We're thinking of visiting there for a vacation the first week of April - what are people's thoughts on the weather?

Friends have recommended Kauai, and there we would stay at the Hyatt at Poipu - but I've been strongly warned against it due to weather.

I should mention we have 2 small kids we're leaving at home, so we're seeking lazy days at the pool or beach, sleeping in, and simply relaxing.

Thoughts on the weather in the 2 locations - or any other items I should be aware of? I've never been to any of the islands, so I'm flying a bit blind...thanks!

Have you looked at the Four Seasons? I looked there and at the Ritz last year and chose the FS. It seemed there was more luxery, the reviews were great, and they did not nickle and dime you. We are also leaving behind two kids and looking for the same experience as you. The pampering and lazyness were key for us, and it seemed that the FS was perfect because of what it offered for the price and the location.

April is less likley to be windy and rainy in Kapalua. I'm not a big fan of the Ritz-Carlton in Kapalua.
It is cumbersome to get to the beach, as you have to take the golf cart up and down the hill.

I prefer the Wailea location because you are easily able to walk out onto the sand and the beach, without making it a huge project.

No reason to avoid the Hyatt Kauai in Poipu. It would be a fine time to visit in April.

We love the Ritz-Carlton but not in Kapalua..the vibe is just not good and found out from the locals that it is 'haunted'..
I would recommend the Grand Wailea in Makena or the Westin in Kaanapali..

Sorry - should have clarified - we can use rewards at both locations, that's why I chose them. Don't have points at the Four Seasons, otherwise I'd be there for sure.

I only see one Ritz in Hawaii - am I mistaken?

My concern with the Hyatt was kids - as I'm away from mine, I'm looking for something that not incredibly family friendly and might be overrun with little ones - it's a rare time away. Some have indicated the Hyatt is a family frenzy.

This haunted rumor...very odd, no?

We liked the Ritz at Kapalua (we went there w/o kids). We didn't see any ghosts. Definitely not as many kids as the Hyatt (where we've stayed with our kids). The Ritz will provide you with a very nice, relaxing, quiet vacation. Are there nicer (more upscale, and to create a pun- ritzier) hotels in Hawaii? Yes, but you can use reward points for the Ritz. Go for it!

I would take the Ritz over the Poipu Hyatt any day. The Ritz in an EXCELLENT resort. While the Four Seasons is a touch nicer, it isnt worth the extra money. If you want sunshine, thats where it will be.

Weather: No matter which place you choose(Kapalua vs Poipu), you will get some rain.

Hauntings: The locals think there are spirits in lots of the Hotels. Hawaiians use to perform burial rituals in beach areas, so its a story you will hear about a number of resorts. The Ritz is built up on the hill not to disturb the old Hawaii burial ground, so I would think the spirits would be happy.

Grand Hyatt in Kauai is stunning!
I would go there if you have points..

As far as the Ritz being haunted..it has the night marchers that come down from the mountain and they did not properly remove the dead from the property and that is why it is 'cursed'..
There are cold spots all along the pool and if you talk to the wonderful natives out front that sell their wares, are fully aware of the property and pray before and after entering..
This was told to me by a Kahuna.

Just a note to let you know that all the islands are very active with 'ghostly' things that cannot be explained..and the Islanders are very aware and sensitive to this.
They believe in their Gods and why do you think Pele curses those tourists that steal lava rock.

I would recommend the Hyatt in Poipu. It is beautiful, the weather will be gorgeous (it's generally pretty nice all the time in Poipu--that's the sunny side of the island), and I don't think you'll be overrun by children. It's a large, spread-out property and we had no issues with kids both times we've stayed there. (There WERE kids around, but it wasn't a zoo or anything.)

The Ritz in Maui is nice but a little removed from everything.

With 2 small children, the Hyatt Poipu is a great choice.

With 2 small children, the Hyatt Poipu is a great choice.

Two small children they are leaving at home!!

I vote for MAUI first of all because it is my favorite island! The Ritz is elegant. The Hyatt on Kauai is more kid-oriented and, I thought, inexplicably "snooty".

The night marchers moved through the Kapalua area long before the Ritz was put there... There were many bloody battles on the islands during the time that King Kamehameha was attempting to unite the islands. The Maui warriors were particularly fierce protectors of their island. If you hear the marchers HIDE and they will march right on by.

aloha crazy4hawaii..so true.
You really can't go wrong at the Ritz or the Grand Hyatt..
2 great islands and it is so interesting to read the history and folklore.

Let us know what you decide.
mahalo

I stayed at the Ritz Carlton Kapalua a couple of years ago and thought it was a beautiful resort. I would think it is even nicer with the recent remodeling. I don't think you can go wrong there. I don't know if this is a possibility with your points, but the Club Level was excellent.

I agree with the posters who say that the Ritz is removed from the ocean... the entire resort had to be moved back away from the burial grounds and the grounds are walled off out of respect... however it does make a trek to the water extremely tough (I'm disabled)... I much prefer being on the water and there are several properties that make it easy... also it is kind of eerie seeing people party so close to a cemetary... wooooooooo! especially at those prices...

Yes, it is set surprisingly far back from the ocean, and the ancient graveyard is a bit creepy if you pay attention to it.

I had a Club Level, and the food was very good. However, when I was there, there were many children in the Club Lounge. Many. I understand their parents were paying for the service, too, but it got annoying at times.

I just find the Kapalua area weird to begin with. It seems remote and chilly to me. I much prefer the beachfront sand and tropical warmth feeling you get from the Wailea area resorts.

I just got back from Kauai and spent some time at the Hyatt, Poipu.
Due to the recession, their were very few people there, hence very few kids. In booming economic times maybe it is overrun with kids but not this year! It's a gorgeous property. Very romantic.

Regarding weather, the Kapalua side of Maui is generally considered the rainy side of the island.

Poipu (where the Hyatt is) is generally considered the dryer side of Kauai.

I really don't know where your friend got his/her info about avoiding Poipu due to weather in April.

I forgot about that when I posted but now that Placename mentioned it, the first couple of days I was there I was really surprised at the number of kids at the Club Level. The evening presentations seemed to have less kids and the number of kids dwindled by day three. But I agree, that was a little annoying - took away a little from the usual relaxing atmosphere of a club room.