Another great video and the same challenge my wife and I typically have.......I feel it all comes down to one of the very last points you guys made, are you doing ALL the activities or are you chilling on a beach in Hawaii? I will say that the best compromise we have found is the VRBO option, typically they are right on the water or a short walk and when you come back from a long day of exploring there are great restaurants nearby and a stunning sunset from the lanai to enjoy!! (Kapalua, Kaanapali, Sugar Beach, Kihei etc....) The other tip that Jordan dropped, Foodland poke and local beer are always a great option if the restaurant wait times or too long or you are worn out from a day of adventures!!
Our two weeks in Kauai we split our stay, first 3 nights luxury hotel to relax and enjoy Mai Tai in the pool, 7 nights condo we we’re busy with activities and just slept in condo, last 4 nights luxury resort for the pools and amenities to finish our trip relaxed.
I've been to Maui 4 times and each time it's been in a VRBO, a little less then luxury but more then a value so we could have the best of both worlds and for us we enjoyed it has we had more cash to do other things, great channel by the way, learned lots from you 2, nice family as well....enjoy
I did find that the Royal Hawaiian was worth it. I'm not a luxury hotel person, because I don't like to spend time at the hotel. But after exploring all day and stepping onto the grounds of the resort, it's like you aren't in the Waikiki rush. Plus, the history of the hotel is really cool.
A note on adults-only pools, at least the few we've experienced: "adults only" doesn't apply to just your age. You're expected to also act like an adult. It's not a library - you can chat and laugh - but we've very happily watched as resort personnel have shut down rowdier groups, and even once threatened to toss a couple of guys because they kept trying to throw a football around in the pool.
I think the value you get out of a resort is highly dependent on how many hours per day you spend on-site. We usually split our time between the Wailea Marriott on the shore and a rental apartment somewhere else on the island (or on another island,) and there's very little difference in how much we enjoy our days, despite a cost difference of 2-3x. But then again we're pretty active people, spending most days out and about, exploring the islands, so we don't even see much of our "home base" on those days. It's become a habit to spend our last 2-3 nights of vacation at the resort as a way to wind down after several days of adventures, sort of a vacation to end the vacation. It's still expensive (too expensive, sometimes) but it lets us feel luxurious for a little bit without dropping so much money for a hotel on days when we really only need a shower and a bed.
If you are planning a “budget” trip to any of the islands I cannot stress enough investing in their guides. The guides guide you to the best beaches and what to pack for the day. To ensure that you’re not driving back and forth for different attractions on the same day. I don’t want to use their video to promote something else but I will say there is a great phone app that will provide spoken guides. It will tell you great stories about the island, play hawaii music, and suggest stops and even what to skip. And it’s not that expensive and neither are the Hawaii Vacation Guides. If you’re here wondering if they’re worth it. It’s a resounding YES! Just for the recommendation on what to pack
I really enjoy your Vlogs and guides. We did a stay at Aulani for a week and due the cost in flights it was cheaper to stay an extra day and we did so at the Halepuna. Great hotel and location that doesn't act like a value type hotel. I would definitely stay there again, but of course that Royal Hawaiian Hotel might be calling my name. Thanks for all the great info as always!
We had the most amazing trip, one week on Oahu at HHV 23rd floor corner suite facing Diamondhead and the harbor. Then another week on Maui staying at Fairmont Kea Lani. Worth every penny! UNFORGETTABLE!! Now that we've done the fancy stay, next time we will grab an AirBnB/Vrbo and jump to all the activities and sights from there.
Well done! You stayed at great places. We are big fans of the Fairmont properties in Hawaii. Thanks for sharing and glad to hear you are planning to come back.
I love you guys! Even when your opinions differ, you handle it well. Your itinerary served our family well on our once-of-a-lifetime trip to the big island, thank you!
We tend to look for vacation rentals that total $300-500 per night depending on how many bedrooms we want and then splurge on activities that allow us to see/do things we can only do in that specific location like helicopter tours or the Haleakala Sunrise on Maui. To be fair, we don’t have kids yet. That will change soon and I may change my tune when there are different considerations.
Great video, like you I have been fortunate to do both types of hotels. I must say, for me the value worked out better for me. I just did not use the amenities enough to justify the pricing. I would rather have a cheaper hotel and spend the money on the experiences. I think I would rather put the money into a local companies pocket than some billion dollar hotel chains.
we come from Australia so big trip we found it worthwhile to do a bit of both and to end the trip with a couple of nights at a luxury hotel ha i'm writing this comment at the same time you just said it on the youtube video great minds think
Love your videos! Did a nice resort hotel on the Big Island and it was great. Just got back from doing a VRBO on Maui and it was amazing. So cool to be able to cook breakfast in a rented condo, then walk outside and snorkel right outside your door. Yet to try a value hotel while being there, but most likely going with the VRBO right on the beach next time as cooking your own meals saves a lot of money.
We stayed at a luxury hotel on Kauai once for around 800 a night. It was definitely nice but we prefer a good AirBnB for sure (you get a way better place to stay for around 500-600 a night). But that’s personal taste.
I've always done value accommodations, be they 3 star hotels or condos. I don't want a dump, but you go to Hawaii to see Hawaii... so get out and see Hawaii. If you want a resort experience, go to Florida... unless you're rich, then it doesn't matter.
We just booked (rebooked? Haha) our Maui stay and went with the Wailea Ekahi this time, per your recommendation. But we noticed it's really close to the Andaz. We are world of hyatt members, so maybe we'll have enough points for 1-2 free nights before we go? It's sooo expensive. Even with points!
Hey, why don't we fight on camera about whether to stay on a luxury hotel? Great idea!. More seriously as always good video. My wife and I have had this discussion a couple times and we just can't bring ourselves to spend the kind of money that luxury hotels want these days. A Hawaii trip keeps getting more expensive. This year will be our third in four or five years. Each time everything is just getting so much harder and harder to afford.
Agreed. Hawaii is expensive. Do what you can to enjoy your trip. I left bitter after one luxury hotel stay on the Big Island where they were charging $10 for a cup of POG.
What would you consider Royal Lahaina Resort on Maui? That is where we usually stay, but we are coming in April and they are still closed so we are trying The Outrigger Kaanapali Beach Resort.
I'd be interested in hearing your thoughts about time shares vs booking different hotels or airbnbs. I travel to Hawaii probably twice a year but I like the opportunity of staying at different places and having different experiences. I guess I just answered my own question lol.
haha, that is one big reason. Having flexibility in where you stay is big. We signed up for a timeshare presentation to learn about them but the dates ended up not working out. So, we don't know the details. We hear some people love them while others end up selling them for $1.
Question. Any good hotel staying alone? I used to go Maui luxury hotel or condo with my family , but now I am alone on whatever reason still loving Hawai.
Have you guys stayed at Aulani? Is that considered a luxury hotel, or in a different category from luxury or value? What is your take on it if you have stayed there.
We have stayed there. You can see footage in the kids club discussion. It is a luxury price for a value hotel in our opinion. The pool is the best on Oahu but the rooms are fine and they offer few included amenities in the resort fee.
I can recommend the Banyan Bed and Breakfast Retreat in Makawao. The rooms are in an old plantation house. Some rooms have kitchens. Salt water pool and jacuzzi, yoga studio. I used to think that their prices were high, but now reasonable compared to most hotels.@@TheHawaiiVacationGuide
The best way to stay in Maui cheap and enjoy luxury pools. Rent a condo for $300 or less per night - then go to nice resorts during the day and enjoy their luxury pools and bar service for free. I do this often.
@@nd4539 Never. The bartenders and servers get to know me and think I am a guest, I never say otherwise. I've even charged drinks to a fake room only to pay the tab before I leave. NO DECEIT or stealing involved.
![I.N "HALLUCINATION" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/n5B5q1Hwt_U/mqdefault.jpg)
Read our free Hawaii Travel Guides, like our Maui Travel Guide to help plan your trip to Hawaii! thehawaiivacationguide.com/maui-travel-guide/
Another great video and the same challenge my wife and I typically have.......I feel it all comes down to one of the very last points you guys made, are you doing ALL the activities or are you chilling on a beach in Hawaii?
I will say that the best compromise we have found is the VRBO option, typically they are right on the water or a short walk and when you come back from a long day of exploring there are great restaurants nearby and a stunning sunset from the lanai to enjoy!! (Kapalua, Kaanapali, Sugar Beach, Kihei etc....)
The other tip that Jordan dropped, Foodland poke and local beer are always a great option if the restaurant wait times or too long or you are worn out from a day of adventures!!
Our two weeks in Kauai we split our stay, first 3 nights luxury hotel to relax and enjoy Mai Tai in the pool, 7 nights condo we we’re busy with activities and just slept in condo, last 4 nights luxury resort for the pools and amenities to finish our trip relaxed.
The hawaiian islands are filled with intrigue ,Wonder, Splendor, Amazement, adventure , exploration and so much more there
I've been to Maui 4 times and each time it's been in a VRBO, a little less then luxury but more then a value so we could have the best of both worlds and for us we enjoyed it has we had more cash to do other things, great channel by the way, learned lots from you 2, nice family as well....enjoy
I did find that the Royal Hawaiian was worth it. I'm not a luxury hotel person, because I don't like to spend time at the hotel. But after exploring all day and stepping onto the grounds of the resort, it's like you aren't in the Waikiki rush. Plus, the history of the hotel is really cool.
The Royal is one of our favorites for that reason you mention. We have a stay booked there for this winter. We can’t wait.
A note on adults-only pools, at least the few we've experienced: "adults only" doesn't apply to just your age. You're expected to also act like an adult. It's not a library - you can chat and laugh - but we've very happily watched as resort personnel have shut down rowdier groups, and even once threatened to toss a couple of guys because they kept trying to throw a football around in the pool.
I think the value you get out of a resort is highly dependent on how many hours per day you spend on-site.
We usually split our time between the Wailea Marriott on the shore and a rental apartment somewhere else on the island (or on another island,) and there's very little difference in how much we enjoy our days, despite a cost difference of 2-3x. But then again we're pretty active people, spending most days out and about, exploring the islands, so we don't even see much of our "home base" on those days. It's become a habit to spend our last 2-3 nights of vacation at the resort as a way to wind down after several days of adventures, sort of a vacation to end the vacation. It's still expensive (too expensive, sometimes) but it lets us feel luxurious for a little bit without dropping so much money for a hotel on days when we really only need a shower and a bed.
If you are planning a “budget” trip to any of the islands I cannot stress enough investing in their guides. The guides guide you to the best beaches and what to pack for the day. To ensure that you’re not driving back and forth for different attractions on the same day. I don’t want to use their video to promote something else but I will say there is a great phone app that will provide spoken guides. It will tell you great stories about the island, play hawaii music, and suggest stops and even what to skip. And it’s not that expensive and neither are the Hawaii Vacation Guides. If you’re here wondering if they’re worth it. It’s a resounding YES! Just for the recommendation on what to pack
I really enjoy your Vlogs and guides. We did a stay at Aulani for a week and due the cost in flights it was cheaper to stay an extra day and we did so at the Halepuna. Great hotel and location that doesn't act like a value type hotel. I would definitely stay there again, but of course that Royal Hawaiian Hotel might be calling my name. Thanks for all the great info as always!
Awh you took the romance hint... Sir 😅 LOL!!! BRILLIANT!!!
We usually spend several days in a value hotel and spend the days offsite mostly. Then, go to a more luxury hotel and hardly leave it!
Park yourself at the pools and enjoy all the amenities!
We had the most amazing trip, one week on Oahu at HHV 23rd floor corner suite facing Diamondhead and the harbor. Then another week on Maui staying at Fairmont Kea Lani. Worth every penny!
UNFORGETTABLE!!
Now that we've done the fancy stay, next time we will grab an AirBnB/Vrbo and jump to all the activities and sights from there.
Well done! You stayed at great places. We are big fans of the Fairmont properties in Hawaii. Thanks for sharing and glad to hear you are planning to come back.
Thanks for the great content + video!
I love you guys! Even when your opinions differ, you handle it well. Your itinerary served our family well on our once-of-a-lifetime trip to the big island, thank you!
Thanks for grabbing our Big Island itinerary. Glad to hear it worked well for your family.
We tend to look for vacation rentals that total $300-500 per night depending on how many bedrooms we want and then splurge on activities that allow us to see/do things we can only do in that specific location like helicopter tours or the Haleakala Sunrise on Maui.
To be fair, we don’t have kids yet. That will change soon and I may change my tune when there are different considerations.
Oh man, idk which i prefer. I think I am team value hotel but definitely see the case for both.
Team Value!
Great video, like you I have been fortunate to do both types of hotels. I must say, for me the value worked out better for me. I just did not use the amenities enough to justify the pricing. I would rather have a cheaper hotel and spend the money on the experiences. I think I would rather put the money into a local companies pocket than some billion dollar hotel chains.
we come from Australia so big trip we found it worthwhile to do a bit of both and to end the trip with a couple of nights at a luxury hotel ha i'm writing this comment at the same time you just said it on the youtube video great minds think
Love your videos! Did a nice resort hotel on the Big Island and it was great. Just got back from doing a VRBO on Maui and it was amazing. So cool to be able to cook breakfast in a rented condo, then walk outside and snorkel right outside your door. Yet to try a value hotel while being there, but most likely going with the VRBO right on the beach next time as cooking your own meals saves a lot of money.
I usually do half luxury and have value hotel when o go to oahu😊
We stayed at a luxury hotel on Kauai once for around 800 a night. It was definitely nice but we prefer a good AirBnB for sure (you get a way better place to stay for around 500-600 a night). But that’s personal taste.
Thanks for sharing your experience! We do a value hotel/Airbnb for the majority of our trips as we mentioned as we are out and about a lot.
Hawaii the Ancient homeland of my ancestors . It had been and always will be my home
I've always done value accommodations, be they 3 star hotels or condos. I don't want a dump, but you go to Hawaii to see Hawaii... so get out and see Hawaii. If you want a resort experience, go to Florida... unless you're rich, then it doesn't matter.
We just booked (rebooked? Haha) our Maui stay and went with the Wailea Ekahi this time, per your recommendation. But we noticed it's really close to the Andaz. We are world of hyatt members, so maybe we'll have enough points for 1-2 free nights before we go? It's sooo expensive. Even with points!
Hey, why don't we fight on camera about whether to stay on a luxury hotel? Great idea!.
More seriously as always good video. My wife and I have had this discussion a couple times and we just can't bring ourselves to spend the kind of money that luxury hotels want these days. A Hawaii trip keeps getting more expensive. This year will be our third in four or five years. Each time everything is just getting so much harder and harder to afford.
Agreed. Hawaii is expensive. Do what you can to enjoy your trip. I left bitter after one luxury hotel stay on the Big Island where they were charging $10 for a cup of POG.
Fortunately we got Marriott timeshare years ago and love the beach club in Ko olina.
Ko Olina Marriott Beach Club is a gem. Better than that other resort in our opinion.
What would you consider Royal Lahaina Resort on Maui? That is where we usually stay, but we are coming in April and they are still closed so we are trying The Outrigger Kaanapali Beach Resort.
I'd be interested in hearing your thoughts about time shares vs booking different hotels or airbnbs. I travel to Hawaii probably twice a year but I like the opportunity of staying at different places and having different experiences. I guess I just answered my own question lol.
haha, that is one big reason. Having flexibility in where you stay is big. We signed up for a timeshare presentation to learn about them but the dates ended up not working out. So, we don't know the details. We hear some people love them while others end up selling them for $1.
Question. Any good hotel staying alone? I used to go Maui luxury hotel or condo with my family , but now I am alone on whatever reason still loving Hawai.
Hiw about staff gratuities? What is the sitcg with that? Luxery vs nob vs activities.
What resorts would you recommend for an engagement/proposal? I am in the process of planning and would love advisement :)
What island are you planning on visiting? See our website for honeymoon resorts in case we don't get back to you!
Have you guys stayed at Aulani? Is that considered a luxury hotel, or in a different category from luxury or value? What is your take on it if you have stayed there.
We have stayed there. You can see footage in the kids club discussion. It is a luxury price for a value hotel in our opinion. The pool is the best on Oahu but the rooms are fine and they offer few included amenities in the resort fee.
Great stay in Hawaii
Lower price hotel, more money for quality site seeing activities.
The people of hawaii always will be my OHANAS
Too much, can you get a day pass?
If you have the money, why not ! you can't take it with you 🤙
"White Lotus" 4-Seasons Hotel on Maui?
Yep, filming was controversial at the time since it was COVID lockdowns on the island.
I can recommend the Banyan Bed and Breakfast Retreat in Makawao.
The rooms are in an old plantation house. Some rooms have kitchens. Salt water pool and jacuzzi, yoga studio. I used to think that their prices were high, but now reasonable compared to most hotels.@@TheHawaiiVacationGuide
I just go to the hotel that takes my hotel points!
That’s the way to do it right there. Been to Hawaii twice with a family of 4 all on points. Once with Hilton points and once with Hyatt.
Agreed! Hyatts are the best deal even though we like marriotts. Hyatt has great point deals
love adults only pools.
Someday we will sit at them again.
Non luxury hotel I do not want to be stuck at the hotel I want to be out and about on my vacation
The best way to stay in Maui cheap and enjoy luxury pools. Rent a condo for $300 or less per night - then go to nice resorts during the day and enjoy their luxury pools and bar service for free. I do this often.
They’ve never checked to make sure you’re a guest? 😮
@@nd4539 Never. The bartenders and servers get to know me and think I am a guest, I never say otherwise. I've even charged drinks to a fake room only to pay the tab before I leave. NO DECEIT or stealing involved.
In my experience it's best to stay at a condo with a kitchen so you can make some of your own food. Eating out for every meal gets too expensive.