haydencat

My husband and I are planning a trip to Hawaii in October using Marriott points. We have decided to spend one week on the Big Island at the Marriott/Outrigger in Waikoloa. We would like to spend our last 4 days on a different island, and we've narrowed it down to the Ritz Carlton in Maui, or one of the Marriott properties in Kauai. This will be our first visit to Hawaii. Any advice on which to choose? Thanks much!

ezron

My advice is RC/Maui. Much nicer property than Marriott/Kauai. Close to Kapalua Bay Beach and 10-15 min to Lahaina.

puddy

You can use your Marriott points at the Ritz? If so, I would probably stay there. Or you would just pay to stay there?

In any case, I would first decide which of the two islands you really want to visit and then worry about the points.

haydencat

Thanks for the advice. Yes, Marriott points can be used to book free rooms at Ritz Carlton hotels. It just "costs" a few more points per night. I guess the real question I'm asking is whether the Ritz is special enough to tip the scales in favor of Maui over Kauai. Also, considering we will have spent a week on the Big Island, which other island will provide more of a contrast? Thanks again for the advice.

padme

Definately stay at the Ritz Carlton Kapalua-it is in a different league compared to the Marriott.This is a luxurious 5-star resort with fabulous, spacious rooms, excellent service, great dining and spa and it is located on one of the most beautiful beaches in Maui.You will not be disappointed-we were there for the first time in Dec and had a GREAT time!! You will be treated like royalty! The private cabanas by the three tier pools are great to lounge under the Maui sun while sipping cocktails! Check out the Ritz Carlton website-the pictures tell it all and everything does look that beautiful in real life!! Have a great trip.

gplimpton

The Marriott on Kauai is not a memorable hotel. And while Kauai is the prettiest of the islands, it is also the quietest of the 4 major isles. After a week on the BI, you may want some civilization. Maui provides a great balance, and Kapalua is the quietest of the major resort areas on Maui.
This is really a no brainer. The RC is so much nicer than the Marriott-K that it's not worthy of a detailed comparison.

dgruzew

My wife an I stayed that the marriot Kaui for our 3 nights during our Honey moon. We had points that got us the room. I can't say much good about the place. The pool was nice and the Breakfast buffet was good also. But the service in general was very poor. They told us that they could not give us a king bed at first (we are on our honey moon!!!) only doubles. They tried to talk us into a room with a sofa bed!!!. Eventurally they gave in and found a king bed on the ground floor with no view at all next to the elevator. I you use point to get a room at this hotel - you will be given the least possible consession. Also MArriot is building a new hotel on poipu beach. But after the service at the MArriot Kauai I wont stay at another marriott again - the hotel was nice enough but the service is terrible..

haydencat

Thanks so much! Based on the consensus here, I think we'll go with our initial decision and stay in Maui at the Ritz. I just wish we could leave tomorrow!!

dgruzew

You can use your points at Renaissance Waliea in Maui - which is a nice property - thats where we spent the other 8 nights of our honey moon. - much nicer service than Kauai Marriot. Not as fancy as the Ritz but I like to location, you can snorkel right off the beach.

Bootman4U

Ritz is owned by Marriott but the Ritz just about anywhere will be nicer. I would definitely opt for it if you feel you can afford it.

las1009

We stayed at the Ritz in Maui for our honeymoon...it was fabulous and whereas we loved both Maui and Kauai I think you won't find a better hotel than the Ritz. Enjoy!