I have a bunch of Marriott points that I'd like to use. My girlfriend and I have never been to Hawaii and are trying to decide on Maui, Kauai, or Big Island. We are open to either doing 7-9 days on one island or dividing the trip up between two islands. Does anyone have any feedback on any of these properties? We are active and will want to do lots of activities...at the same time will probably want to relax around a pool/beach for a couple of days.

Maui: Marriott Ocean Club Kaanapali, Marriott Wailea (old Outrigger), Renaissance Wailea

Kauai: Kauai Beach Club

BI: Marriott Waikiloa

Thanks in advance!!

I noticed you didn't list the Marriott Waiohai in Poipu, Kauai. Did you decide against it or is it not available with points ?

Alan

Hi there. I am also using marriott reward points for my honeymoon in october. I looked into all the above mentioned hotels so i can give you a little bit of info.

Maui: Marriott Ocean Club Kaanapali: this hotel is going to be converting to all timeshares so this won't be an option to you depending on when you are going.

Marriott Wailea (old Outrigger): This is the marriott we chose to stay at. They are renovating the whole place until june 2006. check out http://marriotthawaii.com/marriott-wailea.html for more information. To me, i wanted to stay at a place that was newly updated and wailea itself is supposed to be very pretty. It is a little more upscale i'm told.

Renaissance at Kapalua: will be taken over by another hotel (starwood i think) i believe so they will be closing.

Renaissance Wailea: will be undergoing renovations for 2 years.

Kauai: Kauai Beach Club: i've heard that this is by far the nicest marriott out of all the islands. If you go to 2 islands, go to this one last because i've heard that if you stay anywhere aferwards, it will only be a disappointment.

BI: Marriott Waikiloa: this i never looked into so i can't tell you anything about it.

But good luck!!

Alan,

I forgot about the Kauai Waiohai. Do you know anything about it?

Ok I have stayed or visited all the Marriott properties as I own a timeshare. One, using points may limit the places available..Waohai which is gorgeous is almost impossible to get in w/ points.

Depending on what you want from your island will determine where to stay. If you only want to utilize your points for the most gorgeous, high end hotel...the Kauai Beach Club is it!!!

The island of Kauai is beautiful dreamy true Hawaii, however, there isn't alot of night life, it is day trip excursions, very outdoorsy. Don't get me wrong it also have very high end restaurants but your dinner will be the event.

Now Maui, with the Ocean Club is the most perfect location for activity, people, nightlige etc. The property itself is beautiful not as Grand as Kauai but your are on Kaanapali beach with easy access via a "path" to many hotels and activities. Lahaina town which has nightlife, shows, excellent restaurants is 10 mins driving time away. This hotel is full of hustle and bustle but will allow you to relax.

Wailea, which is a nice hotel recently renovated from an Outrigger isn't directly on a swimmable beach but an easy walk to one. Wailea is much more "upscale" than Kaanapali..high end shopping, high end hotels but great restaurants and true charm and beauty...also most consistent weather. If you want relaxing at a nice hotel this is it but if you tour other hotels around this area...your hotel will not be as opulent...and if on Maui you MUST go to Lahaina which is a 40+ minute drive...

The big island is beautful as well. Where else can you see active volcano real lava. This hotel too is under renovation...and they are doing extensive work albeit a great location is Waikola. Big Island is very spread out and seeing everything is quite the drive...I would wait for this hotel to finish renovations as it is not a huge property and had a small pool and due to location you may spend more time at your hotel on BI.

The Ihilani on Oahu is absolutely gorgeeous too...rooms to die for but a small pool. For a week time this would be beautiful since it is away from the hustle and bustle of Honolulu but an easy card ride there...

I'd split the time between Kauai and Maui. As noted before the Kauai Beach Club is a very nice hotel. On Maui I'd say the best is the Renaissance Wailea. You are a bit further from Lahaina, but we found Wailea to be more convenient to other sightseeing tours on the island. Plus, the area is a little more laid-back...the Kaanapali Marriott is a bit too hectic for my tastes. I love the BI but wasn't terribly impressed by the Marriott there.

I have stayed at all the Marriott properties mentioned and agree with the previous post on Kauai.

Kauai definately has the best property. Kauai is un-spoiled, less commercialised and extremely beautiful. More like the real Hawaii.
There are plenty of activities to get into within close proximaty to the hotel ( you still will need a car) and when you wish to relax- there is nowhere better than the gigantic pool or Kalapaki beach. The hotel is secluded and very peaceful.

Don't miss dinner at Dukes. You can also surf outside Dukes and the turtles will join you. My kids love doing it each time we are there.

Maui Ocean Club is very busy, a great place if you have a family but I'm not sure I would want to be there if I didn't. We only go there because we meet up with friends, it's a little too busy for me, the rest of the time on Maui we stay at the Four Seasons.


Hope this helps.
Aloha