Whaler on Kaanapali Beach (exclusive to Maui.US) - There are so many wonderful things that can be said about The Whaler on Kaanapali Beach that it's difficult to know where to begin. But I suppose the best place would be to start with Kaanapali Beach itself, since without first mentioning the enchanting qualities of this pristine white-sanded beach, any comments about lodging facilities would fall short.

Kaanapali Beach is a three mile stretch of brilliant white beauty that unarguably can not be matched by any other beach on Maui.

The wide swimming beach is bordered on one side by the glistening blue waves of the Pacific Ocean, and the other side is framed by the lushly landscaped beach walk. Between these three elements alone - ocean, sand, and lush landscaping - Kaanapali Beach can easily evoke a form of sensory overload to anyone fortunate enough to experience it.

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Add to that a wonderful resort-like experience such as The Whaler, and there's not much more that is needed to attain perfection.

I was fortunate enough to spend 10 days at The Whaler, and my experience at this resort style high-rise condominium complex was as close to absolute bliss as I could imagine.

Seeking total solace from a stressful work environment, as many of us are, I was also in pursuit of quiet, very private mornings to greet each day on my own terms for a change.

The Whaler more than accommodated this goal by providing spacious lanais off of each unit. Upon arrival, and after a quick trip to a nearby grocery store to stock up on supplies, you better believe that I was able to enjoy tranquil breakfasts of fresh pineapple (and other local delights) every day I was there while also absorbing the beauty of all that surrounded me.

I met each day on my own terms, and I avow that it was joyous. Since The Whaler is situated pretty much in the center of Kaanapali Beach's three mile expanse, any number of activities that I elected to pursue after breakfast (but before hitting the beach or pool to catch some rays), were more than accessible.

Golf was very conveniently located across the street; snorkeling at Black Rock was super well-situated (and stunningly beautiful in its underwater serenity); and if jogging is your thing, there's nothing better than meandering along the beach walk and other resorts to get into the total island feel.

Situated right next to Whaler's Village, well known for its shopping and dining options, The Whaler condominium resort has almost anything you would need virtually at your fingertips.

And consisting of two towers that frame the pool area, the number of choices in units and views are expansive.

I stayed in Tower II and had a wonderful ocean view; but in talking to some other vacationers that I met, they were equally thrilled with their unit that had a mountain view (lush in its own unique Maui way).

My unit was clean, updated, and extremely well-appointed. The facility also has a gym and tennis courts on premises, but I got my exercise by jogging along the beach walk or beach itself. After all, who wants to be stuck in a gym when paradise is just outside your door?

One of my most fond memories of that 10-day stay was a late afternoon/early evening spent next door at the Hula Grill.

It was a few days into my stay, and as I melted from relaxation into a beach chair while listening to live island music and enjoying drinks and appetizers as the sun set for yet another idyllic day, I felt that very distinct and profound "decompression moment" that all vacationers seek.

I imagine, in retrospect, that it could have happened at any point - maybe during one of my evening strolls along the beach walk illuminated by romantic tiki torches, or maybe when I made that perfect putt on the 11th hole -- but it happened right then.

Right as the sun shown on my face, right as my ears balanced the perfect cacophony of island music backed by a chorus of crashing waves, and right as the last sensation of stress left my being.

It was insightful, and it has stayed with me to this day.

I'm a believer that everyone should be able to identify the precise moment they achieve such prized bliss while on vacation.

When they feel the "aha" that is so deeply gratifying. And I'm also a firm believer that a stay at The Whaler will afford seemingly endless opportunities for this rewarding sensation to occur.

I know it worked for me. I believe it will work for you.