FS Hualalai vs Hapuna Prince BI accomodations - ???
 

OK - so the never ending upgrades and changes to our Sept 05 continue. We have 5 free nights on Oahu at the Moana Surfrider c/o Starwood, then we have 2 nights at Kilauea Lodge on the BI, then 3 nights Hapuna Prince, then 6 nights FS Maui then back to Maryland. The wife says to me today that we have more money saved up than she originally thought, and that if I REALLY want to go the FS Hualalai instead of the Hapuna Prince, we can do it. It's $361 a night more than the Prince (ouch) but it's doable as long as we only do it for 3 nights ($580 a night vs $219 for the Hapuna - both include breakfast buffet).

I look at it as an experience of a lifetime, hotel-wise, to stay at a really great hotel in a gorgeous location. OR, is it kind of crazy to spend that much on a hotel room as there's so much to see on the BI and we might feel obliged to stick near the hotel as we spent so much per night? Part of me feel like for the extra $1083 we'd spend at the FS, we could have a "free" killer meal each night for 10 nights on the various islands and STILL stay at a great place, The Hapuna Prince.

I'm totally tossed as to what to do... The other hitch is we can't get our original dates as they're booked out and we're waitlisted instead. They only availability in the $580 rooms for our 2,3, and 4th night on the BI which means we lose a night at Volcano and can only spend 1 night there. Additionally, our last night on the BI would be at the Hapuna as the FS is sold out that night already for the "cheaper" gold view rooms! They DO have availability in the Ocean View rooms for ... gulp... $725 a night for the exact dates we wanted, but we don't want to pay that much. That's crazy expensive to us!

So, would you spring for the splurge or not? OR, would you just stay at the Hapuna and call it a day? Tough call for us right now. We are keeping both reservations till we can decide.

Steve R

Sorry for the typos :o( - I was asking about the golf view rooms, not gold view!

Steve

I think as your dates draw near the 4S prices may go down and hopefully a few of the s/o rooms will drop out of the system. Personally I would go for it. The 4S BI is that much nicer.

Thanks for your response travelinwifey. We ARE leaning towards just "going for it" as you suggested, but are not totally sure yet. Part of me thinks - if we don't do it, we'll always wish we just did and wonder what it would have been like! Also, you only go around once, right?

I'm not sure what you meant by s/o rooms? What does that stand for? I'm not sure the prices will go down as our date approaches. Since I last called 3 weeks ago, the cheaper golf view rooms which are their least expensive ones aren't even available for the dates we needed now! They also said they are completely sold out for Jan, Feb and March. This seems bizarre to me. Wish my business was that busy!

Steve

Yes, what I meant by s/o was sold out, hopefully some of the sold out rooms will fall out for you. Sometimes companies buy a block of rooms but some fall out along the way. Whale watching season is Jan, Feb, and March and the hotel is smaller so it's harder to get in. There is also a 2 year waitlist to stay there over New Year's , have tried a few times:)

This is just my opinion only, but to save $$ I would reconsider the 4S Maui and perhaps try the Ritz Carlton or Kapalua Bay (which has those auctions on luxurylink.com I told you about). The views from those hotel are among the best on the island, and the KB has a great beach with really good snorkeling. If it's a toss up between splurging on the BI and Maui, the BI is definitely the winner. If you check travel mags the BI always gets the higher rating Maui. The BI is more upscale. The rooms are my favorite ever with slate floors:)

Thanks again travelinwifey. By the way, are you a wife that likes to travel? Is that how you got your name?

So, we're all set to stay at the FS Maui anyway, so that's a non- negotiable given. The FS Maui is not that much more than the Ritz Maui at $425 a night with rental car and buffet breakfast included.

The only consideration here is blowing off 3 nights at the Hapuna to lap up the luxury of the BI Four Seasons instead. I think we're going to go for it, unless we just cheap out at the last minute, or if my job goes sour next year at some point. That's the good part about reserving so far in advance - the first night of each hotel we're staying at is already paid in advance, cheapening our out of pocket expense when we get there.

I hope you're right about those sold out (s/o) rooms being released next year. They said to call them back in June to see if the actual dates we want to stay become available, as we're going to have to lose a night at Kilauea lodge to stay at the FS BI Sept 5-8th, 2005, ending up that last night of Sept 8th at the Hapuna Prince anyway.

Steve

Steve,
I would go for it too. That's what our family is doing next summer at the FS Hualalai, with a suite, for 3 nights. We also have to give up one night at the Volcano but I figure that if we leave early enough to head over to the Volcano area from the 4S it will be like two full days and I was told that is enough time for exploring all the highlights.
We are staying at the Marriot for the first two nights on the Big Island in their cheapest category room so I plan on doing the most exploring during that time and more relaxing when we change hotels to the 4S.
Good luck with your decision!

Thanks Ashley. I think you all have convinced me that we're doing the right thing. The most we've ever spent for a hotel room was $295 a night in Bellagio Italy this year. Ah, what the heck. It's only money, right? It's been a great year at work and our tax refund should be huge next year.

"Life is like a box of chocolates - you never know what you're gonna get." I could be aged and feeble at some point years from now, wishing I was healthy enough to still travel but unable. I'll probably look back and be glad I just went for it.

My grandfather at 88 years old buried my grandmother 2 years before... and had never done much traveling as she was infirmed for many of her last years. He decided to take a Concorde trip around the world for $85,000 for 3 weeks after she passed on! It was the best thing he ever did in his life and longingly talked about that trip each time I saw him to the day he died at 91 years old. He even planned on going on another Concorde trip at 90 but they stopped flying the planes.

Life is short - truly...
Steve

Hi Steve, yes, travel is my favorite hobby as you can see, lol. I think that's true for mostly everyone on this board >:D<

Yes, it's only $$ but I certainly wouldn't go into debt over it. If this is perhaps the only time you'll be in Hawaii or won't be returning for a while and you can swing it then I would go for it:)

I love the story about your grandfather, he was able to say he did the great concorde! Sounds like he was a great man. Hope I'm able to travel at 88!

Have a wonderful vacation((R))

Here's a vote to stay at the Hapuna Prince over the FS Hualalai if you value beach/swimming. I recently spent a week at the Mauna Kea (sister resort to the Hapuna). The beaches at Hapuna and Mauna Kea are some of the best in the world. These are sandy beaches where you can snorkel, boogie board and frolic right at you own hotel. My brother spent the same week at the FS Hualalai. We spent the day there - the view of ocean is lovely, but it was darn hot and you can't swim in the ocean here - the lava is too close to shore. They do have several pools so if you are a pool person, this may be ok for you.

The pampering is greater at the FS - staff came by with ice water and cool towels as we sat in lounges. But the Hapuna is still a very nice luxury hotel and to my mind, as one who loves swimming/snorkeling, the Hapuna is a better place to stay and you can save a whole lot of $$$ doing so.

I have to agree with Rumrita! I'm sure the FS is fabulous, but we stayed at the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel and thought it was beautiful. We are beach people, however, and loved being on the white sand beach, and watching the beach/ocean from our lounge chairs at the pool. We stayed at 4 hotels in Hawaii, all around $200/night, and we definitely thought the Hapuna was the most "luxurious" for the money. $1000 is a lot in savings, and you could have excellent meals with that!

Another vote for the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel. While you may not be waited on hand and foot there as you might be at the Four Seasons, it is a great property at the price and service is very good. To me the white sand beach really is beautiful and gives you the feeling of being in Hawaii. The $1,000 savings will also pay for some fantastic dining experiences. I wouldn't worry too much as you will have a great stay whichever hotel you choose.

stever, anyone else, I'd say stay at Hapuna.

But I think you have the "itch" so I'd go ahead and scratch it. You'll always be wondering. :)

Book Hualalai

Thanks alot everyone. You know, I've been feeling really uncomfortable about spending this extra $1083 on the FS BI room as we're not going to be in it too much and we can't even get the dates we originally wanted. You have convinced me that my gut may be right on this one. We're not rich, and it's starting to wear on my conscience spending this extra grand.

An extra grand pays for one heck of an outdoor grill - which we really need! I think I am most happy to give up 3 nights at a 5 star hotel to get 3 nights at a 4 star (the Hapuna) AND we get the killer Weber grill "thrown in with the deal".

We've always wanted a nice grill, but have been too cheap to get one as we'd rather spend the money on travel! :o) I think this time we'll spend Hapuna money and get the "Four Season's Grill!"

Get it? I know, I'm corny at times.

You guys/gals are great.

Steve

Yet another vote for the Hapuna! We were there in September a couple of years ago and I still fantasize about that beach! It is postcard perfect. We drove to the FS for drinks and dinner and while the resort is beautiful, I couldn't imagine going to Hawaii for a sliver of a manmade, somewhat-rocky beach. Definitely go to the 4S for dinner, it was fantastic, but I thouht the Hapuna was great.

I'm curious if the comments for the Hapuna are from those that have stayed at the Hapuna only? While the Hapuna has a better beach every other aspect of the 4S is better. 4S has a manmade snorkeling pond, fantastic rooms, excellent dining, an adults only pool and two more, covered canopies along the beach, private outdoor showers outside your room, a famous spa, etc.

Anyhoo, hopefully the price will come down for you Steve in the future but if not you'll still be happy at the Hapuna. If cost is a concern (I agree $1000 is a big difference for 3 nights) and you won't spend a lot of time at the resort you'll be happy at the Hapuna. Have a great trip.
:)

I think for the most part there are three types of guests at a typical Four Seasons resort. 1: people who have the money to go anywhere and do anything on vacation, so they stay at the best, don't think about the rates, and have a great time. 2: people who don't have unlimited budgets, but can afford to splurge every once in awhile so they can do so in good conscience, and they have an appreciation for what FS offers that most other chain hotels can't/don't. 3: people who are test driving a FS for the first time and either can't comfortably spend the money (budget- or conscience-wise) and/or don't really enjoy the amenities that FS specializes in.

The key for Steve is to try to decide which group he best fits--in advance (not always easy to do), 2 or 3.
The vast majority of people who would recommend the Hapuna Prince over the FS either haven't actually stayed at the FS, or they're in group 3 IMO.

Thanks again for your 3 last posts folks. They are food for thought. I'm still not 100% convinced as to what to do, but I was always told not to do anything till I'm sure.

I'll just leave both reservations in limbo for 6 months and see how we feel next year when it gets closer to the date. We have 14 days in advance to cancel at the FS with no money lost. We do like a great beach (Hapuna), and we do like to experience the ultimate in luxury (FS) - even if there isn't a great beach. A really nice pool scene with a view of the ocean is still heaven to us. We stayed at the Ritz Carlton in Bali 3 years ago and it's not on the beach, but it has an amazing view of the water from the pools (like the FS BI I assume), way high up above the beach. To date, that was probably our favorite hotel, and it was only $155 a night with 7 food presentations a day in the club level they upgraded us to for free. Ah, the bargains of traveling in Indonesia!

It's really so hard a decision. I think it might come down to economics. We could just stay at the Hapuna and have a blast - maybe eating a blowout dinner at the FS BI and still be $900 ahead! :o) I know that the FS is supposed to be amazing, and we'd love that, but an extra $1000 for just 3 nights seems like a huge disparity. It's not like we'll be suffering on the trip as 4 days later when we're in Maui, we will be staying at the FS there for 6 nights, and that was truly to be our big splurge.

Either way we win.

Steve

I just returned from the FS Big Island and I can tell you that it was by far the best hotel experience I have ever had. Was it pricey? Absolutely. Was it worth every single penny? Without a doubt. We went to Hapuna Beach and I can honestly say that as soon as we got there, we immediately got back in the car and went right back to the FS. In my opinion, and this is only my opinion, no other hotel on the BI can compare to the FS. You should read the reviews on Trip Advisor of both hotels to give yourself a little more insight. On Maui, I was not at all impressed by the Four Seasons after staying at Hualalai but I was very impressed with the Grand Wailea next door which I ended up moving to.

As a side note, when I made my original reservations for the FS, the first night of my stay was not available. The general manager e-mailed me to confirm my reservation and I told her that I was looking for the extra night and she not only was able to give it to me she as gave me the exact location and room that I wanted even though the hotel was sold out.

pcutrone: WOW - that's a pretty strong recommendation for the FS Big Island if I've ever heard one. I'm just going to leave the reservation at both and decide in a few months. My internet buddy Brian highly recommended spending the bucks and just staying there as well. I'm surprised you found the FS Maui that displeasureable that you checked out and went to the Grand Wailea. What room type were you in? What was so bad about your experience there?

I'd be interesting in hearing more about this! I went to the Grand Wailea's website and they have a buy 4 nights get 2 nights free deal with breakfast, but it's STILL more than our FS Maui rate of $425 night by $70 a night (but it is Partial OV at the GW). They're regular rates are a bit less than the FS Maui from what I see. We are all set to do the FS Maui unless you know a good reason why we shouldn't!

Steve

I think you should decide what are the most important factors for you. If you want to be totally pampered, have the best service and have a beautiful room, it sounds like the Four Seasons is best. If you want a great beach, still great service, less great room and relaxing environment (in part bc you don't feel like you are paying a lot more $), then the Hapuna Beach might be better. Personally, if I am going to Hawaii, the beach is #1 priority for me. If i want to stay at a beautiful four seasons hotel, I can stay down the street from home where I live now and save 20 hours on the plane.
Having said that, Hawaii is a big trip. It is far and you are planning it a year in advance! it seems dumb to look forward to this big trip, plan for a year, fly a great distance then ruin it by trying to save a few bucks. if you really want to stay at the four seasons and that will make your trip, go for it. if you don't think you'll enjoy it because you are spending too much, don't. Not sure if this is an option but my favorite is the mauna kea next door to the hp.

Steve --- I've been following your travel saga on the boards as you have been interested in many of the same hotels I am looking at for my May 2005 honeymoon in Maui and BI. I've never been either place, but I ended up choosing the GW and Hapuna. About the GW --- where did you get that pricing? When I look up rates using the reservation feature on the opening web page, I get a rate of $291 for a terrace level room. I assume that's the equivalent of a 4S mountainside room. That's way cheaper than the 4S room, although I know you get breakfast and car at the 4S. Anyway, just thought I'd mention the non-package rates at the GW, as they seem to be a great value. You could stay at GW on Maui, then splurge at 4S on BI --- I know people who've been to both 4S and they all like the BI one better. Sorry if I have added more to consider to your already full plate.

My husband and I had the very same dilema. We are using Starwood points in Oahu (W Honolulu) For the Big Island we opted for Four Seasons Hualalai instead of Hapuna Prince. I was most concerned about the 'basic' guest rooms at Hapuna.

I had been to FS Hualalai on business a few times without him. The resort is so beautiful and romantic.

You have to decide -


If you decide on staying at Hapuna do not even go over to the FS Hualalai for lunch - you will be very sorry you did not pick to stay there.

If we were then going on to Maui, I would opt for the Maui Prince and save the money for all the wonderful activities
Though the Wailea beach is nice but did not care for Four Seasons Maui or Grand Wailea, very hotel row -area,the pool areas were crowded zoos. I was there March (during Spring break).
Loved The Ritz-Carlton Kapalua! Location, price, Ritz-aloha service outstanding!

Good luck and have a wonderful trip!

You folks are so well traveled and well intentioned. Thanks for your eager to help comments. It's funny how one person will say that the FS Maui is fantastic, and another will say that the Grand Wailea was MUCH better in comparison and they were SO glad they stayed at the GW. One says the FS Maui's rooms were amazing, and the next says they're worn. One says that the Moana Surfrider was the best Starwood hotel they've stayed at in Oahu (we have enough pts for 5 nights), and another thought the rooms were noisy and in need of updating and much preferred the stylish W Hotel to use their Starwood points. One says that the rooms were noisy at the W Hotel as they were just a few floors above the "happening" restaurant, while another experienced the quietest of rooms while staying there.

Some think the FS Hualalai can't be topped for ambiance and quality, and another complains about the lack of sandy beach and wished they just saved the money and stayed at the Hapuna with it's amazing sand! One stays at the FS BI and finds the outdoor lava rock shower the most amazing thing and an absolute must, while the next who also stayed on a bottom floor room to get the outside lava rock shower wished they hadn't as there was noise from the people above them walking back and forth with thinnish ceilings unfortunately separating them.

Some loved saving the money at the FS Maui with their Mountainview Rooms and found the views of Haleakala pretty great, while others complained about the noise from the front drive while they were on their lanai and said the view was most unsatisfactory.

It's been interesting - the variety of experiences and contradictory, opposing views. I think we will wait and see how we feel about it in a few months. Maybe we'll email the GM at the FS BI and at least try to get the dates we need first before deciding what to do. Right now the dates they've given us aren't what we wanted.

Peace,
Steve R

Aloha Stever,
I live on the Big Island, and really love swimming at Hapuna Beach and staying at the Prince. However, the FS Hualalai has been rated one of the best resorts in the world for pampering. I go to the Prince for peace and quiet and beach and pool time. By the way, if you choose to stay in Hilo, the Waterfalls Inn bed and breakfast (a new B&B in town) is a great place to stay. Check it out on Tripadvisor. It is really close to downtown Hilo, so you don't need to drive far if you go out at night to some of the great new restaurants in Hilo such as Kaikodo and Hilo Bay Cafe. There is a lot to do and see on the Big Island!

I have stayed at both the FS and Hapuna and urge you to stay at the Hapuna Prince and save the excess $ for the nice grill you've been hankering for. The Hapuna Prince is a lovely resort, with a beach consistently rated among the nations' best (in fact, #1 in one survey). If you were visiting in the winter, I'd recommend the FS, as Hapuna Beach gets rough and loses alot of its charm at that time. If pool swimming and lounging is of paramount importance, then the FS is the way to go, with several great pools, including a stocked pool that is great for tranquil snorkeling. The lone pool at the Hapuna Prince is a nice rectangular pool sitting on a bluff high above the beach....but its not in the same league as theFS pools. Restaurants should not be determinative, as you will undoubtedly want to try out several, both at and away from your hotel, regardless of which hotel you choose. Although the distance between both hotels is not great, I do prefer the Hapuna Prince's more convenient location for closer access tothe mountains, Waimea and the Hamakua Coast. You have a wonderful choice to make, but I felt that I received a better bang for my buck at the Hapuna Prince, a lovely hotel.

Thanks Forknmouth. Great info for us. We still have no idea yet, but will have to see how are finances are next year. They're both reserved now, so serendipity will decide for us. The thought of saving the $1083 and picking out a nice grill for the difference when we return is VERY TEMPTING!!! Can you imagine how nice an outdoor grill you can get for a grand? Nicer than we were hoping to get. Lets me, the Weber Genesis aluminum looking grill is about $599, we don't even have an outdoor patio set that's gonna run about $500 for a decent, cheap set at Target on sale... hmmm, - this is a tough call for us!

It's all good.

As far as staying at that B and B in Hilo, I appreciate the info but we're all set to stay at Kilauea Lodge for those 1 or 2 nights instead in Volcano. Their restaurant is a big attraction for us as well and we have dinner booked those 2 nights.

Steve