I am planning our 30th wedding anniversay trip and based on the postings it may be a toss up between the 4 Seasons and the Ritz. Any feedback from people who have experienced both would be appreciated. Aslo would someone know which of the two areas would have the best in early February. Also any information on side trip to Pearl Harbor for a day would be appreciated.

Stayed at the Grand Wailea last year - dinner at the Four Seasons Restaurant was fabulous. We vowed to stay there next time that we went to Hawaii without our teenagers. Weather is usually more pleasant near Four Seasons. The Ritz has disadvantages in my opinion if you plan on doing a lot of sightseeing. Hana and the crater just seem further when coming all the way from near Kapalua. You'll have an awesome time whereever you stay though - it all is Maui.

I have not stayed at the Ritz, but I've stayed at the Four Seasons twice and highly recommend it. It's beautiful, luxurious, and the service is great. The beach is very nice, it's only a short drive to Lahaina (although not as close as the Ritz). There are new upscale shops in the area, too. Plus, as the previous poster said, the weather in Wailea is almost always better.

ttt

Both! Ritz and that side of the island first, and 4S last! That way you can really get the feel of different parts of the island.

I've heard that the 4 Seasons has the better beach for swimming and snorkeling. The 4 Seasons would also have better weather - especially in February. And lastly, the Ritz Carlton beach sits on an ancient Hawaiian burial ground. It creeps me out - but you may not have any issues with it. I'd be afraid everytime I stepped on something pointy I'd imagine it was a bone! Interesting to note that the Ritz itself was designed to sit closer to the water but when they started digging up the site, they discovered the bodies and decided it was a good idea to move the hotel back a bit so as not to disturb them. Uuugh.