Original Message:
Kanaapali Villas verses Kannapali Resort and Spa (by Julie R.):
We own a 2 bedroom unit at the Westin Kaanapali Villas and have visited several times. We've also stayed at the Westin Hotel on Kaanapali Beach. Both are very nice properties, and both have direct beach access.
The beach near the hotel is nicer for bathers; beach at the villas is nicer for snorkelers due to the large amount of coral. Our children love both beaches. There's a free Westin shuttle that goes between hotel and villas, so you can easily experience both.
The villas and hotel both have nice pools, so your 9-year-old would enjoy either one. Our children always preferred the villa pools. There are several to choose from.
I believe the Westin hotel still offers the Luau at its location, but you can take the shuttle from the villas to the hotel. However, the Lahaina Luau is supposed to be the most authentic and most popular luau, but it fills up weeks/months in advance so if you were interested in it, you'd need to check into booking it soon.
At the villas, you may notice the sewage smell occasionally, when the wind comes from the wrong direction. But it's a minimal annoyance. The overall quality of the villas far outweighs any annoyance though. If we could put the Westin villas into the Westin hotel's location, you'd have the perfect resort.
All in all, the villas are nicer, in our opinion---especially for families. The units are exceptional, and the full kitchens are fantastic. You won't find anything close at the hotel. We love having the option of cooking a meal ourselves, or going out. It feels like a home away from home, rather than just a room. And it offers a great deal more flexibility, which is great when there are children involved.
Hope this answers your question.