Reopened in January 2008 after a $180-million renovation, the 463-room Ritz-Carlton Kapalua boasts up-to-date rooms, top-notch dining, a quality spa, polished service, and beautifully landscaped grounds of national park proportions. It all comes at a slight risk, however, since its location comes with the least consistent, windiest, and rainiest weather of all of Maui's major resort areas.

A celebrity retreat since 1964, the newly renovated Kahala is quite possibly the best hotel in Oahu. Yet its vibe is more "family fun" than "pretentious glitz" -- think swimming with dolphins, not posing in lounges. Sure, it's your only luxury option in a quiet setting without leaving Oahu -- but it's also a great one.

An immaculate, art-filled property fronting Wailea beach, the Four Seasons stands at the pinnacle of the area's resorts, offering a slew of amenities, spacious rooms -- some with outstanding views -- and a top-notch staff. It's nearly perfect, except for an unexceptional spa facility, a cramped business center, and expensive, though excellent, dining.

This 121-room Poipu boutique hotel offers five-star features -- rooms with fine Egyptian linens, Italian marble bathrooms, and personal espresso machines, and a free fitness center with individual cable-TV monitors. With just one pool and restaurant, it lacks the extras of the mega-resorts -- but the service is more attentive and pampering.

Wailea's aptly named Fairmont Kea Lani is a "white heaven" indeed -- its 450 units sit on a 22-acre beachfront property that includes four pools, four restaurants and one lounge, access to world-class golf, some of Maui's largest rooms, and a relentless dedication to service that rivals the nearby Four Seasons.

One of the island's best hotels, with 456 large, luxury-packed rooms, top restaurants with gorgeous views, a notable spa, fastidious service, and a former Miss Hawaii dancing the hula nightly. Too bad the property's formal, understated elegance can sometimes feel cold.

Situated on the largest of Ko Olina's man-made lagoons, the elegant JW Marriott Ihilani is a solid option for families and couples, with two excellent pools, a top-ranked golf course and spa, five tennis courts, and excellent cuisine.

Situated on a rock between two beaches, the 22-acre, 546-room Wailea Marriott has panoramic ocean views and a serene vibe missing from some of the more crowded, neighboring resorts. Renovated in 2008, the Marriott's spiffy rooms, gorgeous adult-only infinity pool, reputable spa, and a popular restaurant make it the best midrange option in ritzy Wailea.

A 448-unit resort on the scenic, isolated North Shore with an unbeatable array of amenities -- two 18-hole golf courses, a stable, helicopter rides -- plus five miles of shoreline and great restaurants. Too bad guest rooms are bland and dated and some facilities need a facelift.