Westin Kaanapali is easy walking distance to Whaler's Village, had live music at the casual restuarant next to the pool with little kids playing around the tables,
a wonderful American and Japanese breakfast buffet as well as a Starbucks, and just in general more of a buzz. Busy doesn't always mean bad. The Sheraton had the better cozy beach and snorkling at Black Rock, lovely if you get a balcony overlooking it. But it is a huge spread out place with lots of different kinds of rooms. The restuarants are not as good as Westin Kaanapali and it is not as lively.