I am going to Hawaii for my first time Jan 1, 2005 staying for 10 nights. I have enough Starpoints to stay at any Starwood property. Seems Maui is the place everyone says to go. (I was trying to decide between Westin Maui and Kapalua Bay Hotel or both) I really want sun over anything else. Beautiful scenic stuff and snorkeling are next in line! And although I do want "experience" Hawaii..... everyone seems to say Kapalua rains a lot....Ok I asked a lot. So help me pick a Starwood property and what Island(s) should I go to for the first time!!! Thanks so much.

Cast my vote for 5 nights Kapalua Bay Hotel (have not stayed there) mainly because snorkeling at Kapalua is a great spot for beginners. Last 5 nights at Princeville Hotel on Kauai, the scenery is inspiring even if it rains.

I agree with JohnD. Kapalua Bay Hotel is gorgeous and awesome use of Starpoints. I did provide a trip report here. You can spend all day at the Westin or Sheraton; unless you have children, I wouldn't recommend the Westin.

Check a weather site for average rain fall. You might want to rethink January as it falls in the rainy season.

Thanks for the replies.....Kapalua sounds better now! Although if its going to rain all the time I dont care how beautiful anything is! I am pretty much a sun person!!!!!!!!

The Westin is not a great hotel. The rooms are quite small, and lower floors that face the pool or "gardens" are very noisey,there is a large noisey waterfall that you can hear easily. We were on the forth floor, the noise was terrible. There is also a walkway over the falls that looks directly into these rooms. upper floors are better, but half of them face the parking lot. Nice beach, very expensive rentals, nice pool, LOTS of kids.Did I mention the Noise?

Keep in mind that the Kapalua is currently up for sale, so there's the possibility that any new ownership may not retain Starwood management. Starwood has lost a lot of high end Hawaii properties lately - the Orchid at Mauna Lani to Fairmont, the two Lanai properties to Four Seasons, and the Molokai Lodge.

Thanks again! I have heard the Westin does have a lot of kids..Wat about Jan in Maui......DOes it rain a ton?