Heading to the Ritz Carlton on Kapalua in HI in May for a presidents club trip that I have won; but would like to have a few days ahead of time to go out and explore. Not sure where to stay on Maui or if it would be worth while to travel to Molaki; or another island; or Maui; ahead of time and looking for some suggestions? Would need to be reasonably priced; on the beach, etc. Prob a hotel vs. a condo.

Meant to say, Ritz Carlton on Maui at Kapalua...

My wife and I went to Maui but we went to Lanai first and stay 3 nights at Four Seasons Lanai. I think it's the only hotel on the island. There may be a small hotel in town but FS is outstanding. It used to be Dole Pineapple Co.'s pineapple farm but they closed it down and all the workers are employed at the resort which is on the beach and then there's another one further away near the center of the island. Manele Bay is on the beach and Lodge at Koele is near the center of Lanai. Both are wonderful but Manele Bay is the best.

http://www.fourseasons.com/manelebay/

Would love some other suggestions as well- leaving in 8 weeks!

Jill... once you get to the Ritz, are you in tourist mode or are you locked into some conference?

Have you ever been to any of the other islands?

Do you want to sightsee or lay on the beach?

Are you more Nature/hiker or tourist shopper?

Fill in the blanks and we can help better?

We got your back...

Thank you for your response. Won our presidents club trip s while at the ritz all will be taken care of; activities, food, room, etc. Have not been to the other islands and only to Maui 1x about 18 yrs ago; Like some sight see but also love to hang at the beach. Like to hike; some shopping-Last time I stayed at the Marriott I think on kanapali- it was a but too much for me- meaning, busy, would like to go somewhere close to a great beach but not nec. in the midst of the tourists.

i think kauai is perfect combo- beautiful beaches and some can be very empty...

I agree with kauai... make sure you do a copter tour there and think about Old Lahaina Luau on Maui and a snorkle sail.

Would love to go to Kauai- any suggestions on where to stay?

Kauai is a wonderful suggestion. Since you are living in luxury at the Ritz I would spend my time exploring the island. Since it is only a few days I would choose something in Kaapa as it is central to both north and south and western destinations. There are a number of great places. I have only stayed at the Islander and would recommend it, but check out what's available. Spend a day on the northshore and a day on the south/west.

I figured that I would get VERY spoiled at the Ritz on someone elses budget... so I think its best if I do my solo trip BEFORE the stay at the RItz.

Don't know if you've made your mind up yet, but another option would be to stay on Maui and head south to Wailea. It is much quieter and laid back than Kaanapali, and you could stay at the Grand Wailea, Four Seasons, or newly renovated Fairmont. Each has their own private section of beach, vs. the shared beach at Kaanapali. You won't have the winds that will be at Kapalua. Upscale shopping, but not as much activity as Kaanapali. You could also do old town Lahaina on the way from Wailea to the Ritz.