Kapalua Bay on Maui- thoughts?

[DisnutDave]

Wow, there are a lot of threads about Hawaii on the board right now. Lots of people must have the itch to "hang loose!" Can we handle one more?

DW and I have enough frequent flyer miles to turn our Hawaii wishes into reality next year. We are thinking of doing 2 islands, starting with Oahu to do all the touristy Hawaiian things. We've also always wanted to go to Maui, and what we have read about Kapalua Bay sounds wonderful. Has anyone been there? Is it as nice as it sounds? Or would we be better off at Mauna Lani? Obviously it's a matter of degrees and it would be a great trip at either. But does one have the edge?

Thanks for your thoughts.

 

[Regina]

Poor Dave's Hawaiian dream was about to drop off the bottom of the page.

For you lucky DVCers who have done the Hula, do you have any advice?

 

[TnRobin]

We had really considered doing Hawaii on points this year. I researched the Kapalua Bay Hotel and found out it is one of the nicest resort hotel on the islands. It is a full service resort. Have you looked at thier website. It is awesome. We would have stayed here in a heartbeat.

I also researched the Mauna Lani too - that hotel is definitely a winner too. I don't think you will go wrong with either resort. We decided that our choice was to be based on which island we wanted to stay on. If you are wanting to stay on Maui - I would definitely try the Kapalua Bay hotel.

http://www.kapaluabay.com/
www.maunalani.com

 

[dbkelly]

I spent my honeymoon at Kapalua. However, that was 15 years ago. The property was very nice, but what I liked most was it's location. The location is absolutely beautiful. It is secluded and dreamlike. Other places on Maui tend to be a bit crowded (kannapali). We did 3 islands (Maui, Oahu & Kaui) and Kaui was our favorite by far. Oahu and Maui are more built up then Kaui. Kaui is what you picture when you think of Hawaii. Untouched natural beauty that is everywhere.

We only spent one day on Oahu to see Pearl Harbor and it was probably one of the most moving experiences I have ever had. I strongly recommend that anyone who goes to the islands, must visit Pearl Harbor.

D. B. Kelly

 

[dvcmommy]

We honeymooned at the Ritz Carlton in Kapalua in 1999. The Kapalua Bay Hotel was nearby and we did visit. It is an absolutely beautiful resort on a beautiful island. Hubby and I want to go back to Hawaii and we are planning on "island hopping" next time so that we can see the other islands as well.

If you have any other questions about Maui, feel free to e-mail me.

Kim

 

[antnee]

I asked a similiar question several months ago and a fellow DVCer named Dean actually emailed me some pretty useful info about going to Hawaii on points or doing an exchange with another resort. If memory serves me correct the exchange was the better way to go getting more value for your points. With Deans permission I can reprint or forward the email to whoever needs it.

 

[Jimbo]

Both of them are wonderful resorts, so you can't go wrong there. But Kapalua is on Maui, and Mauna Lani is on the Big Island. So I'd say the question is which island to pick.

Being that it's your first trip to Hawaii, I'd say Maui would be the choice. It's the kind of place you think about when you think Hawaii. Lush, the Hana Highway, Haleakala, long spectacular beaches. It's a beautiful island, and there's tons to do on it. We thought it was paradise.

I'd take any of them over Oahu, to be honest with you. But a first trip ought to include Maui.

 

[DisnutDave]

Thanks everyone. We are setting our sights on Maui!

 

[Northwoods]

We stayed at the Kapalua last year on points. We exchanged for a ocean view room. It had a beautiful bathroom but beyond that it was a standard hotel room. Which for 4 of us was too small. We went to the desk to ask if they had anything bigger. The had a 1 bedroom townhouse right on the water. It was huge! Big kitchen, living room, dining, huge bedroom, and 2 baths. The kids slept in the living room. The strange thing is - this townhouse rents out for less than our ocean view room - but we had to pay extra for it - since DVC did not have it as an option on their exchange.

The hotel and grounds are very nice. It is a quiet place. I have a couple pictures of the room and the grounds if you are interested.

We stayed on Oahu a few years ago - it was interesting but not for a whole week. Maui was much better!! I kids said it was better than Disney World. I hope I don't get banned for saying that - they still love WDW but really enjoyed the nature of Maui.

Enjoy your trip.

 

[travelbug]

Northwoods, I'd love to see your pictures if possible. I stayed at the Mauna Lani a couple years ago (LOVED IT), and now I'm setting my sights on Kapalua Bay for maybe a couple years from now. Have been to Oahu, Big Island, and Kauai, but have not been to Maui yet. I'm anxious to check it out and get back to that perfect Hawaiian climate.

 

[travelbug]

Oops, made a mistake on my last post. Stayed at the Mauna Lani last year, not a couple years ago. Not that anybody really cares, but my signature obviously says when I was there.

 

[Chadm]

Hey travelbug,

Since we seem to be following each other, how did you like the Mauna Lani last year? Please be detailed and specific.

My wife and I are going to do big trip for our 5th anniversary and the two CC Hotels in Hawaii (Mauna Lani / Kapalua Bay) are both very near the top of our list.

We are also considering Disneyland Paris, the Disney Cruise, or trading into something in Scotland or Italy from the WP Collection.

 

[mrsv98]

Just adding my .02 here. I have been to Hawaii many times - I used to go every year with the family when I was a nanny, rough job, I know - and we stayed at the Kapalua Bay Hotel twice. We always stayed in the town houses and as stated they are wonderful. Just a slight word of warning. Kapalua is situated around the "curve" at the top of Maui, look at a map and you will understand what I mean. This means that the weather can be cooler and more unpredictable than that in Kaanapali, just a few minutes down the highway, but in the leeward side of the West Maui Mountains. After two years , we finally got wise and moved down to Kaanapali and had wonderful weather everyday. We stayed at the Alii right on the beach and that area is wonderful, especially if you have kids. There is tons to do and you don't have to get into a car for days if you don't feel like it. Not being an official DVCer, I don't know what your exchange options are but I would look there. Just MHO!

 

[Northwoods]

I agree with mrsv98 - the weather was cool and windy most of the time at Kapalua - but would be very warm at Kannapali. We spent most of our time doing other activities away from Kapalua - including:
Helicopter tour
Driving north side
snorkelling trip
scuba diving
golf
luau

We were there right at the tail end of some bad weather so we attributed the coolness to the storm. Because it got warmer and less windy as the week went on. Still had a great time.

Here's some pictures: http://community.webshots.com/album/65960157xAJjVS

 

[melanieewr]

My Opinion;

We have made three trips to Hawaii and have stayed on Oahu, Maui, Big Island and Kuaui. We usually spend 3 weeks each trip and move to different islands. We also usually rent luxury homes since there are 6 to 10 of us that make the trip. We all agree that Oahu is our favorite island. There is so much variety and the beaches are the best of all the islands. But just as with any of the islands you have to get out and make your own discoveries. I know I am different than most on my opinion of Maui but it is our least favorite. We stayed in a home in the Wailea area and a huge home at Kihei just across the road from Charley Young beach. I do like driving the Hana Hwy. and everyone should experience that. Mama's Fish House is a great place to eat and a beautiful setting.

We love Oahu so much that we are purchasing an oceanfront condo in a new luxury golf course community close to Kapolei. I have posted info on the rent/trade board since we will be trading nights in the condo for points. It is a low-rise condo and will not be completed until November.

 

[travelbug]

Oops! I haven't checked back on this thread in a long time, so I didn't realize that someone had asked me a question. Sorry!

Hi, Chadm! Nice to see my BCV upstairs neighbor around. I tried to post a link to a detailed trip report I posted after getting back from the Mauna Lani. But for some reason, I can't get the link to work. So you can do a search of the boards with the key word "Mauna Lani", and my nickname. You'll find my trip report, as well as a couple other threads that would help clue you in. Feel free to send me a pm if you have more questions, OK? The Mauna Lani was awesome, and I'd recommend it anytime.

Northwoods, thanks for posting the pictures of Kapalua Bay. Looks like a wonderful place. I especially like the looks of that hot tub!!