Which would you choose for a six-day "R & R." Is an ocean front room worth the price in either? Which category is best? Is there any construction at or near either? We're looking for calm, restful, not a lot of kids.

We'll be six days in Wailea; for the two addl days would you stay in Lahaina or make the loop to Hana and stay in Hana 1-2 nights?

Thanks,
Craig in San Francisco

Message:
According to this months Travel and Leisure ( August 2002)they handed out the World's Best Awards.....Top 25 in Hawaii
1. 4 Seasons Resort Hualalai
*2. 4 Seasons at Wailea, Maui****
3. Halekulani, Honolulu
4. Lodge at Keole, Lanai
*5. Fairmount Kea Lani, Maui
6. Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows, Hawaii
7. Kahala Mandarin Oriental Hawaii
*8. Renaissance Wailea Beach Resort, Maui***
9. Ritz-Carlton, Kapualua, Maui
10. Princeville Resort, Kauai
11. Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Hawaii
12. Hyatt Regency Kauai Resort and Spa, Kauai
13. JW Marriot Ihilani Resort and Spa, Oahu
14. Orchid at Mauna Lani
15. Alii Tower
16. Manele Bay Hotel, Lanai
17. Kona Village resort
*18. Grand Wailea Resort, Hotel and Spa, Maui***
*19. Kapalua Nay Hotel, Maui***
20. Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel, Hawaii
21. Kauai Marriot resort & Beach Club
22. Whaler on Kaanapali Beach, Maui***
23. Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa, Maui***
24. Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort
25. Maui Prince Hotel, Maui***

I think the Renessaince Wailea is the best value in all of Maui.

We stayed in the main hotel at the Renaissance, we didnt pay the extra for true oceanfront. It was a quick walk down some steps thru tropical gardens to the pool and beach and we could see the beach from the lanai of our 5th floor room. The Ren was quiet when we were there. The Outrigger is next door, a little less expensive.

PS, I would stay overnight in Hana at the Hana Maui hotel, explore the black sand beaches and caves nearby, then drive the rest of the way around the island past the Sacred pool area , stop at the winery on the way back. Lahaina is fun to visit for an afternoon or evening, I would choose to stay there.

RUN to Renaissance! I like Outriggers, BUT in this case, NO! The Renaissance is wonderful, and for the money, the best deal in Hawaii, in my opinion. Buy an Entertainment Book, and you'll really get a deal. My fave vacation spot in Hawaii!

I just stayed at the Rennassiance. It is definitely worht the upgrade to beach front. You breakfast is included and you get your own seperate pool, as well as a cabana boy at your disposal during the day. Stay on the first floor and you can walk right out the lanai to pool or beach. Worth it all the way.

Forget Hana. Lahaina is nice, but I would stay in Kaanpali and take the shuttle down to Lahaina.

Sorry, but I have to disagree with Joe here about the rooms! I MUCH prefer the ocean view rooms, high up, in the main building to the Cabana rooms. You do have that little pool (very little) and brekky, but you don't have the amazing views you get from the ocean view rooms. My sister had a Cabana room, we had the ocean view, and we liked it much more, especially when you consider the price difference. But, of course, wherever you are at Renaissance, you'll be in Paradise!

TTT

To Fodors - Please BAN TTT responses. What a worthless waste of time.