Hotel Check: Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa

Hotel Check: Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa

HOW MANY ROOMS? 508 rooms and suites

PROPERTY HIGHLIGHTS Along the famed Kaanapali coast, this popular resort was the first to set up shop on this part of the island back in 1963. As a result, it enjoys prime views and is soon to emerge from a top-to-bottom renovation.

PRICE Internet rates for a traditional room on the random dates we checked start at $378.

CONTACT Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa, 2605 Kaanapali Parkway, Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii 96761. Phone +808-661-0031. https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/hnmsi-sheraton-maui-resort-and-spa/

WHERE IS IT Along the Kaanapali coastline, it enjoys amazing views of neighboring Lanai island and sits along the curve where the famous Black Rock is situated. From this point, cliff jumpers dive into the ocean, which pays homage to Hawaiian culture where Hawaiians believe this point allowed them to dive into the sea and visit lost loved ones and family. A free trolley takes guests anywhere within the resort including popular Whaler’s Village shopping complex. The drive to Kahalui airport takes about an hour.

WHAT’S IT LIKE? The resort is spread across a large area of coastline giving it prime ocean views from its numerous buildings. All rooms feature furnished balconies to maximize the scenery. The open-air lobby was under renovation at inspection, but will soon unveil incredible Pacific views for first-time arrivals. Numerous restaurants and bars as well as the meandering pool and public beach fronting the hotel assure that there is plenty of bustling activity everywhere.

ROOM FACILITIES The fresh look features white and blue overtones with plush bedding and bedside power and USB outlets. Flat-screen cable TVs face the beds while a coffee table and desk with numerous power outlets provide ample room to spread out. Views vary between the resort gardens, partial ocean views, and full-on Pacific scenery. All-white bathrooms have spacious vanities with plentiful toiletries including razors and mouthwash plus shower-tub combinations with excellent water pressure. The resort fee charged for all arrivals includes perks like a beach bag, floaties in the pool, one-day of free valet parking, and eco-friendly pouches with carabiner clips that can be refilled at various water stations around the resort. Refrigerators are a great amenity for families, and all rooms come with coffeemakers with Hawaiian coffee to brew for those early mornings that are so common for jetlagged arrivals from the mainland. While the resort’s club lounge was closed in the recent renovation, Marriott Bonvoy elite members are treated to breakfast buffets in the restaurant each morning. Some of the Ohana suites have Murphy beds while others have sofa beds that are ideal for families.

RESTAURANTS AND BARS You won’t have to leave the resort if you’re hungry because there are so many options onsite. Most people spend the day lounging poolside or along the beach. The most convenient spots include the Cliff Dive Grill and Hank’s Haute Hot Dogs (their do-it-yourself shave ice station is really popular). Others grab a bite at the Mai Tai Bar (of course, with a mai tai to go with it). ROCKsalt is popular for its small sharing plates, evening happy hour, and dinner menu. Like the Cliff Dive Grill, both are especially popular at sunset, but the narration about the history of the cliff diving at the outdoor grill and live music are especially popular. The teppanyaki restaurant deserves attention for its entertaining meals that require reservations. This resort also plays host to the opening event for the Hawaii Food and Wine Festival each year.

LEISURE FACILITIES The swimming pool meanders from one end of the resort along the beachfront with small coves for families to play and people to relax by waterfalls in the shade. Spa services are available, and the staff can assist guests with tee times at the nearby golf course.

BUSINESS AND MEETING FACILITIES Wireless Internet is complimentary everywhere, and meeting space is plentiful. Many groups enjoy holding functions on the lawn; three times a week the resort hosts a luau that is popular with guests from other resorts.

VERDICT With the renovation almost complete, Kaanapali’s oldest resort will soon be its newest. It is an anchor for Kaanapali resort development and a favorite of families and business travelers alike.