Aloha from Hawaii!

In late October, Marriott sponsored a FAM trip to Hawaii. I was lucky to be invited along with a few other AAA Northeast Travel Agents/Hawaiian Specialists and our Travel Sales Manager. I visited many of the Marriott properties on both Oahu and Maui, and this provided a great opportunity to see the hotels up close, tour the property, walk thru the hotel rooms, and find out what makes each location so special. In addition to site tours, we were treated to delectable dining at many of the onsite restaurants. Our hosts in all locations were hospitable, professional, and informative. #marriott #oahu #maui #hawaiifam #waikikibeach

Sunday, Oct 19

Check in at the Moana Surfrider was seamless. With staff anxiously awaiting to check you in and ‘Aloha’ you, everything from this point on is an extraordinary experience. We were treated to beautifully decorated king ocean view balcony rooms. They were spacious with a large bathroom and walkout balcony. The room provided remarkable views of the resort, pool, ocean, and activity on the main level. The pool area and towel station included complimentary sunscreen and towels. #moanasurfrider

Moana Surfrider is Beach Front on an impressive stretch of beach

Moana's pool

Our first nite’s Dinner meet and greet was at Sheraton and hosted by Sam, Marissa, and Elisabet with food prepared by Rumfire. We sat outside introducing ourselves and getting acclimated to the time zone. Our dinner buffet includes short ribs, Ahi tuna bowl, Chicken, Hawaiian rice, salad, and a mango dessert. We enjoyed new company, took in a beautiful sunset, and witnessed our first rainbow of many to follow. After dinner, we walked to an outdoor sitting area at Rumfire Restaurant that provided a protective umbrella. After dinner, I got the opportunity to walk thru the indoor dining area of Rumfire and check out Sheraton’s adult infinity pool, which is amazing and offers panoramic views of the ocean. #sheratonwaikiki #rumfire #rumfiresheraton #aaanortheast #aaanortheasttravel #hawaiianspecialist #aaatravelagent

Dinner at the Sheraton outdoors, served by Rumfire – amazing hosts, amazing company!

Enjoying the outdoor lounge area at Rumfire

Before the day started, I took a walk on Waikiki Beach in front of Moanna Surfrider

Monday, Oct 20

Busy, busy, busy…After a delicious breakfast buffet at the Moana Surfrider, we were on our way. Our first stop was across the street at the Princess Kaiulani Hotel. This is a nice 3.5 star property, in a great location (midstrip) and across the street from Waikiki Beach (5 min walk tops) and next to an indoor shopping area (with a Target). We toured a dbl oceanview room (bath/shower), and the banyan room (no balcony/resort view) shower only. For the budget conscious, this is a good bet. #princesskaiulanihotel

Princess Kaiulani Hotel with ocean view 

Our second stop was at the Moana Surfrider. Built in 1901, sits on Waikiki Beach. This is Hawaii’s first hotel. It’s a landmark and makes a remarkable architectural presence not only on Waikiki Beach but also in Honolulu. Our FAM group stayed here. We toured the Moana King Oceanfront Diamond class room. This king category has a smaller bathroom, with an indoor balcony, featuring chairs on a wooden floor with sliding glass doors (French balcony cruise vibe). The room is spacious enough, but I would recommend upgrading to King Oceanview that the advisors slept in. The Moana has an open-air spa with dream beds, literally. It’s on a great stretch of Waikiki Beach…a two-minute walk from the lobby. The front and back lobby features rocking chairs that guests take pleasure relaxing in while viewing the premises and beautiful banyan trees. The pool is standard size…not huge, but it’s on the beach and didn’t seem overcrowded. (For a couple traveling without kids, this is my top choice. With kids, I would choose Sheraton due to their pool size).

Moana Diamond Room & Balcony

Moana Surfrider, iconic hotel built in 1901

Moana Surfrider pool sits on Waikiki Beach

Moana Surfrider Spa

Our third stop was at the Sheraton Waikiki where we toured a double queen oceanfront suite. There were a separate living area and full kitchen, not to mention large bathrooms and walk in shower (that can easily fit six!) A connecting King can be added to this room category, making this a great family destination. The Sheraton has a welcoming family pool and a separate adult-only infinity pool. I loved the décor in this hotel. Everything was coastal, inspired hues of pale blues, beige, and whites with lighter oak furnishings. Hardwood and carpeting throughout the rooms and carpeting was more of an indoor/outdoor rug without a pile, which is great for keeping odors at a minimum. As I mentioned earlier, this is my top spot for families. You have the potential to sleep six in a dbl oceanfront balcony suite and connecting king.

Sheraton Double Queen Oceanfront

Sheraton Waikiki has a great pool for families - the beach is a 2 minute walk

Sheraton Waikiki Adult Infinity Pool

Our fourth stop was at The Royal Hawaiian, another drop dead, gorgeous and iconic hotel. Built in 1927 and sitting on 15 lush acres, this hotel is referred to as The Pink Palace. There is no missing it due to not only its color but also the structure itself, which like the Moana, is a standout oceanfront property in Waikiki. We toured a resort view King in the old wing. This room is old school with true Hawaiian flavors including a beautifully carved wooden door, pink damask wallpaper, dark mahogany furnishings, and a palm leaf ceiling fan. The bathroom was modern with granite and a walk-in shower. We also toured an updated Oceanfront King room, but the décor is questionable. The oceanfront balcony is the winning factor in this category. The pool is on the beach, but it’s on the MUCH smaller scale. Lunch at the Royal was outstanding! #royalhawaiian #royalhawaiianwaikiki #thepinkpalace #ahitunaoahu

Royal Hawaiian Ocean Front King

Our fifth stop was at the Ritz Carlton Residences. This is an ideal property for families or multi-generational family vacations because they offer one thru four-bedroom suites with full kitchen and high-end appliances, living area with spacious and elegant decor, and walk out balcony. The lobby is located on the 8^th floor, which sets this property apart from other 5-star hotels in the area. The only negative is that this is not beachfront and the walk to Waikiki Beach is about 7 – 10 minutes. You are without a doubt in a prime location, but you’ll either walk a few blocks or shuttle to the beach. The pool and surroundings are what you would expect at a Ritz. The room décor is coastal and contemporary with beige, white, and light grey tones. Design factor is 5 stars. I don’t feel there’s a need to add pics. The Ritz speaks for itself.  Each bedroom has its own ensuite and they are fabulous. This is a great property for people who need space, elegance, and want to be on the down low. #ritzcarltonwaikiki

The nite ended with a Luau at the Royal Hawaiian. The show was outstanding and told stories of Hawaii’s leaders and past. Ending your stay with a luau is a must. Travel advisors will always recommend the best show. This is a sit-down fixed dinner plate and was enjoyed by everyone. #waikikiluau #royalhawaiianluau #bestluauwaikiki

Pool Scene at Moana Surfrider

Royal Hawaiian Luau

Tuesday, Oct 21

After another delicious breakfast, we toured Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa and saw a Premium Oceanview room. This room was surprisingly big with a modern bathroom and walk in shower. It has a rooftop pool, large fitness center, and is across the street from Waikiki beach. It’s in a great location. I would consider this one for someone looking to save a little $$. #waikikibeachmarriottresort

Premium Oceanview

Before heading to The Ritz Carlton Turtle Bay, we made a quick stop at Kualoa Ranch, www.kualoa.com. This is an excursion that has open air UTVs, ziplining, boating, beach, visits to movie sites, ie, Jurassic Park and Kong Skull Island, and more. It’s a great way to spend the day and there’s something for everyone. #kualoaranch #waikikiexcursions #waikikiziplining

Our last tour in Oahu was at was at Ritz Carlton Turtle Bay. I cannot say enough about this property. Exclusive, Remote, and elegant, it’s a honeymooner’s dream. The location is about 25 min away from downtown Waikiki…so an easy Uber. I really felt this resort captures the beauty and vibe of Hawaii all in one location. We toured a few room categories which were all decorated beautifully with high end furnishings. You have a lot of different rooms to choose from here. Again, 5 star…you know you’re getting the best of the best here. Our tour was followed by lunch at the Beach House, a beachfront location with outstanding food. This is a top choice for me. #ritzcarltonturtlebay #ritzcarltonoahu

Turtle Bay

After Turtle Bay, we made a quick stop at the Dole Plantation for some Dole Whip before our flight to Maui. #doleplantation #dolewhip

Maui Bound!

Oct 21 pm. Our first stop in Maui was a tour of the Courtyard Maui Kahului Airport. I was impressed with this 3.5-star property for a few reasons. It’s close to the airport, accommodation looked clean and comfortable, they offer dining on premises, and amenities include an above average fitness center. We toured a deluxe junior suite and a standard double queen, the suite and 2 double room can be connected…huge bonus for families. Although the bedrooms have standard décor/furnishings, you’ll have a kitchen and a living area to relax in. The outdoor sitting area has a small pool and chairs w/firepit. This is a great spot to stay for an early flight or late arrival. #courtyardmauikahuluiairport

Courtyard Maui Kahului Airport

After our tour, we headed over to the Wailea Beach Resort for a one nite stay. This was a 30 minute drive from the airport. We were in an oceanfront king. This property sits on 22 acres and is beach front. There is a sidewalk that connects you to the beach on the far right and left. It’s about a 5-7 walk in either direction. After check in, you are given a wristlet to wear on property that serves as your room key. We had dinner that nite and breakfast the following morning at Humble Market Kitchen. This is a standout restaurant that deserves a little bow. The dinner menu was superb, and our breakfast was served in a bento box. The food was AMAZING! Just a quick walk from the resort, you can indulge yourself at www.theshopsatwailea.com where you'll find both moderate and upscale shops and dining as well. #waileabeachresort #humblemarketkitchen #bentobox #travelagent #amtraveling #fam2025

Dinner and Breakfast at Humble Market Kitchen

We toured Olakino’s one bedroom oceanfront king villa with the potential to have a connecting 2 queen room. The bed and bathroom were enormous. If your client is looking for a big space and possible extra room for kids/family, this is a good fit. We also looked at the oceanfront sundeck king room. #oceanfrontmarriott #oceanfrontmaui #mauilife #mauivacation #travelmaui #olakino #olakinovilla

Oct 22 a.m.

Wailea Beach Resort – Olakino Oceanfront King Villa

Wailea Beach Resort

Wailea Beach Resort Oceanfront Sundeck King Exterior - Faces Ocean

Goodbye to the Wailea Beach Resort…we’ll miss you!!!

Wednesday, Oct 22 p.m.

We had a morning inspection at Residence Inn Maui, Wailea. This is a solid 3.5-star property for people on a budget and for families. Rooms are standard, but spacious, you have a kitchen, living area, and king that can connect to 2 queens with oceanviews in the distance, and the lobby and pool are welcoming. This hotel offers complimentary shuttle service to Wailea Resort area and nearby beaches. #residenceinnmaui #residenceinnwailea

Residence Inn Maui, Wailea

Next up was a visit to the AC Hotel Marriott Wailea. I really liked this 3.5-star hotel. The following king rooms we toured were updated, spacious, and had large bathrooms.

• A standard king has a connecting queen option. Rooms can walk out to the pool

• A premium resort view king, which features a walk-in shower and view of the mountains. Great choice for people watching their $$.

• Oceanview resort view king

AC Marriott Wailea King Room & Pool

After our AC Marriott site inspections, we made our way over to the Westin Maui Resort & Spa for lunch and more site touring. The distance was a 45 min car drive from Wailea. #acmarriott #affordablemaui

Westin Maui Resort and Spa

Lunch at the Westin Maui Resort and Spa

Lots of room options and fabulous upgraded rooms at Westin. This is a 4.5-star property with great amenities featuring, adult and children’s pools, hot tubs, onsite dining, Lanai lounge area, towel station, large scale arcade, beach and pool rentals, swimming rental gear, excursions offered, and complimentary sunscreen stations. Westin sits on a stretch of beach that borders many other hotels, and they all share a boardwalk. There are so many restaurants along the boardwalk. Dukes, Duke's Restaurants, is popular and was really lively when I was there. A few minutes' walk from the Westin is a shopping area called Whalers Village, www.whalersvillage.com. I bought my souvenirs here, including a cool Aloha beach bag, www.aloha-collection.com, t-shirts, and handmade bracelets from a local artisan. There's a mix of shops here - both moderate and a few upscale. You'll also find an ABC store which stocks ready-made food, alcohol, beer, and souvenirs. #westinresort #dukesmaui #whalersvillage #alohabags #mauishopping #mauiboardwalk #lahainahotels

Westin Maui Resort & Spa – Premium Resort View King

Westin Maui – Ocean Tower

Westin Maui Luxury Oceanview 2 Queen Beach Tower

Westin has a private lounge called The Lanai. This is a separate area offers loungers, foot pool, a bar, and food, snacks, and drinks served at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You must use your wristband to access this private area. The optional expense is worth the money. You can save a lot of money by just eating breakfast here. Big savings for families. #westinlanai #westinmauilanai

Your Westin wristband/room key gives you access to everything at the resort

Westin Lanai Lounge and the infamous Spam sushi

Westin Game Room

Oct 22 pm Catamaran dinner cruise – courtesy of our hosts booked thru www.teralani.com

Oct 23

The day started with breakfast and a tour at the Sheraton Maui Resort and Spa. We covered a lot of this property, and I loved it. It’s beachfront, offers lots of room categories, and is seated next to a safe snorkeling area, where kids dive from the black rocks. It’s lively! The fitness center has showers and lockers (perfect for late last day departures). #sheratonmaui

Sheraton

Mochi Pancakes – gluten free, rice-based flour, used for pancakes and waffles. It’s an island staple and delicious! Breakfast and dinner ONLY are served at Sheraton’s Coral Reef Restaurant.

Oceanfront King room (building 3) can connect to 2 doubles at extra $$

Amazing breeze here. Hotel has fitness facility with showers and lockers

Sheraton Maui Resort and Spa

Snorkeling area at Sheraton is right next to black rocks. Turtles and lots of beautiful fish.

Sheraton’s Moana Oceanfront King and Balcony

Ohana Building 1 – King or double beds, and queen murphy bed

Ohana King Room Outdoor Lanai

Sheraton’s Outdoor Luau Area

Oct 23 afternoon visit to Maui Ku’ia Estate Chocolate Farm, where we learned the business of chocolate and then got to sample the different varieties produced on the farm. Very interesting and fun afternoon excursion. #kuiachocolate #mauichocolate #kuiachocolatefarm

Oct 23 – Lunch at Sheraton’s Burger Shack, milkshakes and vibe were out of this world!

Ahi Tuna at the Burger Shack was outstanding

Oct 23 Ritz Carlton Maui Kapalua tour was the last of the day. The lobby entrance is really special with plantings hanging from the ceilings and walls. We saw the fire lanai room. The king and queen rooms have a stone lanai with fire pit. The rooms are spacious, modern, and the bathroom is large. All to be expected from a 5 star property. #burgershack #ritzcarltonmauikapalua #ritzcarltonmaui #mauiluxuryhotel #firelanai

Fire Lanai 2 queen with walkout patio - club level can be added to a king room

Break time at the Ritz

After a busy morning of site tours, we were treated to wine, painting, and a bit of relaxation before one last stop.

Our final tour at the Ritz Maui Residential King suite, which can connect to a 2-queen room

Ritz Residential Suite Living Area

Ritz Club Level Lounge

Ritz Maui Pool

Our last nite in Maui ended with dinner with our hosts at Ulu Kitchen, which was outstanding. During our 5 nites in Hawaii. We covered a lot of ground and learned a lot about the different Marriott properties, and I look forward to sharing this information with clients and friends. This was a great FAM. #ulukitchen

A special shoutout to the following Hawaiian Specialists/AAA Northeast Travel Agents and our TSM, Cary, who made this FAM such a memorable and great week...Mahalo!

Far Left: Jen Kalotai, Remote Agent - jkalatoi@aaanortheast.com

Far Right: Indira Ross, Leominster, MA Agent - iross@aaanortheast.com

Far Left: Jen MacPherson, Remote Agent - jmacpherson@aaanortheast.com

Far Right: Jodi Abata, Morris Plains, NJ Agent - jabata@aaanortheast.com

**Jennifer K’s Quick tip: The Lanai room at the Westin Maui. Quote and book your clients in an ocean view or ocean front room in the Hokupa'a tower as they will automatically receive access to the Lanai Room which has breakfast, afternoon snacks, semi lunch, and dinner lite bites. There is a full bar in the room, no drinks are not included, but it is convenient, you do get all day Starbucks pike roast coffee and teas, and sodas and seltzers however and there is a staffed concierge desk in the room as well as stunning views while relaxing there. Open from 7a-9p daily with food open until 10p, a really great value!

*Road to Hana: My personal FYI: Do not drive this yourself. Book an excursion with a professional driver guide. Jen, Jen, and Jodi rented a car and did the drive, and it was scary/dangerous.

*Jodi’s Quick Tip: Quick tip: because of drought issues, the golf course that was supposed to be used for a tournament in Jan lost the contract. Hotels in Maui that typically are full for the tournament, now have availability so you may see some surprisingly great pricing for that month

Trip Highlights: Our FAM host, Sam, and her knowledge of the properties, Ahi Tuna at almost every location, Luau, Friendly travel agents, Oceanfront rooms, Westin ‘Lanai’ level extras, gracious and welcoming Marriott property hosts, gifts from vendors, Humble Market Kitchen, and Rainbows!!!

Thank you for reading my Hawaiian blogpost. If you have any questions about Hawaii or if you would like to plan a trip to the islands, please contact me at thill2@aaanortheast.com.

Best, Tina/Hawaiian Specialist

Newburyport, MA

AAA Northeast Travel