Cher

After much research, my hubby and I were ready to book reservation for special anniversary trip next May for 6 nights at Four Seasons on Maui. (Had been going back and forth between choosing FS and Fairmont Kea Lani.) However, last night's Travel Channel program about hotels in Hawaii featured Fairmont Kea Lani and Hotel Hana on Maui. I already have 2 nights booked at Hotel Hana (and then we'll be leaving for Princeville on Kuaui for 5 more nights after Hana). Now I'm re-thinking Four seasons and possibly booking Kea Lani instead of 4S cause it looked really nice.

Can anyone who has stayed at both or been on both grounds comment and compare ... pool area, beach area, "kid-factor" (end of May), and general feeling of resort, etc.

One more question - Hotel Hana and the whole experience there looked so appealing on the Travel Channel program that we're thinking of adding a 3rd night and only staying 5 nights at 4S or KL ... any thoughts ... too much time in Hana or just right (since taking away a night in Wailea area)?

here_today_gone2Maui

I can't comment on your 4S/Kea Lani question, but I think the Hotel Hana-Maui is simply fabulous, and I love being in Hana. If you want quiet and enjoy hiking, sunrises, simply lying on a beautiful beach, away from the crowds, snack bars and t-shirt shops, than add another night. If you can appreciate the lack of nightlife and the limited restaurant options, and want some personal time, add another night in Hana. Two nights will only give you one full day, which is never enough Hana time for me.

Cher

Thanks 'here_today'. I think we will definitely book another day in Hana ... would love another day of everything you just described.

amelie

Well we stayed at the Fairmont and absolutely loved it. What I noticed at the Four Seasons that I didn't like, was how their cabanas were stuck in all these bushes. I thought that looked weird, but I would think the Four Seasons would be way more luxerious and probably less kids (I think they have an adult only pool?). The Fairmont does have a nice adult only pool as well. Maybe if you can upgrade to a nicer room at the Fairmont you should really consider it.

amelie

TripleSecDelay

I realize this is not precisely the comparison you seek...however, I must ask if you have researched the Grand Wailea Resort next door to the Four Seasons?

I have pictures of our stay there, if you are interested.

The layout and decor of the Grand Wailea is simply beautiful. We walked the grounds of the FS and had lunch there one day, and learned that we made the right choice to continue our stay at GWR.

Please don't misunderstand : We both felt the Four Seasons was on equal par with the GWR. More linear architectually and a skosh more conservative. The statuary and manicured gardens of GWR outshine others.

A room in the 8000 or 9000 series at GWR will provide the finest panoramic views.

GWR may have more kids and "adult kids" at their pool area with the slides. The swim-up bar is definitely adult-only. The hottub cave is intimate.

FS has (I'm told) better security for celebrities.

The spa at GWR was to die for. We both especially liked the water massage that falls from the ceiling like a rope of water, onto one's shoulders. I told my wife that we wouild oneday install something similar in our next house. I don't care what it costs...

Now I'm off to research the Fairmont Kea Lani.

You'll have a great trip no matter where you stay. Happy anniversary!

Cher

Thanks for all the replies. Although many people love the Grand Wailea, I think it's a bit too large for what we're looking for. We generally like smaller, more intimate luxury resorts. That's why I was considering Four Seasons vs. Kea Lani ... both seemed to be similar in size (??), and smaller then the Grand Wailea. We're also looking for the resort that will tend to have the least amount of kids at the pool, end of May. We're actually more "beach" people than pool people, so the quality of the beach by the resort is a key consideration also.

stever

We researched this to death too and decided for our next Sept trip that the FS Maui will be perfect for us. How much will each option cost for you??? That was partially a deciding factor for us. We've always wanted to stay at a FS and this will be our first experience at a FS beach resort. (we're doing FS Philly this New Years as it's only $220 a night).

We got the $425 Mountain View Room (no killer view but we don't care) deal with the car and buffet breakfast included. What prices did you find???

Steve
Maryland

Bonn

We stayed at the Kea Lani 2 years ago, and were very disappointed. The 1st room we were given had filty carpets (they even had a towel on the floor in the bedroom to cover the stain between the beds. The 2nd room had ants in the bathroom and bar. The service by the pool was rude. I could go on. I complained to the home office and the sent me a certificate for a return stay, but our travel cost from the midwest makes it a once-every-ten-years kind of trip. I've never heard such compaints from FS. Go there!

ggfinds

The Maui Four Season is very nice. I would choose it over the Kea Lani. I have stayed at the Four Seasons 2 times, Grand Waialaya once and never again. My friend stayed at Kea Lani after the Four Season because they extended the vacation we were on and I clearly saw that The Four Seasons was better. Great Service, much more quiet and tranquil. The Grand Wialaya is like being at Sea World for Humans. Like a water park. It was more $ than the 4 seasons and not better. My favorite place in Hawaii is the Manele Bay Resort on Lanai, beautiful, peaceful, uncommercial, the best service ever! For less than Four Season I think? Koelle Lodge is the only other hotel on the island and it is a plantation in the mountains. You can use the facilities at both locations. Both are very different. A must see! http://www.manelebayhotel.com/
I am a discriminating traveler. I make it worth the trip or I don't go.