We stayed at the Whaler in March, but I have only now found the time to write a review. We have been to Maui seven times, and this was our first and last stay at the Whaler. Yes, the location is fabulous, but the hotel itself is in dire need of repair. The hallways need new carpet and paint. The grounds are just okay, with very stiff grass. The pool is old old old. AND you park your car on the tennis court.

We shared a 2 bedroom/2 bath oceanfront condo with another couple. I always wondered if it was worth the extra money for oceanfront, but it absolutely is (at least for this property). Our lanai directly faced the ocean, and we had floor to ceiling sliding glass doors on the two outside walls of the condo.

I was a little nervous because it seems like a crapshoot when you book the Whaler since each unit is individually owned, but I can tell you that #602 in Tower 1 was worth every penny. We booked through Costco Travel so we didn't pay published rates.

I guess the only downside is the pool is not as good as I'm guessing pools at the hotel resorts are, and there was no poolside bar or anything, but the condo also felt more like "home" than a hotel does. I don't know that getting a condo would really be cost effective if it were just the two of us, but it is an excellent choice when traveling with other people, and we were all able to hang out in the living room as opposed to one couple's hotel room.

Kaanapali Beach itself is a very nice location.

This was our fifth trip to the Whaler, but it may be our last. Our room was comfortably furnished, but the bed linens were textured and uncomfortable. There always seems to be some kind of construction at the Whaler when we visit- this year it was near the pool area. The wi fi set up was awful and didn't work even after I had paid for access. But the positives are strong- located on the beach, very well priced condo units, and great views from upper floors. I also noticed a greater security presence this year, preventing people from reserving pool lounges early in the morning etc.
Overall on this trip to Maui (Spring Break of 08) we felt that prices were really high and the value was not there. But we have friends on the island and love the atmosphere, so I'm sure we will return eventually.

We rented through Maui Beachfront Rentals and they were great. When ATA went under a mere two days before we were supposed to arrive we panicked; the condo was paid for and we had no way to get to it! Lesli at Maui Beachfront was so helpful and understanding, really cannot say what that meant to us! Ended up in Maui a week later than planned and could not have been happier with our room at The Whaler. All week long the praises rang for mom picking a winner! The unit is clean and well cared for, nothing fancy but great for the price. The best part of this unit is location! Our unit was ground floor on the side nearest Whalers Village. This was great for our kids, large grassy area and only 51 steps to the beach! This unit has a fantastic ocean view for a ground floor unit and with the grass area and bbqs so close it was like home immediately!We ate almost all our meals on the lanai, even dinner. It was nice at sunset each night as everyone seemed drawn to the beach.
We did go to Whalers Village alot, if you have kids there is a great toy store downstairs. Mostly went over to walk around or grab a shave ice in the afternoon. Are there nicer places to stay in Kaanapali? Sure but when you figure we payed about a third of what you pay for a one bedroom condo right on the beach it seemed like paradise. Take your kids to unit 159 and you will hear "Mom no ka oi" , Mom is the best!