I posted this yesterday but it seems to have disappeared. I saw what I think is a very reasonable rate on Expedia for the Ritz in Maui in Oct.(less than the Hyatt and Westin and about the same as the Sheraton) and was wondering if anyone had a possible explanation. Is the Ritz inconveniently located, under construction, etc.? or are the other hotels I mentioned extremely nice?

I have never stayed at the Ritz but this is what I do know. It is not right on the beach it is set back quite a bit. Most of the trees around the area look like evergreens not palm trees. From what I understand it is always very windy here, you are pretty far away from most restaurants. I am partial to 4S in the south,check it out. Good luck, have a great trip!

My hubbie and i have stayed a couple of times at the sheraton in kaanapali and i must say it is fantastic! The views from the rooms are sweet, grounds/pool lovely, the restaurants are quite good(esp. the teppan yaki one) and the beach is like heaven. The location just can't be beat, in my opin. The ritz had was not able to build where they initially planned, as there was a large burial site there( i think this whole area was so, really, including the sheraton as that black rock was the place where the ancient hawaiians believed one's spirit would jump from this world into the next..cool). The whole area has serious energy..which i found extremely energizing

We have divided our trips staying at least a few nights in hana, and have not regretted it!
Stayed at a great place called hale malamalama..but if we weren't on a budget, i would droolingly reccommend the hotel hana-maui. oooh.. it is absolute paradise, in my opinion. Such luxury in such an unfettered landscape. check out their websites to see if our tastes are similar. Some folks do prefer the dryer, sunnier side south of lahaina, i admit to loving the lush sides with more rainbows, waterfalls and rugged pali a bit more and don't have any personal reccomends there. Hope this helps..aloha!

I've stayed at that Ritz twice. I do not know if there is going to be any construction and I don't think you can compare the Hyatt, Westin or Sheraton with it. The hotel is quite nice and the area is a little secluded. Two things seem to keep some people away - 1) weather = it rains more often in this part of Maui (but that has never affected my trip) and 2) distance of hotel from beach = you have to walk a long pathway down to the beach (but golf carts are continuously driving people back and forth who don't want to walk)

Are you thinking of staying there? The service and food are wonderful.

I stayed at both the Ritz and Hyatt in Feb and unless you are bringing the family, I would choose the Ritz. The Hyatt was a great property but just too busy for our tastes. Exampleool chairs were always full by mid morning.

I agree with other posters that the Hyatt is more centrally located on Kanapali with shops and restaurants. The Sheraton is on the same beach and would also be a good choice. The Ritz is about 10 miles north of Kanapali.

If what you say on rates is true and those are the three hotels you are chosing from, I would book the Ritz. (also check out the Four Seasons and Grand Walalia). You can always cancel if something better comes along.