Need Info
 

My husband and I go away every year for our anniversary. This year we are thinking Hawaii. We would like to get away from the large hotels and resorts we normally stay at. We would like something small, where the staff will pay attention to detail, on the beach, near scuba diving, and most importantly...romantic. Does anyone have any suggestion? Please let me know.


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While I can't help you with your travel, I will suggest you use a better title. Maybe you searched under "Hawaii" but your post just goes into the big "United States" forum. "Need Info" and "Need Help" as (vague) titles means many readers will skip right over this. Suggest something like "Need Suggestions - Anniversary in Hawaii" Good luck, happy anniversary.

I have nightmares about clicking onto fodors and seeing thousands of posts all saying "need info". isn't that what everyone needs? I award the prize for worst title of the year for a post.

I would check out Hana, Maui. It is on far east end of island, accessible only through a winding road (about 30 miles that takes 3 hours!) There is a very expensive hotel there that probably fits some of your criteria: Hotel Hana Maui. There are also less expensive small accomodations in Hana that sound romantic. We thought about Hana Bay Bungalow but it was full for our dates so we are staying at Hale Hana Malamalama. These places aren't right on a beach however (although they are on ocean) but they have access to Hamoa Beach which Michener claimed to best beach in Pacific. If you read Gyppie Lou's trip report she mentions a small boutique hotel in the Kihei/Wailea of Maui that might work for you.

Also look into Kauai - it has 2 very nice big resorts but also many smaller places. Gloria's bed and breakfast on south shore might fit for you.

This site (message boards, destinations and hotel reviews) and wizardpub.com has good information (their book Maui Revealed is great)
Good luck!

I know you said "small," and this isn't exactly what you would call small (although it isn't huge), the Mauna Lani on the Big Island might be a good choice for you. First of all, the Big Island isn't as touristy as the other islands. The Kohala Coast, where the Mauna Lani is located, is spread out so that all the resorts are a fair distance from each other; and the Mauna Lani region is particularly beautiful and well-laid-out.

We stayed here for the first leg of our honeymoon last June and were delighted with our experience. The staff remembers your name and service is exemplary. The resort itself is beautiful and tranquil and has a very "un-huge" feel to it. It's VERY romantic and you can drive to many interesting scuba points around the island. Good luck in finding a great place to go, and happy anniversary!

I have been staying at the Maui Kai for 20+ years and it feels like home. I have never been dissapointed. They have a lot more to offer than a standard hotel room. I stay in unit #402. They have an ice chest, beach mats, blender, toaster, microwave, oven/stove and the best part is a full sized refridgerator. Very handy if you are staying several days.

The best part is the privacy. You have an ocean front view and you would have to lean way out to even see a bit of another lanai. Very romantic and exotic.

The Embassy Suites next door has a traditional resturaunt, a buffet and an outdoor bar that serves snacks that can easily be a meal. Great onion rings there too.