Hi Ron, besides what I did personally, I recommend getting the book "Maui Revealed" by Doughty & Friedman. This was my one and only required reading while planning our trip. Have fun, and Aloha!

hi Kristin,
Your advice on the different hotels you have stayed is invaluable.
Check out www.epinions.com

ttt

You've got me a little worried Kristin. My wife and just booked our vacation to Four Seasons last week for travel dates in March 2003. I've heard wonderful things about Four Seasons, especially about the service. Service is my number 1 sticking point too. Hope things get better by our travel time.

We stayed at the Westin on our honeymoon in 97 and it was nice. We went again in 99 and horrible is a compliment. So this time we opted for Four Seasons. I'll keep my fingers crossed.

Kristin, are you the same person who asked quite awhile back if it was worthwhile to visit Hawaii from Florida?

Bob, Nope! I would do it again in a heartbeat too!

Hi Kristin - I've been waiting for your report....good job! I'm so glad you liked the Outrigger Wailea as much as we did. I was a bit concerned since your vacation was family oriented. Apparently the Outrigger appeals to everyone! So, when we (child-free couple in early 40's) go back to Maui, we should avoid the Kaanapali area, right? We loved the Outrigger so much, I can't imagine staying anywhere else. But at the same time, I don't want to miss out on something even better!! We definitely want to spend a full two weeks next time.....probably 4 nights each on Big Island and Kauai and 6 nights Maui. What do you think? You've been back about a week now. How long did it take you to get over the jet-lag? How did it affect your kids?

Hi Lenore not Kristin but I can tell you that your kids will get over the jet lag quicker than you will. We took 3 kids last summer they were fine the very next day while it took the adults 2-3 days.

Thanks Lenore, it was an awesome trip! My husband and I both decided that we wouldn't stay anywhere but the Outrigger. I almost hate to tell everyone how great it is, because I don't want it to get crowded- but I also think that the Outrigger deserves to be recognized. Kauai sounds wonderful- I hope to try that next time as well. The Big Island was beautiful too! Ahhh, our dreams of returning will (hopefully) keep us going until the next trip! Aloha, and Mahalo!

P.S.Glad to see that others stay around Fodors even after their trips are over!

Oops Lenore, I almost forgot about the jet lag- I'm still not totally back on track yet, but I think it has more to do with denial that we're back than anything! hahaha The kids seem to be O.K. but it did take the better part of a week. Luckily they were VERY good for the flights (they slept most of the way). Thanks again, hope to see you around until our next Hawaiian vacations!

Lenore,
I think Kaanapali is a great area for a couple (tho' a bit high $ for us !), just depends on what you like to do.
I haven't noticed jet lag upon returning but I have noticed a definite ATTITUDE lag .. really hard to accept that you've left it again and now back to the everyday slog ! This can be helped by getting some of your photos onto your office PC as wallpaper asap.

Thanks for the comments Kristen, we intend to take a closer at the south end next time, we were down by the Maui Prince area for one day and liked it a lot.

P.S. Kristin (sorry to have spelled it wrong just now), that's a great photo, would be interested to know what camera you used.
Thanks, Paul

Thanks Paul, it's a Kodak DC5000. A pretty nice 2 MP digital for around 300 bucks. I love it because it is weather resistant!

Here is my other favorite photo, taken from the Outrigger Wailea.

http://community.webshots.com/photo/...39427751JPmHUT

Beautiful shots Kristin

Thanks for the websight also what a great way to see others trips

Kristin, great report and beautiful pictures. Thanks for taking the time to do it.
We're going to Kauai for 2 weeks in August with our 8 year old daughter and I am just so excited about it. It sounds like Hawaii is lots of fun for kids.

I just read Frommer's Maui 2002 and Maui Revealed and feel Frommer's is a far superior book for everthing but Road to Hana,Haleakala way more info
on nightlife,hotels,activities,restaurats,Etc. Planning honeymoon and I think if you want one book it should be Frommer's tell me why I'm wrong.

amen