The Westin Kaanapali Ocean Resort Villas Reviews & Ratings

We had such a wonderful vacation. We would definitely go back to The Westin and rent from Eric again. He was so easy to work with and very patient. The views and location were the best. We could not have asked for a better vacation location.

My wife and I have stayed here on 5 of the last 7 years that we vacationed on Hawaii.Each visit has been FANTASTIC!The 1 BR Premium is more than spacious for a couple.The grounds are straight out of a travel magazine spread.The beach is a short stroll from the pools.The amenities are top quality,but if you find anything not to your liking,a call to maintenance will have them at your door within minutes.The 'Heavenly Bed' will guarantee you a RESTFUL & REFRESHED nights sleep.The resort is so relaxing,that you can't wait to return from your sightseeing excursions!Really! We measure all of the other Starwood Resorts by this one.

Just returned from a wonderful time in Maui. Many nice features of the resort: courteous staff, beautiful pool, close to beach, grill clean, grounds well kept, but not what would expect in all aspects for an upscale, 5* resort. Needs better maintenance in the unit. Carpets in our unit were frayed, grout was worn out in the shower and bathroom floor. This gave the appearance of mold, which the staff kindly came to reclean. However, after they couldn't get it out, maintenance came to inspect and realized that it would have to be regrouted.

We just got back fom a fabulous stay at this resort. Our villa was a deluxe corner oceanfront unit that was amazing! The Westin's Oceanfront Corner units are situated very close to the ocean...maybe the closest of all the condos lined up on Kaanapali Beach. The villa had large, beautiful windows on two sides, lots of space, and a very nice balcony where we could watch the whales . The villa was gorgeous, comfortable, and clean. The landscaping, pools,and staff were all 5 Star!

Pluses: great snorkeling beach, beautiful pool, spacious villas, heavenly beds, shuttle to Lahania, most staff helpful and friendly. Barbecue grills nice spot to meet others.

Negatives: front staff not very friendly, food was ok, had to pay for exercise classes - expensive - $24 for a yoga class! I encountered one unfriendly staff at conceirge desk but the rest were great! Had to pay $10 each time we used a regular lounge chair on the beach.

Overall it was a nice place to stay and we would do it again! Save money and bring your own snorkel equipment, camp chairs for the beach and rafts for the pool and beach.

We stayed here in June 2008 in the origional building and had an ocean view. This resort was top notch. Washer and Dryer in ALL units! The resort was very clean, staff nice and friendly. Plenty of activities. Nice pirate ship pool for the kids. The beds in all Westin properties are "heavenly" so no issues there! The snorkeling was great right in front of the resort, literally at chest deep water there was coral and fish to see. It was amazing, so bring your mask for a look around! There was no problem getting a grill by the pool. This June 2009 we stayed just a few resorts down at the Marriott Ocean Club. It was also top notch as long as you get the new buildings. The origional one is dated and doesn't offer the full kitchens or w/d in unit. But there is a big laundry mat for free on the first level. All in all we like both places a LOT and would stay at either on again and give both a 5 star for differnt reasons. The Westin was more up scale, but the Marriott was amazing with palm trees everywhere and the pool was fantastic. It looked more like a tropical paradise at the Marriott. The Marriott was smaller and more fun to walk around, the Westin had better activities and babysitting in their kids club. The Westin will not let kids under 10 in the hot tub. The Marriott advises against it but does not restrict it. They keep one hot tub perfect and all the kids go in that one. Then they kept the other hot tub really hot and the adults that like it that way went in there! Good thinking on Marriotts part! Other differences are: Snorkeling right at resort beach at Westin......Marriott was small surf waves the whole time and NOT good at all for snorkeling. Black Rock is between the two resorts and you can walk there for wonderful snorkeling, but it is a good long walk from the Marriott and aftering doing it once, decided not to do it again! The pools are funner for kids at the Marriott. Both offer borrowed sand toys for the kids, so no need to buy them. Both have a borrow a book, leave a book library which I always find nice. I have read on here not to stay on the mountain side of the north resort at Westin b/c of sewer plant odors, but in the front of the old building is no problem at all! The building was totally modern and nice inside.....Looked bran new! I think you should try both the Westin and Marriott resorts here on kaanapali you will not be disappointed with either! If you are going to buy a timeshare I would recommend Westin b/c you can trade internally and all Westin's seem to be equal quality. Plus all Wesin units seem to have w/d and functional kitchens even in the smallest lock off sides! Marriott is hit and miss what you are going to get and some don't have w/d in them or anything more then a minifridge and mini microwave.......really just a hotel room for the lock off portion!

Just returned from first visit to Hawaii. Stayed for 2 weeks in Maui; first week at Marriott Ocean Club, second week at Westin Ocean Villas. I'll use a comparison as a review and a 1-10 rating.

Location: TIE (8) = 2 miles seperate the two properties and each have advantageous locations

Room: Westin (9) = occupied the single best unit at the Westin (2631/2630=top floor ocean front new building w/ largest balony) GET THIS ROOM if you can; at Marriott (6)stayed in Lanai (older converted hotel) 2 bed/3 bath...OK, but missed a full kitchen; If we had a new room at Marriott, I've a feeling that Westin would have lost out overall.

Grounds: Marriott (10) = Gorgeous park-like setting...stunning/lots of private areas around the pool with high-end umbrellas; Westin (7) was nice but felt like a resort...Westin pool chairs are so close you have NO privacy and there are very few chickies for which you have to hunt or go down at 730AM to attain

Outdoor grills: Marriott (10) = New VERY high end granite surrounded outdoor grills that are numerous and conveniently located-probably cost over $10K for each pair. Westin (7) nice, but more like a built in outdoor home type gas grill as opposed to Marriotts professional grade

Beach: Marriott (7) = The beach directly at Marriott is nice, but further down toward Sheraton it is very nice; Westin (5) = Nice to look at but unusable due coral. [As reference, we've traveled extensively throughout the carribean and typically vacation in Aruba which would score a (10) for beach quality]

Luxury feeling: Westin (8) High end products and service abound-nothing feels cheap except the beach towels; Marriott (7)...felt like a Marriott.

Service (front desk/restaurants/shops/bellman/valet): Westin (9) = VERY professional upscale service; very responsive. Marriott (7) felt like a Marriott.

Housekeeping: Westin/Marriott (4). Both resorts have subpar housekeeping standards. Each have a 1 time per week cleaning; When the sofa bed was opened the previous occupants bedding was still in place and very unkempt; Marriott had mold on the shower curtain and between some shower tiles; Westin had hairballs on shower floor; Westin housekeeping made the bed and left some toiletries...no towels replaced, nothing else done. Very disappointed with housekeeping at both properties and both felt somewhat dirty. Would not purchase from either for this fact alone. Our timeshare in Aruba (CLBR) has housekeeping 6 days per week and on the 7th day (Sunday) towels are replaced...and costs far less (albeit a somewhat older property) than either of these properties but still maintains a far superior beach with great service.

Recap. We had a nice time at both resorts and would probably return, but Maui would not be our first choice for destination.

My family of four stayed here from 6-11-09 to 6-18-09. Our room was located in building 8 in the North Villas. We had room 8103 on the first floor. It was awesome. We had the large one bedroom which has a huge patio on the first floor. We had two padded loungers and a table and four chairs on the deck. We could sit on the patio and see the pool and ocean. We were able to walk fifty feet to the pool or about 50 yards to the ocean from our patio. It was incredible. We had sunset views and ate dinner on our patio every night. There was six gas BBQ's located 25 feet out out front door which made grilling simple. I would live in this room if I could. We could not have asked for a better stay. The beach was not crowded like other nearby beaches and the snorlking was good. We had a large turtle swim right by us at the resort beach while we were snorkling. I don't own here, but I do own two Starwood properties. Starwood has been great to us. I did tour the Marriott timeshare on Maui. It is a very nice property, but that part of Kaanapali Beach can get very crowded. We are planning to come back to this resort for two weeks in 2010.

Westin Clean Westin bedding Westin shampoo Westin service

Really wonderful!

We have been here two weeks. The first week was Presidents Week and we stayed in the South Building. This week we are in the North Building.

Service is excellent. The resort staff are friendly and helpful. The other guests, many coming from the NE are being refreshed and renewed and escaping the winter like us.

We are owners and rate this facility 5 star and would like to buy another unit.

Stayed at the Westin Vacation Ownership South property (6 Kai Ala Drive) - Jan 5-19

Bellman - 5/5 (friendly, personable, and v helpful)

Concierge - 4/5 (lobby concierge 5/5 in tower concierge 3/5)

Front Desk - 2.5/5 (provided only the basics and not very friendly - missed expectations)

Pool - 5/5 (great for kids and adults)

BBQ Area - 4/5

Beach - 4.5/5 (nice and empty in comparison to the Kaanapali beach - main beach around Black Rock)

Parking - 5/5

Rooms - 5/5 (clean, spacious, multi - functional)

Kids Programs - 5/5 (variety, movie nights, quality staff that cares, and flexible)

All in all I would consider returning.

This resort really is a top notch facility, especially if you know to call in advance and secure the unit(s) with the best views. We are owners at this resort and have stayed here on three separate occasions. On all three stays, everything has been perfect. It should also be noted that we regularly stay at 5 star resorts including the Four Seasons and Aman Resorts, so we know a good resort. The original South property is better - larger units with better views. There is a total of three buildings here and the original building, building #2, has just been refurnished and updated - new furniture, etc. so everything is spotless. It is true that some of the "Oceanview" units do not have direct ocean views, but if you call in advance to reserve your unit, you should get a good view. I would forget the islandview units though as these do have views of the parking lot and highway. It should also be noted that this property is ideal for families and kids. We took our 18 month old son here this past Thanksgiving and he had a ball in the main pool with the waterslide. There is also a pirate ship pool for little kids on the north side which is great. The beach here also has the best snorkeling - better than Blackrock because the reef is much longer and wider, so thus more marine life. I am a diver, so I know if there's good snorkeling or not. I wouldn't necessarily pick this place for a honeymoon since it is more family oriented. The large units have full kitchens and bathrooms with spa tubs - about 1000 square feet for the 1 bedroom. I've also NEVER smelled any sewage so I don't know what the other reviewers are referring to. Overall, this place is fantastic and I plan to return every year!

This is an awesome resort with every amenity. The rooms are the best part about staying in Maui, next to the golf, snorkeling, fishing, hiking, bicycling and the food. Wow, what a wonderful experience.

You will totally enjoy your stay.

Norm, San Diego

Have stayed at this resort 5 years in a row. Great resort! I have never smelled sewage, so I am not sure what the other reviewers are talking about.

This is what you dream of when you think Hawaii!!! With the shuttle service into town why stay anywhere else?

we have stayed at the resort several times now and although we enjoy the close proximity to the beach, our love for this place is conditional. we were never informed by the sellers that this location was almost across the street from the sewage plant. the smell is awlful at times. we have stayed at the north property as well and it is unacceptable. shame on starwood for not disclosing this in their sales presentation. they have the audacity to launch a third property for sale directly across the street from the plant. i predict a class action lawsuit amongst the owners for such blatant disregard for a material fact that all should know prior to purchase.

the first property was built with nice space and amenity, now old and badly needing refurbishing. the north property reminds me of military barracks or close quarters like a prison. what were they thinking. the corridors and hallways are unfinished and poorly designed. it is obvious that quality is not a priority with the vacation ownership division, just greed and high maintenance fees. it is too bad, because westin hotels have more to offer in service and quality. maybe someone will read some of these reviews and wake up and do the right thing.

After 2 weeks, all we can say is ...Wow! This condo resort is absolutely 1st class, 5 star all the way. It is the best vaction resort we have ever stayed in...anywhere. Its amenities are quality and pampering. Location, accomodations and service is simply superb. Maui itself is amazing. Linens and towels are plush and bathrobes are provided which is really nice. Housekeeping does a quick tidy every day and beds are made. Condos are totally cleaned midweek. You can arrange for a full clean daily if you want, but we saw no reason for it. The utility closet had a broom and vacuum, iron and board. Each unit has its own washer and dryer which came in really handy. We did see some complaining about daily houskeeping but they had obviously never stayed in a condo resort and were used to hotel room service. It was obvious that the only people complaining at all, about anything, were those who who expected white glove and royalty service and still wouldn't be happy. The beach is fantastic, endless and low key. BlackRock is a short walk and the snorkelling and diving in front of the resort is as good as anywhere else on Maui. The pool chaise chairs are brand new, plentiful and very comfortable. Big fancy cabanas and chairs can be rented for those who want to lavish it up for the day. The pool is heated and huge and there are 2 big grotto style hot tubs. We liked that the kiddie pool is totally seperate and away from the main pool. It is large and has a gigantic pirate ship and slide as well as lounge chairs and bbqs for a nice family day area. Grocery on Maui is excellent and reasonable unlike what we had heard. Lahaina has it all and is a great place to frequent. We had a rental car but the free shuttles ran all day and night, everywhere. If we had to make any complaint, it would be that we couldn't stay longer. Cant wait to get back for our next stay....real soon.

Maui is the place to be. At the Westin Mid-March and the weather was perfect. Sadly, have to agree with other comments, the service at this beautiful resort, is sub-par. Not sure what is wrong here,but the staff needs a behavioral adjustment. We are status SPG members and owners as well. While the resort is absolutely beautiful and spotless, the overall staff is not into service at all. It is almost as if a guest's presence is unwelcome. Even brought this up to the hotel and they agreed that they, indeed, do have a problem staffing the hotel. This seriously needs to be addressed. The food in the restaurants is amazing, the wait staff, McDonald's trained? The over-all staff needs to be terminated or reprogrammed. Once that is addressed, this resort will be perfect; the foundation is exemplary, staighten out the staffing problems and it will be outstanding.

Six months ago (our last visit) I would have given this a 5 star. But as I write this from an oceanview 1st floor i am going to downgrade to 4 star. Since they have opened up the north villas I've notices a few things I don't like. 1. They went from really nice cushioned lounge chairs that were plush to mesh type chairs that are not nearly as comfortable. The nice chairs have been moved to the cabanas only which require a rental.

Overall I have noticed that the room quality has gotten a little shabby. Lots of stains in this particular unit on the carpets and furniture. As we entered the room they were just finishing steam cleaning the carpets. They were soaked. I also noticed that the staff seems less friendly, which concerns me.

Its still a great place to bring the family but not sure if its still the place to bring your spouse without the kids.

Just returned from the Westin Kaanapali, staying January 20 to 27, 2008. We were in a one bedroom on the second floor, over looking the childrens' pool. Westin has done a great job with this property. The furniture, televisions, beds, and linin are all high end. We used the shuttle service to go to Lahaina and down to the Whalers' Village, it was very handy. The only complaint would be that the Westin complex is so big.

We just returned from two weeks at this resort and loved it! Because we got one week from interval and one week through redweek and had to fill the gap and a day on either end (times 2 rooms), I can truthfully say that we say a broad spectrum of the rooms. While some were over the top great, the very worst I could say about any of the rooms was that for 1 night we overlooked the parking lot. The beds and baths live up to the heavenly tag. My one complaint with the rooms would be the large shutter louvered openings over the bathtub to the bedroom that are in all of the units. While they are a nice way of opening up the vista, when combined with the fact that all of the bathroom lights come on on one switch, getting up in the night may well wake the dear spouse. The staff was incredably helpful in coordinating all of our rooms and were very flexible about moving our reservations around between the two phases of the resort so that after the first night we were always in the same building on the same floor. As our child is a fish even though only five we hung out by the pool in the 1st phase of the resort which has a modest water slide open from 10-5. Even though we were there during a peak golf tournament week, we were able to get the same shady tiki right by the water slide 10 days out of the trip at 8 am. The villa's restaurants are very good for lunch or breakfast, but if you want something more interesting there are loads close by including at the nearby Hyatt Regency and the mother ship Westin as well as Roy Yamaguchi 5 minutes away. If you are going whale watching (the harbour was whale soup while we were ther,) easily visible from the balcony), I highly recommend Safari Tours. Not the giant boats that go 5 mph and park in the harbour a mile from the action. Not the tiny dingies which get you right up to the whales but have no bathrooms and no real seats. Safari has a Coast Guard boat with a bathroom and padded back supported seats (all front row and shaded) that gets you right up to the action. For diving, if you are going in the winter months, I dont recommend the shore diving that the inhouse 5 * Scuba provides. No criticism of 5*, but the visibility is much better 20-45 minutes out. Lahaina divers will take you out to Lanai to Cathedrals etc (where my 5 year old saw the pod of 200 dolphins), or to the inner crater of Molokini or the back wall of the crater where the current was ripping and we saw a 10-12' tiger shark. Had to love the newbie who said 'what was that pretty stripe-y dolphin? His nose was different'.... The Captain of the boat said we called 'Heeeeereee Kitttttty Kitttttty' just for you! It was a great trip all around. I highly reccomend the resort.

This is our 3rd year in a row staying here. My friend is an owner of a 2 room Ocean View lockout.. Each year gets better and better.. Yesterday at the pool someone informed me of Redwek.com and guess what, I just rented a second week for $695.....for the whole week starting tommorrow Dec 1st. A one bedroom.

The things I like the most at the Westin Ocean Villas: The shower heads and comfortable beds. The staff is faboulos. Jessie the bellman is our favorite. Parking and internet is free. I have seen those as much as $20 each at some places. The BBQ's are great. We always plan on at least one night at the pool BBQ. It is easy to snk beers and ocktails down there as they never come check. The hot tubs and pools say they close at 10pm but we are usually there until midnight and have never been told to leave. The safe in the room is nice for those of us who still use cash...The balcony's are big and scenic. We wvwn slep on night on out balcony on the lounge chairs. Scuba at the resort. It is $100 but worth every penny, they even take you to the ocean. There is a $5 drink special every day.....Use it, yesterday I went to the Grand Wyalaya and paid $12 per drink and $4.50 for a soda at the pool. Ouch.....

Helpful hints: COSTCO WHEN YOU FIRST LAND......Rent a car as you are a 5 minute ride to Lahaina and 40 minutes to the airport. Go to BiG Beach and Litle Beach if you feel wild. (Little beach is Nude).. Cool Kat cafe has a great live act during dinner Sunday & Wednesday. Pioneer Inn for Breakfast. Kobe restuarant is a joke... Go to a Luau for sure. Old Lahaina is probably the best. Hana is way too far and a scarry ride. I went half way and turned around. Save the gas..

No matter where you stay, COME TO MAUI !!!! You will love it here.............

Brand new property!

Well appointed rooms.

Excellent service and location. We actually traveled to Maui to buy at the Marriott Maui Ocean Club. At the time, the Westin was 100% pre-construction. We happened upon the Westin, after the Marriott spoke ill of the product, and purchased right away. The product quality and location were far superior than Marriott's product.

We have now stayed at the Westin Villas for five years-- ever since the property opened. I can't say enough about the Ocean Front 'center' units. Two large lanai's. The OF units are directly on the beach-- we love to leave the door open on the lanai and hear the waves crash! Relaxing.

I would recommend this resort to anyone.