When I want a full beach resort experience, but don’t want to pay Wailea prices, my favorite spot is the Westin Maui on Ka’anapali Beach. I especially love to stay in the new Hokupa’a Tower with access to the Lanai.

Things I Love

Ka’anapali Beach is one of the best beaches on Maui and if you love a bustling atmosphere, this is where you want to be. The sand is soft, the snorkeling is good in front of the Sheraton at Black Rock, and the sunsets are Instagram-worthy.

They renovated a whole wing of the resort several years back and the new Hokupa’a “luxury” tower is really an upgrade. The rooms feel pretty high end and have the best views on the property, but the real selling point is exclusive access to The Lanai. It’s like a club level concierge lounge that serves breakfast, dinner, and snacks throughout the day. There’s also a bar (additional purchase), but the main attraction is all of the seating and lounge areas. You’ll have prime views of Ka’anapali Beach and there’s a small adults only infinity pool off to the side. And the whole area is covered so it’s the perfect place to hang out on rainy afternoons or when you just need to escape the sun. 

There are multiple pools to choose from, including an adults-only pool and hot tub, a family pool with a waterslide and shallow play area, and hot tubs sprinkled throughout. There’s something for everyone.

It’s right next door to Whalers Village so it's very convenient for shopping and dining. But if the line at Monkeypod is too long, the resort’s main restaurant, Ulu Kitchen, actually has the same chef, they serve the famous Monkeypod mai tais and the views are a lot better too. 

Things to Know

Because it’s a popular family-friendly spot, the pool and beach areas can feel crowded, especially during peak seasons. This is a bustling resort, not a quiet getaway.