Well we`ve decided on Maui and Oahu....tentatively staying at the Ritz Carlton in Maui and the Hilton Hawaiian Village in Oahu...anyone have experience with either of these establishments????

Have stayed at both,,Both are great but VERY differant,,The Hilton being at the end of Waikiki is away from alot of the crowds..Nice beach area, and has a large shopping "mall"..For a FANTASTIC view, get a room on a high floor in the
Rainbow tower diamondhead side..
Stayed at the Ritz just last summer, was very nice, but a little bit TOO quiet for us,,a bit of a walk to the beach,and rough at times..But first rate service all around there..if you like it slow and quiet its the place to go
Aloha

Rick, when the water WASN'T rough, did you feel that the water was still too "wavy?" Also, did you find the food at the hotel to be wonderful like at most of their properties? Thanks!

Do a word search on the Ritz-Carlton at Kapalua, lots of postings there.

The Hilton Hawaiian Village is kind of an institution in Waikiki. Can't quite recommend it, although it has some proponents, and it is always busy. The Hilton does have the "Magic of Polynesia" show, and I think it would be a good location if traveling with children...lots to see and do. Our personal preference, although much pricier, is the Kahala Mandarin. It is not on the Waikiki strip, so it is not walking distance to the tourist-geared, but fun, shops and restaurants there. If you want to experience the Waikiki scene, and stay in a hotel with a sense of history, you'd like the Royal Hawaiian.

Ted..
Water wasnt to bad past the surf line..
I guess "rough" wasnt the right word..just had some heavy break, think due to the incline,,but past that was ok
just wasnt good for kids.
And as for the food,,had a GREAT breakfast buffet, best that we have had,,didnt have dinner on property..just TOO many other places in town to try..

Well, I have tried 2 times with messages but something is wrong with this board again and it won't take. Do a search of the Ritz and you will find lots of info including mine as we have stayed there. Rooms at the Village are not very good, I here.

Hey guys, the swells are half the fun! We DO have a little surf here, get bold, rent a boogy board! (Of course, there is a disclaimer here if you are not a swimmer.)
Aloha,
-k