We loved the Sheraton Maui Resort at Kanapali Beach. Great beach, pool & snorkeling right at Black Rock. The place was really clean, friendly staff, & within walking distance to the Whaler's Village via the Beach Path. The Hula GrillRestaurant had excellent food either beachside with live music or fine dining inside the restaurant. The drinks & sunsets were awesome. Hope you enjoy. We will definitely return.

Wow, Maui seems expensive !! I've done a little research into some of the recommended places to stay & it seems that $500.00 per night is the minimum rate for these properties. That would be $3500.00 a week before airfare, food, and car rental. Also any shopping/tours would be extra. Again if I compare this to Sandals "top rated" Royal Bahamian resort, with airfare included, the price would be under $4500.00. If I compare the Maui properties to the Radisson Resort in Aruba(another highly rated resort) the price is about $225.00 per night, without airfare or food included.(Also, I don't know how "relaxing" Aruba would be) At 1/2 the price it's hard not to look at other places for our anniversary. I guess that since I have some time I'll keep researching, but, I'm not convinced that Maui's properties are worth the extra $$$.

Hi again, BadgerRedd. Maybe I'm wrong , but in mid-May I don't think you'll see lots of kids at resorts(Maui or elsewhere) --since school isn't out more toward end of May at earliest?
You're right- many hotels in HI are expensive--and often airline prices are as well.
Good luck in your quest for the perfect anniversary place!!!

I was able to get the best rate on our Maui condo at greathawaiivacations.com. I was very happy with their service and most importantly, the price. Here's something else to think about . . The Big Island. We loved the Hapuna Beach Prince (breakfast included) for around $250.00 / night. It is a beautiful / peaceful resort. Their website ususally offers the best room rates under "hot deals". Try looking at it also.

Another vote for the Kea Lani. It's amazing. I think we paid about $400 a night, but got the 5th night free, as well as a free car rental for 7 days.


What everyone else said about it, I agree with. It really is awesome.

It's really hard to discuss nice hotels/resorts on Maui and not mention the Four Seasons - at least IMO. Our stay there was wonderful and everything you seem to be looking for. I haven't checked recent prices, so don't know if it's within your range or not (though there is a separate thread on this forum about how they, and others, have really raised prices this past year). I would also add my vote for the Wailea area if you're looking for something more peaceful. We thought Kaanapali, while enjoyable, was very crowded and not particularly relaxing.

BadgerRedd, have you thought about a condo? There are some right on the beach (makena surf is upscale and beautiful)at half the price of the hotel rooms you are quoting.

Here is an example of the rates at the Fairmont Kea Lani using the greathawaiivacations website, least expensive room is 525.04 per night average with a weekly rate of $4130.00 which includes a compact car but NOT the "resort fees" which are collected at the resort. A 1 bedroom oceanview or pool view room costs $5691.00 a week with a rental car but not the resort fees. That's $813.00 per day WITHOUT food or drinks added in. Throw in airfare($1500-$2000 or more) and $100.00 per day food "allowance"(I bet that's very conservative) that adds up to $8400.00 or $1200 per day. I'm not related to any CEO of Exxon/Mobil so that price is out of my league.

You will be VERY happy with Napili Kai, we absolutely love the area. It is in our opinion the perfect place to celebrate your anniversary. We loved it so much, we planned our daughter's wedding there this past May, and it was a beautiful event. They treat you like family there. Very personal, unlike other stuffy hotels. The beach there is some of the best snorkeling on the island. They provide coffee/pineapple/lemonade to all of their guest beachside every morning at 10:00. They will do everything possible to accommodate your every need. You also, have a microwave/stove/full size fridge for when you just want to stay in. There is a great fish market very close, with everything to prepare a wonderful dinner at home. They also have a great restaurant on property, the Seahouse. We can't wait to go back. We have stayed on all parts of the island, and Napili Kai is our favorite. Have Fun. Nancy

Prince Hapuna in BI has a great deal...car and breakfast each morning for under $300. We are staying there in October.
Hope this helps...
Debi

Hey Nancy1013, what room category did you stay in? Was your room air-conditioned? The travel agency we use most of the time recommended this resort with the luau/mai tai parties and the beach plus, the price is comparable to the other destinations we're considering. This trip has to be great or I may not live to see our 26th anniversary(Nah, I don't feel any pressure) Thanks for your reports/advice to all !!

Sylvia - Makena Surf's rates start at $465 for a one bedroom to $1400. Not half price by any means.

Dear BadgerRedd, We stayed in the Honolua Wing on the 2nd Floor,(only two floors in all the bldgs). This one is beachfront and has a/c. We were there in Oct. and were glad to have the a/c. There again in May, for our daughter's wedding, and could have probably stayed without a/c. The Lahaina Bldg is also oceanfront, but, doesn't have a/c. It's a beautiful bldg though, and was refurbished two years ago. You absolutely can't beat this location. Everyone that stayed in different areas, and attended the wedding, was very impressed with the view. If you want, I can send you pictures of the rooms and beach area. You can also go to their site, NapiliKaiBeachClub, and scroll down to their webcam. There is also a great take out deli near by, that is fabulous. The chef, used to work at Mama's Fish House. We would pick up our order and come back to our lanai and have a great dinner and bottle of wine while watching the sun set. Just doesn't get any better than that. Nancy

Nancy, thanks for the advice/info on Napili Kai it sounds very nice.(I'm not sure if you should send me your pics though, something about another woman sending me her pictures might not "sit right" with my wife.)(J/K) How does Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel compare to Napili Kai? Are there more/less cheaper dining places by one resort or the other? ($100.00+ dinners are not normal for us) How far out do the "travel sites" (Expedia, Orbitz,Hotels.com etc) start booking vacation packages to certain properties? Some of the "sites" I couldn't get a package price that far in advance, while others said no rooms available at my destined time(mid May). Thanks for all the info, it certainly is mind boggling trying to figure everthing out. Take care !! BadgerRedd

Of course, these properties are on two different islands with vast differences. I have not stayed at Napili Kai, but I did have breakfast several times in the Napili area and it is mostly condos in that area, I believe. I can't speak for that particular property, but I can say that Hapuna Prince (Big Island) was sheer relaxation. We loved it. It is a bit remote, but that didn't bother us. Room was very well appointed, loved closing the shutters each evening and sleeping with sliding doors open, listening to the sounds of nature. I would return there in a heartbeat and the price is fantastic. The only downside for some may be its remoteness, i.e., access to cheap eats. For the money, it can't be beat. I'm guessing that the two properties can't be compared, condo vs. "resort" with services available that one would expect at a resort. Also differences in island make it hard to compare. It can be agonizing trying to choose that "perfect" place to stay. If you are thinking about BI, and want a nice place for value price, the Hapuna is your choice. If you are thinking BI and money is no object, go for Four Seasons. Good luck with your planning. It will all come together, it just takes time.

I would recommend the Ritz at Kapalua. It offers total relaxation. Amazing pool, great restaurants, nice beach, and not tons of kids. Plus, you are close to Kapalua Bay (which in my opinion has the best snorkelling), and Kaanapali which shopping and tons of restaurants. Also, don't miss Roy's (just north of Kapalua) for dinner...it's wonderful. But beware...the tradewinds in Kapalua can be strong and last for days. I don't like intense sun, so the wind was perfect for me.

Not a fan of the Ritz. The hotel was crowded, and it took forever to get served in some of the restaurants. The hotel is not on the beach, it's on a big bluff (which is incidentally an ancient burial ground). You have to walk up and down the hill, or take the golf cart shuttle to the beach. The beach is nice, unless it's windy (like most beaches). I really prefered the Maui Prince over the Ritz Carlton.

My folks have a place in Kapalua and when we/they have friends in town they usually have them stay at Napili Kai. It's an old fashioned hotel but the restaurant is quite nice and the beach is unbeatable. Get an oceanfront room if you can and open the windows if no A/C.