Aloha! Well it might help if you could describe what you liked best about being in Wailea - was it the scenery?? The beaches? The resort that you stayed at?? That might help others in giving you suggestions for the staying places on other islands.

You did post this on the Kauai forum - I prefer Kauai over Maui. The scenery is some of the most gorgeous on the planet, but it's much quieter than Maui. Each island is unique in what it offers . . . I would highly recommend getting the "Revealed" guides for learning more about each island. Best of luck to you! :)

Thanks for your reply. We loved the beach at Wailea, the proximity to great restaurants, and the world-class spa/resorts.

(I apologize, since I actually double posted - meant for this post to be in the general Hawaii forum.)

doubt kauai would do it for you then. The Hyatt is a pretty nice hotel, but we're pretty short on world class restaurants.

Kohala on the Big Island has some fabulous resort/spas with some nice restaurants. Just south in Hualalai is the Four Seasons. These sound like just what you are looking for. We have stayed at many of these and IMHO they compare with the resorts in Wailea very well. They even have the King's Shops nearby that compare to the Shops at Wailea. We've only stayed in condos on Oahu so can't help there. Small, oceanfront condos are our preferred accommodation after our stay in the one of the resorts (business trips) is over. We can't wait to extend our vacation in a cozy condo right on the ocean. It's a totally different vacation experience. Just a thought...

Thanks for your replies. I think the Big Island is just what we are looking for. Hoping we will make our way back to Hawaii sometime in Fall, 2007. Aloha!

Hey Coalminer !!

I guess I'm not the only Alaskan up to my butt in snow, thinking of warmer climes.......we did a Hawaiian cruise about 10 years ago and Kauai was our favorite island.....hoping to go back next winter (gotta spend that PFD).......where do you stay when you go to Kauai, which is the best area or side of the island to stay.....love to hike, swim and kayak.....don't golf, shop or enjoy huge crowds of people.....Thanks.....