Originally Posted by
iahphx
I've looked at some of those Maui condos that Hyatt is marketing and -- yikes! They're super expensive, both on and off the Hyatt site. Most are cheaper than the Andaz, though. If you're travelling this winter to Maui, $500 gets you an "OK but not fancy" 1-bedroom condo in Kihei. Add a couple hundred more bucks for something that we'd consider "nice."
The problem isn''t Hyatt. The problem is Hawaii and, in particular, Maui. For anyone with frequent flyer miles, I highly recommend using one of the frequent promos to fly to Tahiti instead. It's just a couple hours further. Then take the cheap ferry to Moorea. It's nicer and more authentic than Maui, and lodging is about 1/4th the cost. Just don't fall for the overwater bungalow gimmick. Look at airbnb. A complete no-brainer for a real Polynesian vacation.
The Yasawa Islands in Fiji are like a time machine to 1980. Prices are low enough to attract students from Australia. Not luxury and not overwater but 20 feet from a beach and reef you have almost to yourself. You can stay a week for the cost of one day at Andaz Maui.
Stopover for free (plus $100 extra tax) on the way to NZ or Australia using Alaska miles. 40k each way in coach. 55k in business class which is essentially unavailable.