Maui Hyatt
 

I read some reviews that the Hyatt does not have a great beach. What is wrong with it? How far of a walk to the nearest "good" beach? Thanks!

The Hyatt beach is definitely not the best beach on Kaanapali, but it's better right next door in front of the Marriott - a really short walk. Most of Kaanapali beach is great. At opposite end of Kaanapali from the Hyatt is Sheraton Maui, where there is some pretty good snorkeling at Black Rock.

Thanks! How long of a walk to the Sheraton?

It has been ages since we've been there, but the only fault I could find with it was perhaps that it wasn't broad? Having seen the same things Sam has, I've wondered about this question too, and hope someone, maybe DJ again, will explain the whys of the answer. The waves were pretty good sized as well, but imagine that would be the same all along that stretch.<BR><BR>We didn't visit the other Kaanapali beaches so I have nothing to compare it to, but for our purposes, the beach was fine.

We were at the Hyatt last October. You are correct that the beach is not very broad, but it was okay for us just to lay in the sun or in a cabana. We did not swim as the waves on most days were huge there. We went snorkeling one day and the waves were so big that they had to take out to our boat on a dingy because the catamaran could come up to the beach. I think it is just the location of the Hyatt at the end of the beach that make the waves so big there. After we got on our boat we went to Dig Me beach and were able to pull up on the beach to pick up more people. But later in the day, those people had to ride a dingy boat as the waves had gotten too big there also. I guess it just depends on what you want to use the beach for. Sunning, swimming, etc. <BR><BR>In my opinion if the Hyatt beach gets bad reviews, its just because it isn't very big. Hope this helps.

It's true that the Hyatt has a rather mediocre beach compared to most other hotels/resorts but that's probably one of its only few negatives...and it does have an excellent pool area to compensate. The reasons for generally poor comments are the following: (1) it's fairly narrow, although its generally lengthy and feels uncrowded (2) it's not crescent-shaped like the more desirable &quot;bay&quot; beaches like Kapalua Bay, Wailea, Polo, etc. It's actually more convex shaped at the Hyatt so it's not as picturesque, and (3) it's a very poor beach for wading since most of the shallow expanse has rocks so unless you have aqua socks or booties, you're very prone to get your feet and ankle scraped in most areas. I would definitely agree that the Sheraton has the best beach on Kaanapali as it also has Black Rock, an excellent snorkeling spot. The walk from Hyatt to the Sheraton is probably 20-30 minutes (or a 5 minute drive or park at Whaler's village and walk 10 minutes) because they're at opposite ends but it is a nice walkway.<BR><BR>If having a great beach right at the resort is important to you, then the Hyatt isn't the best choice. But if you're like me and like to discover all the other great beaches around Maui and then come back to a fine hotel in the evening, then the Hyatt is an excellent resort to stay at.

My big dilema is that the Hyatt has been going for about $145 a night on Priceline and the Sheraton is $240 a night thru the hotel. $ is not a huge issue, but if the Hyatt is a great hotel with a decent beach then I would like to save some $. If the Marriott has better beach/swimming and it is close, then I wouldn't mind a short walk. - Don't know what to do.

Thanks everyone for the specifics. I suspected the width was the problem. If you do go Sam, if you head toward far left (as you face the water) side of the property, the beach there is free of rock and wider than the portion directly in front of the hotel. It was plenty wide for beach volleyball and similar beach activities that had been organized for our group. <BR><BR>It is a beautiful property, and though the Priceline rooms are likely not ocean view, we had a mountain view room and loved it for the daily multiple rainbow displays. If ocean view is important, then you might want to consider spending the extra per day at Marriott if they can guarantee it.

The Hyatt in Maui is a spectacular hotel. I find that in general, Hyatt hotels have higher standards and better service than Sheraton hotels. The Maui Hyatt has lush greenery and beautiful landscaping on the property. I'm more of a pool person and I loved the pool there. It has waterfalls, a rope bridge and a large cave with a swim up bar in it. I found the beach to be very adequate. I'm not a swimmer but it was a very pleasant beach to lie on. The service at the pool and beach was definitely above average. If we return to Maui we would not stay anywhere else in the Kanapali area.

Sam,<BR><BR>The Maui Hyatt at $145 for any room is an ABSOLUTE bargain!!! I went in July '02 at a special rate that was slightly over $200 (half off rack rates), and I was very pleased. The general consensus is that the Hyatt is the most desirable resort on Kaanapali (check Maui Revealed) on an overall basis because of the lush and expanse grounds, impressive pool area only outdone by the Grand Wailea, the elegant Swan Court, the modern and comfortable rooms, the atrium lobby, good service, etc. You're getting a 4-5* property at 2-3* prices.

Thanks a lot for all your help! I'm not sure what I'm going to do yet, but all the information is very helpful. Thanks again!

Sam,<BR>I heard that Hyatt is in the process of renovating and has construction going on...you may want to call and ask them.

The changes to the pool are complete and it looks like the room renovations are done. The Maui Hyatt is a great great hotel. If you really are lucky enough to get that great rate you should really go. I'd stay there again in a minute. Even my kids said they'd stay there WITH the renovations going on it's such a nice place.

I have been to the Kaanapali resort area where the Hyatt, Marriott, Sheraton etc all front Kaanapali Beach areas a few times. They are really one big stretch of beach and we have always found it fun to move around each day to different locations on this stretch. You will totally love the Hyatt, it is really one of the nicest hotels-definetly classier than the Marriott. I myself have been trying to purchase that same hotel on priceline and I seem to be shut out as a Canadian! Itis really ticking me off because that is a super price for this hotel-Go for it, I wish they would take my money!!!

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