Kaanapali Shores 623

Hotel Description

Look, I’ve stayed at a lot of places along Kaanapali Beach, and honestly, unit 623 at Kaanapali Shores hits that sweet spot where you get the beachfront experience without completely destroying your budget. The building itself isn’t going to win any architecture awards – it’s got that classic 1980s Maui condo vibe – but you know what? Sometimes that’s exactly what you want.

What really sold me on this place was walking out onto that lanai and realizing I could see straight down the beach toward Black Rock. I mean, you’re literally watching people cliff jump while you’re drinking your morning coffee. The unit itself feels lived-in rather than sterile (which I actually prefer), and the kitchen’s got everything you need if you want to hit up Foodland in Lahaina and cook some local fish instead of dropping $200 on dinner every night. The AC works great too, which – trust me – matters more than you think when you’re on the sixth floor and that afternoon Maui sun is beating down.

Here’s the thing about Kaanapali Shores that most people don’t mention: you’re far enough south on the beach that you avoid the chaos around the Hyatt and Marriott, but close enough that you can still walk over to Whalers Village when you want decent restaurants or shopping. The pool area gets pretty busy during peak season (basically December through April), but I found if you head down around 7 AM, you’ve got the place to yourself. Parking can be a bit of a puzzle – there’s assigned spots but the numbering system makes absolutely no sense – though the front desk staff actually knows what they’re doing and will sort you out. One small heads up: the trade winds can make that lanai door slam pretty hard at night, so maybe prop something against it if you’re a light sleeper. But honestly, falling asleep to the sound of waves hitting the beach below? That’s the kind of problem I can live with.

Rooms

• Two-Bedroom Apartment with 2 × 1 extra-large double bed, 2 × 2 single beds, sofa bed and 1 sofa bed for 6 adults, 5 children

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities