DisnutDave
DIS Semi-veteran
- Joined
- Mar 24, 2002
- Messages
- 327
We just returned from a fabulous trip to Hawaii. We started in Oahu (which we really liked), but absolutely flipped over Maui.
We stayed at the Kapalua Bay Hotel using DVC points. The Hotel is beautiful. It manages to feel elegant, tropical, relaxing and exciting all at once. We had a garden view room, but it was not a lot of effort to glimpse the ocean. The room was spacious by hotel standards, a little bigger than the size of a BCV/BWV/VWL studio with a nice sitting area and large lanai. It had one of the best bathroom layouts we've ever encountered, with separate his-and-hers granite sinks and closets (and lots of shelving). There was a separate tiled shower and deep bathtub. Another really nice touch- for privacy, instead of curtains there are huge plantation shutters that slide over and off of the windows.
The lobby and grounds are really beautiful, with lots of meandering paths leading to the pool and beach. We noticed that it is referred to as a "boutique" hotel, although with 196 rooms it seems larger than the usual boutique. It is well laid out, though; it was fully booked when we were there, but we never knew it.
Overall, we felt like it was a very good use of our points. While Kapalua Bay is located a little bit north (9 miles, to be exact) of the fun and busy Lahaina area, it was still close enough for easy access to all the rest of the island; but it still has a nice secluded feel to it. We found out on our last day there that our next door neighbor was a DVC'er!
We strongly suggest that, if you're renting a car, you go for a convertible (if it is within your means). The weather was perfect for it, and it seemed like at least half the cars there were convertibles.
Also, at least one suggested activity: biking down the Heleakala volcano. It was one of our most memorable things to do. You don't need to pedal (on the whole 38 mile ride I think I pedaled about 200 yards), but you need some hand strength, as you will be riding with your brakes on almost the whole time. The scenery is absolutely breathtaking! Be sure to go with a reputable company with a good guide, and safety won't be an issue. We used Maui Downhill, and recommend them highly.
We quick looks at the Marriot Maui Ocean Club and the new Westin Ocean Resort Villas, both on Kaanapali Beach. Both looked very nice and had great locations; we've heard, though, that the waitlist for them is tough, and so without hesitation would say that Kapalua Bay is a great choice.
Let us know if you have any questions. Aloha!
We stayed at the Kapalua Bay Hotel using DVC points. The Hotel is beautiful. It manages to feel elegant, tropical, relaxing and exciting all at once. We had a garden view room, but it was not a lot of effort to glimpse the ocean. The room was spacious by hotel standards, a little bigger than the size of a BCV/BWV/VWL studio with a nice sitting area and large lanai. It had one of the best bathroom layouts we've ever encountered, with separate his-and-hers granite sinks and closets (and lots of shelving). There was a separate tiled shower and deep bathtub. Another really nice touch- for privacy, instead of curtains there are huge plantation shutters that slide over and off of the windows.
The lobby and grounds are really beautiful, with lots of meandering paths leading to the pool and beach. We noticed that it is referred to as a "boutique" hotel, although with 196 rooms it seems larger than the usual boutique. It is well laid out, though; it was fully booked when we were there, but we never knew it.
Overall, we felt like it was a very good use of our points. While Kapalua Bay is located a little bit north (9 miles, to be exact) of the fun and busy Lahaina area, it was still close enough for easy access to all the rest of the island; but it still has a nice secluded feel to it. We found out on our last day there that our next door neighbor was a DVC'er!
We strongly suggest that, if you're renting a car, you go for a convertible (if it is within your means). The weather was perfect for it, and it seemed like at least half the cars there were convertibles.
Also, at least one suggested activity: biking down the Heleakala volcano. It was one of our most memorable things to do. You don't need to pedal (on the whole 38 mile ride I think I pedaled about 200 yards), but you need some hand strength, as you will be riding with your brakes on almost the whole time. The scenery is absolutely breathtaking! Be sure to go with a reputable company with a good guide, and safety won't be an issue. We used Maui Downhill, and recommend them highly.
We quick looks at the Marriot Maui Ocean Club and the new Westin Ocean Resort Villas, both on Kaanapali Beach. Both looked very nice and had great locations; we've heard, though, that the waitlist for them is tough, and so without hesitation would say that Kapalua Bay is a great choice.
Let us know if you have any questions. Aloha!
