Grand Cayman vs. Maui?
May 12th, 2007, 07:33 AM
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Grand Cayman vs. Maui?
What would be the pluses to going to Grand Cayman vs. Maui? I have been to Maui many times and love it. I've stayed at the Kapalua Bay Hotel and the Sheraton at Black Rock. I would like to try some place new so I'm considering Grand Cayman at the Westin Casuarina. Your input would be appreciated. Thank you!
Kathy
Kathy
May 12th, 2007, 01:05 PM
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We've been to both in the same year of 2003. Went to Maui Feb. 2003 stayed at the Kaanapali Beach Hotel, which is next door to the Sherton. Went to Grand Cayman in Nov. 2003 and stayed at the Holiday Inn k/n/a the Courtyard by Mariott. We just returned from a cruise that had a stop in Grand Cayman a couple of weeks ago.
Personally, I did not care for Maui and would never consider returning.
The sand on Kaanapali Beach is dark brown and coarse and the water was a deep blue, cold and rough. Maybe February was a bad time to go. Kaanapali Beach Hotel charged $25 per person to rent a beach chair to their guests. I thought that was ridiculous. 7 Mile Beach on Grand Cayman is wonderful. White, soft sand, and crystal blue water. The snorkeling/diving is fantastic.
The overall atmosphere is more laid back in GC, and has that Caribbean feel. Maui reminded us of a typical American metropolitan area with lots of traffic. For 2003, I think the food and drink prices were higher in Maui. However, they both average about the same. We got an AI deal at the Holiday Inn and LOVED IT. I would have a hard time going back to GC and not do AI again. The overall trip to Maui was double what we paid for GC mainly due to airfare and we didn't go AI in Maui.
The topography is different. GC is flat and scrubby, while Maui has lush greenery.
It's easy to get around in GC without a car, not so in Maui. The bus/van system works well. However, I would rent a car for a couple of days to hit all the great snorkel spots and Rum Point.
When the cruise ships arrive, Georgetown can be quite busy, but the ships don't stay long. Actually, when we were there a couple of weeks ago, it really didn't seem too bad.
Next to Mexico, Grand Cayman is our favorite Caribbean Island
Personally, I did not care for Maui and would never consider returning.
The sand on Kaanapali Beach is dark brown and coarse and the water was a deep blue, cold and rough. Maybe February was a bad time to go. Kaanapali Beach Hotel charged $25 per person to rent a beach chair to their guests. I thought that was ridiculous. 7 Mile Beach on Grand Cayman is wonderful. White, soft sand, and crystal blue water. The snorkeling/diving is fantastic.
The overall atmosphere is more laid back in GC, and has that Caribbean feel. Maui reminded us of a typical American metropolitan area with lots of traffic. For 2003, I think the food and drink prices were higher in Maui. However, they both average about the same. We got an AI deal at the Holiday Inn and LOVED IT. I would have a hard time going back to GC and not do AI again. The overall trip to Maui was double what we paid for GC mainly due to airfare and we didn't go AI in Maui.
The topography is different. GC is flat and scrubby, while Maui has lush greenery.
It's easy to get around in GC without a car, not so in Maui. The bus/van system works well. However, I would rent a car for a couple of days to hit all the great snorkel spots and Rum Point.
When the cruise ships arrive, Georgetown can be quite busy, but the ships don't stay long. Actually, when we were there a couple of weeks ago, it really didn't seem too bad.
Next to Mexico, Grand Cayman is our favorite Caribbean Island
May 12th, 2007, 03:23 PM
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"Maui reminded us of a typical American metropolitan area with lots of traffic."
I'm sorry. You are entitled to your opinion and I think I know what you meant by this remark, but comparing the entire island of Maui to say...the San Francisco Bay Area is not fair or accurate. Even if you are only talking about the traffic in Lahaina and the crowds in Kaanapali, it still is a gross exaggeration.
Grand Cayman sounds nice though.
I'm sorry. You are entitled to your opinion and I think I know what you meant by this remark, but comparing the entire island of Maui to say...the San Francisco Bay Area is not fair or accurate. Even if you are only talking about the traffic in Lahaina and the crowds in Kaanapali, it still is a gross exaggeration.
Grand Cayman sounds nice though.
May 13th, 2007, 05:58 AM
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Grand Cayman is fun..never been to Maui but have been to Kaua'i and it is beautiful with lots to see and do.It is not as built up as Maui but does offer plenty to do.
Both are very different in appearance..
Grand Cayman is flat and not lush but offers great snorkeling and attractions along with beautiful beaches.
Kaua'i is very beautiful,green and lush with waterfalls,flora and different parts of the island have different terrain.Waimea Canyon is known as the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific".
If you have never been to Hawaii...I would plan to go sometime.It all depends on where you live..if you are closer to Kaua'i..I would definitely go there (over Maui).If you are on the East Coast..Grand Cayman is nice.
Good luck!
Christie
Both are very different in appearance..
Grand Cayman is flat and not lush but offers great snorkeling and attractions along with beautiful beaches.
Kaua'i is very beautiful,green and lush with waterfalls,flora and different parts of the island have different terrain.Waimea Canyon is known as the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific".
If you have never been to Hawaii...I would plan to go sometime.It all depends on where you live..if you are closer to Kaua'i..I would definitely go there (over Maui).If you are on the East Coast..Grand Cayman is nice.
Good luck!
Christie
May 13th, 2007, 06:16 AM
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We went to Maui in 2001 and Grand Cayman last year. We loved Maui (just beautiful island with lots to see) and enjoyed Grand Cayman.
Here's my GC trip report with pictures so you can get an idea of what's to do there:
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34790307
Personally, if I had to pick where to go back to, I'd pick Maui... but then again since you've been there several times, I'd say try something new.
Good luck.
Here's my GC trip report with pictures so you can get an idea of what's to do there:
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34790307
Personally, if I had to pick where to go back to, I'd pick Maui... but then again since you've been there several times, I'd say try something new.
Good luck.
May 13th, 2007, 06:39 AM
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We've been to Maui (as well as Oahu, Kauai, and Hawaii) several times. We've only been to Grand Cayman once on a cruise stop.
We thought the scuba diving and snorkeling on GC were great. In addition, Sting Ray City is not to be missed. We also enjoyed the beach and wave runners at Sea Grape Beach.
However, we really love the Hawaiian Islands, and would choose any of them over Grand Cayman. Also, if you're from California (based on your screen name), it's a heck of a lot easier to get to the Hawaiian Islands than GC.
That being said, we like to experience different places and are heading to the USVI and BVI this summer.
Another option would be to try someplace new on Maui... maybe South Maui, like the Wailea or McKenna areas... or what about Hana.
If you haven't been to Kauai, it's our favorite Hawaiian island. We also like the island of Hawaii for its underwater marine life, especially near Kealakekua Bay / Captain Cook Monument area. And we (especially the kids) love Oahu too.
You really can't go wrong either way! Can't wait to hear what you decide... planning is half the fun!!
We thought the scuba diving and snorkeling on GC were great. In addition, Sting Ray City is not to be missed. We also enjoyed the beach and wave runners at Sea Grape Beach.
However, we really love the Hawaiian Islands, and would choose any of them over Grand Cayman. Also, if you're from California (based on your screen name), it's a heck of a lot easier to get to the Hawaiian Islands than GC.
That being said, we like to experience different places and are heading to the USVI and BVI this summer.
Another option would be to try someplace new on Maui... maybe South Maui, like the Wailea or McKenna areas... or what about Hana.
If you haven't been to Kauai, it's our favorite Hawaiian island. We also like the island of Hawaii for its underwater marine life, especially near Kealakekua Bay / Captain Cook Monument area. And we (especially the kids) love Oahu too.
You really can't go wrong either way! Can't wait to hear what you decide... planning is half the fun!!
May 13th, 2007, 07:18 AM
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I second cawhite's Makena and Hana suggestion. We stayed in both places in February and loved them both. The one hotel in Makena, the Maui Prince is located on a fabulous beach with excellent snorkeling. It is quiet and low-key. We walked to that beach every morning from our vacation rental house.
Besides Hanalei on Kaua'i, Hana is my favorite location in Hawaii. Something about that place just sucks the stress right out of me.
Besides Hanalei on Kaua'i, Hana is my favorite location in Hawaii. Something about that place just sucks the stress right out of me.
May 13th, 2007, 08:21 AM
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Yep, we are staying there for 5 nights. I recall you were interested in info. on MBR.
I think you are also the one I got the info. on what insect repellent to purchase too (?). I went to REI yesterday and picked up Sawyer controlled release insect repellent. Also ended up getting Sawyer clothing insect repellent (lasts 6 weeks, or 6 launderings). I hear the mosquitos are really out in force in the VI right now!
Carole
I think you are also the one I got the info. on what insect repellent to purchase too (?). I went to REI yesterday and picked up Sawyer controlled release insect repellent. Also ended up getting Sawyer clothing insect repellent (lasts 6 weeks, or 6 launderings). I hear the mosquitos are really out in force in the VI right now!
Carole
May 13th, 2007, 08:35 AM
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If my choice was between the Hawaiian Islands and Grand Cayman, I would decide to follow through with another trip back to Hawaii. Hawaii is much more lush than GC. BTW, it should be in some kind of bylaws to never allow AI's in GC. The resturants are just too good to miss out on. The only real plus that GC has over Hawaii is Seven Mile Beach which is white as snow and soft as talc powder. You can pretty much name your game as far as watersports go --snorkeling, swimming, sailing, windsurfing, or doing the submarine. In George Town, there is the retail therapy with duty-free bargains on crystal, perfume and jewelry.
May 13th, 2007, 10:21 AM
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Have been to all three Cayman Islands and all six major Hawaiian Islands. For me, hands down, it's Maui over G.C.. Better snorkeling at more locations, better restaurants and more natural attractions.
May 13th, 2007, 05:40 PM
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Thank you all so much for your input. Last night I did confirm our reservations for Grand Cayman. As I mentioned previously, I do love Maui and have been there probably six times and I've also been once to Kaui many years ago. I guess I just need to experience Grand Cayman first hand. Plus, I was able to arrange a very reasonably priced trip. Thank you for all your tips. We'll be going June 1 through the 7th. Thank you! Kathy
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