Group rental for senior class stay

Question

What is a great condo/hotel/airbnb/ for 8 day spring break stay? Thanks

Answer

If you’re planning an 8-day spring break stay on the west side of Maui (Kaʻanapali / nearby) with a group, there *are* some condos, resorts, and vacation-rental properties that tend to work especially well for groups — offering enough space, common areas, kitchen facilities, and decent access to beach or resort amenities. Which one’s “best” depends a bit on how big your group is, how much budget flexibility you have, and how much you value resort-style amenities vs. space and flexibility.

Here are several good picks (and trade-offs) for a group stay in Kaʻanapali / West Maui:

— A well-suited choice for groups or families. The units are full condos (1-, 2-, and sometimes 3-bedroom) with kitchens, living/dining space, and lanais, which makes meal-sharing easy.
- Pros: Great location — right on (or very near) the beach, easy walk to the beachwalk, shops/restaurants at Whaler’s Village, and good resort-style amenities (pool, BBQs, beach service, etc.).
- Cons: As a popular resort-condo complex, some units can be pricey, especially beachfront or higher-end ones. If you need many bedrooms, availability might get tricky during peak season.
— A large condo complex a little north of the main resort stretch. Offers studios, 1-, and 2-bedroom condos with full kitchens.
- Pros: More economical than some beachfront resorts, especially for larger groups wanting to cook meals and save money. On-site pools, a spa/sauna, and easy parking make it practical. There’s a grocery store nearby (within walking or quick drive distance), which helps if you want to self-cater.
- Cons: It’s not beachfront in the same sense — the main busy Kāʻanapali-Beach strip is a bit farther, so you’d need to drive or walk to get to the “main” beach/resort-area vibe. Also, since it’s more basic than high-end resorts, amenities are more modest (fewer luxe touches, sometimes parking or extra-service fees).
— A more modest, older condo-style option that people often pick when they want to stay near Kaʻanapali but at a lower price point.
- Pros: Generally more budget-friendly than the high-end resorts. Units have kitchens and basic amenities, and there is some proximity to beach and nightlife/shops (walking or short drive). Good for groups who prefer simplicity over luxury.
- Cons: Units vary considerably because many are individually owned — so upkeep and décor can differ widely. Some units may have limited or no ocean view; lanais can be small especially on higher floors. Not a resort-style property, so fewer bells and whistles.
— A well-established beachfront condo/timeshare property right on Kaʻanapali Beach, popular among vacation-rental travelers.
- Pros: Excellent location — beachfront, very easy beach access, walkable to shops & restaurants. Units come with full kitchens and large lanais. Great if you want that classic “beachfront condo + easy resort-town access” feel.
- Cons: Because it’s in a prime location, rates tend to be higher and availability tight during spring break or peak seasons. As with many condos, unit quality varies.
— While technically in North Kaʻanapali / Kahana area, Honua Kai is frequently recommended for groups and families seeking a resort-condo hybrid experience.
- Pros: Resort-style amenities, good pools, beach access, and room configurations that work well for larger groups (2+ bedrooms). Good balance of comfort, convenience, and access to beaches, snorkeling, and West Maui attractions. Many group travelers note it’s a “top pick” when traveling with more people.
- Cons: Because it’s desirable, pricing can be on the upper side especially for multiple-bedroom units. Also you’ll likely need to book early to get enough rooms or a large enough unit for your group.

How to choose — what to think about when picking for an 8-day spring break group stay

Size and layout: For a large group, condos with 2+ bedrooms (or multiple adjacent units) are ideal; full kitchens make meal-sharing easier and often cheaper than eating out all week. Places like Kaanapali Alii, The Whaler, or Honua Kai tend to have better layouts for that than single-room hotel-style units.
Budget: If you want to stay somewhat budget-conscious, places like Kaʻanapali Shores or Maui Kaʻanapali Villas tend to cost less — though at the trade-off of fewer resort-style amenities or less-prime beachfront location.
Beach & beach-access priority: If you want to be right on or just steps from the sand, beachfront or near-beach condos like The Whaler or Kaanapali Alii are hard to beat. If you don’t mind a short drive to the beach and want value, more inland condos are fine.
Group dynamics & logistics: For a group stay, having a kitchen, washer/dryer, common living areas, and multiple bathrooms are big pluses — especially with different ages or preferences. Also, proximity to shopping or grocery helps if you cook in some meals.
Resort vs. condo feel: Resorts or resort-like condos (Honua Kai, Whaler, Alii) offer more services, easier beach/pool access, and often better maintenance; older condos (some inland ones) are simpler, but may offer more flexibility and lower cost if you don’t mind modest facilities.

My “top pick” for a group of your size and spring break stay: Kaanapali Alii (or The Whaler) — they balance space, beach access, walkability, and amenities quite well. If you want value and don’t mind driving or a short walk to the beach, Kaʻanapali Shores is a solid budget-conscious fallback.