WHAT IS A BETTER CHOICE FOR A YOUNG HONEYMOON COUPLE DURING CHRISTMAS WEEK?
RITZ CARLTON KAPALUA OR THE RENAISSANCE WAILEA? WHICH AREA HAS MORE TO DO?

We traveled on our honeymoon back in July of 1999 to Lanai, then on to Maui. We stayed at the Kapalua Bay hotel which is on the same grounds as the Ritz Carlton. We absolutely loved it. The wailea side is way to touristy and congested. It was beautiful, but we preferred the quiet side. The beaches and scenery from Kapalua are so unbelievable. I remember we would go to a different beach every day on the island. You will have the time of your life in Hawaii. We cannot wait to go back.

The Ritz is the better hotel by a solid margin. The downsides to the RC are that it tends to be cooler and much windier in Kapalua, and its a bit of a hike to the beach, which is not a great swimming beach when the water's rough.
Service at the RC will be memorable, and it is much more of a romantic honeymoon type environment.

The Renaissance is a great value, and its location is more pleasing IMO in that weather is a bit more predictable and you're within walking distance of lots of good restaurants at other resorts. Also the water by the beach is more calm. Ren is more casual than the RC, but still very nice. Rooms more generic than RC. If budget is a big priority then the Ren gives you a lot of bang for the buck. If elegance and top quality are important, and you don't need lots of beach time, then the RC is the best choice.

For privacy, luxury and romance, the Ritz Carlton wins hands down for a honeymoon!! My husband and I went to Maui in Dec 2002 for our honeymoon and had a fabulous and memorable stay at the Ritz. It is a beautiful resort with all the amenities you can imagine!! Rooms are huge with big lanais with marble bathrooms and the service is incredible.Dining options are limitless-yummy brunch in the morning, food and cocktails by the massive pools (under your private cabanas) or by the gorgeous beach out front or dinner alongside beautiful Kapalua Bay. The sunsets are incredible!! We had GREAT weather for our trip-no rain and no wind! December was the best time to be in Maui (we were there 9-18) because it was so quiet and no families or kids running around anywhere!! The whole Kapalua area is so pretty and very private. Lots of world class golf, tennis and the spa at the Ritz is heavenly!! When you want to venture out (we could have been just as content spending the whole time in bliss at the Ritz), Kanappali and Lahainia are only a short drive away.The Ritz is a very romantic and luxurious place to be for a special trip to Maui.I did alot of research on where to stay (I am very picky about hotels) and the Ritz was amazing-expensive but WORTH EVERY PENNY!!! We are going to go back every year. Have a great trip!!

Four Seasons Wailea.

Kapalua is much more exposed to a northerly swell generated by winter storms,but it is located closer to the action of Lahaina and Kaanapali.