I was lucky enough to spend four days in Maui at the beginning of May, which allowed me to get in depth looks at two different hotels. We stayed at the Andaz Maui, and did a site visit and dinner at the Four Seasons Maui just down the road. Make sure you read below for my recommendations for each, as these hotels will be attractive to different clients depending on preferences.

Andaz Maui

The Andaz has a beautiful entrance with water on both sides and views of the Pacific Ocean and palm trees in the distance through the lobby. This hotel like most other Andaz’s are more minimalist in their design. I definitely wouldn’t call the decorations warm and welcoming, but more functional and modern. There are 3 levels of infinity pools all with seating and pool side service and I must say the views from these pools are spectacular! You can swim up to the edge, look down on the pool below and the ocean in the distance. The resort has slightly less than 300 rooms including the separate villas, which I didn’t get to see as they were fully booked. You can definitely tell this is a smaller and more relaxed property compared to many on this stretch of coast and is great for people wanting to escape the crowds.

I was able to look at two rooms, an Ocean View King and, our room, the Deluxe Ocean View Suite. Non-suite rooms are pretty small, approx. 380-400 SF. The ocean view from the room had a great vantage of the water, but I couldn’t help feeling a little cramped by the size of the room. I would definitely recommend these rooms to people who planned on spending most of their time at the pool or out and about. The Deluxe Suite was the closest room possible to the ocean and had expansive views of the ocean and the west side of Maui. The bathroom was very large and well done. Overall I would definitely recommend the suite level rooms for most clients, it has much more space and the bathroom and closet area was almost twice the size.

Recommend Andaz For: Younger couples and groups, Those who like modern design, Want a less busy property.

As a Hyatt preferred partner clients of Nick Running Travel get room upgrades, free breakfast for 2 daily, $100 property credit and more.

Four Seasons Maui

The Four Seasons is Maui’s grand dame hotel. It’s strikingly bigger than the Andaz and also much more grand. The décor is very warm, welcoming and a stark contrast from the minimalist and modern vibe of the Andaz. The Four Seasons only has approximately 100 more rooms and suits than the Andaz but is much busier. This hotel definitely brings in people who are not guests for drinks and dinner. This is the place to be seen and people watch. For those who prefer to escape but prefer the Four Seasons, I was able to take a look at the 8th floor club lounge which is exclusive to the rooms on that floor. This was definitely quiet during my visit and a great place to have a complementary drink and read a book on the deck overlooking the ocean. Another selling point for the Four Seasons is the amazing kids for all seasons program. This makes the Four Seasons perfect for families, and the best part is its all included in the room rate, no resort fees!

During my visit I inspected a Partial Ocean View room and a Prime Oceanview Suite. The non-suite rooms here are huge at over 600 SF, with large bathrooms and decks. The Four Seasons recently went through a refurbishment and I have to say, I love the décor of the rooms. The Four Seasons would definitely be my recommendation for those who plan on just staying in non-suite rooms. The Prime Ocean View Suite was spectacular with two full size separate rooms and balcony’s (including 2 different entrances). The living area also has a pull out couch for those with kids so that parents have a separate sleeping space. Overall the two rooms I looked at were beautiful and definitely deserving of the higher price tag that the Four Seasons requires.

Recommend Four Seasons for: Families with children, Clients who want the best, People who enjoy being at the “hot” place.

As a Four Seasons Preferred Partner clients of Nick Running Travel get access to special perks that can’t be found anywhere else. We aren’t allowed to share these publicly but reach out to us via email and we can share the specific amenities for this property.

Now that the Masters has ended it’s officially golf season. Unfortunately though for many places, the weather hasn’t allowed you to rid your game of the accumulated dust.. How about heading to your favorite Hawaiian Island and enjoy the sunshine on the course and post-round drinks at the beach. I’ve included my favorite course on each island and the best hotel to stay at to make your trip complete. Make sure to book your trip with Nick Running Travel to get the VIP perks and benefits at all the noted hotels.

Hawaii (Big Island):

Hualalai Golf Course

Just outside of Kona, this Jack Nicklaus signature course winds through the black lava fields and along the ocean. The finishing stretch of holes hugs the coastline making you think twice about every shot. This course also plays host to the PGA Champions tour during the Mitsubishi Electric Championship in January.

Where to Stay: Four Seasons Hualalai

The only way to play this course is to know a member or stay at the Four Seasons. This hotel is set on Hawaii Island’s exclusive Kona-Kohala Coast, this showpiece oceanfront luxury resort in Hualalai captures the essence of Hawaiian design, culture and tradition. The hotel offers seven swimming pools, beachfront access, three restaurants, and a state of the art fitness facility and spa. As a Four Seasons Preferred Partner, clients of Nick Running Travel receive special amenities and perks, feel free to reach out to us for details.

Maui:

Kapalua Plantation Course:

Consistently ranked as the #1 golf course in Hawaii, playing The Plantation Course is sure to be on every golfer’s bucket list. Designed by Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore, the course was designed on a grand scale in keeping with its location on the slopes of the West Maui Mountains and offers ocean views from virtually every hole. With dramatic elevation changes, this course offers plenty of downhill tee shots. You’ll feel like one of the pros when you hit one of the longest drives of your life on the severely downhill 18th hole. The Plantation Course is the site of the PGA TOUR's Sentry Tournament of Champions each January featuring an elite field of previous year's PGA TOUR winners.

Where to Stay: Ritz Carlton Kapalua

The Ritz is set on Maui’s northwest side away from the traditional resort areas of Wailea. Just up the shore from Ka'anapali Beach the Ritz sits on the pristine 22,000-acre Kapalua Resort, giving guests exclusive access to amenities and activities such as Hawaii’s largest nature preserves with two marine sanctuaries, golf and miles of hiking trails. A complementary resort shuttle can take guests to great local restaurants like Merriman’s Kapalua, Sansei Seafood Restaurant and Sushi Bar and The Plantation House. As a Ritz Carlton STARS and Virtuoso member clients of Nick Running Travel receive:

Room upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Daily Gourmet Buffet breakfast, for up to two in room guests
$100 Resort or Hotel credit
Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
Complimentary Wi-Fi

Lanai:

Manele Golf Course

Built high above the shimmering waters of Hulopoe Bay, this Jack Nicklaus Signature course is Lanai’s premier golf course. Built on lava outcroppings, the course features three holes perched on cliffs, enlisting the Pacific Ocean as a water hazard. Tee shots over natural gorges and ravines must be precise, but golfers are rewarded with ocean views from the fairways and even the chance of whale sightings. Be sure to take note of the archaeological ruins that border the greens and the breathtaking views beyond.

Where to Stay: Four Seasons Lanai

Four Seasons Lanai was just completely remodeled from the ground up to become the new premier Hawaiian destination. It sits on the southeastern shore of one of Hawaii’s last unspoiled island. The hotel has nine different bars and restaurants, snorkeling, diving and sailing. The hotel can also arrange ATV rentals, horseback riding and helicopter tours. As a Four Seasons Preferred Partner, clients of Nick Running Travel receive special amenities and perks, feel free to reach out to us for details.

Oahu:

Ko Olina Golf Club

Home to the LPGA's annual LOTTE Championship, Ko Olina Golf Club is recognized as one of Oahu's premier golf courses. Located on the western coast of Oahu, Ko'olina offers a challenging 18-hole championship course with exceptional water features, multi-tiered greens, and no parallel fairways. Located on the sunny West Coast of Oahu, just a short drive from Honolulu and Waikiki.

Where to Stay: Halekulani

Situated on five prime oceanfront acres, Halekulani has been a Waikiki Beach landmark for almost 100 years. Each tropically elegant guestroom features a large lanai that opens to views of the gardens, the Pacific Ocean or Diamond Head. Sunbathe or watch the surfing action on famed Waikiki Beach; relax by the dreamy swimming pool, made up of 1.2 million mosaic tiles; or indulge in the Pacific Islands inspired treatments at SpaHalekulani. As a Virtuoso member clients of Nick Running Travel receive:

Room Upgrade at the time of booking, subject to availability
Daily breakfast for up to two in-room guests.
$100 / $200 Hotel Credit depending on room type
Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
Complimentary Wi-Fi

Kauai:

Princeville Golf Course

Designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr., who brilliantly integrated the wild beauty of the north shore of Kauai. Taking advantage of wilderness areas, natural water features and the dramatic coastline, the course winds its way through magnificent stands of trees and rolling landscape and views that will astonish you with their unforgettable beauty.

Where to Stay: St Regis Princeville

Located in the 9,000 acre resort community of Princeville at Hanalei, this luxury resort on Kauai resides on the northern shore of the "Garden Island" and provides visitors all the amenities expected from an island destination considered to be one of the most spectacular in Hawai'i. Guests of our Kauai resort reside in a bastion of tropical sophistication featuring cuisine that celebrates local flavors along with an array of diverse activities. Don't miss the nightly champagne sabering at sunset from the St. Regis Bar. As a Virtuoso member clients of Nick Running Travel receive:

Room upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Daily full breakfast, for up to two in room guests
$100 Resort or Hotel credit.
Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
Complimentary Wi-Fi

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Site Visit of Two Wailea Hotels