10th Anniv. in Maui- where to stay?

[Anonymous]

DH and I are spending our 10th anniversary in Maui with no kids. Where should we stay? We're looking for a high end romantic resort not swarming with families. Considering the Four Seasons, Grand Wailea and Hotel Hana--- any advice on these or others? Thanks so much!

[Anonymous]

years ago (like 8) we stayed at the Westin and really liked it. had a friend go there a year or so ago adn they were also really pleased.

[Anonymous]

Four Seasons -- best service ever and Spago -- or check out some of the high end condos next door. The Ritz-Carlton has reopened in Kapalua. Depends on which part of the island you prefer. They definitely have different vibes.

[Anonymous]

PP, What are the different vibes? Thx.

[Anonymous]

If you don't want somewhere swarming with families, you don't want to stay at the Grand Wailea. While I think it's an awesome resort (stayed there for our honeymoon), it has an incredible family pool area that attracts a lot of families (we had fun there too!). The Four Seasons also had a lot of families, but the vibe there is more low key, probably because there is no water slide, etc., to excite the kids.

[Anonymous]

I have stayed at the Ritz Carlton--bad--had a convention feel so it wasn't the tropical feel that I flew 12 hours for. Also the Kapalua (sp) side of the island rains quite a bit and is very windy--usually rains once a day not bad but you should know-wind stinks. Loved the Four Season--can't remember the side of the island but is farther away from Ritz (an hour?)--also a large property but you still felt you were in Hawaii.

Now..if you really want a memory--go to the Big Island and stay at the Four Seasons there--it's amazinggggggggggg!!! It's a smaller feel, muy luxurous and you feel like you want to run around in a loin cloth I saw the guy from the Eagles there--kind of cool because we were watching a band play and he seemed like he was into it and was cute with his wife. No I didn't bother him or even take a photo..but I wanted too

[Anonymous]

hands down: the hotel hana maui- even if you only go for a few days. it is heaven on earth! but $$$.

otherwise, i like the sheraton maui.

[Anonymous]

I liked the ritz- very nice- I agree that the hotel wailea is too crowded- less private.. hotel hana- if you look on the map you'll see if off the road to hana which is a long windy road- we stayed somewhere cheaper for just one night- but you should try reading on places like frommer or fodors - you'll see some people thought it was a great place and worth the long and windy ride- others did not. I agree the place is nice and less "commercial" but the ride was just a tad bit too long for me given there are other nooks in Maui that you can go to. It's about 3 hours on the road.. food options were not great either.. but it was beautiful- we got some great pictures..

[Anonymous]

We stayed at the Ritz and LOVED it. A great hotel and nice location.

[Anonymous]

We spent part of our honeymoon at the Grand Wailea. Completely agree that it is overrun with kids because of the water park. We spent the other part at the Four Seasons on the Big Island. I agree with a PP that if you are truly looking for an amazing trip and want luxury, you should reconsider adding a few days on the Big Island to your itinerary. But, if you have your heart set on Maui, we had friends who honeymooned at the Four Seasons and said it is wonderful. Others have stayed at the Ritz and have said just what some other PPs said -- the Kapalua side of the island is not as nice, it's rainier and the Ritz is not as nice of a hotel.

[Anonymous]

I would consider adding Kauai instead of the big island.. it's less commercial/busy- i've been to maui twice and that's the last time- it's also too crowded with tourists (though everything is beautiful).. i would just personally opt for the other islands.. there are beautiful luxury hotels in each place- check out frommers or fodors to see how they ranked them.. have fun!

[Anonymous]

I've stayed several times at the Ritz in Maui and always had the best time. I just love it there. It feels a little remote, but it's 10-15 minutes from Kaanapali - which is like downtown of Maui.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would consider adding Kauai instead of the big island.. it's less commercial/busy- i've been to maui twice and that's the last time- it's also too crowded with tourists (though everything is beautiful).. i would just personally opt for the other islands.. there are beautiful luxury hotels in each place- check out frommers or fodors to see how they ranked them.. have fun!

I completely agree. To us, Kauai was HI's best kept secret (until now that I agreed with the poster on DCUM). It is a little rustic, but it is such a welcome relief from the tourists and CA families that can get in the way of your peace and quiet.
Happy Anniversary.

[Anonymous]

We rented a house in Hana on the island of Maui for our honeymoon. We ate dinner at the Hotel Hana Maui one night and it was amazing. There are small villas on the hotel property. If I was able to go back without kids, I would go to that hotel

[Anonymous]

We went to the Big Island two years ago. Last year, we spent two weeks in Maui and this year we enjoyed Kauai.
Big Island has plenty of beautiful places to visit. Maui has great tours and nice places, especiallly the Aquarium, but the traffic was bad. Kauai is more rustic, it has no traffic problems, the vegetation is amazing and the people is more relaxed.