I´m not american and I´m going to Hawaii (october) Which are the best hotels and beaches? We don´t like very crowded places!
Thanks!

Hi Maria.

We're going back to Maui and Kauai for our third time this Oct. In Maui, I have found hotels in Kaanapali too busy and we prefer Wailea, which is also a dryer, more central part of the island.

There are several Wailea hotels in a row - the Renaissance is beautiful - and there is the Kea Lani, Four Seasons, Grand Wailea and Outrigger. They all look lovely, but I get the impression that Oct. will be a busier time in Hawaii

I don't find we use the beaches in Maui as much as we do in Kauai - they don't seem as accessible. In Wailea, the beaches at the hotels seem good for swimming and snorkeling.

Good luck and enjoy your visit - it is Paradise!

Thanks Lori!!!!!!!!!

Stay away from the Four Seasons from September to December. They are doing major renovations and requesting that guests not use the pool.

The last 2 times I went to Maui I stayed at the Maui Kai. It is located just north of the overcrowded Kaanapali resorts. All units are privatly owned and have everything you could need; coolers, beach mats, microwave, coffee maker, blender, fridge, oven, dishes, pots & pans, etc. All units are ocean front. If you lean way out the lanai you could see part of the neighboring lanai but cannot see into the room-that amount of privacy is perfect for honeymooners. We found BBQing down by the pool and eating a private dinner on the lanai very romantic. We stayed in #402 and found it charming. The view of Lanai and Molakai cannot be beat. Have a great time!

Message:
According to this months Travel and Leisure (August 2002)they handed out the World's Best Awards.....Top 25 in Hawaii
1. 4 Seasons Resort Hualalai
*2. 4 Seasons at Wailea, Maui****
3. Halekulani, Honolulu
4. Lodge at Keole, Lanai
*5. Fairmount Kea Lani, Maui
6. Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows, Hawaii
7. Kahala Mandarin Oriental Hawaii
*8. Renaissance Wailea Beach Resort, Maui***
9. Ritz-Carlton, Kapualua, Maui
10. Princeville Resort, Kauai
11. Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Hawaii
12. Hyatt Regency Kauai Resort and Spa, Kauai
13. JW Marriot Ihilani Resort and Spa, Oahu
14. Orchid at Mauna Lani
15. Alii Tower
16. Manele Bay Hotel, Lanai
17. Kona Village resort
*18. Grand Wailea Resort, Hotel and Spa, Maui***
*19. Kapalua Nay Hotel, Maui***
20. Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel, Hawaii
21. Kauai Marriot resort & Beach Club
22. Whaler on Kaanapali Beach, Maui***
23. Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa, Maui***
24. Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort
25. Maui Prince Hotel, Maui***

I think the Renessaince Wailea is the best value in all of Maui.

If you don't like crowded places, then Kauai or the Big Island would be perfect. Kauai is more lush and i think more romantic, but the Big Island has the volcano and lots of room to roam. Both have their pluses.

thanks to all of you!! Have you been to J.W Ihilani Resort in Oahu? any advice about a hotel in Hana?

There is one and only one place to stay in Hana and it is pure paradise. Stay in one of the sea cottages at the Hotel Hana Maui. Rack rates are steep, but when we were there in February of 2000 we called the hotel, asked if they had any specials and got a great deal. The staff is like family (we ended up at a birthday party for one of them until about 3 in the morning!) and in fact many of the jobs have been passed down from generation to generation. The drive out to Hana is wonderful. Grab some sandwiches and stop for a picnic at the world-famous windsurfing beach on the way out. You'll also see an entirely different side of Maui if you come back around the south-east end of the island (it's a lava landscape) and you'll pass a winery which makes a nice stop on your way back towards
"civilization." Enjoy!

I love Oahu but if you don't like crowds
you better avoid the Waikiki/Honolulu areas as it always seems to be busy.