Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort - detailed hotel review and pictures

1. Location

Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort is part of the prestigious Waikoloa Resort located south of Kona town. If you want to be away from the tourists, this is definitely the place to stay. The hotel building is set back away from the main street, and the only other hotel nearby is Hilton Waikoloa.

Marriott Waikoloa is located beachfront on the shores of Anaehoomalu Bay (or A-Bay, as the locals call it). Wonderful white-sand beach starts almost at your doorstep.

Grounds at Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort are meticulously groomed. Wide array of tropical flowers in full bloom and paved walking paths will satisfy anyone's fancy. Fountains dot the grounds here and there. The beauty of it all is simply breathtaking.

The open lobby has a large outrigger canoe on display. There is also Kahn Gallery, Blue Kona Coffee Shop, gift shop and activities desk in the immediate area.

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2. Rooms

You will be very pleased with your room's size and atmosphere. It is very spacious and even has a seating area with rattan table and 2 chairs. Hawaiian motifs and designs grace the walls and bedcovers. The rooms are very nice and clean.

We highly recommend booking an ocean front room if you want to wake up to a breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean. You will be able to see the ocean both from the bed and the seating area. Now you will know why Kona sunsets are so famous!

Each of 545 rooms has:
• Beds: 1 king or 2 doubles
• Air-conditioning
• Private lanai
• Refrigerator
• Coffee maker and complimentary coffee
• Cable/pay TV/video games
• High-speed Internet access (fee)
• In-room safe
• Dressing area
• Blackout drapes
• Bathtub+shower
• Hair dryer
• Iron and board
• Room service
• Daily maid service

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3. Restaurants

1) Hawaii Calls Restaurant - specializes in a unique blend of ethnic cuisine that combines Asian and Hawaiian traditions. You will enjoy beautiful views of sunrise or sunset over Anaehoomalu Bay. Serving breakfast, dinner and cocktails.

2) Kona Blue Sky Coffee Co. - coffee shop that features 100% pure fresh Kona coffee, as well as juices and smoothies, wine, fresh pastries and other treats all day long.

3) Nalu's Bar & Grill - enjoy freshly grilled sandwiches, burgers, salads and beverages, served poolside. End a perfect Big Island day with sunset cocktails.

4) Royal Luau - The sound of a conch shell welcomes you to the traditional Hawaiian feast. You get typical Polynesian and Asian dishes, such as Teriyaki beef, sweet and sour pork, Hawaiian Sweet Potatos, Mahi Mahi, etc., and tropical drinks. The setting is beautiful, the show is very good, and the atmosphere is distinctly Hawaiian. Offered Sundays and Wednesdays at 5 pm.

5) The Clipper Lounge - offers a light bistro menu, cocktails, and Hawaiian entertainment every evening. Try the ever-popular 'Clippertini' drink! Open 5pm-11pm.

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4. Things to do

• Beach activities
  A short walk past the large, historic fish ponds and by the lava fields takes you to the beautiful crescent-shaped beach. The white sand is kind of coarse, but easy to walk on barefoot. The water is very clean and calm. This beach is perfect for all kinds of water activities, including snorkeling, kayaking, scuba diving, windsurfing or sailing.

  The beach has plenty of beach chairs and a water activity desk where you can rent snorkeling equipment at a very reasonable price.

• Pool
  Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort has a large tropical pool with waterfall and slide at one end, and shallow kiddie pool at the other. It even features a sand beach for the kids to play in. Relaxing whirlpool spa is nearby.

• Spa and Fitness Center
  Hawaiian Rainforest Salon & Spa offers Hawaiian healing arts and rejuvinating spa therapies. You can treat yourself to an exotic Thai Stretch Massage with Aromatic Herbs, stimulating Lava Kava Java Body Polish and Massage, or soothing Green Tea Facial. The well-equipped fitness center at Marriott Waikoloa is a great place to work out.

• Golf
  Beach Course - designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr., it literally carves through the magnificent lava flows along scenic Anaehoomalu Bay. The par-70 Beach Course features numerous sand bunkers, water features and the most spectacular oceanfront par-5 in Hawaii on the 502-yard, 12th hole. From this hole, you can see awesome vistas of neighboring islands, and in winter, whales breaching offshore.

  Kings' Course - This 7,064-yard, 18-hole, par-72 course was designed by former British Open champion, Tom Weiskopf, and Jay Morrish. It has a Scottish links-style layout with pot bunkers, undulating fairways, multiple tee placements and lava outcroppings. Golf Digest rated it one of the top two new resorts in America.

Other facilities include:
• Regularly scheduled Hawaiian activities and entertainment
• Fitness center
• Tennis courts
• 36-hole championship golf course is nearby
• Concierge
• Cowabunga Kids Club (daycamp)
• Babysitting (fee)
• Business center
• Laundry/dry cleaning valet service (fee)
• Laundromat
• Free shuttle within Waikoloa Resort

Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort:

Oceanfront Room:

Hawaii Calls Restaurant:

The Clipper Lounge:

Pool:

Waterslide:

Beach:

Massage on the beach:

Beach Course:

Kings' Course:

Wailea Marriott Resort - detailed hotel review and pictures

1. Location This hotel is located in the North End of prestigious Wailea Resort. Planted on the ocean’s edge, Wailea Marriott Resort overlooks the glimmering waters surrounding Maui. It is set on a rocky coastline right between sandy Wailea and Ulua beaches (walking to either one will take you just a couple minutes). Since this resort was built, they passed a law that limits closeness to the beach. That is why Wailea Marriott Resort is right next to the ocean, and all the newcomers (including Grand Wailea and Four Seasons) sit farther back. This classic open-air, 1970s-style hotel gives you a sense of what Maui was like before the big resort boom. It was the first resort built in Wailea (in 1976), and still remains the most Hawaiian of them all. Wailea Marriott Resort just fits into its environment without overwhelming it. All the walkways, lobby and lounge are all open-air, so it really gives you a nice feel of the tropics. The grounds include 22 oceanfront acres of open-space lawns accented with palms, banana trees and torch ginger. Driveway to the hotel is a winding Banyan path. It takes you to the tropical lobby with grand “tiki” style roof and a large outrigger canoe. The canoe is part of a remarkable collection of Hawaiian and Pacific Rim artifacts that you can see in the lobby and public areas. After a $25-million facelift in 2000, this hotel is a sight to behold. The entrance was expanded into an open courtyard with a waterfall and carp pond, south pool was transformed into a waterpark with 2 slides and a fabuous spa, all guest rooms were refurbished and upgraded. 2. Rooms Wailea Marriott Resort consists of 8 buildings, all low-rise except for an 8-story tower. The rooms look casual but graceful and natural, decorated in tropical shades of rattan and pale green. They are not very large but comfortable. The marble bath is outfitted with high-quality fixtures, a granite counter top and a handy dressing bench upholstered in tasteful floral print. If you get an ocean view room, your lanai will have a 180-degree view of the ocean, whales breaching (Dec-Apr), and gorgeous sunsets. There are 521 rooms. Each room features: Beds: 1 king or 2 doubles, and a sofabed Air-conditioning Private lanai 25” color cable TV with pay movies, Nintendo and Lodgenet entertainment Mini-refrigerator Coffee maker with supply of Kona coffee Desk with 2 chairs Bathrobes Hair dryer Iron and board In-room safe (fee) Daily maid service Turndown service upon request Room service 6am-11pm 3. Restaurants 1) Hula Moons Restaurant - open for breakfast and dinner. This is the signature restaurant of Wailea Marriott Resort. It offers contemporary Hawaiian cuisine in a tropical, nostalgic atmosphere of 1930’s. You will be very impressed by the panoramic views of the Pacific and the islands of Lanai, Molokai and Kahoolawe. The breakfast buffet is outstanding – cooked-to-order omelets, macadamia nut pancakes, waffles, blintzes, smoked salmon, Japanese selections, and more. Dinner features fresh island fish, steaks and lamb chops. There is a full bar. 2) Kumu Bar & Grill - open daily 10:30am-9pm. Enjoy casual, poolside family dining with views of the ocean and West Maui. Make sure to try one of their creative tropical cocktails served all day. Here you can get a great sandwich or salad for lunch, or fresh Hawaiian fish or barbecues ribs for dinner. It is an excellent alternative to fine dining and relatively inexpensive considering the quality of food. Stay around after dinner for live Hawaiian music and hula dancing. 3) Mele Mele Lounge One of South Maui’s favorite gathering places. The views are spectacular, tropical drinks very refreshing, and appetizers quite tasty. Everyone loves daily Pau Hana Happy Hour with cocktail specials and complimentary pupus. There is live Hawaiian music after 9pm every evening. 4) Wailele Slides Snack Bar - open 11am-4pm. Known as home of the “Hang Ten Hot Dog”, it offers a children’s menu, sandwiches, wraps and salads. If you get too hot hanging around the pool, stop here for a shaved ice or freshly made smoothie. 5) Wailea’s Finest Luau - every Mon, Tue, Thu and Fri 5pm-8pm 4 nights a week, a formal luau is held on a broad oceanfront lawn, drawing several hundred people for an evening of tasteful entertainment and traditiona Hawaiian delicacies. begin at sunset with the Imu Ceremony – uncovering of the pit-roasted pig. Enjoy a lavish Hawaiian buffet, open bar with tropical cocktails, colorful Polynesian revue and an exciting finale by 3-time world champion fire-knife dancer Ifi So’o. You can book the luau directly through the hotel once you arrive. 4. Things to do Swimming pools 3 main pools (one with a a water slide) are not too fancy, but clean, warm, and offer a spectacular view of the ocean. The beach is just steps away – you will much close to the ocean at the Wailea Marriott Resort than any of the other resort. There is also a separate “jungle gym” pool for the kids (called “Wailele Water Park”), and 2 jacuzzis located at the lower-level pool. Restrooms and cold water rinse showers are nearby. If you find yourself by the pool at sunset, you will see a Hawaiian torch runner sprinting through the resort lighting all of the tiki torches. It’s quite a sight to see! Mandara Spa Full-service spa where you can get an exquisite treatment like floral bath, hydrating facial, or aromatherapy massage. The spa interior is very luxurious and relaxing. Full service hair and nail salon is also on the site. The rates are very reasonable. Shopping A paved pathway links the hotel to the Wailea Shopping Village which has a grocery store and a few nice gift shops. Above the shoreline, there is a walkway that meanders along between all Wailea hotels and the ocean, so you can take a slow sunset stroll, fish right from the rocks, or watch for migrating whales in winter. Shops at Wailea, the most elegant shopping center in Maui, is just steps away from the resort. Browse through the world-famous boutiques like Louis Vuitton, Cartier, Dolce & Gabbana, and Tiffany & Co. Several art galleries display the works of Hawaii’s most prominent artists. When you are tired of shopping, order a cappuccino and enjoy a marvelous view of the Pacific Ocean. Other facilities include: Oceanfront walking and jogging path Free Hawaiian arts and crafts workshop Fitness center Putting green Shopping arcade (jewelry, resort wear, gifts and sundries) Children’s program for ages 5-12 (fee) Babysitting (fee) Business center Hospitality room Luggage storage Free safe deposit box ATM Laundromat (fee) Laundry and dry cleaning valet service (fee) Free parking

Wailea Marriott Resort: Entrance: Lobby: Staircase that leads to the ocean: Ocean front room: Room with 2 doubles: Hula Moon Restaurant (3 pictures) Kumu Bar & Grill: Mele Mele Lounge: Luau (2 pictures): Pool (3 pictures): Wailele Children's Pool (3 pictures): Children's Program: Beach (2 pictures): Beachside walking path: Golf: Shops at Wailea (2 pictures):

Westin Maui - detailed hotel review and pictures

1. Location

Westin Maui Resort occupies 23 oceanfront acres on famous Kaanapali Beach, close to many shops, restaurants and art galleries. The landscaping is lush, with 15 abundant waterfalls, and lagoons all over the place. The lobby and public areas are filled with the shrieks of tropical birds and the splashes of waterfalls. A multi-million dollar collection of paintings and sculptures is displayed throughout the property.

All the hotels on Kaanapali Beach are located close to each other, and you can easily walk anyhere. However, if you prefer a ride, small shuttle called “jitney” runs about every 20 minutes in front of the hotels. There is also a shuttle into Lahaina. The concierge can give you a schedule for both. Those shuttles only cover local area, so you will still need a rental car to get around the island.

You will also be close to Black Rock, an ancient cliff in front of Sheraton Maui, where every evening, just as the sun hits the ocean, a Hawaiian cliff diver performs a ceremonial dive into the waters below. Later, he runs along the rock, lighting the torches along the way. The cliff diving ceremony is very exciting to watch for both adults and children, and the sunset is a wonderful backdrop for photographs.

Maui’s main town, Lahaina, is about 5-10 min by car. It is a classic small beachfront town where people walk around the streets all evening and night. There are many wonderful art galleries featuring works from local artists to Picasso. Every Friday night is Art Night, so you can meet the artists at their galleries.

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2. Rooms

There are two 11-story towers with 761 luxury guest rooms. The rooms are a little on the small side, but very nicely decorated, light and inviting. Your room will have a private lanai, and if you get partial ocean or full ocean view room, you will fall asleep each night to the soothing sound of the ocean, and resort’s many pools and waterfalls. In the morning, you’ll awake to the chirping sound of Maui’s many tropical birds.

The latest addition to the rooms here are fabulous new beds, Westin’s custom-designed, pillow-top “Heavenly Beds”, plus a choice of 5 different pillows. It may be the first hotel bed you really enjoy sleeping in.

Each room features:
• Beds: 1 king or 2 doubles
• Air-conditioning
• Private lanai
• “Heavenly Bed” with goose down covets
• “Heavenly Shower”
• Mini-bar
• Coffee maker
• In-room safe
• Iron and board
• Hair dryer
• Nightly turndown service available upon request
• Room service
• Non-smoking rooms available

Suites
Westin Maui Resort also has 28 individually designed luxury suites. The larges is the Imperial Suite – a 1,632-sq-ft suite with a full wet bar, marble-tiled bathroom, spa tub and 3 balconies overlooking the ocean.

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3. Restaurants

There are 4 restaurants at Westin Maui::

1) tropica

tropica (yes, it starts with a lower-case "t") is the first themed restaurant in Ka'anapali. The "fire and ice" theme is carried through the incredible decor, featuring plunging waterfalls and flickering tiki torches, open to dazzling sunsets and fresh ocean breezes.

The innovative dinner menu is a flavorful fusion of fire-inspired cuisine prepared on wood ovens and grills, perfectly complemented by a chilling selection of fresh seafood. Both indoor and outdoor dining are available; you will enjoy a wonderful meal and live music with a romantic view of the tropical palms as they sway in the breeze and the Pacific Ocean beyond.

Sunday Brunch at tropica is also quite extraordinary. Beautifully presented food and the views of the blue Pacific on a sun-filled morning will make it one to remember.

2) Ono Surf Bar & Grill

Enjoy casual poolside dining set against the backdrop of intricate streams and footbridges. All-day dining menu features island specialties, family favorites and health-conscious selections. Try the Vegetable Flat Bread (grilled portabella mushroom, roasted peppers, squash, arugula and jack cheese), or Penne Pasta with Grilled Upcountry Vegetables (spicy chipotle peppers, roasted tomatoes, artichoke hearts).

'OnO Surf Bar is also a great place for pupus (appetizers) accompanied by cool tropical drinks, cocktails, beer and wine. There's live entertainment every night.

3) Colonnade Café

Enjoy your meal beside the soft tumbling of a waterfall, while watching ducks, swans and flamingos at play in the wildlife ponds. The Colonnade Café serves continental breakfast, including fresh fruit, Danish pastries, bagels, muffins, fresh fruit juice and smoothies. You can also get a Starbucks coffee, espresso, cappuccino or latte.

4) Sea Dogs

This centrally located hut offers light fare throughout the day (11am-4:30pm). You can pick up a snack on they way to the pools or the beach. They have hot dogs, soft drinks, popcorn, ice cream and that kind of stuff.

No trip to Maui is complete without trying a Hawaiian “shave ice”. This variant of snow cone is served up in rainbow colors and tastes great on a hot sunny day.

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4. Things to do

• 5 Pools and Jacuzzi
  The pool area with 5 amazing free-form perfectly heated pools joined by swim-through grottoes, waterfalls, and a 128-foot-long water slide sets this resort apart from other hotels on Kaanapali Beach.

  One of the pools is primarily designed for water games such as volleyball and basketball. It’s also where adventurous swimmers who try the water slide “splash down” at the end of their wild rides.

  There is also a children’s wading pool that has a smaller tube/slide. Westin Maui is the Disney World of water-park resorts, and your kids will be in water-hog heaven!

  Adults will enjoy the adult-only pool that features sweeping views of the ocean and the ever-popular swim-up bar.

• Beach Activities
  The beach in front of the hotel is beautiful, and great for snorkeling and playing on rafts and tubes. One of the best snorkeling spots on Maui, the Black Rock, is right next door. You will find many colorful fish swimming among the rocks and corals not far offshore. You may even catch a glimpse of an occasional green sea turtle. Equipment rentals are available from the water sports desk.

  The sand is great for creating sand sculptures. There are complimentary beach chairs, or you can rent a cabana lounge from the beach attendant.

• Whale Watching
  During winter months, you will get the perfect view of the Pacific humpback whales and other marine mammals frolicking offshore. These whales migrate from the cold waters of Alaska to the warm Hawaiian waters for the winter. You can see them off the Kaanapali Coast from November to March, with February being the peak whale-watching season.

  You can visit the free Whale Museum, which is dedicated to Lahaina’s whaling era (1825-1860) and displays a collection of 19th century scrimshaw.

• Children’s Program (for ages 5-12)
  This is another reason why kids love Westin Maui! Its children’s program, Keiki Kamp, is fun-filled, action-packed and educational. The little guys will learn about Hawaiian culture and traditions through dance, music, language, games, arts and crafts, and excursions. Hours are 9am-3pm, and there is also a night program 6:30pm-9pm so the parents can enjoy a nice dinner out alone.

  The cost is about $45 full day with lunch, $25 half-day with lunch, $30 night camp (2003 rates).

• Two 18-hole Golf Courses
  Kaanapali’s North and South courses offer some of the most unique challenges in Kaanapali: distracting beauty with sweeping views of the ocean, gentle trade winds to tease your drives, even a turn-of-the-century sugarcane train chugging by.

  Royal North Course (6,994 yards, 18 holes) was designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr., and has long been considered one of Maui’s best. The 18th hole, considered one of the toughest holes in the islands, requires a golfer to hit a shot over water.

  Royal South Course (6,555 yards, 18 holes) was named one of North America’s top “Women Friendly” courses by Golf for Women magazine. It is ideal for players of all levels.

  Each year, Kaanapali takes center stage in the world of golf with the Kaanapali Classic, a fitting conclusion to the Senior PGA Tour. It attracts such names as Chi Chi Rodriguez, Lee Trevino, Arnold Palmer, Tom Weiskoff, Dave Stockton and Hale Irwin.

  Westin Maui guests receive preferred rates and tee times at both courses. Talk to the activity desk to make the arrangements.

• Shopping
  The Whaler’s Shopping Village is just a 5-minute stroll down the parkway from the hotel. This bustling oceanfront mall has world-class designer boutiques (Chanel, Coach, Gucci, Louis Vuitton), gift shops (Tommy Bahama, Hilo Hattie) and art galleries, as well as excellent open-air dining right off Kaanapali Beach (Hula Grill is everybody’s favorite).

  Other facilities include:

• Shopping Arcade (Kohala Bay Collections – resort wear, Black Pearl Gallery – original jewelry, Shades of Hawaii – brand-name sunglasses, and more)
• Photography Studio, owned and operated by 3-time Emmy Award winner Dave Elliott (ask for free 4x6 photograph)
• Full-service Spa where you can get a scrub, facial or massage
• Hair Salon
• Fitness Center with ocean view (regular aerobics classes)
• Steam Baths and Sauna
• Full-service Business Center
• Tennis Courts
• Baby-sitting service (fee)
• Children’s Program (age 5-12)
• Watersports Equipment and bike rental
• Activity Desk
• Laundromat
• Laundry and dry cleaning valet service (fee)

Resort layout (Beach Tower and Ocean Tower):

Ocean Tower:

Lush grounds with waterfalls:

Ocean view room:

Westin's famous "Heavenly Bed":

Terrace view:

Golf/mountain view:

Ocean view:

Swimming pool:

Beach in front of Westin Maui:

Kaanapali South Course: