Aug 17 2011

We Had a Great Time in Oahu & Maui!

Hello Alice,

First of all, thank you.  We had a great time and would definitely go back to both Oahu and more likely Maui.

On Oahu, we: hiked Diamondhead; played with Dolphins at the hotel; had drinks at the House Without A Key (at hotel Halekulani) at the large patio under the Kiawe tree with live Hawaiian music featuring a former Miss Hawaii doing Hula; walked Waikiki; drove downtown to a restaurant and spent a day on the North Shore. 

On Maui, we drove Hana Highway to Hotel Hana (and all stops along the way). In both Lahaina and Pa’ia, we took surf lessons.

We upgraded the rental car on Maui to a 4 wheel Cadillac which they offered at an additional $60.00 per day.  We felt that if we did the road to Hana, which we did, having a safer feeling vehicle would be preferential.  We don’t love heights etc and wanted to be on the safe side.  In retrospect, I’m glad we did it.  While it may not have been necessary, it gave us an additional feeling of comfort.   I wouldn’t recommend a convertible for that trip; even though the views are better, it gets hot and you’re exposed all day.

The Grand Wailea Hotel, while lovely, was actually a bit of a disappointment given the price point and I doubt we’d go back. The structure itself and the grounds were beautiful; the location obviously spectacular.  Our issues were mostly based on the fact that the hotel is large and designed for families, larger parties or children. 

Consequently, some of the finer tuning service or attention to detail was not what we’d expect from a Ritz Carlton; felt a bit more like a Marriot or Sheraton (vs. a Four Seasons which I believe is who they compare themselves to). Most of the staff was very helpful; there simply weren’t enough of them.

Thanks again!

Contact a Pleasant Holidays Specialist at 800-300-4567 or click HERE.

About Alice Gomez

Having been with All-Travel since March, 1990, I have seen many changes in the travel industry. As well as changes in our nation that has affected the travelling public. I am proud and continually amazed that All-Travel is always ahead of the game and on top of the next trend in travel.

I look forward to every morning as I sign on to my computer to see what the day will bring, As each day is indeed interestingly different and exciting!

I enjoy conversations with all potential travellers planning their annual vacation, maybe an escorted tour in Europe, a Mediterranean cruise, a hang loose vacation to the islands OR a challenging business itinerary as I book business travel as well as leisure.

My husband and I enjoy relaxing on a cruise, vacations in Hawaii, or visiting our son on the East coast.