The Whaler on Kaanapali Beach

Loved It!

We loved the Kaanapalli Beach. The hotel was fabulous in many ways - the employees were helpful...the room and views were great. The beach was clean, quiet and not crowded. The convenience of the location was perfect for our Maui exploring adventures. We would definitely go back.

Paradise in Hawaii

The Whaler was a dynamite place to stay! It was great to be able to make our own food most of the time. The price was comparable to all the other resorts on the beach but you have the full kitchen witch gives you the option of staying in if you want. It’s not as "cool" looking as some of the other places but the room was nicely done with granite and Koa wood cabinets in the bathroom and kitchen. The location is great too, right next door to Whaler’s Village. The bed was a bit hard but that is our only complaint. We would definitely stay there again.

Traveler's tip on recreational activities

Great rental bikes at West Maui Cycles! They were supper helpful also.

Great place in Kaanapali

Just returned from the trip to Maui, our first in Kaanapali area. Whaler exeeded our expectations with great location and service. We’ve got an ocean view studio that was completely remodeled and featured brand new stainless steel appliances, cherry wood cabinets, huge king-size bed with nice plush matress, LDTV with DVD player and walk-in closet. Our stay was very comfortable and service was great. We had our return flight late in the evening and were allowed late check-out and use of the pool for the whole day. Everyone was very friendly and happy to please. There was couple of good restaurants nearby in the Whalers Village: Hula Grill, Cane & Taro. Snorkeling was wonderful in the walking distance from the hotel at the Black Rock: turtles and lots of fish. We had a wonderful time and will definitely come back.

Traveler's tip on getting the most out of your stay

We went on a sunset cocktail cruise (Teralani catamaran) and liked it a lot. There is also a great snorkeling in the Honolua Bay.

terrific location

Very nice to have the extra touches: blender, toaster and even pitchers. Our room was very private, with nice furnishings and even the balcony had 4 chairs and a dining table. Felt like a home away from home. The pathway to the whaler village and surrounding area is nice - plus there is the ubiquitous ABC STORE!

Traveler's tip on recreational activities

Maui dive shop has some excellent snorkel excursions -especially the Alii Nui catamaran, talk to Wendy. Buzz’s Wharf restaurant was excellent.

Love Maui

This was the first time in 30 years we have traveled without our children. We had a wonderful time at the Whaler. Great pool and service. We were in walking distance of all the fun that Kannapali Beach has to offer. We will be back!

Traveler's tip

Just an FYI I was ill in the middle of the night and the local Safeway was open past midnight to meet my needs

The Whaler

Nice place, good location. Room was ok, but the bed had a mattress that needs to be replaced.

The Whaler

This was our third time staying there. The accomodations were lovely, we had one bed, one bath, ocean view condo. Large and very nicely furnished. Full kitchen.Still some construction going on,but nothing early in the morning, many of the condos are being upgraded.Parking garage usuable but still some construction. The Whaler is right next door to Whaler Village, most convenient location ever, and why stay in a small hotel room when you can have a nice large condo? We will go back again. Take your laptop if you want,condos all equiped with Internet Access.

Traveler's tip on dining

If you are prepared to spend some big bucks, dont miss Mama’s in Paia, or Merrimens about 15 minutes away. Amazing food.In Lahina if you like shrimp and a little craziness, Bubba Gumps , reasonable prices and Paradise Burger.

Great location

Wonderful location, kitchen facilities and overall size and comfort of the room made this a great place to stay.

Great Maui Location

This was a great location on the Ka’anapali Pkwy. Next door to Whaler’s Village and a couple excellent restaurants (the fish tacos at Leilani’s on the Beach were incredible). Also adjacent to Black Rock where the snorkling was best we’ve seen in Hawaii (and we LIVE here!). We literally had to give the sea turtles room! We stayed in an ocean view studio with a pull down bed. Very nice, clean and comfortable room. Yes, the constuction was still on-going but we were on the other side of the building and it didn’t bother us. They were pretty good about not starting too early in the AM or working late, so don’t be too concerned about it. Would absolutely recommend and would stay there again.

Traveler's tip on dining

Leilani’s, by the Whaler was great, as was the Hula Grill. Also enjoyed Cool Cat Cafe in Lahina for great burgers, but the DO NOT MISS is Pacific’O at 505 Front Street. They boast Maui’s top chief--we were sold. We had lunch there on our first day and our last (dinner menu is pricey). I had just returned from Afghanistan so Hertz gave us a free upgrade to a Mustang convertible and said it was the ONLY way to see Maui (Hana Road, Western Drive, etc)--they were RIGHT!

Great location with kitchen

The Whaler is a great place to stay - very centrally located on Kaanapali Beach within easy walking distance to Whaler’s Village, restaurants, etc. Beach is steps from the hotel. Having the full kitchen in the unit was extremely convenient and decreased meal costs considerably. The only issue was that we had "ants" - I’m still not convinced that’s what they were - and although the hotel was extremely quick to come spray for them, we had them throughout the duration of the stay. Not a significant issue as long as food was put away and dishes in the dishwasher. Courtyard construction was taking place during out visit and we were given a room on the 10th floor on the opposite side of the construction, limiting noise. Staff is friendly and efficient. No restaurant on site, but Hula Grill and Leilani’s are right next door. Owners took pride in their unit and had a book for visitors to record their experiences. Would definitely stay again.

Traveler's tip on saving a few bucks

With a kitchen in the unit and the ability to cook, it’s convenient to stop into either Walmart or Costco (right outside the Kahului airport) or the Kaanapali Safeway.

This was our 19th trip to the islands

We had been to view The Whaler property in the past, but had never stayed there. It was wonderful and we had a lovely suite with a view. There was construction around, but it was not a problem. Would definitely plan to stay there again, probably later this summer.

Great Place to Stay

Very nice, construction in progress, a little loud at times.

Not impressed. Look for better deals with their current construction.

Decided to stay here due to the great reviews. There was a lot of construction, and it was noisy, which definitely detracted from the relaxing atmosphere. The grounds were pretty much all torn up outside the lobby. Even though we paid for an "ocean view", you could only see the ocean if you looked out at an angle or if you went out on the balcony and then looked all the way to the left. More like building-view and tennis courts with construction equipment view. They charge you for $12/day for parking, and since half the parking garage was filled with construction vehicles and supplied there was a problem with enough parking when you got back in the evening after dinner. Our particular room didn’t have a "Please remove your shoes, Mahalo" sign, so the carpet was very dirty, which made the soles of our feet dark. Found out the bathtub drain was broken as well, so the one time in my life when I actually take a bath (which is only on vacation), I had to wait 3 days for maintenance to fix it, so I just ended up shoving a washcloth in the drain. I have to be honest in my experience here, I probably would not stay again, or if I did, I’d definitely ask if there was construction going on. And the extra $$ paid for an "ocean-view" upgrage was NOT worth it. Would I stay here again, if it was quiet, not torn up, less for the room, and clean carpet? Sure. Just make sure you call ahead and ask about parking and the construction going on.

Great Condo - fantastic beach

Location, location, location is ideal, right next to Whalers Village, great beach out front, our condo room was completely remodeled, very nice, good outdoor cooking facilities, view from every room

Traveler's tip on dining

Eat at least 2 meals in the condo, food near is expensive and at peak times the wait is long, also recommend take out, good bet is Okazuya on Lower Honoapiilani Rd (north of Kaanapalii), also highly recommend one of the dinner cruises, scenery is fantastic, especially on a clear night

Location, Location, Location

I was there 09/29/08 ~ 10/12/08. The Whaler is in a fantastic location on West Maui for me. The garden view studio was adequate; its not exactly the paragon of luxury. There are two nice golf courses across the street and great snorkeling up the beach at Black Rock. There always seems to be a Turtle around somewhere and I even saw a stingray this year. There is not a fancy pool with floating bars and water slides but I do not go to Hawaii to swim in a pool. I knew there was going to be some construction but I was surprised to find out just how loud a backhoes hydraulic jackhammer can be. I had to walk down the beach to escape the racket. So be sure you check out if there is any construction going on.

Traveler's tip on saving a few bucks

There’s a Costco not far from the Airport. If you need stuff for the beach, food or suntan lotion, it’s the place.

Whale Of A Hotel

our stay at the Whaler was unforgettable and we would recommend it to anybody staying in Maui.

Second trip

This was our second trip to Maui and our second time staying at the Whaler. We Love that it is a condo and has a kitchen in the room and bar-b-que areas on the grounds. The hotel was under construction, but we still enjoyed our stay. We plan on returning again sometime!

Under Construction

The Whaler will be fine once the renovations are complete

Nice location beside Whaler’s Village

The location of this condo can’t be beat for the price and quality. Being right beside Whaler’s Village and just a short drive from Lahaina is great. I asked for a ocean front studio and only received a room adjacent to the courtyard with a side view of the ocean, but fine for watching sunsets and eating breakfast. Construction was going on when I arrived and they instantly refunded me 100$ for my seven night stay. The beach in front of the condo is great for swimming.

Right up there with the brand name resorts and more personable! Many trips and this place is great!!

The outdoor landscape is nearly finished but under contruction and didn’t bother us one bit. Easy, clean and quiet to all ammeneties. Staff was friendly, kind and helpful. Beautiful resort, landscape, pool, hot tub and fabulous beach spot. Management gave us a surprise welcome basket filled with Hawaian fruits, locally grown coffee and island candies, plentiful and delicious. Completely stocked new kitchen items - clean! Large bathroom, storage and dressing closet, lots of dresser storage, bathtub and shower; dining area. All spacious, new everything, and clean. Fabulous viewm gardens and ocean. Excellent location. Security parking, well lit everywhere. The best we’ve stayed at in 4 Hawaiian vacations and hope to return to Whaler soon.

Traveler's tip on getting the most out of your stay

Whaler - enjoy the 5* location and quality w/out the price of neighbors. Great rooms/ammeneties, paved beach walk connecting shopping, restaurants, first class resorts and Hwy 30. Best overall area on Maui for all ages, did not feel crowded. LaHaina - 15 min - more shopping, restuarants, attractions, good for every age and on the oceanfront. Kimo’s best seafood and sunset views - reservations. Ka’anapali beach area is close to most attractions and yet hosts very relaxing resorts.

Best location on Kaanapali Beach

The Whaler is centrally located on Kaanapali Beach, making it the easiest condo to access shopping, beach activities,and restaurants. The views from the lanai were spectacular, and our condo was perfect for our family of four. My two sons had enough space for all their teenage stuff, and my husband and I had privacy as well. I would recommend The Whaler to future travelers staying on Maui.

Stay at a condo when you come to Maui and Kaanapali Beach. The hotels are expensive, but you can have a great room with more space by staying in a condo. Food prices can put a big dent in a family vacation budget, but eating at least one meal in your condo can save big $$$.

Great Location, Rooms Variable and construction is going on

The Whaler is a perennial favorite of ours, and we will definitely return, but if you’re planning on going soon be aware there is construction going on on the inner courtyard. In recent trips we were given either upper floor or outward facing rooms which were both fine to keep us away from construction noise, but be sure if you’re going any time soon that this is specified up front. We’ve found that the units, which are privately owned, are highly variable in condition. Some are great, others are very worn. Be firm when you check in and don’t accept a substandard unit or poor view. The best units are upper floor facing the inner courtyard. North facing units get the sunset but essentially all upper floors have great ocean and mountain views. Location is great for those who like a resort with more activity. Kaanapali beach walk is great for exercise walking or jogging. Great sandy beach and snorkeling at Black Rock are right in your front yard. Good shopping and dining is right next door. Pool is minimalist but adequate, get your towel down early though, becuase some of the venerable owners and return guests seem to live to stake out the prime pool chairs at dawn!

Traveler's tip on dining

Make reservations at the Hula Grill (right next door in Whalers Village) for dinner the night you arrive. Take a time just after sunset, get there a little early to request a Lanai table, and have a drink watching the incomparable Maui sunset. Peter Merriman, one of the luminaries of Hawaiian regional cuisine, is the executive chef and the fish dishes are very good. Prices are moderate, and there are usually very reasonably priced wine selections. Plus it is a short walk home.

Great place and convenient

My husband and I stayed at the Whaler for 10 nights while on our honeymoon. We were very impressed with the room decor, view of the ocean, full kitchen, walk-in closet, and how convenient the location was. It is on a great spot of the beach, next door to shops and restaurants, and just minutes from downtown Lahaina. During our stay, there was construction going on outside in the gardens. Therefore, the hotel gave us a $100 traveler’s check for the inconvenience. I thought that was nice! Here’s my only complaint. We were supposed to arrive on Monday, however our flight was cancelled due to weather conditions and we weren’t able to get another flight until the next day. Therefore, we decided to extend our honeymoon for the 1 night that we missed. The Whaler charged us for the night we weren’t there, plus the additional night. I understand that they have cancellation policies, but since this circumstance was out of our hands it would have been nice for them to be more understanding.

Wonderful place. Will go back again!

2 yrs. ago stayed at a higher priced resort a few doors down. Decided to try the Whaler this time since we were taking our 15 year old son. Extremely satisfied. We had a garden view which was a ground level space, but was very private, and felt like it was our very own space alone. The unit we stayed in was in Tower 2 and was very well kept, clean, everything you needed. We plan on going back again and will definitley stay at the Whaler again. Hope all the units are this nice! Only draw back, check in area was under construction outside. But wasn’t enough to bother me! My 15 year old loved it also.

Traveler's tip on local attractions

The first time we were here we went to the Old Lahaina Luau, this time we did the Sheraton, if you’ve never been, it’s well worth the extra money to do the Old Lahaina Luau. Also, ABC store in Whalers Village is a great place to get supplies.

Great place on the beach.

Great place to stay on Kanapali Beach in Maui. Close to all the action-shopping, restuarants, water sports, and island adventure. We had a great time exploring the island from our comfortable Resortquest condo based at The Whaler on Kanapali Beach. Great snorkeling just a few yards up the beach, with great shopping and resurants next door. Great trip for snorkeling on the Quicksilver boat out of Maalaea Bay to Molokini & La Perouse Bay. Also, don’t miss the beautiful drive to Hana. Would definitely return again.

Traveler's tip on local attractions

The Old Lahaina Luau was the best-really friendly staff, great food, and great traditional hula/polynesian dancing. The Quicksilver A.M. snorkeling cruise out of Maalaea. The Hula Grill on Kanapali Beach and Milagros resturant in Paia were very good food and unsual seafood dishes not seen on the mainland.