Bowsprit

We've got our Waikiki Marriott stay sorted out. I am certain I will be able to find a reasonable flight from Oahu to Maui so we've decided to visit Maui for 4 nights this time. We want to see the Haleakala Crater and also drive the road to Hana.

The top of the hotel budget is $500.00 a night, I would like to pay less than that. Looking for a beautiful pool, beautiful sea views and beach access, upscale rooms, lovely food, great booze. I don't want to have to drive too far from our hotel for evening meals so would like to be close enough to have access to a variety of restaurants. This isn't too big of an issue as we're only staying 4 nights.

I'm still looking at the suggestions given on my other thread but are there any further suggestions? Should I focus my search on South Shore hotels? Again, many thanks!

Placename

In south Maui, you could chose the Four Seasons, the Fairmont, the Makena Resort. I'd advise against Grand Wailea if you don't want to deal with lots of kids.

Bowsprit

Thanks. I think the Four Seasons is out of my price range. I appreciate the information about the Grand Wailea. We love kids but won't miss them on this trip.

FrankS

For June July, West and NWest are very nice, for less than $500 you can stay at the Ritz in Kapalua. If you want bargains, Ive noticed Hotwire has had several 4 star beachfronts in the sub $200 area this summer

starrs

We stayed at the Hyatt Regency and got the great pool, sea views, rooms and food. Plenty of places to eat nearby. It was in the middle of everything and was a fun place to come back to after exploring the island. We then moved to Makena and went "ahhh!!!". Not so far away and a completely different experience. The pool was a completely different experience but then again, so was the beach. We loved hanging out on the quiet beach all day. We also played golf there and the views from the course were the prettiest ones we saw on the entire trip. I'm sure there are more restaurants in the area then there were then. After the busyness of Waikiki, you may enjoy a quieter experience in Maui. I suppose it depends on what you enjoy.

Bowsprit

Thanks. I'm looking for affordable elegance, an upscale feel without a huge price tag (looking for a resort with fewer kids and families). Someone should consider starting an over 55 resort in Hawaii!

sassy_cat

We stayed at the Marriott Wailea in February. Upscale, elegant lobby, beautiful views, lovely tropical garden and gorgeous adult pool.
The downside was the temperature of the pools, too chilly in winter (unheated) but maybe not a problem in the summer or if you're not a swimmer.

There's no direct beach access as the hotel has a rocky volcanic frontage but there is very easy,quick access to the beaches on either side.

Overall we loved the property and will return unless we win the lottery. Then I'd choose the Four Seasons

Bowsprit

The rocky beach frontage was what put me off on the Marriott Wailea but it is a beautiful property. Perhaps the beautiful adult pool will be an acceptable compromise! I'll show my husband the photos and see what he thinks. Thanks!

Tomsd

You might just drive to Hana right after you arrive and spend a wonderful night out there and then come back and kick back at wherever. Personally - I like the North Shore - Kapalua/Napili (The Ritz has super views http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Proper...ui/Default.htm )area way more than Kihei/Wailea - - but then again, I like the North Shore of Kauai way better than Poipu also.

Bowsprit

The Ritz is out of my budget but there are other beautiful places. I'll keep looking! Thanks for all your suggestions, Tomsd!