We are getting closer to making a decision about our 30th anniversary trip, Hawaii is on the top of the list. As for which island, we are pretty sure it will be Maui...again! If it aint broke why fix it ? Right? Hotel choice is not so easy for us this time. Our anniversary is on New Years Eve when so many families are traveling. Last time (on our 20th) we stayed at the Grand Wailea and loved it but it was really, really busy with children. This time we are thinking of splurging and trying the Four Seasons. We are just wanting to hear others advice between the Grand Wailea, Fairmont and the Four Seasons. Snorkeling is very important to my husband and as I recall it would not have been possible off the beach at the Grand Wailea, it was very rough. I read somewhere that the snorkeling was great right off the beach at the Four Seasons. For some reason I thought that theses two hotels shared a beach, am I remembering wrong? Any opinions would be appreciated. Thank you in advance.

How about Four Seasons Lanai for at least part of your trip?

Four Seasons Wailea is Maui's top hotel -- and not more expensive than Grand Wailea once you add in all the GW's extra charges for everything except the air you breathe.

Fairmont has all suites if you want the extra space.

There are great snorkeling beaches in South Maui from the Kamaoles in South Kihei on through Wailea and Makena. You'll have a car, right? Go out and explore!

Might you consider celebrating early? From after Thanksgiving to Christmas is a MUCH less crowded time, and *cheap*. The weather isn't much different; none of this season has Maui's best weather.

If you like "funky" for breakfast lunch, the french toast at Kihei Caffe is outstanding!

Never have snorkeled off the front of the Four Seasons (which btw - is beautiful) but if there are some rocks there - you can find fish. And alway double check about the local conditions, such as undertow, etc.

Just a short drive away - at the old Sheraton in Kaanapali - out along Black Rock - is some of the best snorkeling in all of Maui. http://www.hawaiisnorkelingguide.com...ali_beach.html

Oh yes, as suggested - the 4 Seasons on Lanai is also beautiful - and they have some good snorkeling there, and you can also take the ferry over from Lahaina if you like - to either snorkel or visit the 4 Seasons on Lanai.

Oops. 4 Seasons is down in Wailea/Kiehi - and I was thinking of the Ritz Carlton up at Kapalua, but there might also be snorkeling off the front of the 4 Seasons - Wailea.

La Perouse Bay on the south end also has some great snorkeling and we were there years ago - and some local guys speared some fish and were going to have a big party that night.

Just looking at this pic of the 4 Seasons - the outcropping of rocks at the top end should have some good snorkeling.

http://www.fourseasons.com/maui/

We just got back from our second stay at the Makena Beach and Golf resort. It is at the far end of Wailea and it is not a luxury hotel but we have fallen in love with the place. We stayed at the Fairmont in Wailea and it was beautiful but the Makena is more relaxed. The staff at the Makena are all great. The beach is beautiful with great snorkeling. The price is much better than any other Wailea resort. There is just something about the setting that feels so good! Read some of the Trip Advisory reviews. It does not have a fancy pool or multiple restaurants but we like going out somewhere different at night so that didn't matter to us.

Makena Beach & Golf Resort is on one of the best beaches on Maui. It's not gigantic like the newer hotels, and it is built closer to the ocean than I believe would be possible today. It's a little 'isolated' -- a few minutes south of the Wailea hotels -- but they have a shuttle to shops At Wailea. The pool is very ordinary. It's not 'glitzy'. The staff exhibits aloha. I didn't mention it because you said you liked GW.

You may want to look at progress on the Hyatt's new Andaaz in Wailea while you're on island. It was scheduled to open in May 2013 -- maybe, maybe not. Big, new, shiny. Replaces the old Renaissance Hotel that's been shuttered for a decade.

I meant to add that because the pool is pretty basic there don't seem to be as many kids around as there are at some of the places with the kid friendly pools.

I like the snorkeling just north of Makena Big Beach. I can't for the life of me remember what that beach is called. It is a small beach (is it little beach?) and we saw sea turtles and lots of fish. Also if you go to the west side of Maui, Blackrock beach in front of the sheraton has great snorkeling, again more sea turtles and fish.

tifa -- You'd probably remember Little Beach; it's 'clothing optional'. I think you're talking about the beach in front of the Makena Beach Hotel --Ulu-something. (Brain cramp!)

Maluaka is the terrific beach in front of the Makena Resort.

http://www.hawaiigaga.com/maui/beach...aka-beach.aspx

I, too, love the Makena Resort. I love that it isn't pretentious (ie: Ritz-Carlton) I actually like that teeny tiny pool and the plastic hottubs. It is just an easy place to be. In the morning, looking upward toward the mountains behind it as the sun rises and the birds fly over the atrium is absolutely gorgeous.

Their oceanfront suites are also huge with incredible views.

Marginal,

Two weeks ago they were preparing for the arrival of a new hot tub! They have been without for a year which didn't bother us because we rarely us the spa.

ChiSue - yes it is probably that beach. It was next to a building and a parking lot and we walked a short stretch to the beach. I didn't know it was clothing optional LOL

tifa22-

You are describing Maluaka beach in front of the Makena Resort.

You have to climb over a little hill to get to Little Beach and there isn't any parking lot or building.

Marginal - Thank you! I always wondered what the beach name was since I have never seen a sign for it, but we have visited a few times and kinda just know where it is. Thanks!

Here are some photos of Big Beach / Little Beach

http://www.hawaiigaga.com/maui/beach...tle-beach.aspx

We went snorkeling at Ulua Beach though we were staying at the Hyatt in Kaanapali. We thought there was some really great snorkeling there even compared with Black Rock by the Sheraton.

It's only about a mile's drive from the Four Seasons to Ulua beach but you can always walk it on the beach walk if that's something you'd do.