kevin l.
December 2023
Great location. Unit needs some updating but it served our needs wonderfully. Owners are absolute joys to work with and respond in a timely manner. We will be back next year.
Merritt D.
September 2023
Stayed for the week of July 4th.
Whaler: Attentive staff, easy check in, very pretty property, well maintained, ample parking in either the underground garage or out by the tennis courts. Has shopping carts in the garage to assist getting items to condo. Nice pool. Tennis & Pickleball courts. Beach front, so great location. Owner very responsive. Clean. Pretty run down (as noted in other reviews). Desperately in need of paint, new carpet and a whole list of "honey do" projects--faucets either stiff and hard to operate or flat out leak all over the place (kitchen). Towel racks and TP holders loose. Need to use caution in sitting in some of the chairs (one of the dining chairs may collapse at any moment and your butt might get pretty close to the ground in one living room chair). No stock of paper towels, dish soap, garbage bags, dish washer pods were really old and crusty. Overall, a bunch of stuff like this.
However, the kitchen appliances are nice, the kitchen is well equipped, all the doors, windows and screens work fine and it's a nice sized place.
As long as you don't get bothered by the general neglect of the place, it's a great location in a great property and is a good home base on Maui for a week.
David T.
June 2023
Can't beat the location on Kaanapali Beach, and the view. Large wrap around oceanfront lanai was a joy. There are certainly options with more luxurious interiors, but not with a better view/location in the building (as close to the water as you can get). Beach was laterally out the door, down some steps. Note people will be walking past the unit on the beach boardwalk all day. Being on the second floor didn't impact privacy inside the unit but will somewhat on the lanai. Unit was also large and spacious. We came from a short stay in a hotel on another island and really appreciated being able to stretch out. Whalers Village is a few yards away next door for shopping and dining. Mostly not a noise concern. Communication with the owner was the best possible. Even reaching out during our stay with a question we got an almost immediate response.
Kevin J.
June 2023
Great property. Sure, not as updated as some, but best location with the best view. Kitchen has what is needed to cook most any meal including utensils for the BBQ grills. Spacious living area, bedroom and 2 baths. Amazing lanai. All shows some wear, but doesn't affect the view. Would be happy to come back again.
Brook M.
April 2023
This was the perfect place to stay, close to restaurants, shops and excursions. Gorgeous ocean views, truly water front property. Can't wait to come back!
Kathy M.
March 2023
If you're looking for an ocean front property this, is it. But that is all it is.
This property is extremely dated, outdoor furniture is rusted, indoor furniture is 1970's old and not comfortable. This unit needs a complete overhaul.
Please do not judge The Whaler by this unit, we have been coming to The Whaler for over 20 years and have never been disappointed until now.
Patti M.
February 2023
Due to a flood farther south on the island, I was scrambling to find a new location for my vacation at the last minute. There just happened to be a recent opening and I grabbed it. Even though some furnishings have been well loved over time, the condo is clean and comfortable with an incredible view. Next to shopping, restaurants, and boating tours and a beach that is amazing to walk on. All staff I encountered at the complex were amazing and any questions I had from the on-island managers of the condo were quickly answered. Thank you for saving my vacation!
Deb K.
February 2023
This was our second time staying at this property. The condo is absolutely perfect. Very clean, it had everything we needed and the location is just spectacular . Michael and Susie were very responsive to every question we had and were very kind and helpful when we got delayed due to a cancelled flight. Looking forward to staying here each time we are in Maui.
Linda T.
December 2022
If you're looking for a place with wonderful views and great location, this is it. But if you're looking for an updated, nicely furnished unit. This is not it.
We were embarrassed that the other couple we invited were forced to sleep on a fold-out with springs popping through. We knew about the fold-out, but never expected the mattress would be impossible to sleep on. In addition, the club chair was broken and one side rested on the floor. The dining room chairs were rickety and wobbly. Badly in need of new furniture.
We were disappointed about this and expected better, but still enjoyed our stay overall.
Jennifer B.
October 2022
Would absolutely stay here again! The location, the amenities, the VIEW!! While it was a little outdated and there were a few bulbs out, it was very clean and comfortable. Breakfast on the lanai was amazing, and being so close to shopping and dining at Whaler’s village was very convenient.
Kathy P.
October 2022
Great location and amazing views but the condo itself is very dated and worn. Furniture, carpet and mattress are in need of replacement and the bathroom is much overdue for overhaul. Owners very nice and sunsets overlooking ocean are spectacular. Just be prepared for a very worn living unit.
Kathy P.
October 2022
Great location and amazing views but the condo itself is very dated and worn. Furniture, carpet and mattress are in need of replacement and the bathroom is much overdue for overhaul. Owners very nice and sunsets overlooking ocean are spectacular. Just be prepared for a very worn living unit.
Walter S.
September 2022
Another terrific stay at the Whaler. Unit 251 was clean and sports the best location of any unit we've stayed at. Communication between all parties was seamless (Owners, Whaler desk and us). Can't wait to go back.
Johanna R.
September 2022
Great location. Large wrap around balcony with amazing views of the ocean. Large apartment, very comfortable. Furnishings a tad dated and has wall to wall carpet which I never like. But ….with all that said you are in such a great spot all of the negatives really don’t matter. Loved our stay!
Jon B.
August 2022
Great property. Well kept inside and out. Beautiful views all day and night.
Cynthia M.
August 2022
Beautiful view in a very nice condo. Location was perfect. Bed was comfortable. We would definitely stay here again!
Jamie M.
June 2022
We have stayed at The Whaler at least 6 times and have loved every stay, but this condo provides spectacular sunsets every night!
Robin W.
April 2022
We stayed here in March and just loved the location. Close to beach and shopping, great restaurants too! Property owners very responsive to work with.
Karen S.
March 2022
Totally enjoyed our stay! On the second floor, the condo offers easy access to the beach, pool, and Whaler’s Village.
While its furnishings may be a little “tired” - the view and the location make it a memorable stay. We spent most of our time on the lanai watching whales…and there were so many!
The panoramic views were spectacular!
That’s what attracted us to the unit.
For a couple of days, we didn’t even use our rental car. It was easy to Uber to restaurants in other Kaanapali hotels.
We will stay here again.
Javier A.
January 2022
Perfec view
Colleen R.
December 2021
Such a perfect location so luxurious and within walking distance of everything you need and want in Kaanapali. Highly recommend except when I want to stay again next year. Don’t take my week!
Deb K.
December 2021
My husband and I stayed here for a quick getaway for my birthday. The location of the condo was magnificent! Seriously just steps to Whaler's Village. The condo itself was absolutely perfect. Everything was clean and very nice. The superstar is the view, it is absolutely spectacular! We are already planning our next visit.
kevin l.
September 2021
Although it could stand some upgrades, we found the unit perfect for our needs. Owners are wonderful to communicate with extremely helpful. We hope to be back next year.
Denise M.
September 2021
If you are looking for the best location on Kaanapali Beach this unit is it! However, if you are looking for an updated unit, this condo is not it. The unit is very worn and much in need of updating.
Wendy K.
August 2021
The location, 180 degree views and easy front stair access to the water are what make this 1-bedroom unit a stand-out. It is comfortably & modestly furnished with a spacious wraparound patio offering some shade most of the day. The owners are the nicest our family has encountered in many years of successful vacation rentals. If you are coming to Hawaii to enjoy the beach, sunsets, nightlife, people-watching, and sound of the surf at night, this is a beautiful spot in the heart of Kaanapali boardwalk... If your focus is on luxury or solitude, don’t book this gem and complain, leave it for those of us who appreciate true oceanfront accommodations in a busy (aka popular) area at a very reasonable price.
Mark H.
August 2021
We loved everything about this property. Will definitely be back.
sophia b.
August 2021
It was a beautiful ocean front stay.. exceeded our expectations and would stay here again!
Kashley D.
June 2021
Such a wonderful area, the beach is beautiful. With the corner location you are only out your door and down one flight of stairs and you’re on the beach. Would stay here every time.
Gerry N.
June 2021
This location is truly amazing, sitting on the lanai people watching and admiring the sunset was so much fun! The unit and the property both need an update, things are a bit worn out inside and out. Front desk and security could put more effort into helping guests.
Luann B.
May 2021
We loved the location of this condo with the easy access to the beach snd lovely wrap around balcony.
Kevin D.
May 2021
My wife and I came for our anniversary. We have stayed at the Whaler many times.
First off everytime we come here the check in staff are unpleasant. Everytime.
The bellman however was amazing....
This unit has great views. We were disappointed there was just one lounger.. really? There was also only one champagne glass so having champagne was weird. Air conditioner did not work. Had to wait for maintenance to show up. Towels smelled weird, so we washed them and all was good
.
For the price this unit was ok, could use some updating in the bathrooms.
Owner was very nice.
May 2021
This condo has all the amenities of a hotel like concierge, spa, pool, water toy rentals, great workout room etc., but instead of just a hotel room you get a well-stocked kitchen, two bathrooms, washer and dryer and super comfy king bed and a lanai that could easily accommodate a dinner party of 30! You'll appreciate it that it wraps around when the setting sun is facing you.The owners are very responsive and even gave us a late check out! It's in a perfect location to explore west Maui and not that far of a drive to the other side of the island! And the best part...waking up or going to sleep to the crashing of surf. 50 ft away and you are on the beach. Fantastic views of the ocean and neighboring islands! And of course the sunsets!! No need to take a sunset cruise with 50 other people when you can watch it from your deck! They have really thought of everything. Water toys, beach bag, cooler. All in the condo. And the lower elevation, #251, gives you great people watching. :) Enjoy!!
Mark T.
April 2021
Great views, steps from the beach and the pool, close to restaurants and shops, and no "big resort" hassles. Can't beat this condo.
Holly C.
April 2021
The kitchen has Teflon pans and others that are too scraped up to use safely. No wine opener. The fold out couch bed had hard wire springs that dug so hard into my sons back we had to remove our only blanket to give him as an extra layer of protection leaving us with only a sheet. One of the large binds in the living room was broken, so we were unable to see one of the ocean view other than through the blind. It took two of us to pry the screen doors open, so we left them open the entire stay. Tape holding picture frame together. The shower head in the master bath was broken so we had to learn how to wash our hair with one hand while the other held the shower head. Location is really loud with the bar next door and the restaurant fans running non-stop. The air conditioner is so loud and go on and off waking you up. I think we timed it took a full two minutes of running the shower before hot water came available. Overall, the place is in need of repairs and basic necessities updates for the price they expect.
Mark T.
March 2021
As others have said in reviews, superb.
Tom H.
March 2020
We have stayed here many years.
Sarah B.
March 2020
This unit is the most ocean front you can get on Maui. It is super convenient to dining and shopping.
We had a question the first day and queried the owner and was responded to right away.
We would definitely consider staying here again.
Maui is our happy place !
Gail G.
February 2018
The Whaler is a perfect location in Ka'anapali. It's close to everything, easy to get in/out. Other resorts along the walkway (to try other restaurants). The building and grounds are very clean and well kept and the staff is super friendly and helpful. There is a resort fee of $20/day but they have chairs, towels, etc to use.
John M.
June 2017
This unit has a very nice kitchen that is well equiped. The balcony is literelly steps from a great beach. Restaurants, beach activities, convenience store, and full shopping are within 100 yards but you have complete privacy from them. Quiet and beautiful. Cant beat this location. Been to Maui many times. This is my favorite.
Keith C.
October 2015
My wife and I return to The Whaler once a year on average, our first choice for a place to relax in the world. We really like the true ocean front location of this unit, not to be confused with "ocean view, or partial ocean view" properties where you may have to step out to a balcony, then tilt your head over a rail to see the water. The Ka'anapali Beach area is great for those who want a long sandy beach, warm ocean water, swimming, snorkeling, paddle boarding, live music, fine dining and shopping within easy walking distance. The Whaler has three new BBQs for each of two towers, that they clean every morning, so they look showroom perfect each evening if you are first to use them. This unit also has a kitchen, a requirement for our trips, as my wife loves to cook. The local produce, meats, and fish seem to taste better than we can get on the mainland. This unit is set up very well, where you can see the ocean from the living room, kitchen, lanai, even while resting in bed. The Hula Grill is within a block; featuring a beach restaurant where you can listen to live music with your toes in the sand, as well as a more elegant dining area. The owners are very prompt with communication, including a nice contact as we arrived to be sure all was well. You could vacation here without a car, if you don't mind about a half hour shuttle from the airport, and regular shuttle buses from The Whaler Village to Lahaina and other points of interest. All of the staff are friendly yet professional, no long lines at the reception desk like the big hotels.
Daniel B.
July 2015
We spent a week at this very comfortable condo. It is a corner unit with a large lanai that allows great views of the beach, ocean and other islands. The resort itself was beautifully maintained and was in a great location, within walking distance of restaurants, shopping, grocery store, boat charters and other luxury resorts/hotels. Downtown Lahaina is a couple of miles away and can be reached via bus or shuttle, so a rental car would not be needed if the immediate area is your sole destination. The unit itself has all the amenities you'll need and it is reasonably priced given the location and views. We had a wonderful time!
Use the "Visit Owner's Website" link to read more reviews from the reservation site, including the latest reviews submitted by recent guests.