alexsmith

Hi everyone,

I need your advice... My fiance and I have narrowed down our search (thanks to everyone's input) for hotels in Maui to either the Grand Wailea (on Wailea Beach) OR the Sheraton on Kannapali. (Note that at the Sheraton we'd get a deluxe oceanview whereas at the Grand Wailea we'd get a mountain view...) Any thoughts????

Sherri

It sounds like you are going on your honeymoon? If so, skip the Grand Wailea. The pools areas get packed (you need to go out and put your towel on a couple of lounges in the AM to stake out a spot) and there are tons of kids there. We took out 2 boys there when they were a bit younger and they loved it, but if I were to go to Maui without them, that would be my last choice. However, if you two are into water attractions like a water park would have (slides, river, etc) you will probably have fun. My first choice would be the Fairmont Kea Lani next door. MUCH bigger suite type rooms (Grand Wailea rooms are on the small side but the bathrooms are big). Kaanapali will be a bit windier and wetter than the Wailea area. Check out Big Beach near Makena!

alexsmith

Hi Sherri,

Thanks for your input! What time of year did you go to the Grand Wailea? We're planning on going in Feb - maybe there would be less kids then?

Sherri

All of the times that we have gone, it has been in July. It may not be as busy in the off season. It is a really pretty hotel - very spread out though. Last year they gave us a room that took about 10 minutes to walk to from the pool. We requested a change and they gave it to us. Whatever hotel you choose, when you check in ask for a room upgrade - we have gotten one everytime. Telling them that you are on your honeymoon won't hurt!

alexsmith

Thanks Sherri! Is there any organization membership or card that helps in asking for a free upgrade, or do you simply request one?

Yeah, I was concerned about how spread out the grounds are at the Grand Wailea...

Postal

You might want to consider the two areas rather than the accommodations, as the two hotels are basically at opposite ends - Kaanapali being the west side and Wailea far south. There is more "action" and more places you can walk to in Kaanapali; also, you're only a couple of miles to Lahaina. With Wailea, you have a drive to just about anywhere you want to go, except maybe the beach.

rwilliams

...but then again, many people don't like the heavy crowding and touristiness of Kaanapali and are happy to have the more relaxed ambience in Wailea as a trade-off for the driving requirement.
It's all about personal style.

Meeko72

Grand Wailea is a beautiful resort, but the only thing I did not like about Wailea was that outside the resort, it was almost desert-like. Not very lush and just dirt everywhere. I preferred staying at the Ritz. It is at the opposite end of the island and it's very very lush and green. It is wetter there, although the moisture is but a mist which dries right away from the tradewinds (I'd say it was rather refreshing and as a result of it, you will see rainbows everywhere you go). The Ritz is much much quieter and secluded. Kaanapali is right in between, so the Sheraton is located in an ideal spot where you can go either direction without a long drive. But Kaanapali is bustling with tourists, so if you want peace and quiet, I'd say try the Ritz.

ezron

Another vote for the GW, however, we think the area around there(Wailea) is beautiful. Many people on this board put down the GW, but we think its one of the greatest and most beautiful hotels in the world. True, there are many kids(and they are having a blast!!), but if you want privacy, there is an adult only pool/area. Good Luck !!

DreamingOfItaly

I think it is a myth that Lahaina and Kaanapali are "wetter" than Wailea. I've stayed in Kaanapali six times and have seen very little if any rain. I just don't wan't you to let that factor into your decision.

Kapalua, a little north of Maui does get a few more showers, but they are usually quick little bursts that do not last very long. My husband and I stayed at the Ritz in Kapalua and really loved it. I think it would be a great place to stay on a honeymoon. It kind of gives you the best of both worlds ... quieter than Kaanapali, yet only 15 minutes away ... so you can still easily enjoy all that Kaanapali and Lahaina has to offer with out spending all of your time in the car.

My husband and I stayed at the Hyatt on Kaanapali and we loved it. Of course, we really like to be where the action is. The Sheraton is another great hotel not far away.

julie_Colorado

I think Wailea and Kannapali are both beautiful. We went in March and chose Wailea because that is one time a year where the rain really is different between the two (Wailea gets around 20 inches per year, Kannapali gets 40). The two days we drove to Kannapali, it was raining and it wasn't raining in Wailea. You might want to check if there is a difference in Feb. If not, toss a coin and go for it. We really fretted because there are so many strong opinions on this board. We were surprised to find every resort and every area just lovely. I think you will be very happy wherever you go.

Sherri

You do not need a card to ask for an upgrade - just ask the desk person when you check in. And...if you do not like the room or location when you arrive, just ask to be moved. My hubby is notorious for checking out other rooms if we are not happy. It is surprising how much more enjoyable your stay can be if you are happy with your room! On our visit to the GW last year (staying at the Kea Lani this year), we were moved to an oceanview room which was great. You should get an upgrade if you tell them that you are on your honeymoon.