We have been to the Big Island about six years ago and loved it. We were there for only 6 days. We are now planning a two week vacation next year - one week on Maui and one week on Kauai... we are doing a timeshare exchange and narrowed it down to,

Maui - Westin Kaanapali Ocan Resort (just being build now but apparently should be done by the time we go) OR Marriotts maui Ocean Club.

Kauai - either Marriotts kauai Beach Club in Lihue or Hanalei Bay Resort in Princeville.

Does anyone know about these resorts and can comment?

Also any tips on the following would be appreciated.... for both islands....

1. Who to book a snorkelling day trip from that inlcudes lunch...
2. Dinner Cruises?
3. Sunset Cruise on a Catamaran - who to go with?
4. What are the towns like for exploring...
5. Golf courses - which ones to golf on.
6. Day trips - we want to rent a car on both islands and do some exploring... can someone tell me the best day trips!

Thank you so much for your help & tips!

Lori

Never been to Kauai but we are going this Oct. Last Oct we went to Maui and loved it. We did a snorkeling excursion to Molokini with the Four Winds II. We did the 5hr excursion which included breakfast, BBQ lunch (they grill burgers, chicken, & veg burgers), all the beer, wine & soda you want. Crew was wonderful, the captain very comical. They also play great music while out snorkeling. For day trip we did the road to Hana, however was a little disappointed because all the waterfalls were dried up, we loved the Black Sand Beach though. Another day we visited Iao Valley which we loved. We also drove up to Haleakala to watch the sunrise, we got some fantastic pictures. Next time we go I would definatly want to hike it also. We ran out of time.

When are you going? I wouldn't stay on the north shore of kauai (Hanalei Bay) in the winter.

Lorio, The Marriott Waiohai on Kauai is very nice. Do a search on here for it. Also read the reviews on tripadvisor.com.

Aloohaaa,
I keep forgetting about the Marriott Waiohai location.

But if I recall correctly, it's not located right on a beach like the Marriott in Lihue is???

Plus, the beach in Lihue is basically in a harbor area so the waves really aren't ocean type waves.

The HBR is also away from the ocean if that matters in your decision.

Day trips up the Waimea Canyon, Polihale and Kee Beach are pretty nice.

Just do a text search, key word "Kauai" and you'll get a ton o'suggies on Kauai.

I'm STILL trying to figure out everyone's fascination with Kauai.
260 days until further research.

I too have been in the process of planning a week on Maui and a week on Kauai in June. I found the Paradyse guides and the "blue Bibles" (Maui Revealed and Ultimate Kauai) to be very helpful. After reading them almost completely, I was able to formulate some specific questions for this site. I love Maui and have seen so many of the "must see" things there that I'm looking forward to spending a lot of time relaxing this trip. I love the drive upcountry to Haleakala any time of the day. I love the Iao Valley and the trip north along the coast of West Maui. I took the Trilogy snorkeling trip to Lanai and helicoptered to Hana with Temptation Tours. Lahaina is great fun for a day and the Old Lahaina Luau is FUN and high quality. I have not been to Kauai for over twenty years so it will seem all new to me. Touring the north shore and Waimea Canyon are generally on almost everyone's "must do" lists. I'll be staying in the Poipu area but Lihue would be very centrally located for you. I'll bet the view from HBR is breathtaking and something to consider! On Maui, golf in Kapalua and Wailea. On Kauai, golf in Princeville! ( So my golfing buddies tell me.)

We are thinking of going in either November or December... does that make a difference?

Thanks everyone so far for your input...

Lori

Could make for rougher (non-swimmable) water and wetter weather on the north shore of Kauai. So, in that case, I'd choose the Lihue location there.

Lorio,

We have not been to Maui for 11 years, but are going this October for a 10-day stay. We'll spend 3 days in Wailea at the Marriott Wailea Outrigger (on points), then move up to Kaanapali at the Marriott Ocean Club with our timeshare exchange. We are very excited to be visiting the island again, and will gladly post after our visit. Good luck with your planning.

The Westin is ready now, except for minor final touchups. Request ocena view. The Kaanapali golf courses (adjacent) are great. The beach walk, next to several other hotels, is superb. Suggest Pacific'O and Sansei , but avoid Bay Club. Lahania is great for shopping. Maui has it all, and in the kaanapali area, you'll have a blast. One other idea: from OGG, use a taxi .... not much more than the shuttle, which is more involved. Also, when you depart OGG, use the private luggage handlers ($2 a bag) and avoid the long line at UAL and AA.

Thanks everyone for your replies.. nanjan - I look forward to your trip report since you'll be staying at one of the places we are looking at...

What about Maui waters in November? If they will be rougher on the North shore of Kaui, how will Maui be? Also, is there a big differece on kaui between the north shore and Lihue area?

Lori

Just a quick comment about the Mariott at Lihue on Kauaii. Spent one week there on my honeymoon 2 1/2 years ago, after spending our first week on Maui. Booked at the Mariott hotel through Northwest Airlines World Vacations. There was a typo in the brochure, made by either Marriott or Northwest (each blamed the other for the mistake), which indicated that we would receive $75/day in food and beverages at the Marriott. We clarified this when we checked into the Marriott, and indeed, that was the agreement...

... Until we checked out and were socked with a $900 bill by the Marriott and change in their tune, that it was a ONE-TIME $75 food/bev. credit. We made the mistake of leaving the brochure on our coffee table at home, and as this was 2 hrs before our flight left the airport at Lihue, we paid the bill and bitched all the way home.

We did eventually get $400 in vouchers from Northwest to apply to our next World Perks vacation booking, and the manager of the Marriott called to apologize, but I have to be honest, I have no desire to stay at the Marriott at Lihue again. And although we did book another hotel through World Perks for a long weekend in Miami Beach (just to burn up those vouchers), we will not be booking through them again, either.

Sorry to complain, but I wanted to share my experience at the Marriott in Lihue.

Warmest regards,
Debra

There is a beach in front of the Marriott Waiohai - Kauai. It is also right next to Poipu Beach Park which is nice.