Hawaii - Fairmont Kea Lani or Ritz Kapalua in July

Hello All,
First of all a general note of thank you to all who have written/contributed to threads on Hawaii as it has been invaluable in my planning of my honeymoon in 5 weeks from now!

Here is our itinerary:

June 28th-29th land in oahu, overnight at JW Marriott Ihilani (ocean view)
June 29th-July 5th, Big island, Fairmont Orchid (partial ocean view)
July 5th- july 12th Maui, Ritz Kapalua (deluxe room)
July 12th-18th Kauai, Grand hyatt Kauai (mountain view)
July 18th-20th Oahu, JW marriott Ihilani (ocean view)

I got the cheapest prices possible for these rooms. Now I'm having a dilemma though as the FAF rate of $299 for the fairmont kea lani has just become available. I am really divided between the Kea Lani and the Ritz. I think the weather isn't really a factor as Kapalua is supposed to be beautiful in July. Both hotels seem really great however. We're not looking to be in a bustling place, that's why we're not staying in Kaanapali. What would you wise people recommend?
Many thanks!!

The Ritz (which was recently auctioned off after the owners were foreclosed on, but is reportedly still going to remain a Ritz property) is MUCH more secluded than the Fairmont Kea Lani. It's like a little island of its own. The Fairmont is a huge property, at the end of resort row, and has great pools so it'll be teeming with kids in the summer.

The Ritz is a much better choice for a romantic honeymoon, IMO. There are two downsides to the Ritz, however. 1) It's not directly on the beach, but a 5-15 minute walk from your room to the beach. 2) Being so far north and so secluded, it's not on an oceanside walking path like the Fairmont, so you won't be able to walk to other resorts (and their restaurants).

But if your #1 priority is seclusion, then the Ritz is the place for you.

Thanks for your advice. All things considered, I think I'll stick with the Ritz. Do you happen to know which rooms would be considered more luxurious? I know that the rooms at the fairmont are much bigger, but I've heard that they're dated. Any truth to that? I prefer luxury over space...

The Kea Lani has two pools. One in for couples. So there should be no assumption that you would be among a bunch of kids. Second Kea Lani can easily give the same secluded feeling if that is what one prefers.

Being on the beach is great. An easy walk to see the sunset should not be so easy dismissed.

The kea lani rooms have just been remodeled and look spectacular.
All rooms there are 2 room suites with a huge bathrooms
The rooms have never been "dated".
To check out the company who did the remodel go to www.islanddesigncenter or islanddesign.com.
A local, to Maui, design firm.

To give you somewhat of an idea, here are aerial shots of each.

http://www.wizardpub.com/maui/mrritzcarlton.html
http://www.wizardpub.com/maui/mrfairmontkealani.html

Oh, and if you want more space, you can rent some really awesome condos at Polo Beach Club directly from the owners via VRBO. All the perks of being in Wailea with far fewer people. And look at those killer views!

Now I'm ever more confused! This should be my greatest problem in life...

I have stayed at both the Fairmont and the Ritz. Personally, I absolutely love Wailea, so that gives a huge nod to the Fairmont. However, the Ritz is an absolutely spectacular property, and the spa is phenomenal. My wife and I are returning to Maui this summer, and we are actually staying at the Ritz. This is mainly because of some Ritz Carlton promotional certificates I need to use.

There is no way to go wrong with either choice. In Kapalua, you'll end up spending more time in Lahaina. If you go with the Kea Lani, you'll likely go to dinner in Wailea and Kihei on most nights. Wailea is also closer to Haleakala in case you are interested in that.

The Fairmont Orchid used to be a Ritz.. so great choice for the Big Island..

The North end of the island is lower temperature, more windy.. Ritz Kapalua is quite a ways walk to the beach..

Wailea is the most luxurious area in all of the islands.. That is why Grand Wailea, Four Seasons and the Fairmont enjoy their locations in Wailea.. Haleakala actually acts like a shield to the wind and rain somewhat.. I find it very warm there compared to the rest of Maui..

I've often referred The Fairmont Kea Lani as Heaven on Earth.. Our stay this last spring break was on the tail end of a 24 night spring break vacation.. and both my wife and I did not want to leave.. kids loved it in the pool.. it was nice and warm.. couldn't ask for a more perfect vacation.. We already booked plane tickets for next year..

Real Estate values are triple in Wailea than in Ka'anapali.. maybe twice that of Kapalua? The 4 plexes ocean front beside Fairmont Kea Lani was going for $4 million each.. one 4 plex is 2,800 sq ft.

Now I'm ever more confused! This should be my greatest problem in life...

I was, too, my first trip to Maui. Now I realize that they're all good. Pick one and then quit stressing about it.

Now I'm ever more confused! This should be my greatest problem in life...Both are GREAT locations. You'll be happy with either one. NEXT trip to Maui you can stay in whichever one you don't choose this trip ;)

Both are GREAT locations. You'll be happy with either one. NEXT trip to Maui you can stay in whichever one you don't choose this trip ;)

I agree..

If Ritz Kapalua ever became a Fairmont.. I would be there too..;)

Is it true that there is no Wi-fi available in the rooms at the fairmont kea lani?

Is it true that there is no Wi-fi available in the rooms at the fairmont kea lani?

Actually.. you should call in and check.. because they were supposed to have added this feature in all of the rooms during last years' renovation. Easy enough to do..

We were just at the Kea Lani for spring break.. and I think they may have this feature, although I hard wired the internet connection into my lap top. I know the Fairmont Orchid on the big island definitely has this feature, because I've had it twice in two years.. one in a garden view suite, and this spring break in the ocean front suite.

We've stayed at both places within the past 5 years or so.

Perhaps this was before recent renovations, but, IMO, the Ritz was much nicer.

My wife couldn't get over the "cottage cheese ceilings" in the Fairmont. Not the sign of a luxury hotel.

I also prefer the feeling of seclusion.

Thanks for all of the helpful advice. I have both booked for now and will make my final decision by 21 days out to avoid the cancellation fee. I think I'm leaning towards the Ritz. The only factor that's holding me back is that at the fairmont I'd be getting a whole extra living room, although we're only two people so I'm not sure how important it is. From my research though, it seems as if the Ritz is the more luxurious of the two, something that I tend to value even more than space.

For me personally, I find that both parts of the island are so different, that it's worth staying part of the time in each area if you've not been to Maui before. Both resorts you'r e considering are beautiful places, and I was really impressed with the Kea Lani last fall, and also was impressed by the Ritz when I was there, but it was a decade ago.

If it were me, I'd probably shorten Kauai by one day, and shorten or skip Ko'Olina entirely, and spend 2-3 days more in Maui, allowing some time in each of the Maui destinations. I'd do 5 nights in Wailea, and 4 in Kapalua within the overall dates you mentioned.

But I suspect that you've probably already booked your flights and can't change them easily or economically. But if I were starting with a clean sheet of paper, that's what I'd do. You'll find Ko'Olina is relatively artificial and offers little compared to the destinations you are seeing in the other islands - although there's nothing wrong with the J.W. Marriott hotel itself. It's main attraction is that it is luxurious and less bustling than Waikiki - but it will pale in comparison to the other well chosen destination hotels on the other islands in terms of what the surrounding areas offer.

Read up the threads on Ritz and Fairmont here on FT using the search button..

Also.. www.tripadvisor.com will give you an idea how real visitors feel at each property. If I was in this predicament.. I would definitely research until its clear in my mind what my preference is..

For us, hands down.. my wife and I are both Fairmont Platinum Members for the last 8 years because of the suites.. we have a 5 year old and 1 year old.. and definitely we love the extra space.. feels more luxurious the bigger it is.. The living room is definitely a plus for us..

Both the RC and Kea Lani'a Virtuoso amenities are listed on the same page in the 2011 Best of the Best book.

Description of complimentary benefits:
http://www.nxtbook.com/fx/webkit/index.php?bp=/nxtbooks/virtuoso/bestofthebest2011&pg=4

Added amenities to standard benefits-Maui:
http://www.nxtbook.com/fx/webkit/index.php?bp=/nxtbooks/virtuoso/bestofthebest2011&pg=200&qs=Hawaii

Hello Ilovefairmont,

We look forward to welcoming you to Kea Lani if you choose to stay with us. Regardless of where you choose to spend your honeymoon, congratulations on your special day and have a wonderful trip!

Sincerely, the Fairmont Team

I have both booked for now and will make my final decision by 21 days out.Which did you choose? :)

Which did you choose? :)

I still have yet to decide! I have both booked for now but I think I'm leaning towards the Ritz. Thanks to everybody for all of the helpful opinions!

Thanks for all of the advice. I have decided to stay at the Kea Lani for the following reasons:

1) I will be bumped up to the premier status of the FPC
2) Staying in an 800 sq foot+ suite will be sweet!
3) We've signed up for a scuba diving certification course close to Wailea and the boat leaves the dock at 5:45 AM, so it'll be a lot more pleasant sleeping in Wailea than Kapalua.

Thanks for the tips FTers!

You will love the newly remodeled rooms. Also the free washer and dryer access
Polo beach is very nice too
Access to Mulligans for irish bar food and entertainment and you will be VERY close to Clint Eastwoods vacation home on Pauluea Beach

Thanks for all of the advice. I have decided to stay at the Kea Lani for the following reasons:

1) I will be bumped up to the premier status of the FPC
2) Staying in an 800 sq foot+ suite will be sweet!
3) We've signed up for a scuba diving certification course close to Wailea and the boat leaves the dock at 5:45 AM, so it'll be a lot more pleasant sleeping in Wailea than Kapalua.

Thanks for the tips FTers!

Molokini will be fabulous..

You've chosen to be in close proximity to the most popular dive spot in the region..