We will be honeymooning in Hawaii this fall. We have vouchers for our stay at any Marriott or Renaissance hotel... does anyone have a recommendation? A full spa would be a bonus. We aren't sure which island we want to stay on either - we're actually quite clueless. Any advice will help. Thanks!

We're heading to Hawaii next week with 10 days free with Marriott points. We chose the Ihalani on Oahu, which is a spa, because it looked beautiful and was away from the crowd. On Oahu we chose the Marriott, but after reading up on this site, I regret that decision. Without having been there yet, I would recommend the advice of most posters on this site and stay at the Renaissance Wailea. There have been many positive comments about the Marriott on Kaui as well. You'll have to decide which island[s] you want to go to. I'll be posting a follow up when we get back, but I suspect you'll want to book as soon as possible.

regarding my first post, I meant, on Maui [not Oahu]
, we chose the Marriott and I suspect the Renaissance would have been the better choice [at least according to most the posts on this site]

We just returned last Monday from Maui. We used our Marriott reward points to stay at the Renaissance hotel in Maui. We absolutely loved it!!! We had debated between the Maui Marriott and the Renaissance. There were many, many honeymooning couples staying at the Renaissance. My husband and I have been married for 21 years and we both swore they must pipe some kind of aphrodesiac (sp?) through the ventilation system. It is not nearly as big a property as the neighboring Kea Lani or Grand Wailea. But it is like an exclusive boutique resort. The pool area is very small in comparison to the above mentioned hotels. It is also very quiet. But the beach area in incomparible to any of the others. So romantic. The grounds are lush and tropical. The other hotels reminded me of large Vegas or Cancun hotels. There were very few children. Which, since it was just my husband and I, we enjoyed. (We have 3 kids.) I would go back there again in a heartbeat. Get a high floor to have a view of the ocean. We did drive up to the Maui Marriott. We loved that property as well. In fact we bought an ocean front timeshare week while we were there. (We already own 2 weeks elsewhere, hence the rewards points.) That property is geared more toward families. Lots and lots of kids.

We had such a relaxing wonderful week. The snorkeling was great in front of the Renaissance. We saw 3 sea turtles and many tropical fish. We took the boat from Maui Dive Shop, (only 15 people on board) to Molokini Crater. The visability was 200 feet! Not as many fish, but enough and a great way to see the coast of Maui. Cost was 40.00 each for 3 hours. We did not want to be on a huge party boat. The boat also went to "turtle town". Saw about 15 sea turtles.

If you stay in Wailea, go to the shops at Wailea. A very upscale outdoor mall. We ate at Tommy Bahamas twice. Loved there breadsticks. We also took the connecting path between the hotels in Wailea. Everyone was very friendly. We ate at Nicks Fishmarket at the Kea Lani, very good, expensive. We also ate at the outdoor restaurant at the Grand Wailea. Just as good, not as expensive.

As I write this, I am wistful, wishing I was on the beach right this minute. The only bad thing about going to Maui, is leaving. I will answer any questions you have.

Aloha,
Lisa

Lisa,

What was your room location at the Renaissance? We booked a second floor in the Mokapu wing for September. I'm interested in hearing from anyone who has stayed here.

Pam

We were in room 635. We preferred to have a room with more of an expanse view of the ocean. I looked at the Mokapu room on the second floor. It smelled kind of musty and the bedding was older and looked worn compared to the regular rooms. Also, the balcony is not private and when your room is on a lower floor, people can see inside the room. Up high, we had total privacy in the room and limited privacy on the balcony. In the regular rooms there are two chairs, a table and a chaise lounge. In the Mokapu area you have a tiny private pool, teak chaise lounges and a steward to get drinks for you from the poolside bar. You also get two breakfast buffets per day. With our points it would have been $120.00 more per day. This seemed like a lot to spend to us when we wanted to be up high anyway. (The breakfast buffet is $18.00 per person.) But everyone is different and you may enjoy hearing the ocean during the night. Additionally, all the rooms are spacious. We had a king size bed, desk with chair, wicker loveseat, wicker chair and still plenty of floor space.

I forgot to mention in my prior post that the service at the Renaissance is wonderful. Very friendly and helpful without being intrusive.

Also, the evening buffet is 25% off if you are seated before 6:30 p.m. We weren't counting pennies, but it was a nice surprise. We were still on West Coast time and were hungry early. You can also buy a drink mug for $23.00 and use it for soda's, coffee, and ice tea for your entire stay.

Have a great time!

Aloha,
Lisa

I stayed at both in early March using points. You can get an ocean view suite for 5 nights at the Marriott for 100,000 points. It cost about the same for 3 nights ovean view room at the Renaisance. We got a 5th floor room at both hotels and the view at the Marriott was much better. The rooms are much closer to the ocean at the Marriott. I also liked being able to walk down Kaanapali for restaurants. There is a lot more choices in Kaanapali. I also like the fact that Kaanapali is closer to Lahaina and Kapalua (best golf by far in Kapalua).
The only avantage to the Rennaisance was it is quieter. I am glad I split my time 5 Marriott and 3 Renaissance for this reason but I would choose the MArriott if I didnt split my time. Can't beat a Suite, better view, better pool, more dining choices.

I stayed at the Maui Marriott a little over a year ago. I thought it was a really nice hotel. The staff there was excellent. Great location too. Personally, I don't think I could stay in Wailea. Not a whole heck of a lot to do there.

Lisa,

You actually went into a Mokapu room and it was worn and musty?

I was told by the hotel on the phone a few months ago that all rooms were renovated with new bedding, carpets, etc....now I read this from you. Did they lie to me?

Booked in the Mokapu 2nd floor for an October honeymoon and worried about coming into a "musty" and worn room...

Thanks for any clarification...

Dave,
It's noteworthy that there has been only one mention of the Marriott in Kauai, and that from someone who's apparently not been there. I have. And I would recommend it for a honeymoon either (though they do have a spa).

Go for Kaui, its the garden island. I think it will exceed your expectations. We stayed there last year for my wife's 40th, and an't wait to go back.

Mike,

I just read your question. Yes, the room did seem worn, mainily the bedding. I didn't notice the carpet. It was a brief walk through. The bedding was different than in the regular hotel. Maybe this was just a bad room. (Maybe it is not holding up as well.) In fact, I was shown this room first and was pleasantly surprised to find that the room in the main hotel was nicer. There are ceiling fans only in the Mokapu rooms. They may seem musty because they are right on the beach and perhaps get more direct moisture? The entire hotel is nice and if you have your heart set on being on the ocean, you will love the location. Also there are small refrigerators in all the hotel rooms.

Aloha,
Lisa

Thanks for all the advice!

I think we're pretty set on splitting time between Maui and Kauai. I'm leaning toward the Renaissance on Maui and the Marriott on Kauai. We'll be staying 8 nights... what's the best way to break up our stay? Any advice on island hopping? I'm wondering if the Aloha Airlines 'coupons' are a ripoff.

Oh, one more thing!

Can we exist without a car? I'd like to maybe do a one day rental to do some exploring... can we make due with cabs/public transportation the rest of the time?

Dave you have selected the best Marriott properties in both locations for your honeymoon. You definitely need a car on Maui and Kauai in order to get around. If you can swing it try getting a convertible. Loads of fun and good for seeing the sights!

I actually think you could go without a car in Kaanapali. We went to Lahaina a couple times and I golfed Kapalua once and went back for dinner. That is 4 round trip cabs. I would guess it would be less expensive then renting. Parking at hotel is eliminated and renting is more then you expect since they charge a road tax of about $10 a day.
One time to Lahaina was for the Old Lahaina Luau and we took a cab so we could enjoy the Mai tai's.

Thanks to everyone who offered advice!

I ended up nixing Kauai... not enough time. We're going to do 4 nights at the Renaissance Wailea and 4 nights at the Plantation Inn in Lahaina. I figured it would be nice to have equal parts beach resort and in-town B&B. Any comments - before it's too late?