every night and find food. We definitely want to be close to a beach as well. These are the hotels we are deciding between. Also open to suggestions.

Aston Kaanapali Villas. Seems hit or miss. Some rooms might be dated. The middle of the pack as far as price goes. Just don't want a dated old room.

Honua Kai Resort & Spa. The most expensive of the bunch. Some reviews say not worth the extra money. Does look like they have a great pool set up with a lazy river and all of that.

Outrigger kaanapali beach resort. Cheapest of the bunch. No kitchen but close to Whalers village for shopping and eating which is nice. The no kitchen might be a deal breaker. Still on the list though.

The Whaler. Close to Whalers Village a tad less expensive then Honua Kai and looks to be a better location walking wise as far as food goes?? Atleast I think 🤔 like the fact they say the include beach chairs and all that.

Answer

Choosing the right accommodation in Kaanapali for a family with a young child depends on your priorities: beach access, pools and kid-friendly amenities, walking distance to restaurants and shops, and whether you want a kitchen. Here’s a breakdown of your options:

Aston Kaanapali Villas: Mid-range in price, generally solid but can be hit or miss depending on the unit. Many units have full kitchens which is great for families with a young child who may need snacks or simple meals. Beach access is good, but you’ll likely still want a car for exploring. Some rooms can feel dated, so consider requesting a recently renovated unit or one in a newer building.
Honua Kai Resort & Spa: High-end option with excellent pools, including a lazy river which is a big hit with kids. Beach access is great, and units are modern with kitchens. Walking distance to shopping and dining is a bit farther compared to Whalers Village, but the resort experience and kid-friendly amenities are hard to beat if you plan to spend lots of time onsite. Worth it if the budget allows and you prioritize resort amenities over walking to restaurants.
Outrigger Kaanapali Beach Resort: Most budget-friendly, very close to Whalers Village for restaurants, shopping, and entertainment. Beachfront location is excellent. Lack of kitchen may be inconvenient for a family with a young child unless you plan to eat out most meals. Pools are smaller than Honua Kai, so less focused on kid-specific water features.
The Whaler: Slightly less expensive than Honua Kai, great walking access to Whalers Village and nearby dining options. Beach chairs and some amenities included, units have kitchens which are good for families. Pool area is smaller than Honua Kai, but still a nice resort setup. Location and convenience are major pluses.

Other considerations:

If walking to restaurants and having immediate access to shops is a top priority, The Whaler and Outrigger are your best bets.
If resort pools, kid amenities, and a more modern, upscale stay are important, Honua Kai shines.
If having a full kitchen without spending the top-tier price is key, Aston Kaanapali Villas provides a good balance, but check for updated units.
For a 4-year-old, pool features like Honua Kai’s lazy river can make a big difference in daily enjoyment, but you’ll still want beach time which all options provide.

Recommendation: For a balance of convenience, beach access, and family-friendly features, The Whaler is an excellent choice if you want to walk to dining and shops while having a kitchen. If budget allows and you want a resort-focused experience with standout pools for your daughter, Honua Kai is worth the splurge. Aston Kaanapali Villas is a solid mid-range option if you prioritize a kitchen and don’t mind checking unit quality in advance.

Having the hardest time deciding

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