Hi Folks,

I am having a heck of a time deciding between these 2 hotels. I know there is a definite difference in price (about $1600-$1800 for a week's stay). I am willing to pay it if it is worth it. Question is: Is it worth it?

My plans are to either stay at GW in the Napua Tower or the Hyatt Regency using the Regency Club. My wife and I will be traveling with our 7 yr old daughter and my wife's 78 yr old mother. We are getting 2 rooms.

I'm concerned about posts that I have read mentioning the drop off in level of service at the GW. I am also concerned about the size of this place. Although she is very active and fit, will there be too much walking for my mother in law?

The posts I have read about the Hyatt have been pretty good overall except for the beach situation.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. ALOHA!

I can only tell you that we loved the Grand Wailea. It is certainly more luxurious than the Hyatt and the pools are the best on the island! There is a LOT of walking. We easily walked ten minutes to the pool from our room each day - but worth it IMO. We certainly had no complaints about the service. The advantage of the Hyatt is the location within walking distance of other Kaanapali resorts/restaurants/shopping. Unless you're going to one of the nearby resorts along the beach walk (like the Kea Lani) or maybe the Shops at Wailea, you'll be driving everywhere else (if you stay at GW).

We just spent a week at the GW and I have mixed feelings about whether or not it was worth the price. We were not happy with the service at all, but we did not stay in the Napua Tower--they were completely booked when we were there. I did speak with some guests who were very happy with the level of the service in the Napua tower.

I would never waste my money on the deluxe ocean view again. We would have been just as happy with the lower rise units closer to the beach. They didn't have an ocean view but were much more centrally located. It was quite a hike to get everywhere from 9th floor and once you leave the building there are alot of sloping walkways.

Although I sound negative, we stayed there for the pools and our kids loved it. If that's high on your list of priorities, you will be happy there. If not, I'd opt for the Hyatt.

Thanks for both responses. The difference in opinion is what I have been experiencing!..lol..

HELP!! Are the beaches in front of the Hyatt really that bad? Also, at the risk of sounding a little snooty, is there that much of a difference in the clientele at each location? I don't exactly want to be surrounded by a lot of Thurston Howells but I don't want a bunch of loud Beverly Hillibillies either.

LOL ssm--with the prices in Maui, I doubt you'll encounter many "hillbillies". I prefer them over the Thurston Howells anyway!

There was never a question that we would stay at the GW. We had canned a trip to Italy for a few reasons, among them, we wanted a very kid friendly, low stress destination. The beach in front of the GW is great--but we spent all of 30 minutes on the beach. We live in FL, so that wasn't the draw for us.

I haven't had a chance to put my trip report together, but I'll cover our experience at the GW. I posted a few bits of info if you want to look them up under my name.

If the pool had not been important, there is no doubt that I we would have stayed next door at the Four Seasons. In addition to the service, they don't nickle and dime you--and it's less expensive.

One thing that I think makes a difference no matter where you stay is the time of year. The GW was completely sold out and the staff seemed like they'd been run ragged.

If you really want to save some $$$. Get the Sheraton Maui on Priceline for $140 a night. It's a great location.

How do you get the Sheraton Maui on Priceline? I thought you had to bid without knowing the name of the hotel. Since there are lots on Kaanapali Beach that could fall in the same category I've been reluctant. Appreciate any tips you have on making this work. Thanks.

We stayed at the Fairmont Kea Lani in Wailea and LOVED it. But choosing between GW and Hyatt..based on location I would choose the GW. We visited Kaanapali and thought the beach was packed/tiny/windy/ and had some rain sprinkles. Wailea is definitely more beautiful.

Here is another vote for the Fairmont Kea Lani. Our stay there was just perfect and we walked to the GW. The GW is beautiful and I don't think you will be disappointed. The beaches are have more sun in Wailea as opposed to Kannapali IMO.
Enjoy your trip to Maui!

The Kea Lani is nice - bigger rooms and not as spread out - but no way could I stay there with those delish pools right next door!

Actually the 4 Seasons is right next door to the GW and even from the 4S you can't see the pools from the property...not until you walk the path that connects all the hotels in Wailea. There is great tropical landscaping that hides each hotel from its neighbors.

We loved the pools at the Fairmont, especially the adult only pool. The GW seemed way too big. The Fairmont was just the right size for our honeymoon. Plus the service was amazing. I don't think it's fair that you get different service based on where you stay at the GW.

I love the Hyatt Regency. I usually get the package that includes breakfast in the Swan Court...great buffet and atmosphere. I don't do the beach anymore...too much sun in my wayward youth and have minor skin problems because of it and I don't want them to become major skin problems..so anyway, the beach isn't "my thing" these days. I like being on that side of the island. The Hyatt has a wonderful swimming pool and I like the style of the hotel. Very Hawaiian but not "stuffy" feeling. Having said that, I always go over the the Grand Wailea when on Maui to have a drink, or lunch, enjoy the beautiful grounds and to check out the mall. The Grand is very child friendly and is a georgous hotel. That side of the island is also more peaceful than the Kaanapali area so if you want a less active area the Grand may work for you. I don't think you can go wrong with either choice but you have to decide on the kind of atmosphere you are looking for. Maui is a wonderful island and you just can't go wrong going there. You'll have a great trip no matter which hotel you choose.

Hi ssm love those initials (look just like mine)

We have stayed at the Hyatt 3 times and it is a really a beautiful resort. Never had any complaints or bad experiences. Grounds are nice, pool is nice. Dinner up on the restuarant on top of the waterfall is really romantic even with kids in your party. They've just built a kids section on the far side of the waterfall for the little ones. We just love it there.

You guys are awesome! Thanks for the tips. I think I'm going to the GW. On a side note, I just found out that my niece plans on getting married next year in Oahu. So I have rearranged my plans and decided to vacation a few extra days with the family, stay in the Hyatt Regency Oahu and then island hop to Maui to end my stay at the GW.

If I can ever reciprocate on places to go in Calif, let me know!