Kay_nyc

I'm planning a trip to Hawaii with my folks in May 2015. We like quiet shallow water beaches, and quiet places. Beach lounge chairs are a must. We really want to stay away from any sort of noise, parties, and (god forbid) pools with party music. I'd love some off-shore snorkeling near my resort, but that's not a requirement. I'm drawn to Kauai for the nature, but we would spend most of our time at the resort, and it sounds like the beach at the Andaz Maui would better suit our preferences.

Given our tastes, which property would you recommend?

(Sorry if this is a duplicate thread - I looked but couldn't find one. Mods please merge I'm being redundant.)

peteropny

This is the first thread of its kind.

I've been to GH Kauai but not to the Andaz Maui (upcoming trip in Aug/Sept to both).

But based on your preferences, the GH Kauai doesn't really work. The beach is small and water rough and there aren't really beach lounge chairs (but there are a couple of cabana type and beach loungers with a hood for rental),

However, there is no party music at the GH while there were some reports of such at Andaz (not recently though).

cmjaffe

Since it's been a few years since we've be to GHK, and never been to Maui,, we're a low maint "diamond" family... In past we've rented condo in Princeville for a week then did Poipu for 5 days. Thinking about going at end of August.
TIA
Carolyn

IflyfromPHX

I would read the Andaz Maui thread and reviews. I have been to both and like both very much - but for different reasons.

The beach, snorkeling, lounging at the Andaz would meet your needs...though it was quite windy when I was there in January.

sam_goh

As many times as you mention quiet, Andaz is more likely up your alley. Also, GH Kauai does not really have a swimable beach. Andaz has a snorkeling area right where you want to be, albeit there's a running joke about the shark attacks there.

Kay_nyc

What!?!?!? Sharks? Is that an issue, or just a joke.

azepine00

Probably neither based on your requirements...
Andaz has a beach but the resort is small and does not have the vegetation and landscaping to deliver island tranquility feel...
Maybe hr maui offers a somewhat scaled down compromise or perhaps other chains...

Mary2e

Sharks are an issue no matter where you are in the ocean, even in NYC They are no more a problem in Hawaii than anywhere else.

Kay_nyc

Well, I have eniugh points for one of those two properties, so it will be one or the other. Vegetation isn't a deal breaker... literal silence is, no pool parties or the like.

The Andaz sounds like the best choice for us.

spgplat21

There weren't any pool parties or anything during our time at the GH Kauai, but there were lots and lots of children. They run around and make lots of noise and from my experience they do this at almost all the resorts in Hawaii. My wife and I don't really mind children and now we have one of our own, so Hawaii works for us. But in all honesty, if silence or tranquility is important to you I would use your points elsewhere.

Hawaii is a big honeymoon destination, but I think it's even more of a family vacation destination. I think you might enjoy the new Andaz in Costa Rica better based on what you're looking for and your wish to use Hyatt points.

Mommy Points

I've stayed at both, and loved both. The Kauai property is busier with families. The pools are beautiful in Kauai, but not quiet usually thanks to lots of happy kids.

The Andaz property likely won't have as many happy (or unhappy) kids, but probably has some. They did have some pool music when they first opened, but not sure if that has changed or not. I've certainly read less about it in recent months. The beach there was tons better than the Kauai property.

Given what you shared, I would go with the Andaz, but don't expect silence, as other than maybe very early in the morning, you likely won't get it. There is an adult pool that may be quieter, but probably still not silent some of the time.

I would take a trip over to nearby Little Beach or some other more remote spot for your "quiet time" and enjoy all the Andaz has to offer the rest of the time. Have a great trip!

Mary2e

This is very dependent upon the time of year you go. In May I would not expect a lot of kids. I've mostly gone in early Nov and there weren't many/any kids to be seen. I've gone in early June, and while there were a few more, it still wasn't crawling with kids.

In the summer and at holidays, I would avoid the place like the plague

That's why I go to Kauai for peace and quiet at the time of year I usually go.

ctownflyer

Neither hotel matches your requirements that well. I've written reviews on both with pics but I can't link to them per FT rules.
Maybe look into the Fairmont Kea Lani?

peteropny

You're allowed to link to them provided that you also post a reasonable synopsis here on FT - and not just the link.

ctownflyer

Is there a definition of "reasonable synopsis" given?