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Wailea vs. Ka'anapali: Which Resort Area is Better?
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Maui covers more than 727 square miles and is home to more than 164,000 people. The landscape is diverse with stunning beaches, tropical forests, volcanic formations, and numerous towns and small communities. As you plan your upcoming trip or plan for a purchase on Maui, you understandably want to be close to top-rated activities and hot spots.
West and South Maui are both popular destinations for visitors, and Wailea and Kaanapali in these regions are both brimming with things to do when you visit the island. Before choosing a specific Maui resort to stay at, a closer look at the differences between Wailea and Kaanapali can be very helpful.
Wailea: A Premier Maui Resort Community
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Located on the southern side of the island, Wailea is home to top-rated resorts like Fairmont Kea Lani, Grand Wailea Waldorf Astoria, Four Seasons Maui, Wailea Beach Resort Marriott, and others. There are also numerous condos in Wailea and homes available for sale or rent.
Widely considered to be the most luxurious part of Maui, Wailea is home to several world-class beaches and offers amazing views of Molokini Crater from many vantage points.
Outdoor Activities
South of Wailea, you can relax under the sun and take advantage of South Maui’s great weather at Makena Beach and Maluaka Beach. Just north of this resort community, you will find Keawakapu Beach. At Wailea beaches, you can enjoy whale watching, snorkeling, kayaking and sunbathing.
In some locations, surfing lessons for beginners and more advanced surfers are available.
Wailea offers you numerous other opportunities for relaxation and fun when you visit Maui. It is home to some of the island’s top golf courses. These include Wailea Golf Club, the Kea Lani Golf Course, and the Makena Golf and Beach Club.
You can admire amazing coastal views on the Wailea Coastal Walkway. This 1.5-mile walking path takes you by hibiscus trees and wildflowers between Polo Beach and Ulua Beach. The King's Highway Trail, which is also called the Hoapili Trail, takes you by impressive lava rock formations and historical sites.
Is Wailea sunnier than Kaanapali?
Many visitors prefer Wailea over Kaanapali because of its weather. Wailea, located in the south, experiences less rain than Kaanapali. However, Kaanapali's rainy season is typically from November to April, so during the rest of the year you shouldn't have much of a problem with rain.
Cultural Experiences
Several luaus are available for an unforgettable cultural experience with dancing and local food, including the famed Grand Luau at Honua’ula.
Other opportunities for enjoying your time in Wailea include indulging in a spa treatment at a local resort, exploring the high-end Shops at Wailea, playing at the Wailea Tennis Club, touring Turtle Town, dining at the area's best restaurants and more.
There are numerous tours departing from Wailea and nearby Kihei. These include snorkeling trips to Molokini, the Road to Hana tour, sunset dinner cruises and whale-watching cruises. While visiting nearby Kihei, you can stroll along the Kealia Coastal Boardwalk at the Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge and learn about aquatic life at the Humpback Whale Sanctuary.
The state’s largest and most well-known craft brewery, the Maui Brewing Company, offers tours and a tasting room. There are also several popular beaches in Kihei to enjoy, including the Kamaole Beaches, Keawakapu Beach, and Waipuilani Park.
Whether you choose to stay at a resort, in a Wailea condo or a vacation home, you will appreciate the variety of activities and attractions nearby.
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Kaanapali: World-Famous Beaches and Hawaiian Culture
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Kaanapali is located on Maui’s west coast, only a short drive north of Lahaina. Kaanapali is a planned resort community with a laid-back ambiance.
Resort Experiences in Ka'anapali
In addition to the numerous rental condos and homes available in Kaanapali, several resorts are available.
If you choose to stay in Kaanapali, the Royal Lahaina Resort and Bungalows, the Sheraton Maui Resort and Spa and the Honua Kai are great options to consider.
Outdoor Activities
Kaanapali Beach is regarded as one of the top beaches on the island due to its soft sands that extend into the water. The beach spans three miles and boasts crystal-clear water and lifeguard coverage. Several resorts and the Whalers Village retail complex have frontage on the beach.
Whalers Village features a whaling museum, top-rated restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Each day, cliff divers perform at Black Rock on Kaanapali Beach.
This performance pays tribute to a famed Hawaiian king. Other activities near the beach are ziplining, sailing adventures, dinner cruises, and whale watching.
Kaanapali Real Estate For Sale
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Final Thoughts
With incredible experiences and attractions to enjoy throughout the island, where you stay in Maui is an important consideration when planning your trip. Both Kaanapali and Wailea offer many resorts, condos, and homes to stay at for your upcoming trip.
Get In Touch With Evan!
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Evan Harlow ranks among the best real estate agents on Maui annually and is in the top 1% of Coldwell Banker agents worldwide in production. Evan has the expertise, experience, and work ethic to help you achieve your real estate buying and selling goals. We promise exceptional service and support from the beginning of the process through closing and beyond. See what Evan's clients are saying on Google.
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