What do youo guys think? my inclination is KBH since it is smaller/more romantic, but i think the ritz is more luxurious. we were quoted basically the same price, so all else equal, which would you choose?

For the same price, the RC is a MUCH better hotel.
If you factor in price, KBH is usually cheaper and for some represents a better value. At the same price, the RC is hands down the winner, unless you're the type who simply doesn't care what your room is like. That's my only knock against KBH. I don't like the rooms (and bathrooms!) compared with the more upscale hotels on Maui.
KBH does have a better location and seems more old Hawaii, which is nice.
But the hotel itself pales in comparison with the top places on Maui.

my opinion is that location is more important to me on vacation and having a "mood" or feeling when I am somewhere.

the above poster is correct in the room assessment, but i dream of those giant kbh rooms and the barefoot walk down to the beach.

the -rc beach is a long and steep trek down the hill and once you get there, you can't swim safely at all times- it is not a bay.

so, if this were a question about a city hotel choice, i would select the r-c, but as it is a question of a hawaii experience hotel, i choose KBH.

i think you will be very happy in either one- i don't think you will be like "why didn't we stay here" no matter which you choose. the r-c has many more resort features, like fitness classes and a large pool area (comparatively).

i personally hate riding an elevator on vacation in a tropical location, so i prefer the breezeways at kapalua. but everyone is different.

both are better choices than other locations on maui, imho.

Although I have heard some criticisms on KBH rooms, I have always heard fantastic things about there bathrooms: separate shower/bathtub, double vanities. What am I missing about the bathrooms, Travelleis?

wiggy1: You might want to check into the Starwood Preferred Program. It is free and as a member you can save 35% on the rack rates at the KBH. I recently checked and could get a garden room for around 254.00 a night. Ocean view for around 410.00. I've not been to the Ritz, but have been to KBH. The beach is awesome, the atmosphere is calm and laid back for the most part. I would check into getting a better rate at the KBH.

could not agree more with hotandsweaty!

I mean....the Ritz is the Ritz - status, money, luxury. If that matters much to you than I suppose you would be happier there. But I think that if you are going to Hawaii..you would want to really experience Hawaii, not a top-notch hotel in anywhere, USA.

Come on! The rooms are not THAT bad..I really wish I would have taken a picture. jeez!

aloha! you are going to have a wonderful time wherever you stay...;-)

We've had two trips to KBH and would stay there again in a heartbeat. I'm personally turned off by the high gloss of the RC, so figure that into this response. The closer you can be to the natural beauty of Maui, the better, and the KBH beach is heaven. Being at a slight remove from the rest of the resorts is another plus. The rooms are hardly downscale, just not as fluffed and tuffeted as RC, and the bathrooms are terrific.

As regards the specific differences between the hotels, and the reason for my comments above (kindra), the rooms and bathrooms at the RC are larger and much more luxurious with plenty of marble (which makes no difference to some, but is something I like in bathrooms).

The standard rooms at the RC are larger (450 sq ft versus 400 sq ft at KBH) and the furniture is much better quality, beds are nicer, drapes and carpets nicer.
It's one of those 5 star versus 4 star type relative comparisons. In 1980 the KBH was the best luxury hotel on the island. As time passes, standards go up. Currently the Four Seasons and RC are the top end places. 20 years from now the RC and FS won't be the gold standards unless they upgrade themselves.