TA Dina

The WC at the Prince can do everything for you from start to finish. There would really be no need for someone from the outside unless you just found someone else that you preferred. I sat with her for quite a while and she is very capable and experienced. If you have specific questions just PM and I can email her quickly for you. As far as the resort itself, the Prince Hotels always seem to be a bit more secluded and farther out than others on all 3 islands. This one on Maui is the last one down on the main road in Makena, so it is nice and quiet. The total opposite of the Kaanapali area. However, the resort has plenty of activities going on during the day. The watersports activity booth is right on their property & the catamaran to Molokini leaves right from their beach (Molokini is the BEST snorkeling on the island). The luau is right there as well. And you're really only about 15 min down the road from the Shops at Wailea...and downtown Kihei is only a few minutes north of that. So you're not THAT far removed from civilization I've got some pics of the rooms if you want to see them. Honestly, I was expecting not to like this resort that much as I don't care for their property in Hapuna on BI because it is SO secluded, but I was pleasantly surprised.

I steer my clients away from JA when at all possible. They are notoriously cancelling flights (at least from this area). If they insist I sell them with a strong warning to be prepared for anything. I'd personally save myself the stress and go with US.

LUXURY RESORTS The Kahala Halekulani JW Marriott Ihilani at Ko’Olina Royal Hawaiian MODERATE TO UPSCALE Turtle Bay Resort Hyatt Regency Waikiki Waikiki Beach Marriott Embassy Suites Beachwalk Hilton Hawaiian Village Hilton Prince Kuhio Sheraton Princess Kauilani Moana Surfrider, a Westin resort Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach Outrigger Reef on the Beach RQ Waikiki Beach Tower - 1 & 2 bedroom deluxe condo w/full kitchens and w/d BUDGET RESORTS AQUA Resorts Wyland Waikiki BEACHES FOR WEDDINGS Kakaako - The Beach Park This is not really a beach, but more of a park area. It’s off of Ward Ave in an industrial area, but great location for pics. Lots of grass and rocks and a big pavillion w/trellis. Lots of parking too. Right near John Dominis restaurant which would be a nice place for cocktails or a small dinner reception Ala Moana Beach Park Great beach, but lots of locals all the time. Magic Island is at the end of the park. The walk to the end of MI is very far (approx the length of 2 football fields) and that is where you would go for Diamondhead photos. Ok if you’re not wearing heels and it’s not 100 degrees outside. Not such a fun walk in the heat, in a dress, or for your elderly guests. Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach On the opposite side of their lagoon. Nice stretch of beach. Good for Diamondhead pics Diamondhead Beach This is a nice beach for pics but it’s small. And you have to pretty much hike down to the beach from the main road above. No access for handicapped. And when the tide comes in, the strip of beach gets even smaller. Waialae Beach Park Great beach! This is the beach right next to the Kahala. Lots of sandy beach plus palm trees and grassy areas too. There is easy access for handicapped down a path next to the hotel. I think this is my 2nd favorite wedding location just for the combo of the sand and the palm tree and little ‘island’ in the background. But this is a very popular area for weddings, so especially on a weekend, you may not be the only bride there. But there’s room for everyone. Lanai Lookout Not really for weddings but a great location for pics. It’s a lookout point off of the main highway. Wear sneakers or flip flops as you have to do a little hike down to it after hopping over the guardrail from the highway. But it’s worth it once you get there. Sandy Beach Park This is my favorite beach for weddings. The sand literally sparkles. We’ve renamed it Sparkle Beach. Crashing waves, rocks, LOTS of flat sandy areas. No need for a white plastic arch and flowers here. Absolutely gorgeous. BUT, it gets crowded, especially on the weekends. I’d recommend a weekday ceremony here. Lots of parking too, but on the weekends it could take you 20min just to drive through the parking lot. It’s still worth the hassle IMO. Waimanolo Beach Another wide, sandy beach area. In a residential area about 30 min outside Waikiki. Parking is in the neighborhood or down by the military base. A bit windy here. And this is the beach where Rev Capt Howie does his beach weddings. He lives right across the street. And as a side note, yes, he does the weddings in his backyard. The falls he refers to on his website is a waterfall he built in his yard. And he’s got a big fence around his property so I guess it’s ‘secluded.’ Lani kai Beach Another beach in a residential area about 20 min past Waimanolo Beach. Gets very crowded on the weekends. But it’s another nice sandy beach with the Mokolua islands in the background. Parking would be in the actual neighborhoods so not really a good spot for a large group with lots of cars. Waimea Bay or Sunset Beach - North Shore Both are great areas, lots of flat sandy areas. Lots of surfers up in this area though (so I’m sure some might show up in the pics). I would avoid Sunset Beach in the winter time since that is where most of the big surfing competitions are held. Ko’Olina Beach On the western side of the island. This is a less crowded area. It’s right next to the Ihilani Marriott. Great for sunset weddings. As far as the issue with the permits for beach weddings, it is still an issue here. You should definitely inquire about obtaining a permit yourself or work with a WC who has the ability to obtain one on your behalf (they have to be properly insured etc to be able to get them). If they tell you it is not necessary do not listen to them. The police will stop (especially if it’s a large group). And as I mentioned on the Maui board, if you are planning a ceremony/reception at a rental property, be careful. Especially up on the North Shore. The neighbors will complain and the police will break up your event.

Quote: Originally Posted by Tammy Host thanks fro the great review dina...it is long...is your hand cramping yet but seriously this will be so helpful to future maui brides! I know...once I get started...I just can't stop. Wait till tomorrow's Oahu review.

LUXURY RESORTS Fairmont Kea Lani Ritz Carlton Kapalua Grand Wailea Four Seasons Westin Hyatt MODERATE TO UPSCALE RESORTS Sheraton Marriott Maui Prince Kaanapali Alii Kaanapali Shores Embassy Suites Maui Banyan Napili Shores BUDGET RESORTS ResortQuest properties Maui Sunset Maui Schooner Maui Hill Many of these resorts have rooms or condo/suites that may accommodate more than one family. So you get the benefit of sharing the cost between families, but all of the amenities of an upscale resort. Most will have a small fridge or wetbar in them so you can bring back some alcohol for quiet nights out on the balcony (that's not to say you should trek into the Four Seasons with 5 cases of Coors Light ;0). Or keep some snacks or light food in your room for breakfasts/lunch. So it's the best of both worlds if it fits your budget. UPSCALE WEDDING - FAIRMONT KEA LANI RESORT ~All suite & villa resort ~2 & 3 bedroom villas with full kitchens and private plunge pools ~Located on beautiful Polo Beach in Wailea ~Wedding packages starting at $6800 Wedding Locations ~Tropical Gazebo in front of the Royal Fountain Terrace - this is a semi-private area off towards the end of one side of the resort. I saw this set up for a small reception and it was so pretty. The area for tables is set up above the fountain/gazebo so the view when it’s all lit up at night is gorgeous. Can have music out in this area until 9pm. (PM me for pics) ~Pacific Terrace - this area is up by the beach. less private but it sets up on a slight hill so there really is no reason for anyone to be up there while a ceremony is going on. There was actually a ceremony going on while I toured with the WC and it had to be the prettiest wedding set up I’ve seen on any island so far. A flower petal aisle for the bride, white chairs for the guests, tiki torches around the group, a small bar setup at the base of the hill for cocktails and right near the beach so pics can be easily taken before or after the ceremony. ~Polo Lawn - the largest groups can be accommodated here. It’s sort of off to the side of the Pacific Terrace. Buffet-only receptions are held here. Minimum food & beverage costs start at $15K for this location. ~There is backup locations on the 4th & 6th floor alcove for all weddings. Plus ballroom facilities are available as well. MODERATE WEDDING - MAUI PRINCE RESORT ~Great value on the beach ~All rooms newly renovated in July 08 ~No resort fees ~Water sports available right on property ~Home of Maui Sunset Luau - great for rehearsal dinners whether you are staying here or not Wedding Locations ~Pacific Lawn - set closest to the beach, slightly elevated so awesome views. This is the preferred location for oceanfront weddings ~Maluaka Lawn - beachfront oceanfront location. Adjacent to the Pacific Lawn. ~Prince Courtyard - inside the main building of the resort. Koi ponds, waterfalls and lush tropical foliage make this a great location for a garden ceremony and absolutely gorgeous photos. Can rent out this location whether staying at the resort or not. ~The WC at this resort is VERY accommodating and sweet. They will work with outside vendors and are pretty much willing to work with you on whatever requests you may have. ~Guests at the Maui Prince can use the spa/salon over at the Kea Lani for their wedding. I have prices for all of their services should anyone need them. Wedding Hair starts at approx $110. NON-RESORT WEDDING SEAWATCH RESTAURANT Located on the Gold & Emerald Golf Courses in Wailea. It is not directly on the beach but the views throughout the site are breathtaking. They have several options for wedding locations depending upon the size of your group. Even the smallest group will be comfortable here. Plenty of backup locations in case of rain as well. Their packages are all listed on their website (Seawatch Restaurant :: Maui Restaurants :: Wailea Fine Dining :: Sea Watch). The Molokini Lookout location is absolutely beautiful and worth every penny. They will work with outside vendors but check with the WC for a listing of preferreds (with the exception of the cake). They can plan every aspect of your wedding so you really do not need to use anyone else. They are very capable and helpful. And even if not for a wedding, it’s a great place for just a nice lunch or dinner with friends and family removed from all of the resort areas. I have their regular daily menu and prices if anyone wants to see it. Just PM me your email address.

So I just returned back from a few weeks of traveling between Hawaii and Mexico and wanted to share some info with everyone here. Hopefully some of this will help you all out with your wedding planning or give you some food for thought. While on Maui I stayed in the Kaanapali area at the Kaanapali Alii condo resort. It’s located right next door to the Westin on a great stretch of Kaanapali Beach. Probably the nicest, widest stretch of beach in the area. Just a few minutes walk to Whaler’s Village. The resort has 1 & 2 bedroom condos with full kitchens, washer/dryers and daily maid service (but they don‘t do dishes). Great place for families. And since the resort did not have their own dining facilities on site guests are permitted to dine at the neighboring resorts and charge back to your room. I did that 2 mornings for my breakfast buffet at the Westin. You can also order room service from them as well, although I was a little disappointed as everything comes in To Go containers carried in a paper bag. Food was kind of soggy and only luke warm by the time it was delivered. But overall, the condo was great. I personally love that area so it was a perfect location for me. BEACHES (some ideas for beach weddings) Kamaole Park I, II, III - lots of parking, great sandy beach areas at all of them Poolenalena Beach - another great sandy beach, large parking area (room for limos or lots of cars) Cove Park - this was a good recreation beach - volleyball, lots of grass, kiddies surfing Beach @ Maui Prince Resort - this resort sits on a beautiful beach down in Makena and they rent out their location for weddings - this area is more private than the beaches above Napili Bay - the beaches around the bay have some nice quiet areas Keep in mind that all of the above are public beaches so you have the local crowds to deal with in addition to the tourists. Weekends are crazy busy. KIHEI AREA Many hotel/condo accommodations are located down in this area of the island. This is probably where the largest concentration of timeshares is located as well. Most hotel complexes are not beachfront, but across the street from the water. And many require you to walk or drive to the nearest beach park if you just want to lounge in the sand for the day. It’s not like Waikiki where you just cross the street and hit sand. I would recommend staying at the resorts closest to Kamaole Park for the easiest and best beach access. Another thing worth mentioning is that all of these complexes include units that are privately owned. They are managed and rented by various management companies. I toured a few of them and some were definitely much nicer than others (some were just downright nasty). Even within the same complex. You really never know what you’re going to get. I can say that I know the wholesalers that travel agents use to sell units in some of these properties do get us the nicer units. Many save their less than desirable units for different online discount websites. So it may be worth checking with a TA if you are considering a unit in one of these resorts to see if they sell them. In addition to possibly getting a nicer unit you also eliminate the risk of double bookings by management companies. I had the front desk staff at 2 complexes tell me that unfortunately it happens more than they like to admit. Mgmt companies or even the actual owners (VRBO.com) don’t update their rentals in a timely manner and before you know it, 2 sets of people are showing up for the same room. As far as the resorts themselves, most of these are moderate at best. Nothing really upscale or luxurious. And most do not include any ‘resort-type†amenities. No daily maid service (although some do offer it every few days), no restaurants onsite. So you are obviously responsible for buying your own food and cooking during your vacation. Or driving to the nearest restaurant. I really suggest all of my clients sit and really do the math before taking this route. Compare the cost of a rental unit with nothing included, versus a ‘resort†package that might include daily breakfast/food credits, to see what works best for you. Also talk this option over with your guests too. I’ve had plenty of DW guests ask me ‘what about hotels down the road†when the B&G select a condo-resort, as going all the way to Hawaii to then cook and clean for their family was not their idea of a great vacation. And as I mentioned before on another thread, the islands are all cracking down on the rentals of private properties in residential areas. So be extremely careful if you find a great deal on a beach house or bungalow as you could end up without a place to stay or end up paying large amounts of money in fines. I know some on here have found these and are using them for weddings or their honeymoons on all the islands. None are legal (whether the owners or realtor tell you they are or not). So don’t be mislead. LAHAINA AREA This is a fun area to visit during the day for shops, dining, people watching. There are also fun places to visit for nightlife too. It is very busy. Especially if there is a cruise ship tendered for the day. Bumper to bumper traffic down Front St. The Lahaina Hotel is a nice beachfront hotel. There are other nice B&B's in the area as well. I don't know that I'd stay here though as it's just too crowded and not my idea of a relaxing Hawaii vacation IMO. But definately go for a visit. KAPALUA & WAILEA AREA One to the north and the other to the south side of the island. If you are a golfer, just flip a coin as the courses in either location are incredible. Upscale resorts and shopping available in each. Great dining both inside and outside the resorts. KAANAPALI AREA This is the main tourist area on the island where the majority of the big resorts are located. The beachwalk area is fun to walk at nighttime. Lots of options for dining (hula pie at Leilani's...yum), shopping at Whaler's Village, and a nice stretch of beach for all of your watersports and sunbathing. This is my favorite area because I like having everything within walking distance. The only downfall to this area is it is like a mini-Waikiki. Not as bad with the high-rises and crowds of tourists...but it's a very close 2nd. I always wonder when people say they won't visit Oahu but want to stay in Kaanapali on Maui instead.

Quote: Originally Posted by SAM Hello Ladies, We are taking our parents out to dinner in Maui and I want it to somewhat special and not touristy. Something quiet and intimate, so we can enjoy the company. Oh, and of course great food! Has anyone dined at any of these restaurants in the Lahaina area? If so please let me know your thoughts. I've read some stuff on Yelp but some of it is not informative and very basic. 1. Pineapple Grill 2. The Plantation House 3. Cascades at Maui Hyatt 4. Sonz at Maui Hyatt 5. The Seahouse Thanks! I normally recommend the Seahouse to my honeymooners for a quiet romantic dinner and they all come back loving it. It's probably the least "touristy" out of the list. Pineapple Grill was packed with people last time I was there. Very touristy. The places at the Hyatt are nice, but, they're in the Hyatt, so they're always crowded as well. Plantation House is the sister restaurant to the Seawatch in Wailea. That would probaby be my 2nd choice from the list. I also like Mama's Fishouse (it's another of my honeymooner recs), but it's always busy there. GREAT food, GORGEOUS location, but not exactly a quiet little dinner place.

Quote: Originally Posted by mich3l3 Regarding accommodations, I've been thinking about rentals instead of a hotel - seems like it would save some $$. To feed my curiousity, why do you suggest the southern part of the island? Is it less touristy? No, same amount of tourists. It's just the logistics of the planning. The locations are on the southern end of the island. So if you're staying an hour away in Kaanapali or further north in Kapalua, you've got quite a trek to get to your wedding. And it's down one main highway. So if there is construction or an accident, you're just sitting on the highway waiting to get through. There are no detours to get you there quicker.

Many of the resorts have discos right on their properties which are quite fun. And like others said, some are open to the public as well. However in that case you have to watch, because at some the AI option might not apply in the clubs. So you'll pay to drink.

One thing to remember too, is that a WC might not always be necessary. I spent some time with Janet at Seawatch last week and she really can handle EVERY aspect of your wedding from start to finish. So no extra person needed unless you really really require it. Both are beautiful locations. Just remember to keep your guests down in that area. Don't choose a hotel up near Lahaina/Kaanapali. Stick to hotels in the southern part of the island.

Quote: Originally Posted by MOGroom Actually when we priced out Dreams is was the same price as Paradisus Punta Cana. Very interesting. I've never ever seen this happen. I guess that's a good deal if someone can find it.

I would not consider the Majestic a wedding factory. I've had some very happy brides return from that resort. As well as several other resorts on the island outside of the Paradisus. One thing I advise ALL of my clients about with DR (and Punta Cana specifically) is that it is NOT a "gourmet...foodie" destination. The food everywhere is OK. It's not bad, it's not great. You may like some places more than others, even within the same resort. Don't go down there with unrealistic expectations and you won't be disappointed. Outside of my wedding groups I've personally sent tons of clients to Paradisus over the years and some disliked the food and others didn't mention it. It wasn't good or bad. It's a common complaint you're going to hear about every resort at one time or another. Don't stress over it.

Both Dreams and Majestic do beautiful weddings. You have to really look at each resort and see which will fit for you and your guests. Compare packages and see what you're getting from each to get the best value overall. The biggest obvious difference between the 2 is Majestic is still basically brand new. Dreams was just newly refurbished. Not making one better than the other, just a difference. Travel-wise they should both price similarly to each other for your guests. Paradisus will be more which might exclude some guests that you would hope will attend. Just a thought.

What about having the ceremony at a resort? They can do it all for you in one shot. If you want to be on the south side of the island check out the Maui Prince. They've got a few locations for weddings on property and are on a great stretch of beach. So you have garden/lawn set up for the ceremony and then the beach for pics etc. Plus you're close enough to the Cove if you wanted to go over there too. Their room renovations were finally just completed too and they look pretty good IMO. Kea Lani does a GORGEOUS setup on their lawn for smaller groups too. Or they have their Royal Fountain Terrace Seawatch will fit what you want too. They've got quite a few different setups that can work for you.

Quote: Originally Posted by princessina OMG I wonder what's going on over there? strong tide? inexperience swimmer? various combination? That's so sad There are high surf advisories all over many of the beaches on all the islands right now. Not many swimming in the water here on Maui now either. Kinda crappy weather everywhere making the water pretty scary right now.

Jamesons by the Sea or Haleiwa Joe's. Everything up there is VERY casual and while you probably won't come away thinking it was the best meal ever...both places are fun. I'd probably lean towards Joe's. For better food and more choices you'd have to head down towards Honolulu or maybe go over to a place in Turtle Bay Resort.

Quote: Originally Posted by Monika Dina, Thank you SOO much! This is a great help for me. I will look into Outrigger Reef. Do you or anyone on the board by chance have stayed in the Hilton Price Kuhio hotel recently? I did some research and their room looks really good. Let me know if you have any experience. :-D that's the old radisson. I liked it as the Radisson and it was still just as nice when it changed over to Hilton. I toured it then but I've not seen it since the most recent upgrades, but it's on our list for next Fri to inspect. They do have that modern decor that seems to be all the rage in hawaii nowadays. It's nice (if you like modern) but you could really stand in your room and not know if you're in Hawaii or Atlanta IMO. The rooms are a decent size though. Again watch for the views...lower cateogies might only see the bldgs next door. I don't agree completely with their site in that they are "only steps from the beach". Its more like several blocks. Still walkable but I don't know if an 80y.o. grandma would be able to do it. After a night of drinks and dancing even we were complaining about the walk home when we stayed back on Kuhio Ave.

Oahu has so much to choose from and something for every budget. You really have to figure out what you want from the resort (location, amenities etc). There are not many that are right on the beach, but those that aren't are still only across the street (so some tend to price better). Keep in mind though that not all of the resorts in waikiki do weddings at their properties so you'd have to plan all that seperately. My new absolute fave on the beach is the Outrigger Reef on the Beach. Its all been newly renovated and the new rooms are so pretty. It's the best value on the beach right now. Some of the lower categories have no view at all (the building next door) but it still wouldn't stop me from staying there if that's all I could afford. But I'd go into higher categories if it's possible. The Aqua Resorts price well but I consider most of them budget properties and don't know that they'd be the best place to chill with your friends/family before a wedding. Resortquest Waikiki Beach Hotel is a fun place. Sits across the street from the beach but is literally, just across the street. Very casual, fun, hawaii-themed resorts. Rooms tend to be a little on the small side, but still comfortable. The new Embassy Suites at the Beachwalk is very cool. Large one and two bedroom suites. Attached to the Beachwalk area so it's a great location. Good breakfast buffet and mgr cocktail hour every day so its a good value, altho it will still price on the high side because it's still rather new. Then you have your usual suspects...Hyatt, Marriott, Sheraton (altho Sheraton Waikiki is just blech...it's a big convention hotel...not a hawaiian resort). Hilton hawaiian Village is another one I tend to stay away from. It's just TOO big, and all the cruise lines use it as their main hotel for cruisers. Too crowded, too big. I don't like it, but that's just my opinion. When you head up to Turtle Bay I would go for the beach cottages if it fits your budget. Very romantic and pretty. Hope this helps a little. If you have any specific questions just PM me. I'm a Master Specialist for the island's tourist board so I know it pretty well. I'll be out there next week actually so I'll have lots of new pics to share with everyone too.

If it's just a symbolic ceremony the WC should be able to do it for you in english. Which resort?

Our World's Largest Cruise Event 2008 is in full swing! Visit our site for details on exclusive specials offered through our agency on all new bookings made October 4-10th! And for new wedding groups of 8 or more cabins our BDW couples will receive special surprise amenities too! Now is the time to start planning your 2009 wedding cruise! And don't forget to sign up for our FREE CRUISE SWEEPSTAKES every day this week! Anyone can enter so spread the word to family and friends! Good luck!

Great info!! My only suggestions would be I'd change it to "ship" instead of "boat". And maybe add a blurb about funds being tied up if using a debit card (as a visa) instead of an actual credit card for the cabin deposit. My first timers usually never realize how the daily hold from the cruise line can tie up all their cash for a week or so.

Mandalay Bay has some really good package specials going on right now with suite upgrades and dining discounts etc.

Quote: Originally Posted by ale79 I think Barry Maier is a wedding photographer - didn't know he was a coordinator as well? Here are two other coordinator companies I've called: Weddings by Grace and Mona (pricey) and Katy Castillo Weddings. I've actually decided NOT to hire a coordinator or do just for the day professional coordination, but I live in Hawaii, so its a lot easier for me. Barry was/still is an awesome photographer, but expanded his business a few years ago into planning and coordination as well.

You will find plenty to do there without even stepping on a casino floor. However that does tend to be a busy week out there. I'm leaving on 11/30 and the flights are more than I'd like them to be. So my advice is start planning now and get things locked in.

Quote: Originally Posted by princessina Hi, Everyone, I have a dilemma and I wanted to see if I could get some advice. I currently have a wedding planner that I'm working with who isn't turning out to be as helpful as I thought. I'm thinking of letting her go and doing it myself, since it seems like most things I've done up to this point. I still have about 8 months to go but I'm expected to have about 100 guests. The realistic number will be more like 75-80 but still a decent group. I'm nervous of the fact that I'm not sure who will be managing all of the different vendors the day of the wedding. We're planning a wedding at a vacation home, so it's not like we're going to do it at a hotel or anything of the sort. I'd like to get some feedback on what anyone thinks or experience. Has anyone done it themselves from a distance, with a big group size? and how was it? Thank you in Advance I'd recommend a coordinator. Check with Barry Maier at Aloha Beautiful Weddings. If he cannot provide all of the specific services you need, he can probably point you in the right direction. His site is Aloha Beautiful Hawaii Weddings.