Hawaii

[Steve BWV'99]

We are thinking of going to Hawaii next year for our anniversary and are planning to use our points at either the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel on the big island orf the Kapalua Bay Hotel in Maui. I have read great things on both hotels from these boards and having a hard time deciding where to go. We have never been to Hawaii before and we are planning to go for a week. It will be us and no kids. Thanks for any advice!

-Steve

 

[DisnutDave@work]

Hi Steve- DW and I recently went through the same decision process, and I really should have her answer you on this as well, since she did more of the research. We ended up going with the Kapalua Bay, with the real deciding factor being that we are more anxious to see Maui than the Big Island at this point (it will be our first trip to Hawaii). Because both resorts are so nice, maybe you too can let location be your guide. If that doesn't matter, then it appeared to us that Mauna Lani may have a slight edge.

DW will most likely add another response later.

Either way, have a great trip!

 

[travelbug]

I opted to try the Mauna Lani last year for 8 days and absolutely loved it! What a breathtaking place! Definitely one of the top vacation experiences I've ever had.

I'd also love to try out Kapalua Bay sometime. It looks and sounds like it would be a wonderful place to stay. (DisnutDave, I hope you and your DW have an excellent trip there. Can't wait for you to tell us all about it!)

I know the search function for these boards is down more than it's working these days. But if you can ever get on for a search, do a search using Mauna Lani and travelbug as key words. You'll find a couple of detailed trip reports I wrote if you're interested.

Good luck as you decide!

 

[rbuzzotta]

I believe it is Dean that has answered many questions regarding Hawaii. He is very knowledgable........maybe you could PM him if he doesnt get to this thread.

We are researching Hawaii for possible summer of 2004!!

 

[TnRobin]

We are trying to make a similar decision on which Island. I just bought the "Hawaii Guide for Dummies" You know the ones that are yellow and black. It has a great little test in it to see which island would suit you. It has you rate things like Beach - nightlife, Activities. Then you add them up to see which island suits you. It was great.


rosemary - we are looking into Summer 2004 - cool

 

[Allan]

We stayed at the Mauna Lani In 2000 and absolutely loved it. Perhaps the finest vacation we've experienced. We have a reservation for 7 nights at the Kapalua Bay in August--can't wait!!!

 

[travelbug]

Allan, have a GREAT time on your trip. Be sure to post a trip report afterwards so we can hear all about it!

 

[Steve BWV'99]

Thanks for all the tips and suggestions. I will do some more research, but it looks like we are leaning towards the Mauna Lani.

 

[mauijim]

Both Mauna Lani and Kapalua are fine hotels. Neither hotel should disappoint you.

I agree with what some other posters have said. Go to the island that you most want to visit. Personally, we've been to the Big Island, Maui, Oahu, and Kauai - but we always find ourselves returning over and over to Maui. It's a beautiful island and "feels" Hawaiian, while at the same time it has some conveniences that help make the trip pleasant - things like a K Mart or a Safeway.

I have to admit I've never stayed at either hotel, but I've been to both occasionally over the years. They are both beautiful, but if you're like us, we don't go to Hawaii to sit in our hotel room or spend all our time at the hotel pool.

So go with the island you'd most like to visit. You'll be happy you did.

jim

 

[jekjones1558]

We have stayed in both resorts. As others have stated, they are both fabulous.
We are not golfers but the Kapalua course is (according to friends) something REALLY special. Kapalua is not too far from Lahaina/Kaanapali which has LOTS of activity.
Mauna Lani is quite far (30 miles?) from Kona, so if you like lots of shopping, dining in various restaurants, visiting different bars, it is probably not the best choice, though it has its own dining that is wonderful. The grounds are breathtaking and it is frequented by celebrities (Celine Dion was there just before our last visit).
Both islands have great sightseeing. In fact, we always visit them both because we can never make up our minds. If you are going during whale-watching season (Jan-Apr), it is better on Maui.
Whichever you choose, I hope that you rent a car and have time to do driving around the island. Each has a different feel but each is also "real" Hawaii. Maui is, IMHO, becoming quite commercialized in several areas, Big Island not as much so. Beaches on Maui are legendary, but Big Island has some good ones too.
You will love it. You will surely be hooked and want to go back.