Aston Kaanapali Shores

Hotel Description

You know what caught me off guard about Aston Kaanapali Shores? It’s actually right on one of Maui’s better beaches, but it doesn’t feel like those massive resort complexes that dominate this stretch of coast. I mean, it’s substantial – definitely a proper hotel – but there’s something more relaxed about the whole vibe here that I really appreciated.

The thing is, Kaanapali can get pretty intense with all the big name resorts and their manicured everything, but this place strikes this nice balance where you’re still in the heart of it all without feeling like you’re staying inside a theme park. The beach access is honestly fantastic – you’re looking at that gorgeous stretch of sand that runs up toward Black Rock, and the snorkeling is decent right out front if you wade out a bit. I spent way too many mornings just walking north along the water toward the Sheraton, watching the early joggers and the occasional monk seal doing their thing on the sand.

What I really liked was how the staff seemed to actually know the area – not just the scripted recommendations you get at some places. The front desk guy told me about this little parking spot near Whalers Village that saves you the ridiculous fees, and honestly, those kinds of tips make a huge difference when you’re trying to explore beyond the hotel bubble. The rooms are solid – I wouldn’t call them fancy, but they’re comfortable and clean, with those lanais that actually make sense in Hawaii (some hotels just phone it in with tiny balconies that aren’t worth opening the door for). The air conditioning works well, which matters more than you’d think when those trade winds die down in the afternoons.

The pool area gets busy during peak season – I was there in March and it was definitely full of families during the day – but if you’re more of an early bird or late afternoon person, you can usually find a decent spot. There’s something to be said for being able to walk to Whalers Village for dinner or groceries without needing to drive, especially since parking around here can be a real headache. I grabbed poke from that place in the food court more times than I care to admit, and having Duke’s and Leilani’s within walking distance meant I didn’t have to stress about driving after a mai tai or three.

Look, it’s not going to blow your mind with luxury touches, but it delivers on the things that actually matter – good location, reliable comfort, and that laid-back Maui feeling without the over-the-top resort theater. The 8.1 rating feels about right; it’s the kind of place where you’ll sleep well, wake up to ocean views, and spend your time actually enjoying Maui instead of figuring out how everything works at your hotel.

Rooms

• Standard Room with 1 large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Studio with Kitchen with 1 sofa bed and 1 large double bed for 3 adults, 2 children
• One-Bedroom Suite with 2 × 1 extra-large double bed and 1 sofa bed for 4 adults, 3 children
• One-Bedroom Suite with Garden View with 2 × 1 extra-large double bed and 1 sofa bed for 4 adults, 3 children
• One-Bedroom Suite with Ocean View with 2 × 1 extra-large double bed and 1 sofa bed for 4 adults, 3 children
• Two-Bedroom Suite with Garden View with 2 × 1 extra-large double bed, 2 × 2 single beds, sofa bed and 1 sofa bed for 6 adults, 4 children
• Two-Bedroom Suite with Ocean View with 2 × 1 extra-large double bed, 2 × 2 single beds, sofa bed and 1 sofa bed for 6 adults, 4 children
• Two-Bedroom Suite with Ocean Front View with 2 × 2 single beds, 2 × 1 sofa bed and 2 × 1 extra-large double bed for 6 adults, 4 children
• Room Selected at Check-In with 1 large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child

Reviews

• Cole from Canada (9/10)

  Beautiful convient . Reasonable price we had a flight issue had to stay on the island an extra day. Best price to amenities for a short stay.

• Anita from Canada (9/10)

  We enjoyed our stay at this hotel. The rooms are clean, and the hotel is right ON the beach. Plus I was surprised how much we enjoyed the kitchen and the movie rental (new movies). The kitchenette has everything you need to cook a meal. There is grocery store right across the street where we got delicious local fruits like Papaya and pineapples (prep and froze then the next day’s outing) daily. There were tons of Japanese and korean noodle options. Go to the Fish market a few blocks to pick up tacos or some fresh fish to cook. The King cinnamon buns next door are delicious must try.
  Free Hula and ukulele classes were fun for the whole family.

• Staci from United States (8/10)

  Staff worked to correct problems.

• Jessica from United States (9/10)

  2nd room was amazing

• Madeline from United States (8/10)

  Loved the view, pool, hot tub, restaurant, servers and staff. The room was spacious and had everything we needed. Parking was great and you could walk to area food trucks.

• Nagesh from Canada (9/10)

  beach

• Brad from United States (8/10)

  Great location, grounds.

• Hamed from United States (8/10)

  pool and access to beach

• Christina from United States (9/10)

  The front desk staff were exceptional! Always responded to emails and texts and were so helpful and friendly in person! Especially Chernel (I may have her name wrong so my apologies!).

• Pam from United States (8/10)

  Very clean and comfortable, service was always with a smile..beautiful grounds. Great food in the restaurant.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities