Rate the Marriott Hawaii resorts

[022520]

Hi gang,

Was wondering if someone could give a quick rating of the Marriotts in Hawaii in terms of quality, value and overall beauty. I realize that they could be different for different people but eliminating the person preference and need issue, just an overall opinion of them. Im retired and would visit with my retired wife. We have no mobility issues. Have never been to Hawaii and might be visiting soon.

Thanks, Larry

 

[dioxide45]

Others will dispute , but here is my ranking, top to bottom. Though the difference from top property and the bottom is pretty small. This is also based on perception since I haven't been to all of them.

Though this is based on resort overall feel.
Maui Ocean Club (old and new sections) - Stayed
Kauai Lagoons - Stayed
Ko'Olina - Stayed
Waiohai - Day Visit
Kauai Beach Club

This is based on the Villa. I broke out the two Maui properties because the villas are so different.
Kauai Lagoons
Maui Ocean Club Lahaina and Napili Towers
Maui Ocean Club Molokai, Maui & Lanai Wing
Ko'Olina
Waiohai
Kauai Beach Club

Based on things to do, (touristy stuff)
Ko'Olina
Maui Ocean Club (old and new sections)
Waiohai - Day Visit
Kauai Beach Club
Kauai Lagoons (close with Kauai Beach Club, but a bit further drive over some speed bumps)

Based on View
Kauai Lagoons
Maui Ocean Club Lahaina and Napili Towers
Ko'Olina
Maui Ocean Club Molokai, Maui & Lanai Wing
Kauai Beach Club
Waiohai (only because many of the units don't have great ocean views)

 

[alwysonvac]

Others will dispute , but here is my ranking, top to bottom. Though the difference from top property and the bottom is pretty small. This is also based on perception since I haven't been to all of them.

Though this is based on resort overall feel.
Maui Ocean Club (old and new sections) - Stayed
Kauai Lagoons - Stayed
Ko'Olina - Stayed
Waiohai - Day Visit
Kauai Beach Club

This is based on the Villa. I broke out the two Maui properties because the villas are so different.
Kauai Lagoons
Maui Ocean Club Lahaina and Napili Towers
Maui Ocean Club Molokai, Maui & Lanai Wing
Ko'Olina
Waiohai
Kauai Beach Club

Based on things to do, (touristy stuff)
Ko'Olina
Maui Ocean Club (old and new sections)
Waiohai - Day Visit
Kauai Beach Club
Kauai Lagoons (close with Kauai Beach Club, but a bit further drive over some speed bumps)

Based on View
Kauai Lagoons
Maui Ocean Club Lahaina and Napili Towers
Ko'Olina
Maui Ocean Club Molokai, Maui & Lanai Wing
Kauai Beach Club
Waiohai (only because many of the units don't have great ocean views)

Very nice...Thanks for the list

Regarding the ranking for things to do, (touristy stuff), did you mean in the immediate area or the overall island in general?

 

[dioxide45]

Very nice...Thanks for the list

Regarding the ranking for things to do, (touristy stuff), did you mean in the immediate area or the overall island in general?

Overall island in general for the most part, but ease of getting to things too.

 

[puckmanfl]

good morning...

Before Greg chimes in .....

6206 and the elevated OF units at MOC Lahaina are the best views...
KL has the best overall views OF,OV IV BUT 6206 has a better view than OF at KL, however OV, IV at KL are better than OV,IV at MOC...

KL has best Lanai's...

 

[GregT]

I've copied Dioxide's format (which is a good one), and rated for my preferences -- in general, we agree on most of the categories -- thanks!

Based on resort overall feel.
Maui Ocean Club (old and new sections) - Stayed in both
Kauai Lagoons - Stayed in Building A
Ko'Olina - Stayed in two of three buildings
Waiohai - Day Visit
Kauai Beach Club - Day Visit

I think MOC is such a unique property that I have it as #1 (by a relatively wide margin). I've enjoyed my visit at each of the others, but MOC has it all when synthesizing the resort/villa/island experience.

Based on the Villa. The two Maui properties broken out because the villas are so different.
Maui Ocean Club Lahaina and Napili Towers - 3BR
Kauai Lagoons - either 2BR or 3BR
Maui Ocean Club Lahaina and Napili Towers - 2BR
Ko'Olina
Maui Ocean Club Molokai, Maui & Lanai Wing
Waiohai
Kauai Beach Club

I differentiated the 3BR at the new towers from the 2BR because the I feel the 3BR at MOC is superior to Kauai Lagoons, which has the same floor plan as the 2BR but with a third BR appended on (similar to Ko Olina). The 3BR at MOC is a very expansive floor plan and bigger than the living area at KL. I'm staying now in a MOC L/N 2BR and the living space feels just like the KL living space. KL gets the nod over the MOC L/N 2BR because of its phenomenal Lanai

I rated Ko Olina above traditional MOC because of the kitchen/laundry facilities, but it's worth noting that traditional MOC seems to have good views in every room I get for a guest. We don't talk about it much, but Mountain/Garden in MOC still has peek-a-book Ocean Views (like some of Waiohai's Ocean Views).

Based on things to do, (touristy stuff)
Ko'Olina
Maui Ocean Club (old and new sections)
Kauai Beach Club
Kauai Lagoons (close with Kauai Beach Club, but a bit further drive over some speed bumps)
Waiohai - Day Visit

I agree with Dioxide's rankings, however I've ranked Waiohai at the bottom because KL and KBC are more centrally located, providing comparable access to the North Shore as to the South Shore. We really liked North Shore and therefore that is appealing to us.

Based on View
Kauai Lagoons
Maui Ocean Club Lahaina and Napili Towers
Maui Ocean Club Molokai, Maui & Lanai Wing
Kauai Beach Club
Ko'Olina
Waiohai (only because many of the units don't have great ocean views)

Again, I mostly agree with Dioxide's rankings, downgrading Ko Olina a little bit (even though it can have spectacular views) because there are also a fair number of poor views in Island View category (and Ocean Views obstructed by trees). An above-tree-line Ocean View will be spectacular at Ko Olina. Kauai Lagoons has to win here because almost every unit will have an Ocean View, and it is a breathtaking ocean view. The Lanai itself accentuates the view, so Kauai Lagoons comes out at the top.

Finally, I do agree with Puck's comments that a high-floor at Lahaina Villas/Napili Villas is my personal favorite, but KL has great views from all units. (and of course, 6206 rocks!)

All properties are terrific, and I think you will be happy with whichever one you select.

Best,

Greg

 

[BocaBoy]

I have stayed at all of these properties, once at Waiohai and multiple times at each of the others. I rank MOC (new section) first, but only a tad better than KL. Both are far ahead of the others. Ko Olina is a clear #3, Waiohai is a clear #4 (maybe higher with kids), and KBC is a clear last. The old section at MOC probably ranks between Ko Olina and Waiohai.

I agree with most of Dioxide's and Greg's comments, but there are a few differences. I put MOC first in terms of things to do. Ko Olina would possibly rank higher if it had easier access to Waikiki, but Maui has an incredible number of great activities. The villas at KL are far and away the best, followed by Ko Olina and then the new section MOC. The lanais also rank in that order. I am ranking the villas and the lanais on the basis of the 2BRs only. The 3BR units at MOC are special but most people do not have access to them as a practical matter.

KBC deserves a special note. It would be at or near the top if it had the villas of the others. However, its villas are easily the worst (in almost every respect) of any of the 20 MVCI resorts I have stayed at.

 

[Docklander]

Have never been to Hawaii and might be visiting soon.

Based on this alone we'd pick Maui. To us its a nice blend of a beautiful Pacific island and a destination with a lot to do. We're not big fans of Oahu - for us large parts of it just don't have that 'island feel' (others may disagree) so, for that reason alone, we would not make Oahu our first visit to Hawaii. Kauai is stunningly beautiful (we love our visits to Waiohai) but it doesn't have the choices of activities and restaurants that Maui has.

 

[cp73]

Dioxide, that is a great way to compare the resorts. I somewhat agree with your rankings, however I think there is one more important category which I am adding my take on. We like to spend lots of time on the beach at the resorts. That includes swimming, sitting on the sand, and walking. In fact most of our days are just staying put at the resort.

Based on beach in front of resort.
Ko Olina - stayed 3 times
Waiohai - stayed 1 time
Maui Ocean Club (old and new) - stayed 2 times
Kaui Beach Club -never
Kauai Lagoons -never

 

[DeniseM]

You can't go wrong with one of the Marriott resorts - IMNSHO, which one you will like the best really depends on the ISLAND, and not the resort itself. Each island is a very different vacation experience, and most people tend to have a strong preference for one or 2 islands.

The first time we went to Hawaii, we went to Oahu, and thought it was great.

The 2nd time we went to Maui and liked it even better.

Then we went to the big Island and liked it even better than Maui.

Then we went to Kauai, and BINGO - we found our home away from home. Now we only go to Kauai.

If you like shopping, nightlife, and historical sightseeing in an urban setting - Oahu is your island. (And you can stay at Ko'olina and get away from Waikiki.)

If you like lots of driving and sightseeing, you want to see the active volcano, and being right on the beach isn't important to you - then the Big Island is your island.

If you like lots of activities, at an ocean front resort, in a big resort setting - then Maui is the island for you.

If you like ocean front resorts where you can relax, watch the ocean, walk, snorkel, hike, and sight see, and you don't care about shopping or fancy dining out - then Kauai is the island for you.

 

[SueDonJ]

I've only been to Waiohai - loved everything about it but worried a great deal before getting there that as exchangers we'd end up in one of the dreaded parking lot/dumpster-view units on the back side of Hale 4. It didn't happen, thankfully, but if it had it would have seriously downgraded our vacation.

We spent the night before checking in to Waiohai in hotel rooms at KBC. The view from the oceanside rooms was very nice and the common areas of the resort were excellent, but knowing that the majority of the timeshare units are converted hotel rooms keeps me from wanting to exchange in.

From reading TUG I think next time I'd want to go to KL more than any of the others, then Maui (in one of the full kitchen units) sounds much more appealing than Ko 'Olina. Don't know why, it's just a feeling. But those two are at the bottom of my list because they're high-rises, which make me feel claustrophobic the way they block the landscape.

 

[pedro47]

To everyone thanks for sharing all this information and suggestions.

 

[dioxide45]

Dioxide, that is a great way to compare the resorts. I somewhat agree with your rankings, however I think there is one more important category which I am adding my take on. We like to spend lots of time on the beach at the resorts. That includes swimming, sitting on the sand, and walking. In fact most of our days are just staying put at the resort.

Based on beach in front of resort.
Ko Olina - stayed 3 times
Waiohai - stayed 1 time
Maui Ocean Club (old and new) - stayed 2 times
Kaui Beach Club -never
Kauai Lagoons -never

Good category. Though I am interested why you put Maui Ocean Club at number three? We didn't hang out on the beach there, so I am thinking you are more experienced than I. However, I wasn't overly impressed with the beach at Waiohai and the beach at Ko'Olina is a man made lagoon. Maui has to be better than those?

 

[cp73]

Good category. Though I am interested why you put Maui Ocean Club at number three? We didn't hang out on the beach there, so I am thinking you are more experienced than I. However, I wasn't overly impressed with the beach at Waiohai and the beach at Ko'Olina is a man made lagoon. Maui has to be better than those?

At Maui it seems to me that a lot of that beach in front of the resort depends on what time of year you go. When I have gone there was little to almost no sand or beach in front of the resort. Everyone seems to be by the pool or on the grass areas. Seems like we always were walking way down before we entered the water near Black Rock. Waiohai I agree not a perfect beach but it seems bigger usable area than at MOC resort beach. Good beach for body surfing. Ko Olina, yeah I know its man made, I really had to think about that one, but as far as the sand area goes and swimmable and snorkeling areas IMO its nice. Its really great for families with children; not so much for big kids/adults that want to ride or play in the surf. I guess again it comes down to what you want to do on the beach. I do agree its a nice walk up and down the beach at Kanapalli. But I also enjoy the walk around the lagoons at Ko Olina.

I agree with what you and others have said. They are all nice and you wont go wrong with any of them. They are all just different.

 

[MORRISFAMILY]

I agree with what Denise and CP said. IMHO Maui is a beautiful Island, however, I like Ko Olina and you would need a rental car you can see the whole island which is beautiful. Diamond Head, Polynesian Cultural Center, Dole Pineapple Plantation, and Pearl Harbor are all sites that need to be seen.
I love the man made lagoons at Ko'Olina Even driving into Waikiki and walking on the beach, the shops and restaurants are amazing!!

 

[022520]

Wow,

You guys are great. This is exactly what I was looking for. Thanks for the help and let the planning begin. My wife and I are in second marriages with our 20th anniversary coming in two years. I think I might surprise her with a Hawaiian vacation.

Larry

 

[Ron98GT]

At Maui it seems to me that a lot of that beach in front of the resort depends on what time of year you go. When I have gone there was little to almost no sand or beach in front of the resort. Everyone seems to be by the pool or on the grass areas. Seems like we always were walking way down before we entered the water near Black Rock. Waiohai I agree not a perfect beach but it seems bigger usable area than at MOC resort beach. Good beach for body surfing. Ko Olina, yeah I know its man made, I really had to think about that one, but as far as the sand area goes and swimmable and snorkeling areas IMO its nice. Its really great for families with children; not so much for big kids/adults that want to ride or play in the surf. I guess again it comes down to what you want to do on the beach. I do agree its a nice walk up and down the beach at Kanapalli. But I also enjoy the walk around the lagoons at Ko Olina.

I agree with what you and others have said. They are all nice and you wont go wrong with any of them. They are all just different.

Just a couple of points and questions:

1. I'm wondering when you go to Maui/Ka'anapali? We go in May and December and don't recall ever not seeing a beach/sand on Ka'anapali?
2. You mentioned walking from MOC to Black Rock to find sand? That's a long, but healthy walk. Ka'anapali is my favorite beach to walk and run on barefoot.
3. One thing I didn't like about the beach in front of MOC was the large about of shallow coral. If you try using a surfboard or SUP, it's real easy to get tore up, which I did. The coral in front of WKORV wasn't as shallow and it was better for snorkeling and SUP'ing, but no surfing.
4. It's been a few years since we've been to Waiohai (be back in December), but from what I recall, there was no beach in front of the Marriott. You had to go next door and use the public beach?
5. I have to agree that Ko'olina's beaches are better for families and specifically kids. Not good for swimming, snorkeling, and playing with adult beach toys like SUP's and surfboards. In fact, they didn't rent any SUP's when we were there, you hand to go down to the Marriott hotel, which was a couple of lagoons over.

 

[cp73]

Just a couple of points and questions:

1. I'm wondering when you go to Maui/Ka'anapali? We go in May and December and don't recall ever not seeing a beach/sand on Ka'anapali? The last time we went it was in late January. Prior I believe was in Sept/Oct....there was some sand just not much. Only a few people sitting on towels on the beach because its so narrow. Everyone seemed to be sitting/laying up on the grass or at the pools.
2. You mentioned walking from MOC to Black Rock to find sand? That's a long, but healthy walk. Ka'anapali is my favorite beach to walk and run on barefoot.
3. One thing I didn't like about the beach in front of MOC was the large about of shallow coral. If you try using a surfboard or SUP, it's real easy to get tore up, which I did. The coral in front of WKORV wasn't as shallow and it was better for snorkeling and SUP'ing, but no surfing. I agree not a safe beach to swim in front of the resort. I forgot about the coral.
4. It's been a few years since we've been to Waiohai (be back in December), but from what I recall, there was no beach in front of the Marriott. You had to go next door and use the public beach? It kind of slightly on the left side of the resort, I agree.
5. I have to agree that Ko'olina's beaches are better for families and specifically kids. Not good for swimming, snorkeling, and playing with adult beach toys like SUP's and surfboards. In fact, they didn't rent any SUP's when we were there, you hand to go down to the Marriott hotel, which was a couple of lagoons over.

Good comments...thanks

 

[MOXJO7282]

I would think that this is also an age related question. By in large by percentages I would say most on the younger side or with a young to teenage family wouldn't put Kauai first, probably it would be Maui, then Oahu. However the older travelers would probably put Kauai first.

As for the resorts I also think it could be influenced by age a great deal. Younger families may not be concerned with a kitchen whereas older travelers seem to rank that as a much higher amenity.

 

[Disney Marriott]

Thanks, op, for asking this. I'll really have to look at these reviews, we're planning a trip in 2016. Staying at Disney's Aulani, so not going to Marriott Ko Olina, but don't know where to go for Marriott. DH wants to go to Kauai probably, but I could do that or Maui. Just excited to go! Probably a two + week overall.

For us it would be DH and I and 16 yo DD.

 

[wyannuzzi]

You guys are no help at all. Now I have to figure out how to take 4 weeks off and visit all 4 islands!!!!

 

[csalter2]

MOC is nice but...

I have been to Maui Ocean Club and I don't like the fact that it seems tight at the resort. Whaler's Village is crowded and the pathway to the beach can be crowded. The beach, at least to me, is not enough beach. Now I don't usually compare my DRI properties to my Marriotts, but DRI's Kaanapali Beach Club seems more expansive than MOC.

It is for this reason that I put Ko Olina over MOC. It is a larger resort with more room. The beach is wider man made or not. I think it is aesthetically more appealing than MOC. I also believe with Disney close by and the evolving community that in time it will have just enough to do just in the Ko Olina area that you won't have to go to Waikiki as much.

I think we also must remember that Oahu is a very different island than Maui. Oahu offers so much more. In my opinion it offers the best of both worlds. The tranquility and beauty of Hawaii that people expect and the nightlife and city feel that we all are running for. That puts Ko Olina over the top in my opinion.

 

[csalter2]

good idea!

You guys are no help at all. Now I have to figure out how to take 4 weeks off and visit all 4 islands!!!!

I am actually doing that right now. Four weeks and will be visiting all four islands.

 

[Chrispee]

I would think that this is also an age related question. By in large by percentages I would say most on the younger side or with a young to teenage family wouldn't put Kauai first, probably it would be Maui, then Oahu.

My wife and I are in our mid-30's and we have a 6 year old son, and Kauai is by far our first choice in islands. I'd say amongst our friends of the same age, there's a 50/50 split of Maui and Kauai. Obviously you're right about Maui being the most popular amongst that demographic, but I'd say Kauai is making headway.

I selfishly hope that Kauai stays unpopular compared to Maui. I imagine Kauai today is similar to what Maui must have been like 20 years ago.

 

[DeniseM]

I don't see island preferences as being age related. I think it's about the kind of vacation experience you want. Kauai offers a lot to vacationers who want an active outdoors vacation - rather than shopping/fine dining/tourist activities. I don't think that's age related.

I selfishly hope that Kauai stays unpopular compared to Maui. I imagine Kauai today is similar to what Maui must have been like 20 years ago.

Exactly!