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Located at the south end of the ultra-luxe Wailea community, which has the distinction of being Hawaii’s most expensive real estate, the Four Seasons isn’t the largest resort on Maui but is the most understatedly elegant. The 380 guest rooms and suites recently underwent a $50 million renovation (the last phase was just completed, in spring 2007). Of the suites, the three-bedroom Maile Suite, on the seventh floor, is the most elaborate, with views fit for a king or at least a president. Thanks to the eight-story building’s U-shaped design, 85 percent of the rooms and suites have ocean views. Even those that don’t are equipped with large lanais to let in the ocean air and views of the hillsides. The main swimming pool is often crowded with the who’s who of those visiting Maui. For more privacy, rise early and reserve a cabana close to the beach. Though children are certainly welcome, this is more of an adult-oriented resort, and families may be happier at the Grand Wailea, next door. Adults will find the food at the Four Seasons’ three restaurants (including Spago and Duo) so good, the roster of activities so complete and the overall service so impeccable that they need never battle the traffic to go anywhere else. Rooms from $495.

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The Ritz in Kapalua, located on fifty-four lush acres of Maui’s northwest shore, reopened January 2008 after a $130 million renovation, the largest in Ritz-Carlton company history. It now has 445 refurbished guest rooms and 107 one- and two-bedroom full-ownership residential suites. Other changes are the addition of a children’s pool, private villas and six restaurants, as well as a spa remodeling. Rooms from $599.