|
 Kaanapali
Shores - (Exclusive to Maui.US. See also
our Kaanapali Shores
review page) If you have been to Maui numerous times
like I have, you will know what formerly was the Aston
Hotels changed several years ago to ResortQuest. Well,
even more recently they have returned with much confusion
to the original Aston moniker. However, these changes
have not impeded the Kaanapali Shores for being one
of the best resort condominiums in West Maui.
The drive
from Kahului airport to the resort takes a solid hour.
Once out of the airport and past the island's only Costco,
the highway slices through central Maui past sugar cane
fields, golf courses and roadside shopping malls. But
once through the tunnel and over the Pali the road takes
a coastal track and continues past beach parks, surfing
and snorkeling spots, scenic overlooks perfect for those
photo opportunities, to soak up the panorama of the
South Maui shoreline or to view frolicking Humpback
whales during the winter months.
Traffic on
the two lane highway moves quickly and although one
should always keep to the posted highway speeds, islanders
are quite patient and courteous even when rental cars
make erratic turns or stops. One should be aware that
Honoapiilani Highway is for the most part has no street
lights. So, if you are one who is challenged by unfamiliar
unlighted roads, it is certainly advisable to arrive
on Maui well before sunset.
The first
thing to know about this resort is that it is not within
the Kaanapali Resort as one may think. It is in fact
the resort is actually in Honokowai about two miles
north from the shopping, beach and restaurants of the
Kaanapali Resort. The next thing to know is that a rental
car is almost required when visiting Maui and especially
West Maui. However one can opt for using the nearby
Kapalua airport and the Whaler's Village Shuttle or
the Lahaina Express shuttle to access shopping, restaurants
and more.
With only nine floors 483 suites
on just six acres, this non-smoking beachfront resort
is certainly not as massive nor as high-priced like
the nearby Westin Kaanapali Oceanfront Villas and the
brand new Honua Kai Resort. The Aston Kaanapali Shores
offers large condo-type accommodations, many amenities,
a relaxed atmosphere and more. The resort is a favorite
among budget conscious families and couples. Children
are in abundance especially during the summer and even
more so at the at the resort's garden pool. Activities
and amenities are couples and family oriented including
on-site weddings, and the year-round children's program
called Camp Kaanapali.
The main resort recreation deck
is located in the middle of the resort along the ocean.
There are two generously sized pools, jetted spas, lots
of lounge chairs and more. The resort also has a bar
and a restaurant called the Beach Club Restaurant. The
live contemporary Hawaiian music and hula show each
Wednesday night is fun but the restaurant certainly
is convenient even though a bit overpriced. I prefer
to make early evening dinner reservations in Kaanapali
and take the resort shuttle so I can enjoy the sunset
along with a few umbrella drinks and a stellar bottle
of wine with dinner without having to worry about the
drive, parking, etc. There is also a coin operated laundry,
daily maid service, and several shops in the lobby area.
Additional amenities include three lighted tennis courts,
a fitness and massage center, and complimentary scuba
lessons.
Guest accommodations are comfortable,
affordable and well-appointed. All guest accommodations
include color cable TV, hairdryers, air-conditioning,
iron and ironing boards. With the exception of the smaller
hotel rooms, all guest studios and suites have fully
equipped kitchens including microwaves, coffee makers
and more. In addition washers and dryers are available
in all one and two bedroom suites
Resort accommodations have an
natural earthy tropical theme with dark accents and
sustainable bamboo furnishings. Rooms range from small
hotel rooms perfect for one or two persons to two-bedroom
suites. Also available
are the spacious Aloha and Penthouse Suites which can
sleep up to 7 guests.
 |
The 225 square foot hotel rooms
has one queen bed. Studios are 600 square feet and come
with a choice of one queen or one queen and a sofa bed.
The 907 square foot one bedroom suites have one bath,
a choice of three views and include one king bed, plus
one sofa bed in the living area. The larger two bedroom
suites offer two baths, 1231 square feet, one king bed
and two twin beds, plus one sofa bed in the living area,
a choice garden or ocean and oceanfront views and private
balconies. The Aloha and Penthouse Suites are by far
the largest with over 2000 square feet, ocean views,
private balconies, one king bed and two twin beds, plus
one sofa bed in the living room. Rollaways and cribs
are available upon request. Make these requests at the
time of booking to avoid being disappointed upon arrival.
Overall, while some adults may
find this resort too busy, this is the perfect resort
for families on budget who need larger accommodations
and kitchens amenities to make their Maui vacation comfortable
and memorable. I recommend these families to bring along
that Costco card, stock up at the Kahului store before
heading out toward Honokowai. The dollars and time you
save in the resort area will be well worth the effort.
|
