KatW

Thanks everyone, great response and good suggestions to check out. I totally appreciate it.

I was intrigued by the Makena suggestion; that's a definite possibility, thankee! Going to look at Turtle Bay, too.

What do y'all think of Cheeca Lodge in the Keys?

I should have indicated we're partial to the less humongous resorts. Although I've heard good things about Hilton Hawaiian Village.

>Florida or Hawaii? That’s like asking, “Sizzler or Ruth’s Chris?”

No, not so. We've vacationed in Hawaii at Manele Bay, the Lodge at Koele, Four Seasons Hualalai and the Halekulani -- the beaches were nothing to speak of. Manele Bay has access to a decent beach but it's a small hike and not part of the resort but a state park beach, the water was rough when we were there, and jelly fish can be a problem. In general, I haven't had great luck with Hawaiian beaches. The beach at Halekulani is quite decent but crowded and the hotels there are all cheek-by-jowl. Whilst I love sitting and sunning on a beach whilst reading or dozing or watching people, I especially adore playing and floating in the sea, that's the whole point for me.

I don't know Florida beaches other than the area around Clearwater.

sylvia3

If airfare will not be an issue, you might consider focusing on the wonderful beaches of Maui, the Makena area (or Wailea) or Kaanapali(Kehei [Kamaole beach parks] might be a tad crowded for you). Sounds as though you've picked the wrong resorts, if you can't find a great beach in Hawaii! (Go for the oldest, maybe; the ones that grabbed the best beachfront first!)

Placename

Hilton Hawaii Village is a huge, multistory hotel complex on Waikiki, with man-made sand bar/lagoon, full of kids. If you weren't happy with Halekulani, I can't see how HHV would be an improvement.

I don't see it matching any of the other beaches that have been recommended.

PasadenaDreamer

Ditto what Placename said! Hilton Hawaiian Village has all the stuff you disliked about Halekulani, plus it's nowhere near as upscale. (And if you've stayed at Four Seasons/stuff in that range, I'm sure you'd find HHV very disappointing!)

Based on everything you've said, I'm starting to the Maui is the place for you! But, as I've said, I don't know enough to recommend a specific beach on that island. I'm sure you'll find a great one, though!

Have a great trip, wherever you finally decide!

suze

<The beach at Halekulani is quite decent but crowded and the hotels there are all cheek-by-jowl.>

Well sure, it IS *Waikiki Beach*. I'm crazy about it myself and it is world-famous. That said it is not that large of an area and it is pretty much always crowded... because it's so beautiful and popular.

suze

<The beach at Halekulani is quite decent but crowded and the hotels there are all cheek-by-jowl.>

Well sure, it IS *Waikiki Beach*. I'm crazy about it myself and it is world-famous. That said it is not that large of an area and it is pretty much always crowded... because it's so beautiful and popular.

mumpsimus

I'm a huge fan of Kona Village Resort, so much so that I've put up a website devoted to it. The bay is pretty sheltered, the beach is nice (salt and pepper), the snorkeling is among the best (and all the snorkeling stuff is included in the price, and that includes the meals and a lot of other things as well). Take a look at www.davidskvr.net and see if it seems interesting to you.
David

KatW

Thanks all, for the good Hawaii info and suggestions.

maribethp

I f you do not want the lengthy travel and expense, enjoy Florida.

Uma

another vote for the mauna kea beach hotel. we stayed there in december. wonderful beach for swimming, snorkelling, lounging. took hotel shuttle over to the Hapuna Prince; equally lovely and more expansive beach there. nice rooms, beautiful surroundings, great staff at mauna kea beach hotel.
lots to do and see on the big island. have stayed previously at the hyatt in kauai and the four seasons on maui.