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Which Island and Hotel Should I Choose in Hawaii?

Dec. 25, 2016
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3 min read
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Which Island and Hotel Should I Choose in Hawaii?
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TPG reader Matthew emailed me to ask about hotel options in Hawaii:

“I'm thinking of taking my wife to Hawaii, and wanted to know which you think is better: The Andaz Maui or the St. Regis Princeville?”

I've had good experiences at both the Andaz Maui and the St. Regis Princeville, and I'm sure you'll enjoy a stay at either one. If I were spending a week in Hawaii and had to pick one of the two, I'd take the Andaz, but that doesn't necessarily mean you should. There's no shortage of excellent resort properties in the Hawaiian Islands, and I think choosing between them depends more on the kind of experience you're looking for than on the relative quality of each hotel.

The St. Regis Princeville could use some renovation, but the location and scenery are absolutely stunning. The area is tranquil, and it's a great setting for a romantic getaway even though weather on the north shore of Kauai is hit or miss. It feels a little remote, but not totally isolated since there's a lot to explore nearby.

The Andaz Maui is definitely more modern: The rooms and amenities are impeccable, and the property is well designed. Like Maui (and especially Wailea) in general, this hotel has a bit more of a family vibe. However, it's still intimate, and doesn't feel overwhelming or crowded like the Grand Wailea down the road.

If you're weighing your award options, neither property is a no-brainer. The St. Regis Princeville is a Category 7 SPG property, with rooms from around $500 or 30,000 points per night. That's an okay award redemption if you're getting the fifth night free; otherwise I'd say it's below average, but not terrible. The Category 6 Andaz offers better value in theory, with rooms starting from around $500 or 25,000 points per night. However, the property uses inventory tricks that limit award space, so finding availability can be frustratingly difficult.

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It's hard to beat the serenity of the St. Regis Princeville.

Again, those aren't your only good hotel options in Hawaii. For example, the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua is another exquisite property and a relative bargain for award stays. Rooms go for 60,000 points per night, which equates to just 20,000 Starpoints per night now that you can transfer freely between the two programs.

For more on hotel options and award travel in Hawaii, check out these posts:

If you have any other questions, please tweet me @thepointsguy, message me on Facebook or send me an email at info@thepointsguy.com.

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Apply for American Express® Gold Card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees
Best for dining at restaurants

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TPG Editor‘s Rating
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Rewards Rate

4XEarn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
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  • Intro Offer

    As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.

  • Annual Fee

    $325

  • Recommended Credit

    Excellent to Good

Why We Chose It

There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)

Pros

  • 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.