I have read about The Ritz and the Westin, the cost is about the same, but the Westin seems to have a better fitness facility whidh is important to us. We are in our mid-30's with no kids. Any advise?

We have stayed at the Ritz and we loved it. The rooms, pools, staff, views, food, and location are all top notch. We explored many other hotels while in Maui and the Ritz will always be our first choice. Their buffet breakfast is awesome. Try to get it packaged with the room.
It is in Kapalua which is more peaceful, less crowded and lush than other areas in West Maui.
If the Westin is in Kaanapali, that is a more crowded, touristy area with lots of familys--kids and teens.

I absolutely love the Ritz. It's my favorite hotel on Maui, the decor is gorgeous, and there's nothing like Kapalua's mixture of star pines and beaches. However, the Westin is my favorite hotel in the Kaanapali area, which is more touristy and has a lot more action. The Westin has fantasy pools which my five year old loves, so without children you may prefer the Ritz for a more romantic atmosphere.

Before I answer understand I have kids and I take them to Hawaii with me but I loved the Westin. I stayed at the Ritz with my hubby ages ago and even though it is fancier and nicer it was boring. I thought the Westin was gorgeous! Waterfalls, next to Whalers village etc. I just loved the local. I am not the only one who thought this. A friend of mine spent his honeymoon at the Ritz and told me not to go there. He said he hated walking to the beach. I did not understand this till I went and I see what he means now, you really walk to the beach. It is far down there. I choose the Westin, more fun and great location!!

I have stayed at both hotels, and find numerous families (children) at both.

The Westin and The Ritz are on the same side of the island. The Ritz is definitely more 'upscale', but the trade winds on that side of the island were practically unbearable. I probably will never stay at the Ritz again because of it.

Whaler's Village at Kaanapali is bustling with activity, but the hotels are a little older because Kaanapali was the first resort area developed on Maui. Of course, the hotels are very nice. The beach is right there - there's also a great little outdoor restaurant called The Hula Hut that is great fun.

You might also want to check into the other side of the island, called Wailea. There is the Four Seasons, the Grand Wailea and the Kea Lani - all spectacular resorts, not any more expensive than the Ritz. Upscale shopping is within walking distance, and the hotels all have fabulous restaurants.

I am a fitness competitor, and have found that all of the hotels have comparable exercise facilities. I don't remember any one in particular standing out.... but perhaps you'd find great exercise in snorkeling, scuba, or even running/jogging.

Good luck!

The weather is MUCH better in Kaanapali (less wind/rain). I've stayed at the Westin numerous times and loved it. Also, check out the Westin Resort Villas. We were there for the first time in November and loved it. We're owners, but I understand they rent to non owners.