Maui Prince Hotel (4 Stars)

A short drive from Wailea, this hotel is the centerpiece for the great Makena Resort Complex. Surrounded by 36 holes of Robert Trent Jones championship golf, and just a one minute walk to a secluded white sand beach, the Maui Prince offers an unparalleled level of privacy and tranquility. Enjoy a wide variety of sporting options.

What to expect: Ideal for guests seeking a myriad of activities, the resort makes a full vacation possible without ever leaving the grounds. Views include not only the ocean but, directly south, a wilderness state park including a wild beach. The resort's two golf courses immerse guests in a spectacular natural setting of rock walls, wandering gullies, and stream beds.

Amenity highlights: Lovely enough to have earned the cheeky nickname "Marry Me Beach" for its allure as a wedding site, Maluaka Beach in front of the resort is among the best in Maui. A beach-activity center rents out gear for snorkeling, scuba diving, sailing, kayaking, and windsurfing. A 46-foot catamaran based on the beach whisks snorkelers and scuba divers to the fabulously clear waters of Molokini Island. Freshwater swimming is available in two pools (one for children) surrounded by spacious sundecks. Two spas offer convivial soaking pleasure.

Insider tip: Unlike most Maui resorts, the big, open-air, tentlike cabanas around the pools don't require a rental fee but are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Property Amenities :Greeted with a keepsake lei and a chilled face towel, guests find every need and wish catered to at the resort. Bottled water, a gift basket of Hawaiian snack foods, and daily replenishment of ice buckets and coffee for in-room coffeemakers typify the attention-to-comfort style. A path along the ocean welcomes joggers and fitness-walkers at sunrise and strollers in moonlight. Whale-watching during the humpbacks' winter migration is excellent both from the beach and from guestrooms. Complimentary shuttles allow guests to visit shops and other attractions in the luxury resort community of Wailea to the north. Wild beaches lie a five-minute drive to the south. The full-service health spa offers various massage techniques and facial and body treatments. The concierge desk books helicopter sightseeing flights and all other activities available on Maui.