Maui - For the First Time
 

My husband and I hope to visit Maui in April of 2002 for our 10th anniversary. Am looking at the Sheraton Maui or the Grand Wailea. Any thoughts on what would be best? Never been to Hawaii before, and am totally unsure of where to stay. Read some negative comments on this site regarding the Sheraton, but also many positive ones. HELP! Thanks.

The Sheraton and Grand Wailea are quite different...in location, atmosphere, price, etc.<BR>Why have you chosen these two in particular?

Bob, basically because of my inexperience with Hawaii, I guess. The Sheraton was chosen first because I looked at in on the American Airlines vacations web page and then on this site. The Grand Wailea because it was noted as a Fodor's choice, so I thought it must be nice. Basically, we are looking for a pretty nice, clean hotel with all the amenities. Thanks for your help.<BR>

Bob, basically because of my inexperience with Hawaii, I guess. The Sheraton was chosen first because I looked at in on the American Airlines vacations web page and then on this site. The Grand Wailea because it was noted as a Fodor's choice, so I thought it must be nice. Basically, we are looking for a pretty nice, clean hotel with all the amenities. Thanks for your help.<BR>

Bob, basically because of my inexperience with Hawaii, I guess. The Sheraton was chosen first because I looked at in on the American Airlines vacations web page and then on this site. The Grand Wailea because it was noted as a Fodor's choice, so I thought it must be nice. Basically, we are looking for a pretty nice, clean hotel with all the amenities. I have just begun to search for hotels. Thanks for your help.<BR>

I stayed at the Sheraton Maui about 3 weeks ago. It is one of the newest hotel in the area and I must say that I love it for 2 main reasons. It' location. I prefer its location eventhough there are more tourists there than they are at the area where the Grand Wailea is located. The second reason I prefer the Sheraton's location to that of the GW is that it is connected to the Black Rock which is a wonderful place to go snorkeling and Scuba diving. The third reason I enjoyed my stay at the Sheraton was that I was upgraded to an oceanview suite even though my reservation was for a regular guestroom. The service at the Sheraton was one of the best I have had. <BR>On the other Hand, the Grand Wailea, which some would consider to be one of the best hotels in Maui is located in Wailea, which is an upscale neighbourhood. There are a lot of condos in this area and just like the sheraton, there are restaurants, and an upscale shopping center in the area. The area is also a lot drier than Sheraton's location where ther was always a nice breeze. Even though I haven't stayed at this hotel, I have heard that it is absolutely beautiful and worth every penny. The beaches around the GW are very beautiful and infact while I was there about 3-4 weeks ago, I did see several whales from the Shore. <BR>If you are more intterested in staying in a very upscale property in a less touristy area, then I will suggest you go with the Grand Wailea. But if you are more interested in a very nice yet comfortable property with tourist just like yourself and like the close proximity to watersports like snorkeling and scuba diving, then I will suggest you go with the Sheraton.

Uche: Thank you so much for your first hand knowledge!! That was just what I was hoping for when posting my message. At least I know that my choices are good ones, and I will probably be pleased with whichever one I narrow it to. Thanks again.

Sherrie: My hubby and I went to Maui on our honeymoon in Sept. '98 and again this past February. Stayed at the Westin Maui both times and wouldn't consider staying anywhere else. The Westin was priced the same as all of the other Kaanpali beach hotels but has MUCH more atmosphere!! Their pool/lounge areas are absolutely the best, with waterfalls, swim-through caves, jacuzzi, water slide, etc. We did wander to the Sheraton and it's very <BR>nice too, but there just seemed to be more to enjoy at the Westin. You should check out this hotel on the Westin Hotels web site. Hope this note gets to you in time.<BR><BR>And also be forewarned: you will absolutely HATE to come home from your vacation!!! It is absolute paradise!<BR><BR>Aloha and congratulations on your 10th!<BR><BR><BR>

I don't think you can go too far wrong with either choice. The Grand Wailea is probably considered a more upscale hotel than the Sheraton. The Sheraton is one of the first luxury hotels built in Maui (it actually could be the first) but it was remodeled a couple of years ago. The Grand Wailea is relatively new and people who stay there love it. You may want to focus your choice on which area is better for you: Kaanapoli or Wailea. The former is a very popular strip of hotels, condos and restaurants with a decent beach. The black rock area is a great snorkling spot. In season, it is very crowded. Wailea is on another side of the island which is hotter and drier. It is more isolated with a few upscale hotels. You may want to read information about these areas. One more thing: there is another hotel that you may want to look into called the Renaissance. It is in Wailea and very popular with the people who post on Fodors. It will be less expensive than the GW. We stayed there last year and liked it better than the Ritz Carlton in Kapalua. Good luck!.

Sherrie you're getting very good information here...just what Fodor's is supposed to be about.<BR>My 2 cents: for overall quality (ignoring price) I'd rate the Maui hotels as follows: Four Seasons, Grand Wailea, Ritz Carlton, Kea Lani, Sheraton/Hyatt/Renaissance, Westin/Kapalua Bay. <BR>You've probably gathered that the Kaanapali area is busier/more touristy and has more retail/restaurant availability, and the weather is (on average) a bit more unpredictable (but not nearly so much as up in Kapalua).<BR>The crowd in Kaanapali tends to be a tad younger overall.<BR>Important to note: in my opinion if you've never been to Maui, and you stay at ANY of the places I mentioned above, you'll leave shaking your head in amazement at what a great vacation destination Maui is, wanting to begin planning your return trip.

Thank you Kris, Paul and Bill. All good information which makes me realize I have a lot more research to do. I hadn't considered the differences between Wailea and Kaanapali, but I certainly should. I think we would prefer the hotter/drier weather that Wailea may offer, however, we also like being near restaurants/activities. How far is the drive from Wailea to Kaanapali? Again, I'm a novice, and know nothing of the island and need all the help I can get. Thanks everyone! Oh, as an aside, has anyone stayed at The Plantation Inn. I know it isn't on the ocean, however, Fodor's gives it great reviews. Any thoughts???

Its about a 30 minute drive depending on traffic.<BR><BR>The Plantation Inn is a B&amp;B in Lahaina which is a different experience all together. Lahaina town is the center of tourism in Maui and is not the "resort" experience that most people choose. That is not to say its bad, just different. I know people who have stayed in Lahaina and loved it.

I've been to Maui about 5 or 6 times and here are my recommendations as follows: (Which are all in Kaanapali area) Kaanapali Ali'i Condominiums, then Hyatt Regency, then Sheraton/Westing followed by Marriott and Whaler Condos. Although the resorts in Wailea appear to be much more "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famousy" I still vote for Kaanapali because of its proximity to Lahaina Town, and that's my main reason for staying in Kaanapali. I also like several of the restaurants in Lahaina\Kaanapali area in the following order:<BR>Hula Grill; Leilani's;Swan Court; Kimo's; and then all the others (except that I hear Mama's Fish House is spectacular if you like fish) but that's over near the airport somewhere.

Don't forget your gas masks. The stench of dead hawaii travel agents bodies is particularly nauseating just now. Bring all your own food &amp; drink. The risk of infection is just too great !

Sherrie, If I were going in April, technically winter there still, I would definitely stay in Wailea where it's warmer, drier and sunnier. And trust me, you will have much more to do in that area than you will have time for. And you'll be about 10 min. from Maalaea Harbor where the new Ocean Center is, plus tons of new restaurants, and activity boats leave from there. But even just in the Wailea resort, where the Grand Wailea is located, there's so much to do at every resort, great restaurants, and they're all along a connecting walkway, plus a great new shopping center that you can ride a shuttle to. I would certainly visit Lahaina/Kaanapali/Kapalua Bay areas but trust me, you'll never regret staying in Wailea. By the way, my favorite hotel there, for the money, especially, is the Renaissance Wailea - have spent 3 vacations there and am planning my 4th next yr. Please feel free to ask any more questions that come to mind. Oh, by the way, the drive time Wailea to Kaanapali is 40 min - 60 min, depending on the traffic.<BR><BR>Aloha,<BR><BR>Lani

Thanks for all the information. Lani, as a matter of fact we are considering the Renaissance in Wailea also. After more research, it appears to be a good choice. I have, however, been reading that there is construction going on in the area, so I may reconsider. Still trying to decide Wailea or Kaanapali. Read an earlier posting that Wailea seems to be area for the "rich and famousy". We are just a normal couple who have worked hard to pay for this trip, so really want it to be special, but don't want to feel out of place, either. So, the saga continues . . . Again, thanks for all the help.

Sherrie, <BR> <BR>The construction going on now should be over with by the time you'd go. Call the Renaissance and ask; they're very honest there, I've found. No, you will not feel out of place at the Renaissance - you'll find many average couples just like yourself. Hawaii is a very laid-back place where you can wear shorts and sandals virtually everywhere; it's the rare fancy-schmancy restaurant that asks for anything more! Best of luck!

Sherrie, <BR>My fiance and are going to Maui for our honeymoon in May and are staying at the Renaissance Wailea. We have an oceanfront room that we got a terrific rate for with the Entertainment card. I too was concerned with the construction issue going on next door to the Renaissance, but the hotel has been very upfront and honest about noise information and the worst seems to be over at this time. We're going from Saturday through Wednesday, and they say construction goes on Monday through Friday 8am til 4pm. We'll just enjoy the hotel on Saturday and Sunday and go sightseeing on Monday and Tuesday if its a problem at all. I'll post my trip report as soon as I get back, so maybe that'll help.

P.S. <BR>I just called the hotel and actually its been relatively quiet there lately regarding the construction next door (the crew has been concentrating on a waterfall area that they are creating). I would take Lani's advice and not be overly concerned for April of next year. Again, I'll let you know how things go in May.

Hi, I was married at the Four Seasons on Maui last May. The Four Seasons is right next to the Grand Wailea. We stayed a week at the Four Seasons and a week at the Sheraton in Kaanapali. I felt the main difference was the atmosphere. The GW is very beatiful and upscale, it's a huge property. I did not feel there was much to do in the area without driving. However, we did love staying in Wailea - very relaxing. Kaanapali was much more busy, you can walk to whailer's village (shopping) and many restaurants. The crowd is younger and there is more excitement. It is also very beautiful too. Also - Lahaina is only a short drive and is very fun - lots of shopping and night life. So, you just have to decide what you'd be happier with, more quiet and romantic (Wailea) or more things going on, shopping, nightly cliff diving, nightlife, etc. (Kaanapali). If you could - I would suggest staying a few days in each are! We went to a luau at the Rennasiance Wailea and it was also a beautiful property. Have a fun trip!

First time definitely stay in the Kanapali area. It's a regular folks kind of area and more accessable to so much like Kapalua Bay, Lahaina, Whalers Cove. We stayed at the older Kaanapali Beach Hotel because it has a real Hawaiian flavor with entertainment every night by the pool. Rooms big, but average, which was fine with us. The staff is real nice. It's next to Sheraton Maui which is a better upscale hotel with gorgeous pools and grounds. The best snorkeling spots is right there, but, believe me the water is still cold this time of year and not many were in it this time last year. If you go on a whale trip you will only see a whale snort far off in the distance, for only a few whales remain. Definitely, drive down to the Wailea area as far as you can go to the lava. Many things to see and beautiful beaches. Also, drive as far north of Kaanapali till the road turns to gravel. It's a great way to get away from the crowds and see some beautiful scenery. The drive up the volcano is breathtaking.

Hi Sherrie, <BR>If you need help with Hawaii or any other destination please feel free to e-mail me as I am a Hawaii specialist and lived on the the islands for many years. I can put togther a great package for you and your husband including airfare, hotels, car rentals and activities. <BR>Lisa

Thanks Carol for the good information. Still undecided, but appreciate all the help. Keep those posts coming!!

Sherrie, <BR> <BR>Ok, I'm going to confuse you even more, we just returned from Maui 3 weeks ago, and we stayed right next door to the Sheraton. We toured the grounds of the Grand Wailea, and it was beautiful, but felt very stuffy. There were too many lifeguards at the pool (great if you have kids, but not if you are there as a couple) I would feel like I was being watched. The pool there is a kids paradise, therefore there were alot of them. <BR> <BR>Again, Kaanapali and Wailea are very different, we went for our 20th anniversay, and much preferred Kaanapali to Wailea, it is closer to all the action, Lahaina is wonderful, we went there almost everynight for dinner (lots of shops and restaurants) it is much more affordable to eat in Lahaina, than to eat in the resorts, (Wailea) is 40 minutes from Lahaina, vs 10 minutes from Kaanapali, Kapalua and the drive north of Kapaula (go to the blowhole) is a gorgeous area not to be missed, also closer to Kaanapali. <BR> <BR>A special place for dinner (anniversary dinner) is the Plantation House in Kapalua (make reservations in advance) you'll get a table with a fabulous view. <BR> <BR>The Sheraton, getting back on track to your question, is beautiful, has vast grounds, and the location is the best on Kaanapali beach. One of the 2 best choices of hotels on Kaanapali beach (the other being at the other end of the beach (beach location not as good) the Hyatt. <BR> <BR>I wish we had stayed at the Sheraton, their lanai's are large, the pool is very nice. My niece stayed there on her honeymoon, and spent 3 nights at the Renaissance Wailea, and she preferred the Sheraton for the location as well. <BR> <BR>

Marie, I can't thank you enough. You have answered probably most of my questions, and have really pushed me toward the Sheraton. I think that will be the one. We are also planning a short visit to Ohau because my husband really wants to tour the Arizona Memorial. We'll probably stay at the Sheraton on Waikiki also, and I think we get some sort of discount for staying at Sheratons on both island, still looking into that one. Many thanks again!!

Sherrie, All the info you have been given so far I agree with! However, if you are planning to spend time on Ohau you may be greatly disappointed with Waikiki after having spent time in "wonderland"!! Waikiki beach (I have stayed at the Sheraton) is in the middle of the "city" of Honolulu. We were there in May and I felt like I was in a different country there were so many Japanese tourists there to shop, get married and sunbath! I would suggest you look for a place to stay away from Waikiki (North Shore has a Hilton, Marriott has a new property away from the hubbub) and just make a brief afternoon trip there. We toured Pearl Harbor and the island in a day--so everything is accessible by car. Getting my two cents in about Maui--I love Kaanapali beach! The weather is dependably nice and you can walk up the beach or on a "sidewalk" at least a mile past all these other properties (Westin, Marriott, Hyatt, etc.) and browse in their shops/bars/restaurants. Lahania is easily accessible. It depends if you want to be at a secluded resort or have other alternatives for things to do. Hope this info helps in you planning.

If you're speaking of the 'new' Marriott away from the 'hubbub' which is west, it was the Ihilani originally. Nice place, still close enough to Honolulu to get back and forth but feels (and is)secluded.

Hi Sherrie...We are planning a trip to Maui in August. We have been their several times prior, but were undecided where to stay on this trip. We love The Kaanapali and Wailea areas. They both offer different experiences. So, we are going to stay at the Kaanapali Alii for fiven nights and then move to the Grand Wailea for the second five nights. We will feel like we are going to two islands, without the airline hassles...

Sherrie, I am planning my first trip to Maui in August. The book 'Maui Revealed' by Doughty and Friedman along with this forum helped me to plan my trip. Also, Pleasant Hawaiian Holiday's web site http://2Hawaii.com allows you to price out air fare, hotel choices, inter island flights and rental cars without commiting to a reservation. The site also lets you view 360 degree videos of various hotels' rooms. That web site and the book publisher's web site www.wizardpub.com along with the Maui Revealed book will help you greatly. Like Carol, we are staying at the Kaanapali Beach Hotel - its not glitzy but it is less expensive and since its been there since the early 60s it has a great beach location in Kaanapali and I've read their employees are welcoming and warm hearted. We did book through Pleasant Holidays. Congrats on your 10th anniversary and have a great trip.