Maui, Kauai hotel/area indecision - help!
Jun 25th, 2003, 05:31 AM
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Maui, Kauai hotel/area indecision - help!
Hi!
My wife and I are going to Maui and Kauai in March. We're having trouble deciding which hotel to stay in...
In Maui: we're torn between staying in Wailea or Kannapali. Here are the pros and cons as we see them: (please advise, add on, or correct me!)
Wailea pros: beautiful beach and sunnier/more tranquil and relaxing
Wailea cons: 45 minute drive from most of the attractions we'll want to see; too secluded & dull
Kannapali pros: more active/more to see and do /some people say Kannapali beach is prettier than Wailea
Kannapali cons: rainer area/ too crowded/ feels too commercial, touristy
As for hotels in Maui...
In Wailea, we're deciding between the Grand Wailea or the more moderately-priced Outrigger Marriott Wailea... We don't have kids and aren't interesting in elaborate spa treatments (other than one or two massages) so is the Grand Wailea worth the money?
In Kannapali, we're deciding between the Sheraton, Westin & Hyatt. (The Hyatt is significantly pricier than the rest - is it worth it??) I had a friend who stayed at the Sheraton Maui and loved it, but I've seen bad reviews on these message boards of the Sheraton.
For Kauai, we know we want to stay in Poipu and are deciding between the Sheraton (more moderately priced) and the Hyatt. Is the Hyatt worth the extra money? Is it possible to stay at the Sheraton but eat at the Hyatt restaurants?
Any advice would be most helpful!
My wife and I are going to Maui and Kauai in March. We're having trouble deciding which hotel to stay in...
In Maui: we're torn between staying in Wailea or Kannapali. Here are the pros and cons as we see them: (please advise, add on, or correct me!)
Wailea pros: beautiful beach and sunnier/more tranquil and relaxing
Wailea cons: 45 minute drive from most of the attractions we'll want to see; too secluded & dull
Kannapali pros: more active/more to see and do /some people say Kannapali beach is prettier than Wailea
Kannapali cons: rainer area/ too crowded/ feels too commercial, touristy
As for hotels in Maui...
In Wailea, we're deciding between the Grand Wailea or the more moderately-priced Outrigger Marriott Wailea... We don't have kids and aren't interesting in elaborate spa treatments (other than one or two massages) so is the Grand Wailea worth the money?
In Kannapali, we're deciding between the Sheraton, Westin & Hyatt. (The Hyatt is significantly pricier than the rest - is it worth it??) I had a friend who stayed at the Sheraton Maui and loved it, but I've seen bad reviews on these message boards of the Sheraton.
For Kauai, we know we want to stay in Poipu and are deciding between the Sheraton (more moderately priced) and the Hyatt. Is the Hyatt worth the extra money? Is it possible to stay at the Sheraton but eat at the Hyatt restaurants?
Any advice would be most helpful!
Jun 25th, 2003, 05:42 AM
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Kaanapali is not significantly rainier than Wailea. A little bit, but not much. It's Kapalua a bit farther north where you start to see the weather change, with more wind and rougher water.
You will not find any advice that will allow you to know for sure whether or not to stay in Kaanaplai or Wailea. It's one of those question in which there's no one size fits all answer. Much like the Poipu vs. Princeville debate.
As for eating at the Hyatt Kauai, they welcome anyone in the restaurants.
As for whether or not any hotel is "worth" the extra money, that's a personal thing as well. I say, if you're scratching and clawing to upgrade from an Outrigger type place to one of the Hyatts, and you're not a hotel 'nut', then it's probably not worth it. If it's withing your budget and/or you really like nice hotels, then yes, it's worth it. But only you know your own taste.
Good luck.
You will not find any advice that will allow you to know for sure whether or not to stay in Kaanaplai or Wailea. It's one of those question in which there's no one size fits all answer. Much like the Poipu vs. Princeville debate.
As for eating at the Hyatt Kauai, they welcome anyone in the restaurants.
As for whether or not any hotel is "worth" the extra money, that's a personal thing as well. I say, if you're scratching and clawing to upgrade from an Outrigger type place to one of the Hyatts, and you're not a hotel 'nut', then it's probably not worth it. If it's withing your budget and/or you really like nice hotels, then yes, it's worth it. But only you know your own taste.
Good luck.
Jun 25th, 2003, 07:06 AM
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Not only can you eat at the Kauai Hyatt if you're not a guest-you can use their spa & pool as an outsider (for a price of course). While I've not stayed at the Hyatt, other Fodorites report the rooms aren't all that special (do a text search) at the Hyatt-it's the grounds, pool and spa everyone loves. Also, I seem to recall a condo in Poipu that people like (vs the Sheraton) so do a text search here for another option.
Jun 25th, 2003, 07:45 AM
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Texan,
Your Kaanapali and Wailea comparison doesn't really make too much sense. You say a con of Wailea is it is too secluded and dull but also say that a con of Kaanapali con is too commercial and touristy. It's either one or the other.
Depending on how long you will be on the island, consider staying a few nights in both areas.
Your Kaanapali and Wailea comparison doesn't really make too much sense. You say a con of Wailea is it is too secluded and dull but also say that a con of Kaanapali con is too commercial and touristy. It's either one or the other.
Depending on how long you will be on the island, consider staying a few nights in both areas.
Jun 25th, 2003, 08:01 AM
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A few more comments on Kauai I forgot. The beach at the Hyatt is not always swimmable (rough surf) although you can drive a short distance to one that is. The beach at the Sheraton is calmer. The Hyatt evidently has a day rate to use their facilities AND a room for the day. It's half the regular rate-still steep but maybe worth it if you're with kids.
There are currently several other threads pondering some of the same questions-one titled Kauai Hyatt or Sheraton (or something similar). There's another thread on condos. There's sooo much info here (maybe too much) to help you decide.
There are currently several other threads pondering some of the same questions-one titled Kauai Hyatt or Sheraton (or something similar). There's another thread on condos. There's sooo much info here (maybe too much) to help you decide.
Jun 25th, 2003, 08:37 AM
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If you can afford the Hyatt on Kauai, do it. It's wonderful. The grounds are amazing and lush ... your kids will love the pool.
As for Maui, my personal preference is for Kaanapali ... although Wailea is beautiful. Especially with kids, I think there is more to do near Kaanapali ... you don't want to spend most of your time in the car. Your kids will love the nearby town of Lahaina.
Kaanapali is not touristy/commercial in a tacky way. It's still heavenly! I personally love the Hyatt there, but my second choice would be the Sheraton. I think it is very nice as well.
Also, don't let weather be a factor in choosing between Wailea vs. Kaanapali. They are virtually the same.
As for Maui, my personal preference is for Kaanapali ... although Wailea is beautiful. Especially with kids, I think there is more to do near Kaanapali ... you don't want to spend most of your time in the car. Your kids will love the nearby town of Lahaina.
Kaanapali is not touristy/commercial in a tacky way. It's still heavenly! I personally love the Hyatt there, but my second choice would be the Sheraton. I think it is very nice as well.
Also, don't let weather be a factor in choosing between Wailea vs. Kaanapali. They are virtually the same.
Jun 25th, 2003, 08:59 AM
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An oceanfront room at the Kauai Sheraton will be much, much closer to the water than an oceanfront room at the Hyatt. Of course you can eat at the Hyatt if you are not a guest there.
I like the Outrigger Wailea a lot but the pools are nothing special if that is what you are seeking.
I like the Outrigger Wailea a lot but the pools are nothing special if that is what you are seeking.
Jun 25th, 2003, 09:23 AM
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texan, the Hyatts could be much more affordable than you think. I always see great deals for them like on Apple Vacation's Sizzlin Specials.
BTW, your cons are way too harsh...no need to rush into such judgments before you even get there. Kaanapali and Wailea are both great. If they weren't, everyone wouldn't be so torn in deciding between the two.
BTW, your cons are way too harsh...no need to rush into such judgments before you even get there. Kaanapali and Wailea are both great. If they weren't, everyone wouldn't be so torn in deciding between the two.
Jun 25th, 2003, 12:08 PM
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Have you looked at the Marriott. It is next to the Hyatt and many of the rooms have been converted into suites (timeshare). However, if the timeshare isnt sold, you can book it as a suite. I used Marriott points for a suite there and it was great. Pool is nice but a little crowded. I like Kaanapali better due to it location near Whalers village. Lots of good restaurants 5 minute walk. Check out this web site. Lots of good info 40 page report updated once a year:
http://hometown.aol.com/Derm1/index.htm
http://hometown.aol.com/Derm1/index.htm
Jun 25th, 2003, 08:09 PM
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Sheraton would be my choicefor kaanapalli . I love the whalers village area and even though we did not stay there ( booked before i knew how great it was ) we spent 2 partial days there.
Now as far as what region wailea or kaanapali. That is a personel choice, both are very nice and you would be happy in either area. As far as comparing the two you have read all the comments and like any good ( shrink ) would say. What do you think? nick
Now as far as what region wailea or kaanapali. That is a personel choice, both are very nice and you would be happy in either area. As far as comparing the two you have read all the comments and like any good ( shrink ) would say. What do you think? nick
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