I'm having a hard time deciding between the Sheraton Kauai, Hanalei Bay Resort, Radisson Kauai or the Reniassance Wailea in Maui. I'm going for a honeymoon trip. Last trip I stayed at the Sheraton on Maui and loved it.

Here are my concerns;

Hanalei Bay - mixed reviews, weather.
Radisson - decent reviews, just doesn't seem as nice as other resorts
Reniassance Wailea - Will it be dwarfed by its neighbors, pool area seems small.

Any opinions would help, i'm driving my fiance nuts!

Scott

When it comes to Hawaii, the best approach appears to be to pick an island first, and then pick a resort on the selected island.

Scott, My wife and I spent a week at the Renassiance in July. We loved it. The pool is not gigantic but it did not matter to us. We swam in the ocean. Uula beach is right in front of the hotel and there is great swimming and snorkeling. We stayed in Mokapu beach club, which is an upgrade, but it is right on the water with a seperate pool and a service person. So, if you want to have drinks and food delivered they will go get it for you. It was worth it for us. This upgrade included breakfast buffet. The staff was friendly. The rooms are not gigantic or huge bathrooms, but with the ocean right there it was awesome. e-mail me if you want more information.... Good luck and congratulations..

If I were you, I'd stay at the Fairmont Kea Lani in Wailea. We honeymooned there in June 2000 and it was the best trip of our life. We're even planning a return trip next year. The Kea Lani was expensive, for sure, but I felt it was worth every penny I paid.

Scott,
I think your analysis is right on for each of the properties you listed.

As a comment, when I stayed at the Ren. Wailea, I did not feel crowded by the other resorts, in fact we liked to walk to them for restaurants, drinks, etc. As far at their pool is concerned, I spent more time on the beach, which is great, there were turtles swimming in close by. It was funny to watch the snorkel trips "sail" to where we were on the beach, I wondered if any were paying guests at the Ren.


Good Luck
Bob