laurel7

Hello, newbie here.

I am taking my mom on a two week vacation to Maui and Kona in November. I would like to stay in a resort or nice condos, either way I would like her to wake up every morning feeling like she's in heaven. A place on the beach with an oceanview, swimming pools, spa, beautiful room, etc. Price around mid to high range.

I thought it would be easy for find accommodations on the net, but I've been at it for hours now, and I'm exhausted. Those hotel websites are an endurance course. Thanks for all your help.

offlady

I'd go with the Four Seasons Wailea, Grand Wailea, or the Westin Kaanapali. They have spas, nice beachfront, pools, etc. You could also stay at a condo and just take her to the hotel spa for the day as you normally won't find condos with spas.

Hilton Waikoloa is a fun resort with boats and a monorail.
Not too many places in Kona with nice sandy beaches except for a few, such as Mauna Kea Beach Resort.

laurel7

Thanks offlady, I'll check those hotels out right away.

PeaceOut

I wouldn't recommend the Hilton Waikaloa for you and your Mom, because it's more family-oriented and there are usually LOTS of kids there. Not so relaxing for adults IMHO.

I'd recommend instead the Mauna Lani on the Big Island. http://www.maunalani.com/

connecticut_lady

Heaven you say? Not difficult in Hawaii. You didn't say how old your mom is...if she is elderly the amount of walking (or waiting for trams/boats) at Hilton Waikoloa might be too much.

For the Kona area, Four Seasons is probably nicest. Up in Waikoloa, about 25 min drive from the airport, the Mauna Lani Bay is lovely and the Fairmont has a pretty beach. The best pools are at the Hilton.

We find Kona very congested and prefer the Waikoloa area. Our favorite restaurant, Merriman's, is another 20 minutes further north in Waimea/Kamuela.

There is a Sheraton in Kona and it has a nice pool. I don't remember a beach though. Thinking back I see lots of rocks and a very nice ocean view.

Over on Maui, the three previously suggested hotels are quite nice. We have stayed at the Hyatt in Kaanapali and enjoyed it (ten years ago). Their pool was lovely. Grand Wailea has wonderful pools.

From what I remember the Grand Wailea had lots of children running around as does the Hilton Waikola. If you are going in the beginning of November that won't be much of an issue but Thanksgiving is crowded.

I hope this helps. If you give your preferences in terms of places to see that might narrow things down on the Big Island.

laurel7

My mom is in her seventies. I don't have any definite plans yet. My mom likes to walk a lot and just to sit on a nice beach. Thanks for the tip on the kids at the Hilton. We both love kids, but we're looking more for something quiet and relaxing. There's also an artsy area on the Big Island someone told me about. Sounds like it might be nice for window shopping and lunch.

I just checked that link on the Mauna and it does look heavenly.

Thankyou all again.

fosterag

Laurel7- My DH and I stayed at the Hilton Waikoloa 2 yrs ago in July. There was a large group of us as it was his company's annual stockholders meeting. Range in age was probably 20 thru 80. It was beautiful place to stay. There were kids but not overwhelmenly. The water taxi and trams were great as it is a big property, but sometimes we walked. Never had to wait. There is no sandy beach, but it it beautiful with chairs to sit and watch the water. Restaurants to pricey, but if you have a car go into the town of Kona. Restaurants all along the beach. Also in the parking lot of the Catholic church they have a outdoor market. Great prices on jewelry and Hawaiian crafts. Loved it. Wherever you stay I hope you and your Mom enjoy it.