Ok - this is my first time I've posted a review of any sort, but I wanted to provide everyone with a review that I thought would be helpful. Please keep in mind there are folks who are very picky and will complain and write negative reviews about every little thing. Yes, we can be particular, but we also realize we're not staying at the Four Seasons (which, by the way, is a great property in Wailea).

We've stayed in various places in Maui (usually 4 stars or better), but wanted a suite, without having to stay in a condo (we're a family of 5) and not have to pay a month's worth of salary. So, after much research, we narrowed it down to two places - The Fairmont in Wailea or Kanaapali Beach Club. Obviously we choose KBC, primarily due to the cost (quarter of the price of the Fairmont) and wanting to stay on the west side of Maui.

We were not disappointed. At first, we were a bit hesitant based on the reviews and thoughts of staying in an 80's style pink building, but all those negative thoughts went away as soon as we pulled up to the valet. Here's a few tidbits:

- the opened-aired lobby was nice
- the pool was in decent condition, but GREAT if you have kids (they have a smaller pool - 3 1/2 feet - with a slide)
- the room was beyond our expectations (two room suite, microwave, full size refrigerator, sink, dishwasher, two 42" plasma TVs, huge bathroom with separate tub and shower and enclosed toilet and two sinks)
- ask for the "most recently renovated room" on the "pool side" with a "deluxe ocean view"
- the kid's menu (called the Kieki menu) was terrific. All items all were $2 (great burgers). You can get this during sit-down at the Ohana Grill or at the take out window.
- we rented a cabana for a few days ($75, but it's literally on the beach and yours for the entire day (our kids took a nap and ate lunch in the cabana). It was also a great place for them to get a break from the sun.
- Get the $15 all-you-can-drink coconut when you arrive. They basically provide all the drinks you want during your stay.
- they have happy hour from 5:30 - 6:30 with 1/2 priced cocktails
- Charles, the kid's activity director, is SUPER nice person. All the kids loved him. They just started the program, so they're still working on the room and games.
- Koi fish feeding each afternoon - the kids loved it.
- There's a large market across the street and the prices were actually better than the Safeway in Lahaina.
- Great beach (short walk from the pool to the water).

So, how do you get the best deal? We had a 7 night stay in an ocean view romm, full breakfast included each day for the entire family (usually costs $12.50 pp), free parking (cost is $13 per day), and 10% off all activities if booked through the activities desk (the prices were very competitive). For all this, we paid about $1300. The catch is sitting through the time-share presentation, which can be as long (2 hrs) or short (30 mins) as you like, depending on the number of questions you ask. If you're upfront and let them know you have no intent of buying, the sales pitch is scaled way back. Don't feel guilted into showing them you're interested. They're used to folks taking advantage of the promotional rate. We actually sat through the entire presentation and they re-offered the promotional package to us again, which we took advantage of for our next trip to Maui.

All in all, it took us a day or so to get the vibe of the place, but by far it's the easiest, most economical and family friendly place we've stayed in Maui. The only negatives I could think of was the limited food menu for adults, narrow lanais (unless you're in a corner room) and there tends to be a bit more wind in north Kanaapali (another great reason to get the cabana).

If you're not seeking "Four Seasons" type of accomodations and need the extra space, this is THE PERFECT place to stay, especially for the price. As I mentioned earlier, don't believe all the negative comments, this review is a real as it gets. We tend to be hotel snobs and were somewhat hesitant about this place, but we plan to return annually.

Anyway, hope this helps everyone who was contemplating staying at KBC. It's a great place for families!!

This is a beautiful resort with great views and friendly staff. The pool is huge, not overcrowded and has great lounge chairs. There is great beach access too. It is nice to be able to eat at the pool grill for convenience though there isn't a huge selection and it is pricey. There are gas BBQ's available with utensils upon request that we used. This was more economical after a visit to Costco. I have been here twice and would go back again. My fav spot on Maui!

Our family felt the aloha spirit the minute we walked into this resort. Check in was quick and friendly and our room had a beautiful ocean view, as requested. Everywhere you turn there are waterfalls, tropical flowers and wide open spaces. The grounds were meticulously maintained, yet I never saw any gardeners out and about-kind of reminded me of Disney.

The tropical pool was very large and never overcrowded. It had a volleyball net so there was always a game going on and a slide that our kids enjoyed. They had complementary cups and coolers full of ice cold water poolside. Best of all, from most lounge chairs you also had a view of the ocean. And speaking of lounge chairs, they all had new cushions that were very comfortable-no slat marks here! The beach was wide, swimable and also uncrowded, with terrific views of Molokai. The work out room is adjacent to the pool and has everything one would want to stay in shape while indulging in lava flows! All with a view your local gym would love to have.

Our room was spacious, clean, and well decorated. The kitchens have full size refrigerators, microwaves, and dishwashers, but no stove. I requested an electric frying pan and they brought it right away. Eating out all the time can cramp your activity time (and your wallet), so I didn't mind a little time in the kitchen. A grocery store is within walking distance of the property. The resort also provides awesome oceanfront gas grills and picnic tables-bbq in paradise! Since I'm on the subject, another pleasant surprise was the large $2 kids menu that the resort offered, either eat-in or take out at the grill. They also sold coconut head cup holders with unlimited soda refills for $15.00.

The kids seemed happy enough on their sofa bed, and the king size in the bedroom was terrific. The linens were especially nice-I should have looked to see what kind of pillows they had, because I would like to buy them for my own bed at home. The patio furniture was getting a little worn, but otherwise everything was in good condition.

We were never bothered about (or wanted to)attend the timeshare orientation, but we did attend the breakfast buffet activity orientation our first morning there. They went over the various activities available and you could book them if you wanted, but it was low pressure and convenient. This was our fifth trip to Maui, and we've done all of the activities before, so we spent more time at the resort than we usually do. If you can only fit in a few activities, I'd say definitely see Haleakala, drive to Hana if you don't get carsick, shop Lahaina on art night (Friday eve.) and take a snorkel trip to Molokini. The only drawback to Molokini is the variety of fish will forever make you disappointed in subsequent snorkeling elsewhere. We've been snorkeling arout the Carribean and always end up saying "well that wasn't even close to Molokini'.

Our favorite place for an incredible breakfast is the Gazebo in Napili. If you arrive after 8:00, there may be a long wait, but the stunning views and macadamia nut pancakes with coconut syrup make it all worthwhile. Afterwards, spend some time at Napili Bay.

If you golf, you should play Kapalua at least once in your lifetime, though we were saddened to see they had doubled their rates in the few years since we had played it. The fees were in the $250 + range. If that's not doable, at least take a drive around Kapalua and maybe get lunch at the clubhouse-the views are spectacular. There are also new hiking paths on the ridge above Kapalua. You take a complementary shuttle from the Kapalua discovery center. We went on an overcast day, and it was a nice hike through some interesting trees and plants.

Back at KBR, a torchlighter started every evening with his ceremony, and live music started around 5:00 at the beachside lounge. There's nothing like the sound of Hawaiian music and waves crashing while watching the sunset. Wish we could go back next week!

We had a wonderful week at the resort! We were in a 2 bedroom suite on a corner, not a bad view to be seen off our 4(!) balconies!!! The resort was clean and the staff appeared to be happy to be there and help. The welcome breakfast was a great idea to help sort thru all of the activities and select safe and reputable companies. We enjoyed all of the acitivities that we picked with the help of Kyra (our conceirge at the breakfast). The beach at the hotel is great and the pool is large and was never overcrowded. The food at the resort is good but venture into Lahaina for some great food and spectacular views. The resort offers scuba lessons at the pool and take you out to do an open water dive afterwards, my husband loved this. I enjoyed the Pride of Maui am snorkeling cruise and would highly recommend them, great service, no attitudes great with my 6 year old son!!!!! For surfing lessons we used Outrageous surf, they were fantastic!!!! my favorite activity!!!!!! The road to Hana is pretty, but be prepared to spend all day in the car and to hike (on unsteady rocky, muddy, and VERY slippery) trails to see most of the waterfalls. Glad I did that once, won't do it again!!