We're planning our honeymoon for Aug 2005 and we'd like to spend a few days in Maui. Which part of the island is best and which hotel there is best?

My husband and I honeymooned in Maui and would highly reccommend the Kea Lani (not sure if spelled correctly). It was definitely the perfect place to relax with it's five star service, however, it was also expensive. We splurged since it was our honeymoon. It is located on the south eastern coast. The only downside was that almost every afternoon a thunderstorm rolled through, lasted about 30 minutes and was done. We usually ate lunch on the coverred patio/bar at this time. We also suggest you try the breakfast buffet at least once...it was amazing! If we ever get the chance to return to Maui, we will definitely stay at the Kea Lani.

Try the Kaanapali Beach Hotel. It is adjacent to the Sheraton, uses the same amazing beach, is the simplest and less expensive hotel in Kaanapali and to my opinion is the only hotel with simple Hawaiin flavor.

we stayed at both the ritz Carlton at Kapalua and at the Kea Lani...Both are gorgeous, however, the Ritz is a little further removed from the "sights". Please don't stay at Kanapaali beach.

Please don't stay at Kaanapali Beach because .......... ??

My guess is that if you want to have fun and do lots of things and have a really memorable honeymoon you'd stay in the Kaanapali Beach area. If you just want peace and quiet, you should probably stay somewhere else.

Why not Kaanapali?
The Kaanapali Beach hotel is quiet yet not far from all the action. You could walk on the beach to all hotel and resorts, shopping, dining etc. It is not more than 15 min drive from Lahaina, which is a fun town for young people. Rent a car and you can go everywhere on the island. The Ritz is a huge isolated and snoby resort.

We stayed at Aston Kaanapali Villas, and had a great time there!! We were there last October for 5 nights. Aston has a 5th night free program. Rental car will take you anywhere you would want to go. In October there wasn't a whole lot of other people there. It was awesome. Snorkelling should be done either north (Kapalua) or south (LePerousse bay). No good at Kaanapali where we were. Worth the road trip just for the snorkelling. Have fun!!!

For honeymoons, definitely stay in either the Wailea and/or Hana area. We stayed at the Kea Lani, and it's the best high-end resort for the money in Wailea. For seclusion, romance and relaxation, I highly recommend doing a couple nights at the Hotel Hana-Maui, where we also stayed.

I just posted my trip report with pictures and restaurant reviews at:
http://traveldiva.marsik.org/mauiday1.htm

I found Kanapaali to be very touristy...lots of package tours it seemed..a ton of people clawing for the pool chairs...quite a narrow beach...congested...I found Wailea to be more romantic, spaced out, nice properties and restaurants...I know, Kapalua is further removed..but if someone was staying in Maui for longer I would recommend the Ritz for a 3 night stay..in the summer the Beach at Kapalua is beautiful, quite calm..Wailea was rougher(abit)