which side of Maui??
 

I'm planning my honeymoon and i can't decide which side of Maui is better? Wailea or anywhere else? Anyone have any preferences for Maui? We're going in october and we like to both relax and to do things/some nightlife. Any opinions would be appreciated.

*We'd be using Marriott reward points so we'd be staying at a Marriott. Any opinions on which hotel?

Is it October 2005, or October 2006?
There's construction going on at the Wailea Marriott this year; should be done and better than ever in October '06. There is more nightlife at the Marriott in Kaanapali; beach and relax factor better in quieter Wailea.
Depends on your priorities.

My vote would be for either Kaupalua, Kannapali, or Napili--all on the same side of the island.

I'd be going October 2006.

(Not a comment about where to stay but about nightlife) Lahaina is a fun town to visit one evening - several shows, loads of galleries and shops, bars, souvenier shopping, etc.

I recnetly used my Marriott points to stay at the Ritz in Kapalua. I would highly reccomned it if you have the points.

Well we're getting the points from my future in laws and i've heard that to stay at the Ritz... you have to use a lot more Marriott points than normal. So i really don't want to use up more than they are giving us.

IMO, being based in Kaanapali is more conducive to nightlife as it's a short drive to Lahaina plus you have the Whaler's village area in walking distance of the hotel.

We found the pool at the Marriott in Kaanapali very nice and we had no complaints about the hotel accomodations.

I like Wailea, myself--lots of shopping and dining, tons of great beaches, and Kihei is just a mile down the road (even though I avoid the nightlife).

I'll throw my vote to the Wailea side ... :-) (Can you use Marriott points at the Renaissance Wailea? Hotel ownership/management/leasing of each properties changes so much from year to year, I'm not sure where you can stay with what anymore!!!) Or stay at the Wailea Marriott ... Either side will be great, but I have a preference for Wailea if you're going to stay put ....

Wailea definitely! The Grand Wailea is lovely! A phenomenal pool and a great beach. The Four Seasons next store is also nice. Just make to sure to go to dinner a Humuhumunukanukapua (sp? - the State Fish) in the Grand Wailea hotel. It is a little "touristy", but a must do. There is also a great Steak/Sushi (what a combo!) restaurant above the hill from the Four Seasons that is terrific. It also has a great view of the ocean and outdoor seating. If only I could remember the name--it's named after a guy (Roy's, Roger's...something like that).

Enjoy!

hklein -
Do you mean Nick's at the Kea Lani? Here's another vote for Wailea...

We found Wailea to be more beautiful, more upscale, less developed, more peaceful than Kaanapali. We stayed at the Maui Prince hotel just south of Wailea, and had no trouble at all driving our convertible up to Lahaina to the Feast at Lele (fantastic) and for some shopping in Lahaina. Also another night had dinner up at Mama's Fishhouse on the north side of the island.

There are also lots of restaurants in Kihei, but the Wailea area has nicer hotels.

Of course there's always the possibility of renting an exquisitely romantic searanch cottage at the HOtel Hana Maui, which we did for 2 nights. LOVed it.

Have fun, aloha.