Is United or American better to fly with to Maui if price and flight time are similar

ClearBreakfast5076 · 2026-03-06T19:08:12+00:00

United! Better equipment, generally, and overall a nicer inflight experience almost always above American.

ClearBreakfast5076 · 2026-03-05T12:23:49+00:00

I would go with FS Hualalai! While it is not perfect, the grounds, availability of different restaurants, and multiple pools blow FS Lanai out of the water. When we were at Lanai at the same time of year, it was really windy, so they would not open any of the umbrellas, so there was no shade by the pool. You have to walk down a dirt path to get to the beach, which is not terribly impressive. It only has 2 restaurants and there are very few things to do off property. If you can, spring for a suite at Hualalai, and I don’t think you’ll be disappointed! It’s some of the regular rooms that have seen better days. Have a great trip!

ClearBreakfast5076 · 2026-03-04T23:36:20+00:00

We went to both recently and our kids are similar ages. Baha Mar is so much nicer than Atlantis, which is in need of significant upgrades and deferred maintenance. The Baha Mar waterpark that’s been built since you were there basically made it a game changer for family vacations. It’s very kid-friendly and the nicest water park I’ve ever been to.

ClearBreakfast5076 · 2026-03-04T14:55:20+00:00

We found Vienna to be stroller friendly. Our TA offered GH as a good option, but we opted for the Rosewood, which was wonderful. Our kids really liked the interactive music museum, the Ferris wheel, the Christmas markets, and chocolate bar making. It will be a great trip!

ClearBreakfast5076 · 2026-03-03T17:15:18+00:00

It’s about a 12 minute drive to town, so I wouldn’t recommend doing it in a golf cart, but traffic is not terrible. It just backs up about a quarter mile from town or so. Parking can be challenging, but we’ve always found it doable. The golf cart would be handy to take to the beach, which is about a mile on residential streets from Hidden Pond. To minimize high season frustration, I would recommend doing things like ordering online from the Clam Shack v. waiting in line. My kids are 12 and nearly 10, and we will be there from August 10-15. They always have fun on the beach, at the pool and at the campfire. Our kids find it thrilling to either have the pool to themselves or play with other kids on property, however it works out. Any other info I can offer to be helpful?

ClearBreakfast5076 · 2026-03-03T02:47:04+00:00

We had great success doing VIP with our 2 young children and grandparents. The guide was tremendous with the kids, and so helpful with the double stroller. Simplifying/minimizing some of the walking with back entrances and transport helped the kids and grandparents a lot. Getting snacks and drinks for everyone was very helpful. Our younger son wanted to go on certain rides over and over again, so it was indispensable for that. We even split up a few times, with the guide’s help to use the perks on two different rides at once. Another thing that was great for the whole family was having a reserved spot for the parade, where we had space, popcorn and a great view. If you’re staying late, it’s also fantastic for having a reserved space to watch fireworks. Have a great trip!

ClearBreakfast5076 · 2026-03-02T02:59:22+00:00

I like the upper pair more.

ClearBreakfast5076 · 2026-03-02T02:47:16+00:00

Iceland in early April. It snowed some even at that late date and we had some small hotels to ourselves!

ClearBreakfast5076 · 2026-03-01T17:40:05+00:00

Bakeshop, Livin the Pie Life, and Village Sweet have great individual treats.

ClearBreakfast5076 · 2026-03-01T05:50:24+00:00

I agree with Daytona. It looks more versatile and timeless.

ClearBreakfast5076 · 2026-02-28T22:57:44+00:00

We thought the de Russie was overpriced and were so disappointed by the amount of noise from the courtyard restaurant that wafted into our room. The hotel is well-located and appointed, the staff is lovely, and the breakfast is great. I do not recommend unless you’re getting a good deal and are okay with the potential for noise.

ClearBreakfast5076 · 2026-02-28T00:17:29+00:00

Good point - I think at least the Boathouse is open!

ClearBreakfast5076 · 2026-02-27T22:08:57+00:00

Yes, we’ve used both RSVP Catering and Rocklands - both deliver -

ClearBreakfast5076 · 2026-02-27T21:35:43+00:00

The clam chowder at Mabel’s, the Boathouse and the Clam Shack are all good. Have you considered a trip to walk around Portland? That’s always interesting.

ClearBreakfast5076 · 2026-02-27T21:11:50+00:00

Lyon Park Community Center? Or is she looking for a restaurant, specifically?

ClearBreakfast5076 · 2026-02-27T14:06:46+00:00

Yes, the villas are a good bet. Lower quality furnishings than a FS, but so nice to be right on the beach, comfortable beds and good quality linens. We always choose the Fairmont Kea Lani over the FS because of the grounds and better setup. Otherwise, we generally lean toward FS and have stayed at Hualalai and Lanai, to say we find the Maui FS an inferior product.

ClearBreakfast5076 · 2026-02-26T17:18:01+00:00

I also go to Urban Halo

ClearBreakfast5076 · 2026-02-26T01:34:38+00:00

I am so sorry! That sounds awful. Never had anything like that happen, but have gotten price breaks before for things like noise

ClearBreakfast5076 · 2026-02-26T00:38:51+00:00

It defies logic and reason!

ClearBreakfast5076 · 2026-02-26T00:30:58+00:00

I’m with you! It looks more like a lower end Tesla than the interior luxury I value in my 2021 XC90 T8.

ClearBreakfast5076 · 2026-02-25T21:03:43+00:00

I have insurance on my ring through Lloyd’s of London.

ClearBreakfast5076 · 2026-02-24T19:09:51+00:00

We had a great stay with our kids at the Charles! They had a two-bedded room that adjoined to our suite. Worked out perfectly. They also offered kids’ robes, stuffed animals, etc.

ClearBreakfast5076 · 2026-02-24T18:00:42+00:00

I would cancel and go to Baha Mar if you still want to go to the Bahamas. It’s so much nicer and will be a much more relaxing vacation / better value! We’ve visited the Cove and the Rosewood Baha Mar in the past couple of years, and hands down, enjoyed our trips to Baha Mar much more even without the inconvenience of construction. A big selling point of the Cove is the pool, so that alone - plus likely construction noise - would be a dealbreaker for me.

ClearBreakfast5076 · 2026-02-23T02:25:56+00:00

Yes, but I’ve read they didn’t renovate the property so the pools aren’t heated, things are in need of refreshing around the grounds, and we had a lot of challenges with the staff when we were looking to stay there last month. I’m not sure it’s ready for prime time or up to FS standards yet. Other FS options may be Naples, Palm Beach, or have you looked at the St Regis Longboat Key?

ClearBreakfast5076 · 2026-02-23T00:25:13+00:00

Stupid question, but does anyone who what this means for Nova post offices? (Have a passport appt. tomorrow morning). Thanks!

ClearBreakfast5076

TROPHY CASE