| Wailea/Makena | Kapalua | Ka'anapali | Lana'i |
The biggest resort on Maui, three 8- and 9-story buildings are located within a huge, 40-acre “fantasy” resort. The Hyatt Regency is worth a walkthrough even if you don’t stay. The grounds are so spacious that it doesn’t feel crowded even when the hotel’s full. This destination resort can boast of 1800’ of beachfront (which does have some areas of coral), two freeform pools divided by a waterfall, 3,000 s.f. Keiki Lagoon, full-service 9,000 s.f. oceanfront Spa Moana with 11 treatment rooms, extensive gardens, in-house activities for all ages, an outstanding children’s program and other amenities, in addition to comfortable, reasonably sized rooms with great ocean views. Swan Court is in a class by itself as a classic, romantic restaurant. Spat’s Trattoria is an excellent Italian restaurant. Lunch and dinner at the Cascades Grille and Sushi Bar combine an outstanding view, very nice décor and atmosphere, and good food. The hotel also houses the Drums of the Pacific lu’au. (800-233-1234, 661-1234, http://maui.hyatt.com/property/index.jhtml)
Like the Hyatt Regency, the Sheraton Maui is a destination resort that has in an even better beach location on the side of a cliff next to Black Rock, tucked into a white sand cove. Built in 1962, the first hotel built in Ka’anapali Resort, the six buildings were totally remodeled in 1996. Rooms tend to be small. The hotel offers special ‘Ohana rooms for families and substantial room, meal and golf discounts on an ongoing basis. Facilities and services include two pools, one designed like a lagoon, 3 tennis courts, gym and health club, spa, and children’s’ services. The restaurants (Keka’a Terrace and Teppan-yaki Dan) take care of breakfast, lunch and perhaps a few dinners but guests more than likely will dine elsewhere in Ka’anapali, Lahaina and to the north in Kahana and Kapalua. The main attraction at the Sheraton still is the white sand beach at its front door and Black Rock.
This resort was designed as a fantasy aquatic theme park, with 5 heated swimming pools, 15 waterfalls, and a long waterslide. In a sense the hotel has tried to extend the fantasy theme into the dramatic décor of the ultra-modern tropica restaurant. The beachfront is one of Ka’anapali’s best. Beach Tower rooms are larger than the Ocean Tower. Rooms in the two 11-story towers may be relatively small but kids probably will spend all of their time in the water and adults presumably will not hang around their room either. The OnO Surf Bar & Grill offers casual poolside dining for three meals.
The Maui Marriott is on its way to becoming a timeshare. Most rooms in this hotel have ocean views. The pools of the hotel are its most outstanding feature. Otherwise the hotel is unexceptional in terms of design and atmosphere except for really friendly and helpful service. Meal and dining options are among the best on the beach including the Beach Walk Market Place and Pantry for cold and hot take-out entrees and much of what you would need to stock a condo or timeshare, Va Bene Italian Beachside Grill, casual and does a superb job on its Italian dishes, and the Nalu Sunset Bar and Sushi that one of the best outdoor decks in Ka’anapali for pupus at sunset.
Three low-rise buildings in this resort are older than neighbor hotels but the Ka’anapali Beach Hotel more than makes up for it with local, friendly, aloha spirit, Hawaiian restaurants and activities, and rooms that are simple but spacious. Every night tiki torches in the courtyard light up hula and Hawaiian music programs, including talented and delightful children hula dancers.
The size, design and décor of these condo rooms in the Twin Towers, an excellent beachfront, hotel facilities, management, services and amenities, and the rates for what you get all are the best for condos in Ka’anapali.
A wonderful condo choice for vacation rentals with 1- and 2-bedroom apartments in 2 11-story buildings, run like a hotel with all services, 2 pools, a sauna, and six tennis courts.
One of Ka’anapali’s first properties, in the late 1960s, these large condo units are perfect for families. The big lawn is ideal for kids running around and, although the beachfront is not adjacent to the resort, once you get there it is reasonably safe for swimming.
Built in 1962 and refurbished in 1993, this resort covers 27 acres, including a half-mile beachfront, and has 3 pools and 11 tennis courts. Loyal guests at this resort are especially attracted to discounted garden view and ocean view rates, moreso in the two-story cottages than in the 3-story “tower.” Considering that this is an older resort, the rooms are rather small. Upstairs units have private lanais that, unfortunately, don’t face toward the oceanfront. Places to eat on the resort include the exceptional Basil Tomatoes Italian Grill located on the edge of the resort overlooking the Ka’anapali North Golf Course.
Technically in Honokowai, the Embassy Vacation Resort calls its location “North Ka’anapali.” You can’t miss the three pink towers set around an atrium. Like several other Ka’anapali resorts, the Embassy has a huge pool and water slide, perfect for kids. The beachfront is as good as Ka’anapali south or north gets for swimming and is fun for snorkeling. The rooms are large, condo-like apartments, with mini-kitchens, entertainment centers, and plenty of sleeping space. Families especially will love the free signature all-you-can-eat breakfasts and afternoon cocktail parties.
Aston Ka’anapali Shores - CAMP KAANAPALI is offered year-round, Mon.- Fri., 8am-3pm for children of registered guests, 5-10 years old. Supervised activities include educational nature walks, Hawaiian crafts, storytelling and hula lessons. Morning and afternoon sessions are available with a limit of six hours per week per child. Optional lunch is available.
Embassy Suites Resort - BEACH BUDDIES includes arts and crafts with a Hawaiian theme (decorating coconuts, beach sand art and leaf painting). Ages 4-10, 8:30am - 2:30pm daily.
Hyatt Regency Maui - CAMP HYATT KAANAPALI features competitive games, Olympic-like games, fishing and snorkeling. Children learn about the arts, crafts and language of ancient Hawaiians, mix taro into poi, make leis and dance hula. Ages 3-12, 9am - 3pm daily.
Ka’anapali Beach Hotel - The KALO PATCH PROGRAM is offered to children ages 5-12 (seasonally) and includes field trips, Hawaiian language classes, games and crafts.
Maui Marriott Resort – KA’ANAPALI KIDS CAMP includes visits to Lahaina via the Sugar Cane Train, hikes along Ka’anapali beach, bamboo pole fishing, sandcastle building, and learning about Hawaiian crafts, storytelling and hula. Ages 5-12, 8am - 2pm, Mon.-Fri.
Sheraton Maui - KEIKI ALOHA teaches children about Hawaiian arts and crafts, the hula, playing the ukulele and making coconut frond hats. Activities also include games, water sports, and excursions to attractions and sites of interest to children. Ages 5-12, offered June – August only.
The Westin Maui – KEIKI KAMP offers whale watching, hiking, hula, and Hawaiian handicraft activities such as lei-making, and daily field trips. Ages 5-12, 9am - 3pm, 6:30 - 9:00pm daily.