Hawaii: Kapalua Bay or Mauna Lani Bay?

[DisDads4andOneHalf]

Looking for any information I can get on pros/cons for both Kapalua Bay and Mauna Lani Bay. My wife and I and three Disney Boys (8, 6, and 11months) are going to Hawaii this summer and would info on these two DVC Concierge Collection resorts.

Thanks in advance to all that respond.

 

[robinb]

Those resorts are on different islands. The first on Maui and the second on the Big Island. I have not been to Maui, but I really liked the Big Island. The Volcano National Park was great (we were there during a lava flow last spring!) and we also liked all the fantastic beaches. I heard that Maui is very laid back. Perhaps someone else can chime in on stuff for a 6 and 8 year old to do there.

I would do a Google search on the two resorts and check out (1) If they have a swimmable beach, (2) if they have children's activities and (3) where they are on the island compared to the other stuff you will want to do. I like www.traveladvisor.com for reviews. Of course, take everything with a grain of salt .

You may want to also consider paying cash for your reservation and not using your DVC points. I personally think you do not get the best value from your points by using them for II trades. You can even rent all or some of the points you would spend on the Hawaii trip over at the Rent/Trade board and pay for a resort with $$ left for spending money. Of course, if you're paying cash it makes it even harder to pick a resort!

BTW, we will be returning to Hawaii this spring. We are staying at the Hilton Waikoloa Village on the Big Island (using HHonors points ... yippie!) for 6 nights and the we go to Kauai for 6 nights at the Sheraton Kauai.

Where ever you end up, you'll have a great time!

 

[Andrea T]

We are spending 2 weeks in Hawaii in June. The first week in Maui was a direct trade with an owner of the new Starwoods resort for our DVC points. The second week we will be on the Big Island and used our points for Mauna Lani. I watched a show on Travel channel on Mauna Lani...it seems wonderful! If you can do a search several others on this board stayed there and loved it. I love using my points like this since we're not really interested in Disney vacations any longer...we're Disney'd out and love the other options. Although we've rented points in the past, generally I find it a hassle (although I must add, we NEVER had a problem renting or with the transaction itself). Whatever you choose, heck, it's Hawaii!!!!! You're gonnna love it!

 

[Rick-Toronto]

We have been to both resorts and you really can't go wrong with either choice. Both are upscale resorts with lush grounds, good service and good facilities. Both resorts have golf courses on property so if that is a big deal for you - you win either way. As for kids activities, I found things like the pools etc., to be more geared to adults at both resorts - they were nice polls, but no real things kids would like - water slides etc. Both resorts also have good beaches and good snorkeling.

Since both resorts are upscale, you should expect the price of things in each hotel to match the upscaleness of the property. We found eating at both resorts to be very expensive. There were more close outside dining options close to Kapalua than the Mauna Lani. Most things that are close to Mauna Lani are about a 20 to 30 minute drive.

One other thing to consider is that although Kapalua is nice, it is always windy.

If it were me, I prefereed Maui over the big Island, but that is a personal choice. Given a choice of the two, I would go to Maui and stay at Kapalua - I just think there are more options and activities close by.

However, as I said before, with both options - you are in a win-win. You will find many people that prefer the big island.

Hope this helps...Rick

 

[travelbug]

I spent 8 days at the Mauna Lani in 2002 and totally loved it. We found lots to do and see around the Big Island, but we also loved spending lots of time relaxing at the resort. What a spectacular place! I would love to go again.

I wrote a couple of detailed trip reports when I got back. You can do a search with my name and Mauna Lani, and you should find them if you want.

I've never been to Maui, but I'd love to take a trip there within a few years and maybe stay at Kapalua Bay. I've read lots of great things about it here on the boards.

 

[jekjones1558]

We have stayed at both resorts and loved both. Since Mauna Lani is more remotely located there will be fewer options for your kids. Sea turtles are abundant there and the grounds are expansive, so walks would be great. Kapalua is fairly close to Lahaina and Kaanapali, where there is LOTS of activity. I agree with OP that both are upscale properties that cater more to adults than kids. That being said, anyone who has the chance to stay at either resort could hardly be anything but happy. We hope to go back next year. Paradise, pure and simple. ENJOY!!

 

[TheRustyScupper]

We go to Hawaii every-other-year for vacation, and alternate between islands (Maui, Hawaii and Kauai). Among the two that you mentioned

I would take Maui over Hawaii (known as "The Big Island").
. . . more night time activities (especially in Lahaina)
. . . better shopping
. . . more shopping areas
. . . more heavily populated than Hawaii
. . . better museums (whaler, Pacific, cultural)
. . . winery and ranch tours
. . . more golf (quality in Maui and Hawaii about the same)
. . . mountain morning sunrise experience
. . . several golf-cart and/or scooter rentals for exploring
. . . downhill mountain biking (no pedaling for two hours)
. . . many bike-rental areas
. . . longer (wide) beaches at Kaanapali
. . . good snorkel ans scuba rentals
. . . easy access to Molokai and Lanai islands (Lanai for dolphins)
. . . whale watching Dec thru Mar

There are some Hawaii advantages over Maui
. . . the Parker cattle ranch and rodeo
. . . volcano national park
. . . sloping beaches (can wade further out into the ocean)


NOTE: Our personal opinion of the main islands
Maui - Great night life and daytime activities (our favorite)
Kauai - Lush but with few activities (great for vegging-out)
Hawaii - Mainly upscale resorts
Oahu - Best surfing, but too commercial (like Miami Beach)
Lanai - Nothing but two golf resorts & good dolphin snorkeling
Molokai - Extremely rustic and basic

 

[erikthewise]

Originally posted by robinb
BTW, we will be returning to Hawaii this spring. We are staying at the Hilton Waikoloa Village on the Big Island (using HHonors points ... yippie!) for 6 nights and the we go to Kauai for 6 nights at the Sheraton Kauai.

Where ever you end up, you'll have a great time!

We are thinking of doing the Hilton Waikoloa Village on HHonors points in a year or two (right now we're at 150K points). I'd love to hear how your trip goes, though it's not on topic.

 

[GrammieMame]

We have only stayed at Kapalua, and I can't say enough good things about it. It's has a spread-out, spacious feeling that is just not available at the normal resort hotel. We had 5 and 8 year old boys with us and were very pleased to find that they ate free at the breakfast buffet and at lunch (with an adult order). This cut down on our meal costs considerably. I was surprised at how little we spent on food. Although the rooms are a good size, you could have a problem with a family of 5. We were a family of 4, and we expected that we would put 2 in one bed and 2 in another, but the boys ended up sleeping one on a very comfortable cot and the other on the couch. You could sleep 5 in the room, but it might feel a little crowded. I wrote a very detailed and loooong trip report that I didn't post, but would be glad to share if you e-mail me.

 

[floridafam]

Kapalua says on their website that children eat free. That is a nice benefit. Weren't they also running a special a while back that gave you a free night for every 5 nights you paid.

Mauna Lani looks wonderful!

We are looking into staying at both in October 2005. A week at Mauna Lani for the Ironman and then a week at Kapalua for relaxation.

I think families would have a wonderful time at either one.

I'd love to hear a trip report from someone who stays in the $5,000 a night private bungalows.