Sands of Kahana vs. Kaanapali Beach Resort

[djyamyam Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close djyamyam]

I'm trying to decide which resort to stay at for our trip early in 2008. From what I've been to research, these seem to be the two we can get. I know it's personal choice but I'd like to see what this group thinks.

I've read the reviews on both resorts and read Faust's post on the KBC rooms. I've read some comments about the units at Sands being dated. What do you like about each?

[shopgirl Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close shopgirl]

We toured Sands of Kahana. Owners get ocean view and the other views are basically parking lot! I didn't like the resort at all. I thought it was ridiculous that the resort is still selling outdated units. We saw a two bedroom and it was large. I did absolutely love Hono Koa and would exchange there over Sands--any day of the week. Hono Koa did have updates, with all new bright white cabinets, granite countertops, new furniture and carpet and updated bathrooms, If you can get a Hala or a Koa unit (not much of a chance for a Koa), those have pretty good ocean views The Palm units do not have much of a view, but better than Sands.

I would personally love to stay at Kaanapali Beach. The units are gorgeous and even the island views are great. That would be my choice of the two you mentioned. We toured these in July. The one problem I had was the view from the higher units was very dizzying. I could never stay on the lanai for more than a few minutes. I was ill after standing out there, staring at the ocean for a while. My mother-in-law is 79 and it didn't even phase her. I obviously have some problem with heights that I was not aware of!

[odaddy Gold Contributor Find all posts View Profile Close odaddy]

I agree with shop girl! We stayed at Kaanapali beach club may18-28, very nice rooms, no problem at all. Kinda hate the $12 parking fee. Toured the sands, much older and very dated. Meanest timeshare salesman we have ever come across. I also like being closer to Lahaina, but the difference is not that great.

Sean

[bigfrank Administrator Find all posts View Profile Close bigfrank]

I stayed at Kahana Falls which is across the street from SOK. If you are staying in KF you have to use the beach in front of SOk. The beach is smaller then most. The grounds on SOk were nice but a bit confusing. nice tennis courts there. The units from what I heard were larger then most and some 3 bedrooms. The area by SOK is further away from every thing but more private.
The Kannapali areas is much more crowded with more going on. So if it is relaxation that you want take SOK. If you plan on traveling most the island and want a more lively place. Take the Kannapali area. BTW if you do take KBR you can most likely sneak into the Weston, Marriott and other big resorts that are right there.

Hope this helps.

[littlestar Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close littlestar]

We stayed at Sands of Kahana two years ago in a 1 bedroom. The room was very clean. I didn't think it was dated - it just seemed like beach decor to me. We had a sliver of a view of the ocean. Owners rotate on the views is what I've heard. There is no air-conditioning. But I've heard the resort would provide a fan if you need it. We didn't need it, as the trade winds were blowing nicely and we were there in April. I actually liked SOK better (for peacefulness) than the crowded busy area down at Kaanapali Beach.

[djyamyam Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close djyamyam]

We booked a 1BR oceanview unit at the Kaanapali Beach Resort. We were able to get it through a TUGGER for pretty much what we would have for an exchange (MF + exchange fee) so hopefully it will work out.

Looking forward to it.

[kapear Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close kapear]

We booked a 1BR oceanview unit at the Kaanapali Beach Resort. We were able to get it through a TUGGER for pretty much what we would have for an exchange (MF + exchange fee) so hopefully it will work out.

Looking forward to it.

I think you made the right choice. The Kaanapali Beach Resort rooms are recently renovated. The pool there is great. We're headed there in March of 08 and can't wait.

[4ARedOctober Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close 4ARedOctober]

After checking out both of these resorts I think you made a good choice. Since you worked something out with an owner I hope you get a good unit with a good view. The only downside to KBR is the small refrigerator and no stove top. When we were there there the beach was wide and not very crowded at all. I would stay there in a heartbeat.

I was not impressed with the beach where SOK is not with the buildings. I could live with it but would choose KBR first.

[dale7 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close dale7]

After checking out both of these resorts I think you made a good choice. Since you worked something out with an owner I hope you get a good unit with a good view. The only downside to KBR is the small refrigerator and no stove top. When we were there there the beach was wide and not very crowded at all. I would stay there in a heartbeat.

I was not impressed with the beach where SOK is not with the buildings. I could live with it but would choose KBR first.

I was just at KBR and some of the two bedrooms had cook tops we asked about that and they that you could ask a portable cook top and rice cooker if you want. The refrigerator is a stand up type about 16 cube ft with a freezer on top good for ice cream . They have two restaurants there got the kids some chicken and fries and they liked it.

If you call two weeks before you get there ask if you can get a pool side ocean view, I think it is one of the best views unless you all ready have deluxe ocean view.

Hope this helps

dale

[djyamyam Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close djyamyam]

I was just at KBR and some of the two bedrooms had cook tops we asked about that and they that you could ask a portable cook top and rice cooker if you want. The refrigerator is a stand up type about 16 cube ft with a freezer on top good for ice cream . They have two restaurants there got the kids some chicken and fries and they liked it.

If you call two weeks before you get there ask if you can get a pool side ocean view, I think it is one of the best views unless you all ready have deluxe ocean view.

Hope this helps

dale

Dale, thanks for the update. I did know about the portable cook top and was going to ask for it. In talking with the resort, there's no guarantees. It will depend on whether it's available.

I hope if I ask nicely enough and at the right time, I'll get it

DJ

[djyamyam Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close djyamyam]

The only downside to KBR is the small refrigerator and no stove top.

I hope we can manage as we do a fair bit of own cooking when we're away. DH is a vegetarian so we're picky on what we eat. If it's like the ones at the Grand Mayan resorts in Mexico, then I think we'll be ok. Any smaller than that would be a real pain!