Kaanapali Hotels

Of the many hotels in Maui, the Kaanapali hotels probably include the most luxurious of the bunch. This area is very much Maui’s wealthy playground, with gorgeous beaches and top-quality golf courses proving an abiding draw for the moneyed elite. However, that’s not to say all the hotels in Kaanapali are untouchable to more humble vacation budgets. Finding affordable Kaanapali lodging is possible—in fact, with Kaanapali accommodations covering a wide range of price levels, discovering the right option for your budget should only be a matter of time, and there are plenty of Kaanapali hotels that might suit you just fine.

The Aston Kaanapali Shores is a favorite among those who know their high-end hotels. Set on the edge of the island, never more than a few seconds from the beach, the hotel offers stylish rooms that play up to Western ideas of luxury while maintaining a traditional Hawaiian tone. Facilities in these rooms include free Wi-Fi and cable TV. As with many of the hotels in Kaanapali, the Aston offers both conventional hotel rooms and larger suites, which come replete with a fully equipped kitchen.

When choosing your Kaanapali lodging, it’s worth checking to see what facilities are in place for sports, as pursuits such as sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, and surfing are always going to be high on the list of things to do while in Maui. The Aston, for example, has a manned activities desk where you can arrange any of the above activities as well as several others.

A little farther south, close to the town of Lahaina, you’ll find the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa, another hotel that’s popular with wealthier travelers. Again, the setting could not be better. Kaanapali hotels are generally perched right next to beach, and the Hyatt is no different. A particular delight here is enjoying gourmet food in the ocean-view restaurant. Another delight is strolling the gardens—the Hyatt is a 40-acre resort, and its lush surroundings are simply spectacular.

The Whaler on Kaanapali Beach is another example of one of the hotels in Kaanapali that offers oceanfront splendor. Here you can take a dip in an oceanfront freshwater swimming pool before enjoying an oceanfront barbecue. The Whaler also benefits from its central location, sitting adjacent to Whalers Village, a small boutique shopping center that features restaurants and the occasional bar as well as shops.

For more down-to-earth Kaanapali lodging, the Kaanapali Ocean Inn is worth considering. Although the prices here are lower than at the Aston, for example, the hotel still offers a great package, including an outdoor pool and poolside bar, and complimentary wireless internet access.

For those looking to get away for the day, the Banyan Tree Park in Lahaina is only four miles away, and it is one of Maui’s top things to do. Other attractions here include the Maui Ocean Center and Iao Valley State Park. These are a little farther away (around twenty miles), and they are best reached by using car rentals or joining a tour from your hotel if offered.

Accessing Kaanapali hotels is straightforward, given the proximity of two of Maui’s airports (Kapalua and Kahului). Most reputable hotels offer airport shuttle services, though it’s worth checking to see whether it’s included in the room rate before booking your stay.