Hawaii hotels? Mauna Lani, Kea Lani, Orchid, Andaz, Grand Wailea
Going to Hawaii with my wife in early Dec. We’re doing 5 nights on Kauai first, then trying to decide between Maui and the Big Island for the second portion of the trip (4 nights).
For those last 4 nights, we mostly want to zen out at a resort -- somewhere fairly luxe, beautiful, comfortable, and nice enough that we’ll want to spend the day on/around the property. We care a bit less about the room itself (but I know Kea Lani suites are a plus) and more about the grounds, pools/beach, service, food, overall atmosphere, and how special the resort feels. We love a place with warmth and character.
Open to other suggestions, but so far narrowed it down to the following. Booking w Amex, so some have promos (and all get free breakfast). Prices are all-in, including fees.
- Mauna Lani, Auberge Collection — $1110/night (comes with a $400 resort credit to use there). I was kinda attached to this one and was ready to splurge, but then price bumped even more :/
- Fairmont Kea Lani — $1030/night (promo for a free night, included in that price). I worry it's a bit mega-resorty?
- Fairmont Orchid — $575/night (promo for a free night, included in that price). Recent tripadvisor reviews worry me...
- Andaz -- $955/night
- Waldorf Grand Wailea -- $785/night -- tripadvisor reviews seem straight up bad?
The Orchid obviously stands out on price, which is making this harder. For people who have stayed at 2 or more of these: what were your experiences like, which was your favorite, and how big was the actual quality/experience gap? Is Mauna Lani meaningfully better than Kea Lani or Andaz? And is either enough better than Fairmont Orchid to justify that difference?
We're new to 5 star travel -- wanted to treat ourselves on this trip, so I think I'll feel a bit let down if I get there and it feels wayyy below that. Happy to splurge a bit if the difference is genuinely noticeable, but don’t want to spend an extra ~$1,500–2,000 over four nights for a marginal upgrade. We want to keep the trip under $13k-ish, but got a great deal on our Kuwaii hotel (400/night :) Note: I think that means FS/Rosewood etc. is a bit out of reach ($1400<).
What have everyone's experiences been at these resorts? Which would you choose at these prices?
Thanks in advance, everyone!! Let me know if I can provide further info about what we're looking for etc. Just wanted to get everyone's thoughts :)