I think the Kauai Grand Hyatt is nicer than the Maui Hyatt.

I checked out the card- sounds like a good deal except for $75 annual fee - but if you travel internationally there is no foreign transaction fee - that is a nice feature

Yes, but that's vs. 2 nights at a $400 a night hotel!!

The Hyatt card is tempting for sure!!

So much depends on how you want to travel and what you want to do. While I/we have stayed at the finest resorts from time to time - I rarely like to spend a lot on accommodations in Hawaii as I would much rather be out and about in Paradise - and using the money saved on a Resort for going scuba diving, helicopter rides, fine dining, whatnot.

But if you like hanging around a beautiful resort - and there is nothing wrong with that - and while we love Kauai - especially the North Shore - the St. Regis in Princeville can't be beat - you might get some rain (it usually blows through and then it's nice) - so Maui might be a good option - or Kona side Big Island. I like the Kapalua/Napili area above Lahina town - and you can also then get into town- and there are a number of choices - but friends of mine just love the 4 Seasons down at Waimea (which us old timers still call Kihei ).

Perhaps just as important - if you can go other than the week of Christmas/New Years - you will find more choices/lower prices for accommodations and more flight availability.

And while there are any number of travel agents/consolidators - Pleasant Hawaiian Holidays has (or certainly was) the biggest one on the West Coast. You can use them at least for a baseline:

http://www.bookpleasant.com/

I just read on TA the the Hyatt card has changed terms so that the free nights offer doesn't start until you have charged at least $1000 on the card.

Read all the fine print.

a lot of great information to think about. I'm now leaning towards taking a big trip at some other time of the year, perhaps September/October, and then a smaller trip the weekend of our anniversary. That would save about $2k for an Oceanfront Club level room at the Hyatt. (For some reason I keep coming back to this hotel as the "compromise" in terms of some price, luxury, access to beach, entertainment, etc.)

I did check into the Hyatt card and the week of Christmas is not available. It also only covers a standard room, and though I don't generally mind a standard room, for this trip I would like a little more in the accomodations. And yes, with the card you get 1 night with the first purchase and then the 2nd night after spending $1K within the first 3 months. I'm just not considering this an option for this particular trip due to the type of room, but think it is a great deal overall.

Thanks for the feedback. I might just have to consider that Hyatt card. In most cities, Hyatt would be my hotel of choice.

FWIW, if you keep the card after the first year, you only get a category 4 hotel, like a Hyatt Place or Summerfield Suites, but those still cost more per night than the card.

We're staying at the Hyatt in Maui next week (and also the Marriott in Wailea). I will probably write a brief report when I return.

sf7307, There are some nice hotels in category 4 (not just Hyatt Places) you just have to pick and choose.

For a 25th wedding anniversary celebration, I still think Oahu is your best bet because there are more activities to suit your tastes and the competition between resort hotels rated 3 stars or more offer better rates than those at other islands. Also, you don't have to rent a car to get around. My wife and I have visited Hawaii five times and have found this island location to be the most economical approach.

An update on the Hyatt credit card. If you call Hyatt reservations (800-492-8804) and they transfer you over to the credit card section, there is no requirement to spend $1k within the 1st 3 months, you receive the 2 days when you make the 1st purchase.

Oh, good to know.

I think hawaii.com. this link would be helpful for you to get entire details.