Hotel choice

Question

Hilton Vacation Club Ka’anapali Beach or Aston Kaanapali Shores? Traveling with husband and our 2 college age kiddos mid May. Which is more fun for their age? Looking for good pool experience, on the beach, close drive or walk to a things in the area. Am confused about some of the reviews on the Hilton one, as some say it’s not on the actual beach but a walk. We like that both have full kitchens. Any advice is greatly appreciated. If you have other suggestions, please share.

Answer

Both the Hilton Vacation Club Ka’anapali Beach and Aston Kaanapali Shores are great options for a family vacation in Maui, especially when traveling with college-age kids. Here’s a breakdown of what each property offers and how they compare based on your preferences:

1. Hilton Vacation Club Ka’anapali Beach:

The Hilton Vacation Club is located just a short walk away from the beach (about 5-10 minutes depending on the specific unit), which is one of the main points of confusion in the reviews you mentioned. While it is not directly on the sand, the walk is through a beautiful, well-maintained property, and the beach is accessible via a path. It’s worth noting that this property is more of a resort-style experience, so the grounds and amenities are very well-kept, and there are several pools and activities for guests.

Pool experience: The property offers a large pool area with several pools, hot tubs, and a kids’ area, which could be great for your college-age kids. It has a bit more of a resort feel with organized activities, making it more fun for families looking for a lively experience.
Location: While the beach is a short walk, the property is situated near the Kaanapali Beachwalk, which connects to a variety of shops, restaurants, and other beach activities. It’s also close to Whalers Village, which is great for shopping, dining, and entertainment.
Full kitchens: The suites come with full kitchens, which is perfect for families who want to cook some of their meals or have more flexibility with food choices.

2. Aston Kaanapali Shores:

Aston Kaanapali Shores is directly on the beach, which is a big advantage if being steps from the sand is a priority. The beach is less crowded here, and the property has direct access to the water. It’s a good choice if you prefer to be right on the beach without the walk to get there.

Pool experience: Aston Kaanapali Shores has a large pool area with a heated pool and a children’s pool, and it’s generally a quieter experience compared to the Hilton. It’s still a great spot for relaxation, but there may be fewer activities for younger crowds compared to the Hilton.
Location: The location is great in terms of beach access, and it’s about a 10-minute drive to Whalers Village for shopping and dining. However, it’s a bit farther from the main Kaanapali Beachwalk, so there may be fewer shops and dining options within walking distance compared to the Hilton.
Full kitchens: Like the Hilton, Aston Kaanapali Shores also offers full kitchens, which is ideal for preparing meals at your convenience.

Which is more fun for your kids?

For a lively atmosphere and more resort-style amenities, the Hilton Vacation Club Ka’anapali Beach might be the better choice. It offers more in terms of organized activities and a bigger pool area, which could be more exciting for your college-age kids. On the other hand, if your kids enjoy more relaxed, beachside vibes with easy access to the ocean, Aston Kaanapali Shores would be perfect for you.

Other suggestions: If neither of these two properties feels like a perfect fit, here are a couple of other options to consider:

Westin Ka'anapali Ocean Resort Villas: A great option for a beachside property with full kitchens, and lots of space. It offers a lot of on-site activities and beautiful beachfront views.
Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa: Directly on Black Rock Beach, this property has a great pool, beach access, and tons of water activities. It’s also centrally located to explore the Kaanapali area.

Both the Hilton and Aston are great choices depending on whether you prefer more resort amenities and activities (Hilton) or direct beach access with a quieter atmosphere (Aston). If being right on the beach is a priority, the Aston is the best pick, but if you're after a livelier, resort-style vacation, the Hilton Vacation Club will likely be more fun for everyone.