The Whaler on Kaanapali Beach
- 4 out of 5
- Avg. Member Rating
- 23
- Reviews
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4
- Photos
Editor Pick
Our Compromise First Choice of Maui Accomodations
- January 22, 2009
- Rated 5 of 5 by
two cruisers from Ames, Iowa
The Whaler, in the heart of Ka’anapali is hard to beat. This twin tower condo complex has location in its favor. The units are spacious and have good views of the ocean and the mountains from our ninth floor lanai. The unit we rented was up to date with a luxurious bath, a second full bath that was nicer than most hotel rooms have, wonderful mattress, comfortable furniture, room to move around in, a fantastic lanai with a choice of seating (some lanai furniture is really flimsy), and plenty of storage. The kitchen was not designed for short people. It was difficult to get things in and out of the above counter cupboards. There are no frills and extras at this facility. No shops, no restaurants, vending machines were minimal. We had a short walk to the Whaler’s Village next door for shopping, restaurants and pantry supplies. It is also a great place to go for an exercise walk. The bulk of our grocery shopping was done in Lahina at a full size grocery. Our unit did have a washer/dryer, but they were out of order. Fortunately each floor has a small laundry located on the corridor with the elevators and I never had trouble accessing them. There are two parking choices at $12/day. The first is an outdoor lot near the north tower. The second parking area is underground below the central courtyard. The great things about this lot is the protection from the elements and they have shopping carts available to transport your groceries, extra luggage and heavy duty shopping spree bags to your room. Unfortunately at the time of our visit the central courtyard was under construction. That work had caused leaks in the garage, so each day we had to watch for puddles, yellow-tape closed areas and the potential of falling items. We lived with it just fine. We were given visitation privileges at the neighboring resorts swimming pool because the Whaler’s pool was being rebuilt. Management was extremely concerned about our inconvenience caused by the construction/beautification project. We were given a terrific welcoming basket with Mac nuts, candy, Kona coffee, cookies and a fresh pineapple. They gave us a $100 travelers checque to ease the pain, too. Wow! We would gladly return to this condo complex. The staff, bellman, concierge and desk clerks all went out of their way to meet our needs. This was the firm second choice for both of us, and therefore our compromise first choice.
From journal Maui "Make House"
You Can Do Better
- October 28, 2008
- Rated 2 of 5 by
a traveler from Travelocity.com
We celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary in Maui at The Whaler in mid-October 2008. The property was undergoing an extensive renovation program at that time. The courtyard landscaping had been removed thus exposing the concrete roof deck of the underground parking garage, the swimming pool was being reconstructed, and structural repairs of the parking garage were underway. The beauty of Kaanapali Beach had been supplanted by a major construction zone.
It appears The Whaler is making a serious effort to improve its exterior infrastructure. Overall, the interior public spaces and finishes are well kept. However, judging from the condition of our room some interior renovation is also required. The room was spacious, we loved the layout, and the kitchen area was well stocked with whatever we needed. However, room 565 in the south building was well worn. The carpet and tile floors were not clean. Painted surfaces were dirty and in need of recoating. The furniture was marred and ready for replacement. Obviously, this weekly rental had been neglected for a long time and its condition was not worth the price we paid for it. If you decide to stay at The Whaler, try to get a north side room in the north building with views of the grounds at the Kaanapali Beach Hotel and the island of Molokai. Our south side balcony in the south building faced the shopping center and was subjected to the constant noise of its HVAC power plant.
Bottom line: If you're staying at Kaanapali Beach you can do much better than The Whaler for about the same price or less.
Couldn't ask for anything better
- April 19, 2008
- Rated 5 of 5 by
a traveler from Travelocity.com
Our stay at The Whaler was great. Our room looked like it had recently been updated and was very nice and clean. It was like staying in a beautiful, tropical apartment. We loved staying on Ka'anapali beach. The location could not be better. There is a great boardwalk along the beach and you can easily walk to any of the other hotels. There are approximately 6. Great to be able to walk to dinner, a show or just another hotel to have a drink. My husband is a wheelchair user and rental fees on an accessible van are very high. Another reason the location is so great for us. We can get out without having to drive. This helps us save on our vacation. The Whaler is also right next to Whaler's Village. Fun shops, restaurants and even a little grocery store. Pefect. The only disappointing part of The Whaler is its pool. For adults it is fine but for kids it is a bit boring, especially after seeing the fun pools at the Mariott or Westin.
THE NOISE FACTOR
- March 25, 2008
- Rated 3 of 5 by
a traveler from Travelocity.com
There was much construction giong on with noise starting at 7am each morning. Not exactly the "Hawaiian experience" desired. Also, leaf blowers started up at 7 in the morning.
The property was lovely and the setting was perfect. Lots of places to walk to and close by activities
The sofa bed was the worst we had ever experienced with a big wow in the middle.
The staff was great and security was good.
Room 1264
- January 12, 2008
- Rated 2 of 5 by
a traveler from Travelocity.com
When were first arrived and got our room I was never so disappointed in my life! The room #1264 was very run down. Carpet was filthy...so bad I wouldn't walk barefoot on it! The garbage disposal didn't work, the dishwasher leaked water under the sink, the microwave didn't work, etc. The entire condo was disgusting. Our son had rented the condo across the hall #1263 and everything was brand new and totally renovated, which was made ours look even worse and we had paid the same price, and NOT so cheap either. So after a day and a half I couldn't stand it and we were moved to the condo below. It was a little but not by much. It was a big inconvenience and disappointing that we had to move and not being on the same floor as our son. I think the "Whaler" had ought make sure it's owners keep their condo's maintained and not just rake in the money! I love staying on the Kaanapali Strip and I recommend if you stay at the Whaler check the room out first! I will not stay there again, nor recommend any of my friends or family in the future! BTW the same owner who owns this condo owns another one on a different floor, I think #364 and it is in the same condition and the employees knew that when we arrived but still put us there! Disgusting!