On August 8, 2023, the world woke up to one of the most beautiful places on earth burning to the ground. We all watched in horror and disbelief because places like paradise are supposed to be untouchable to things like fire, and devastation. When the smoke cleared, and the rubble of once standing houses were spread as far as the eye could see, it was time for the real story of Lahaina to begin.
While attending Classic Vacation's E3 Conference this past week, I had the privilege to go and visit the Royal Lahaina Resort, just one of the 5 different properties I visited in Lahaina, Maui and listened to "Auntie Maka" the cultural director at the hotel, tell of how the true spirit of Hawaii showed thru in that time. She joked of how when help showed up, they were met with a community already rebuilding, and didn't even know where to start, because the island had come together so well already.
Now 14 months later, Maui is OPEN and ready for visitors again! They would love to show you their fighting spirit firsthand, while welcoming you with open arms, and showing you the true meaning of ALOHA.
So let's get into where to stay while you are there! This list is in no particular order as each resort has such a different vibe I could never choose, and they have ALL THE VIBES. These properties are all located on Kāʻanapali Beach.
Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa
When you are looking for that all- in -one family resort, look no further. You have found it. After you check in with the front desk sporting your new fresh flower hot pink lei, you walk into the sprawling open lobby and are caught up on where to look first. You could go over to their giant ALOHA letters and get those pictures you can't wait to post (because we don't go on vacation and not let our haters know), or the photo op in front of their Hyatt Maui garden sign where people of Instagram and Teresa had a meeting because you can't find a better setup. By now you or your kids have probably heard the birds, as you walk up to their cages, R2D2 (the bird, not robot) will cat call whistle at you, and I don't know if you have ever been cat called by a bird, but it does something for your confidence! You finally peel everyone away from the bird cages and watch as couples without kids head to Japengo for that sunset drink, while you are stuck looking at the koi fish ponds. You catch a glimpse of something out of the corner of your eye, no it's not the hours of jetlag it's just the penguins!!!! Yes, I said Penguins!!!!
OK FOCUS!!!
I know it's hard they are cute! But you need to find your room. You could be in the Atrium Tower, Lahaina Tower or the Napili Tower or if you REALLY decided to take the trip one of their 3 premier suites! Get in your elevator, don't worry it's one of those scans to function elevators so no weirdos can follow you, just your kids. After letting the kids fight over who is going to scan to open your door, the automatic lights greet you, revealing the bathroom to your left, and your bed situation straight ahead. I know we all don't care about anything else but WHAT VIEW DO I HAVE???
(I would say mine was pretty epic)
After you step back in from your personal lanai, you will notice you have some beautiful PATH refillable water bottles provided for you. There are refill stations all over the property including next to the elevators on each floor. DRINK YOUR WATER....
(On the side of the bottle it says 'A'ohe Hana Nui Ke Alu 'la meaning No Task is too big when done together by all, showing Hyatt invests in Sustainability as we all should)
Now that you've gotten the most important thing out of the way, get your bathing suit on and head down to the pool! If you have kids, head on over to the furthest pool where there are waterslides thru rocks, rope courses and safe depth waters for those kiddos to play in. If you're kid free grab a drink from the pool bar and claim your spot! When you are sufficiently toasted (I mean the sun, not the drinks....obviously) head on upstairs and change because it is time to choose where you want to eat and there are plenty of options! You have Japengo-yes the place to catch sunset drinks you were pining after (Asian and Island Inspired Cuisine), Umalu (poolside bar and eatery with local live music from 6pm-9pm), Sonz Steakhouse (I mean who doesn't like a good steak and don't forget to try the mac and cheese), or if you really want to dive into vacation check out the Drums of the Pacific Luau.
While you are walking to dinner thru the vast hallways looking at the display cases full of culture, and artifacts, stop and make your reservations for The Tour of the Stars. You do not want to miss this! One perk is usually kiddos are too tired to stay up this late after all the fun in the sun, so it's mostly adults and group sizes are limited to 18 people. You'll be brought up as a group to the roof of the resort where you have 3 massive telescopes being set up by the wonderful staff where you can get your own private tour of constellations, nebulas, and spoiler alert Saturn's rings. Did you know it rained diamonds on Saturn? I thought women were supposed to be from Venus, I think they got it wrong.
Speaking of diamonds, did you know there is a jewelry store on property? Now ladies it's ok to tell your husbands that there is shopping available at the property, places like a jewelry store, boutiques, and basic conveniences, because you can set them up to leave them at YO! Maui Golf Studio, heck leave the kids too.
Yes, you heard that right, while you are shopping until your heart's content you can drop your husband and kiddos off with Sutee at YO! Maui golf studio right there in the Hyatt. It will only cost you $59 an hour or $99 for TWO hours, that's about the going rate for babysitters now a day! It's a simulated golf suite you can rent out and choose from over 100 courses! Sutee Nitakorn isn’t a babysitter though he is the “YO” behind YO! Maui. YO was his nickname as a golf professional. He received the name at his legendary first course in Cincinnati, Ohio… and moved to Maui 17 years ago to be the PGA professional at Kāʻanapali Golf Courses. They opened YO! Maui at the beginning of 2023 and it is Maui’s premier brand for island vibes golf gear! He will also provide private lessons if you want, because we all know no man needs those right?!
As you can see, he can do a little shopping of his own! It makes for a nice gift to bring back home as well when you don't want to break the bank.
After you have finished shopping (for now), go find a seat at the bar, and if you are lucky enough, you'll catch Finn on his nightly walk. With all the different wildlife at the property, you are probably thinking what is a Finn, does she mean a shark fin? No, I mean Finn the general manager of the Hyatt's golden retriever. If you didn't know the Hyatt is Pet-Friendly, so yes, your animalistic children are welcome to stay! (For a fee)*Please be aware there are quarantine regulations for Hawaii.*
When the morning comes you have options like Swan Court for the breakfast buffet (if you don’t get the pineapple I think we need to question our relationship, because OMG! Who knew it was supposed to taste this good?) where you can share your morning views with the swans swimming right out in front of you. Honolulu Coffee is also available if you want an on-the-go breakfast so grab a coffee after all there is more properties to see!
Westin Maui Resort and Spa
Now when I said each resort has their own vibe, the Westin IS THE VIBE. If you want to be smack dab in the middle of Kāʻanapali Beach and part of the action, this is your resort. The drive into the resort makes it seem like "ok she's cute, she's classy". When I say I could not have been more wrong, SHE IS THE MOMENT. You walk around the corner and on each side of you is lush green walls and if you aren't caught up in wondering what else you were wrong about, you can see the flowers spell out ALOHA on one side in hot pink flowers, and the other side has an Island of Maui sign imbedded into the greenery.
But wait, I know you want to stop and get all of the Instaworthy photos, but you might be hearing a sound coming from the lobby, almost like a roar. You decide to leave the walls for a second because ummm hello..?? What is that?
Oh don't be afraid, it's nothing scary. In fact, it's just a freakin WATERFALL IN THE LOBBY! Yes you read that right, not a water fountain feature, not a slight trickle into a small pond, a freely flowing waterfall coming off the rocks, landing into an Olympic size lagoon where you can see fish, beautiful Lilly pads with flowers that bloom at different parts of the day, and some long legged beauties (no I'm not talking about your wife) I'm talking about FLAMINGOS!!! I mean penguins, birds that cat call you and now flamingos???? Am I really still in The United States?
Of course, they thought about our obsession with getting the perfect picture, so venture onto their lighted walking path that takes you above the ponds, pass the built in firepit and not just in front of the waterfall but keep following it and you'll end up underneath the waterfall a grotto of sorts but not the Hugh Hefner kind. (Remember this is a classy joint).
When you are done checking in and receiving your new shell necklace, head on up to your room, I mean we have to find the most important thing out, what is my view going to look like? Ok, it might not be the most important thing for everyone as some adult couples decide to book themselves in their adult only walk out suites located in the Kukahi tower, where you can pretend, you're better than the rest of us with screaming children. Also, you are not fooling anyone I saw your big yellow rubber ducky float on your porch.
(Here's proof... thought I was lying didn't you?)
Anyways, I was lucky enough to be in the Hokupa'a Tower, on the 11th floor. So, besides the ocean front penthouse, my view that consisted of ocean view and the resort view, it was not too bad (who am I kidding? It was freaking awesome!!!)
(It was at this moment that I realized I was living out a dream I have had since I was a little girl, ugly tears ensued...sorry no pictures of that, I was smart and only snapchatted my sister-in-law about it, evidence disappears after a few seconds)
As you watch the sunset you'll start to hear a conch shell blowing, at first, you might think great those Adult Only Suite guests are better than me, who gave their kid a shell? Then you'll see someone running around the resort with fire, put the phone down from calling the front desk to change your room. I mean from the 11th floor everyone looked little and it is not a kid. Nate let me know the next morning it was ok, that you were watching the "Catching the Sun" ceremony.
As hard as it is you have to avoid laying down on those Westin Heavenly Beds, I know they really are heavenly but we gotta keep going. It is now time to check out this "Lanai" place. If you stay in Hokupa'a towers you get exclusive access to it. (Who's better than who now, adults only walk out suite couples?)
Here is where, you could just stay all day and night. You get breakfast in the morning from 7am-10am access to snacks and drinks (non-alcoholic) all day and from 5-7pm you can enjoy dinner bites. This is where I tried my first mai tai, and it did not disappoint. Grab your drink, slip off those shoes and go sit on the chairs in the wading pool.
(hey that's me, wow I need my highlights redone)
The night is still young so let's go visit their new social space, Valley Alley. Where they offer Top Golf Swing Suites, Duckpin bowling, arcade games and a of course a bar, because you're on vacation you have to have a drink (ps. they use straws made of corn by product not those melt in your mouth paper straws). The best part, it's adults only after 5:45PM to closing at 10. After you succumb to jetlag, and if you're lucky you to get a good 5 hours of sleep because it's now 8 am at home, so your body is saying get up!
It’s time to put on that bathing suit (the one I had to buy from Walmart because only I would go to Hawaii and forget my bathing suit). Don't worry I am a professional travel agent and you're ready to go list will have one on there. Grab a Starbucks refresher and head on down to the 6 different pool options 2 waterslides and bask away or chase those kids away. Did you also forget the sunscreen? Don't worry the resorts there have reef friendly complimentary sunscreen.
Now if you are kid free you can head over to the adults only section and wonder if there aren't kids allowed what's with the rubber ducky float, because I still have questions (I'm kidding, I love to watch people have fun.... I mean do you ride it like a mechanical bull?)
Before checking out catch the hula show at 11am in the lobby and follow the music and start swaying your hips down to the next resort.
OUTRIGGER Kāʻanapali RESORT
If you are wanting that true laid-back vacation while the option of getting into the action is still on the table, this is the resort for you!
They are the owner of the prestigious title "Maui's most Hawaiian Resort", and they have earned it. When you walk thru the black rock pillars, passing into the lobby you are greeted by smiling faces and glass cases of Hawaiian culture. You could spend all day in their lobby exploring and learning, marveling at this culture that I have learned to love so much. These opportunities to teach our children are really treasured here, and they take passing this information on seriously as 17 and under stay FREE..
You somehow leave the lobby and get a glimpse of the sprawling terrace and gardens, with the ocean waves just beyond. As you are walking to your rooms you will be enticed to question what is it that smells so good? The answer... from the oldest plumeria tree in Lahaina, to the Kukui Nut Tree, Ulu (Breadfruit) Tree, Koa Wood Tree, the Puakenikeni Tree and so many more are all planted around the resort, garden tours are available to learn more. If you are lucky enough like I am to know somebody at the resort, you even get a spray bottle of that smell good to bring home with you, so you never have to leave... well mentally that is, physically that's trespassing.
When you enter your Hawaiian themed room, with colors varying from earth tones to blues depending on which room you get, take a look around and you will see on the walls some very interesting art pieces. These were made by the employees of the resort during the pandemic to keep them employed all while the island shut down and the resort displays it proudly, not hard to see why it holds the title! SNAPS FOR OUTRIGGER 🫰🫰🫰
(Don't focus on my terrible picture taking skills)
When you are admiring the fact, you are in paradise on your private lanai, and you go to get a good look around, don't forget to watch out for Willy the Whale. What are you surprised? Have I taught you nothing so far, these resorts are extra with their animals.
But no... not a real whale it's what they call their whale shaped pool (made you look though didn't I?) You can catch the real whales coming through from November until April with January and February being your most active months for them.
So, while you're trying to forget about the terrible joke I just made, and you probably need a drink from dealing with me and this blog, let's go to the onsite Maui Brewing Company bar and restaurant, don't worry there are direct path's straight to it, the Outrigger really nailed the understanding of how hard it is to get back to the room after a few of their beer flights.
entrance straight from the resort
Beer Flight (prices vary by flavors)
It's a personal opinion but the Pineapple Mana is the best!
So it's the next morning, you made it back to your room thanks to that handy dandy path, what should you do? How does paddle boarding sound? Well, to me it sounds like I'd look like a seal to a shark and that's the end of my vacation so how about things on land? You can take one of the daily complimentary cultural classes offered including Hawaiian language and the art of Hawaiian storytelling, hula dancing, lei-making, and 'ukulele playing.
Now before we leave, they might have the coolest tradition on island, I did say they earned that title didn't I? They do a beautiful ceremony upon departure it is the Farewell Lei KuKui Ceremony. Every guest receives this special keepsake to remind them of their amazing experiences and connections during their stay. They invite their return guests to bring back their Kukui Lei, to which they will give you a special white kukui nut to symbolize your return back to their 'ohana here at the resort.
So, after you finish crying from the ceremony, because come on... let's get on the complimentary shuttle they offer for inter-resort transportation and head onto to the next one!
Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa
Now tradition and Sheraton made a baby, and we are lucky to call it the Sheraton Maui Resort and Spa. You pull up in the circular driveway, yelling at everyone to get out of the car so valet can take your car, or your spouse is waiting for everyone to get out so they can go to park the car themselves as both options are available. You enter into the open aired newly renovated lobby and immediately get a view of this amazing resort built around the legendary Pu'u Keka'a or black rock for you uncultured swine. (I literally had to copy and paste that word, so if you're a pig I'm a pig.)
There I am enjoying the pool
Let's check in and grab a drink from the lobbies new bar (PS if your spouse had to go park the car they are definitely stopping here before they head to the room.) Mai Tais for all? Including the kids? Good choice. Just kidding nonalcoholic pina coladas kids, (I do not promote or endorse underage drinking).
Now that we've narrowly escaped a case from the state, let's head to our rooms, where there is an 83% chance that yours will feature an ocean view, all you other 17% how does it feel to be so unlucky? Look at me running my mouth as if we are not all lucky to be in such a beautiful place.
( I mean look at this backdrop and me)
Of course, go check out if you were lucky enough to win the lottery, I mean get an ocean view on your own private lanai (it just sounds so much prettier than balcony doesn't it?). Get everyone dressed into their bathing suits because that lagoon style pool is calling momma's name! (or it's my kid) either way I am being called to go.
Everyone stops! Let's get lathered up with that complimentary reef safe sunscreen they provide, it really is the little things.
After you've had to get lunch at the Cliff Dive Grill because kids are always hungry, and on the way back to the room don't forget to stop at Black Rock Shave Ice, and get those kids really sugared up. I might have had an insider tip you can personally spike those too for adult enjoyment, wrangle everyone to get dressed because you are in for a treat that night it's Maui Nui Luau time!
When you enter the luau after you get leid (I'm talking the flower one) grab yourself a mai tai, or pina colada, (it is all you can eat and drink) and take a look around at the local artists tables that are set up for you there, don't forget ladies go get the flower in your hair (left side married, right side single, middle well that's your business.)
There will also be other activities you can do while waiting for the show to begin, if you're brave you can go look at the smoking pit (I kind of feel bad calling us pigs earlier, because that's exactly what is in there). After a few drinks the hosts boisterous voice brings your attention to the cliffs.
DON'T PANIC!
Someone will be walking on them, holding fire. He is a trained professional performing the nightly ritual of lele kawa (cliff diving) in honor of Maui's last ruling chief, Kahekili. He will light the torches and then proceed with the ceremony.
The next morning before heading to get your snorkel gear stop at The Sandbar and grab yourself a coffee and a couple of pastries, because there is nothing worse than hungry parents and kids on vacation, besides hungry sharks not on vacation.
When you are all watered out, go and learn about the Seabird Nesting Habitat that Sheraton is partnering to create. You will soon see Sheraton has gone above and beyond to make sure sustainability and preservation of what makes Maui stays that way with the resort getting 30% of their energy from solar power.
After your fun filled day of learning and swimming, for dinner you can choose Teppen-yaki Dan (Japanese inspired dishes) or Mai Tai (Beachside restaurant and bar).
WAKE UP!
I meant that literally, we have to watch the sunrise. Now Kāʻanapali Beach is blocked a little by the West Maui Mountains, so you can watch the sky literally turn different colors every few minutes until it peaks over them. Go fill up at Coral Reef Buffet, we have got one more resort to talk about!
Royal Lahaina Resort
If you have ever been obsessed with the 1950's, I invite you to step out of modern day luxury style resorts (without giving up all modern amenities) and visit this resort. Now I don't mean 1950's where women had to ask their husband's permission to get a credit card, I mean Marvelous Mrs. Maisel form of style, I am only talking about the style.
You really pull up to this place and look at the rock wall with the elegantly designed white sign ROYAL LAHAINA and think this is my moment.
(Someone quick get me my white cat eye sunglasses!)
As you enter the lobby you are immediately caught up staring at the light wood panels and floral design on the ceiling. It leads you right past the Royal Trading Co. where local artist clothing is available for purchase and straight to Lahaina Noon, to grab a quick bite to eat. Your view from there is cheerfully colored yellow and white striped umbrellas placed by a pristine newly tiled pool.
Oh Yes, I forgot you have to check in. What room style would you like? Regular room with stunning views of mountains or ocean, what about the Lanai suite, or Molokai suite? Maybe you got one of the many bungalows available. If you have kids let's get you the bungalow with the kitchen, we all know kids will be in Maui and still want you to microwave a corn dog.
But since I helped you book your destination wedding, I called my friend Mary Ann and Malia up and asked about their secret weapon, like Mary Ann says we all have a little beach house in us (wink,wink). Who am I kidding, it's a beach house on property with a private pool and jacuzzi and your own access to the beach. You better book with me now that I told you the secret!
Speaking of beach if you have noticed so far, I have not once said go walk along the beach, not because all of the previous resorts don't have access to the stunning Kāʻanapali Beach, but because I feel like this little slice of beach is truly special, it feels like treasure undisturbed and quiet.
Now that you have checked out the resort grab an ice cream, coffee, or coke from Royal Scoop and go down two doors to the Cultural Center. There you will meet Makalapua Kanuha or locally known as Auntie Maka. Now in today's society it is very rare you don't pull out your phone and take pictures of every little thing, but the moment she started talking I forgot I even had a phone. I could listen to her all day talk about Hawaiian culture, browse her personal collection of history and she offers 1-hour sessions with guests staying at the hotel.
Although this place is where you can live out your 1950s Hollywood dream, I have a special reason for featuring them here. The beginning of this article if you can remember that long ago, I talked about the absolute disastrous event that rocked this magical island 14 months ago. Royal Lahaina said watch this and was the first to pause operations and tell the families displaced by the Lahaina wildfires “you have a place here”. Now that the valued community has dusted their shoulders off, they are OPEN and ready for you to rediscover their legacy!
Please see official quote below:
“At Royal Lahaina Resort, we believe that at the heart of hospitality is compassion and stewardship built on a foundation of aloha. Our team was honored to open its doors to the community for displaced Lahaina residents as a result of the devastating wildfires. With a longstanding commitment to family, Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows remains dedicated to supporting the economic well-being of Maui and its island-wide communities. We are thrilled to offer The Royal Stay, an ultimate perks package as we welcome guests back to experience and celebrate the unparalleled magic of Maui.” - Ed Braunlich, Managing Director.
THAT is walking the walk not talking the talk. It still brings me goosebumps (or chicken skin) to think about and I wanted nothing more than to support a place that did something so selfless, and I ask everyone to do the same. One thing that did stay open the whole time to the public was their on-site Explore the Myths of Maui Luau, which can accommodate up to 700 guests!
I hope I made you see each resort has different vibes, but they all care about sustainability with reusable water bottles, they all provide reef safe sunscreen (thank God because I know I forgot mine) they all will have resort fees (see how I snuck that in there), they all promote local artists collections and support the community in different ways including pop up events, and percentage donations on behalf of them. But most importantly they all have people who have stories to tell and by supporting these resorts you are supporting these people.
I get asked when I return from a place, could I move there? The answer to this one would be...
NO
Now I know what you are thinking, I just read a novel length blog on how much this chick loves this place and she wouldn't live there?? Correct. Only because this place makes me feel some type of way, and I would NEVER want to take that for granted, the risk would be to great for me to take.
Now Maui can be a bucket list trip or your yearly family vacation, but as always....
Take The Trip!
Mahalo Maui, Lahaina, and all of the amazing people I met and everyone who actually finished reading this.
-Sam
Worth The Miles Travel
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