the whaler on kaanapali beach

Oh, The Whaler on Kaanapali Beach. If you've read any of my posts, you know I can be sentimental. The Whaler is no different.

The Whaler was the first place I stayed on my first trip to Maui. I was completely captivated to be sitting on the lanai, watching the sun set right into the ocean, listening to the waves and watching them curl onto the softest sand I'd ever felt on my feet (I grew up in the Pacific Northwest so...) It was everything I imagined - but better! For this Pisces girl, it was total nirvana and a balm for parts of my soul I didn't know were craving this experience. 

Local ordinances once read that no building on the island could be built higher than a palm tree. The Whaler was among the first to be built after that was changed. And oh how times have changed since then, haven't they?

Being in a 12-story building, you'd think it could feel crowded. But the interior of the resort is insulated a bit from the rest of the goings-on around Kaanapali Resort. Whalers Village is right next door and you walk right out to the beach. But the resort is enclosed to prevent folks outside the property from cutting through. You can hear the hum and strum of music performances nearby but you can look across the courtyard and not see anyone, save the few folks on their lanai enjoying the same as you. There's the white noise flow of water through the koi pond. The pool is just the right size to keep an eye on the little ones. It doesn't boast a waterslide or a swim-up bar. It's just the right size with a calm vibe, especially in the evenings. 

The Whaler feels open. You get an interrupted view from the beach all the way to the tops of the West Maui mountains from each side of each building. And while the beach gets all of the attention, the mountains reflect a spectrum of colors created from the constantly changing light. The mountains are a lush and vibrant green and you can see every hill and valley on their slopes. Sometimes it seems like you can see each leaf and frond on every tree. And while folks flock to the beach at sunset, I encourage you to turn around from time to time to admire the colors being showcased above. Deep purples, fiery oranges and reds. And no shortage of rainbows either - though more so before the drought. 

Turning your attention to the neighboring island of Molokai, it feels close enough to tough as the morning air is so clear. 

This oceanfront condominium resort is about as good as it gets. The layout of the buildings provides ocean views from virtually every room, yet garden views have their own tropical retreat feeling. Each condo has a private lanai (balcony) to sip your morning coffee or for jealousy-inducing, camera ON, kind of Zoom backdrop for that dreaded meeting (if you REALLY must show your dedication in this way - in which case resign immediately and forward your mail) Each owner remodels and furnishes their property to their taste so each has its own vibe. The studio, 1-bedroom, and 2-bedroom condos have full kitchens for those nights you want to stay in and avoid the dinner crowds. Or barbecue locally caught fish at the beachside barbecues. 

It's easy for guests to feel their condo is their Maui home during their stay at The Whaler on Kaanapali Beach. Lots of our guests come back to stay in their favorite property year after year. 

The Whaler is a home base for me when I'm on Maui. I worked here for the better part of a decade and know the property like I know my own hometown. It's an ideal location in a lot of ways:

• OCEANFRONT - Kaanapali Beach Voted Best Beach for many consecutive years.
• Walkable promenade north from Black Rock and south to the Hyatt
• Catamarans pickup/drop off in front of The Whaler
• Whalers Village is right next door. Wander the shopping center, grab a fish taco and walk back to your condominium - no car required. You can easily explore Kaanapali without a car rental.
• 360 total properties, 48 time intervals
• Amenities
  • Underground Parking
  • Pool 
  • Air conditioning in every room
  • Fitness room
  • Day spa
• Black Rock
• Golf
• Bus & shuttle services

My uncle is Principal Broker of his real estate brokerage of the same name - Monte D. Fitts, Realtors. He has lived at The Whaler property for decades and operates The Whaler Vacation Rental Program. Maui Vacation Company is affiliated with his program and has their properties in our inventory