Hawaii - Maui: Hilton or Starwood?

I am planning a trip to Maui to celebrate my wife's graduation from a Master's Degree program. I am HHonors Diamond, Starwood Platinum, and Hyatt Diamond (trial now, will be confirmed by the trip).

I wanted to use points for our hotel stay, and I probably will not have enough for Hyatt.

The Grand Waileia looks very nice, but 80K/night seems a bit steep - especially without breakfast! I don't know much about the SPG properties. Does anyone have suggestions on the best Hilton or Starwood property to book for a 6 night stay? We could also split the trip between two places if they are nice.

Thanks!

Sorry for the duplicate message, the spelling error in my original post was driving me crazy!

I have only stayed at the Maui Sheraton and have only nice things to say about it. I think its location closes to the Black Rock made it my reason for chosing it over the Westin. If you decide to go there make sure you stay in building 6, every room is an ocean view and you will be right over the water.

I spent 2 nights at the Grand Wailea on the free nights certificates from last year. I have nothing but good things to say about this hotel. Here are some highlights:

1. I'm Gold and when I checked in, I got the upgrade to an ocean view room without asking.
2. I was given a $40 voucher for one of the 2 nice restaurants. My friend and I ended up eating 2/1 on that one.
3. I was also given a certificate for 2 free cocktails.

All of this was on a free stay. While we were not given breakfast, I still felt like the 2 vouchers more than made up for it.

The only downsides involve being in Wailea vs Ka'Anapali. The Starwood properties are close to Lahaina which I prefer. The activities there far outweigh the serenity of Wailea for me.

The GW does have a shopping mall next door similar to Whaler's Village next to the Westin. But dining choices without driving are much slimmer than those in Lahaina.

Now would I have spent 80k on the GW? Probably not! It's beautiful and luxurious, but I like to spread points around. If Hilton did another free nights promo, I'd say go for the GW. Otherwise, I think the SW properties are a better location and better points value.

Just stayed at the Westin Villas. If you want a bit of a change and have an apartment over a hotel room here are my tips. As a gold I was upgraded from a studio to nice 1 bedroom, but I was only there for three nights. You probably will not get an ocean view. The place has a Lot of units. While it didn't feel crowded, it certainly felt more like an apartment complex. They have a free shuttle bus to Whalers village as well as shopping and restaurants in Lahaina until late at night. It's a 10 minute walk to Kaanapali town with a coffee place, pizza place, large market and of course an ABC store. This is just an alternate choice NOT a recommendation per se.

I wouldn't pay 80k points per night for the GW. All 3 Starwood properties are very nice and in Ka'anapali, which is a plus from my point of view. Wailea is too somnulent for my taste.

i litterally just posted trip notes on my stay at the westin kaanapali last june. here is the link

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/16596177-post21.html
hope this helps. PM me with any questions

I have stayed at all of the SPG properties and highly recommend them. The rates are far more reasonable (in points or cash or even better points+cash) than the Waldorf Hilton in Wailea. If you have money or points to burn and want the super deluxe experience then go with the Hilton. Otherwise you'll be just fine at one of the SPG properties.