traveling to maui
 

I am planning a trip to Maui and would like ot know what hotel/area is the best to stay in that is high luxury, near island activities and has character. (Preferably 5 star hotel)

I've been to Maui and stayed at Plantation Inn -- beautiful, low-key and outstanding meals! But this time, we want to stay *ON* the beach. Any suggestions? We're considering Kapalua Bay Resort. Please share your experiences. And is it actually *ON* the beach?

The Renaissance Wailea Beach Resort is beautiful. The service is great and it's easy to find and to travel around the island as a base. Buy a Fodor's
on Hawaii. We used them for everything we did and we were not sorry. email me if you would like more info. Also, check out other messages in the departure lounge they also have good ideas.
Plan to fall in love with Maui.

For class acts The Four Seasons at Wailea, and my all time get away to be pampered is the Hana Maui Hotel. Can't do much shopping the road is long...long and winding road. 55 miles in 3 hours, the views on the way are true Hawaii. But, if you want to shop and see just a little...a little bit of Hawaii then go to the other end of the island with the rest of the tourist. If you want more, you got my e-mail address.

Aloha Audrey! The 5 star resort on Maui has to be
the Grand Wailea Resort hands down. I've been to
different hotels on the Valley Isle and the Grand
is it. On my last visit in August, Michael Jordan
and Tom Cruise were both staying there. Michael
likes the resort because it's right by his favorite
golf course. The Wailea resort area has the most beautiful beaches on Maui. There are many fine
restaurants. Grand Wailea has a great website
(www.grandwailea.com) check it out. Request their
brochure. It's the nicest one you'll ever see!
Aloha, Ed.

Wailea is a million times nicer than Kaanapali altho you'll have to drive to Lahaina for any "character." If I had the money to stay at the Grand Wailea, that would be my first choice. If you're set on Kaanapali, which is about 10 minutes from Lahaina, go for the Hyatt. And don't miss snorkeling or Haleakala!