Anchoring the southern end of Kaanapali Beach, near the Westin, this is a time-share operation with the feel of a deluxe hotel. Once the distinguished Maui Marriott Resort, this property now offers its owners and guests a variety of dining and recreational facilities to accompany their luxurious one- to three-bedroom apartments.
Apart from offering its guests the opportunity to call this stunning stretch of Kaanapali Beach their home, Marriott's Maui Ocean Club has one of Maui's most elaborate pool complexes, an honor it shares with Grand Wailea Resort and the Hyatt. Since the last inspection the new Lahaina Wing has debuted, adding 149 additional one-, two- and three-bedroom units and a new pool. There is also a Starbucks on the premises.
This is among Hawaii's most expensive time-share operations, though its grounds-to-guest-rooms ratio is not as generous as at sibling Ko Olina Beach Club, near Waikiki. The original hotel's stout, multistory U-shaped accommodations wings and newer 11-story Lahaina Wing front a wide stretch of Kaanapali's famed sugar-sand beach. Out front, a hangar-size awning protects arrivals from inclement weather. The bold, tropically
appointed lobby is open to the elements, offering glimpses of the ocean beyond that expansive pool.
Unlike its competitors, Kaanaplai Ali'i and the Whaler at Kaanapali, dining here is relatively extensive, with a Japanese outlet and sushi bar, formal Italian restaurant, poolside snack shack and deli on hand to sate hungers. Style and service converge in the elegant Italian restaurant, where ocean views complement the tasty blend of Tuscan and South Pacific flavors. The deli's sundries are extravagantly priced, so many guests head to the discount food stores. Costco and Wal-Mart are now open in Kahalui. The bar beside the pool offers sunset specials, and a Starbucks has recently opened alongside the popular beachfront promenade. Also, nearby Whaler's Village offers an abundance of inexpensive eateries.
Most guests split their time between the excellent beach basted with well-oiled travelers and the pools. There are ample lounge chairs and umbrellas by the beach or the two pools, the largest of which is equipped with a phenomenal array of aquatechnics, slides, a river, bridges and shady furnished plots under palms. Watersports rentals, kayaks, snorkeling gear 
and the like are available at a kiosk beside the beach. There is also a 24-hour gym, two whirlpools and a spa offering health and beauty treatments. Shuttles to the airport exact a fee. The tennis courts have been plowed under to make way for yet another wing, the new Napili Wing. Only valet parking exacts a fee.
Like its siblings in Kauai and Oahu, this Marriott Vacation Club offers its guests some of the largest, most attractive and well-equipped guest quarters in the islands. Elegantly standardized, all of the units are thoughtfully designed with roomy living and dining areas, fully equipped kitchens with ranges and dishwashers, and all of the bedrooms have additional TVs and firm king or paired double or queen beds. Bold print fabrics grace seating spreads, carpeting is plush and textured, and quality custom furniture and lighting fixtures bring home the deluxe island atmosphere.
Walking into a room here is like arriving at the home of a wealthy friend, with big granite breakfast bars and extravagantly furnished lanais creating wonderful additional spaces to gather to gape at the awe-inspiring views of the pool and distant ocean. The kitchens come with enough 
china, cutlery and pots and pans to cook a Thanksgiving meal for six. Adequate storage space with safes, irons and ironing boards and washers and dryers make a week's stay a breeze, and ceiling fans provide back-up. The baths have deep soaking tubs and separate showers, excellent lighting, magnifying mirrors, hair dryers and toiletries. Although owners get their beds changed twice weekly, guests here on weekly packages enjoy daily maid service.
Room service never stops. Pets are not allowed. Smoking is forbidden on the property.
This time-share compares favorably to some of the best hotels on this beach, namely the Westin and Sheraton. Guests at the nearby Hyatt lack kitchens to cook in, but overall, the Hyatt is a better hotel, with superior dining and higher service standards aimed at travelers seeking the pampered life. Still, travelers seeking out a home base on Kaanapali Beach can't do much better than this. The more laid-back Kaanapali Ali'i is more tranquil, while The Whaler offers a better beach front and lower rates.
