Maggi

We have opted to stay in private accomodations on Maui and Kauai. We would like to visit the beautiful resorts, such as Princeville, Grand Wailea and Kea Lani. Can anyone share "legal" ways we can do this, either by eating at their restaurants, or other activities available to non-residents. I read that the Princeville Luau is the only beach-front luau on Kauai and it sounds nice. Has anyone attended this luau and how does it compare to the Old Lahaina luau?

AMG

I attended the Princeville luau last year and it was very nice. The drinks are well-mixed and free flowing, the food is good (I would not say great but a good selection and tons of it - I don't eat pork so I really can't share in the main event!), and the show is very entertaining. I cannot compare it to the Old Lahaina luau because I have never been - sorry. I stayed at the Princeville and one of the best ways to enjoy this resort without staying there is to take in the free polynesian show in the lobby bar which is called The Library. You can call the hotel for the days and times but it is held several times a week. Get there early, order a cocktail and watch the breathtaking sunset over Bal Hai and the very entertaining show. I also really enjoyed the Sunday brunch - the food is excellent and we were seated right out on the patio overlooking the ocean and Bali Hai. It is a little pricey ($80 for 2 including unlimited champagne - there is a lower price if you decide to forgo the champagne) but worth it. If you are into riding, I would highly recommend the Princeville stables.

ryan

We stayed at Princeville last June. We had a great room, we enjoyed the hotel and would definately go back.

We had planned on going to the luau until we saw what it really was. They use the phrase "Beachfront Luau" a bit liberally. Yes, you are "near" the beach. You are actually closer to the pool and are sitting under a tent, on plastic chairs, and on concrete.

For us, it had to much of a "Cruise Ship" feel to it.

hi

We stayed at the Princeville and the Kea Lani. Both have good top end restaurants. Both encourage people who are not staying to wander around. The Princeville has the best view expecially at sunset overlooking Hanalei Bay. The Luau at the Princeville is OK and but I recommend the Lahaina Luau. Princeville is much smaller and actually next to the pool and not really the beach. The food is great at both though with a slight edge to Princeville. Princeville has a private beach so you need to stay there, but it looks easy to crash. Kea Lani's beach area is not private and you can use the chairs out front. This can be a pain because you can get a lot of non hotel residents who bring boomboxes and are noisy. The Princeville Pool area is just average but the Kea Lani is excellent. Again looks easy to crash. Hope this helps.

Maggi

Hey, AMG and Ryan, thanks for your responses. We will definitely take in the Polynesian show. By the way, it was my understanding that all beaches in Hawaii were public and that we would have access to the beach, even as non-guests, by taking the elevator down to the beach level. Was I misinformed? We are staying at Hale Maluhia, one of the Hanelei Bay Villas, within walking distance, I think.