There was a time when the swimming pool took center stage at Hawaii hotels. These days, however, what happens on the pool deck has become as important as the action in the water. Some of the destination’s resorts present cabana packages with all the trimmings, from fruit and spritzes to meals and massages.
Here are seven of our favorite Hawaii cabana experiences. Catering to couples, families and groups of friends, they invite clients to spend a stylish day or evening by the pool.
Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, Hawaii Island
At the resort’s adults-only Palm Grove infinity pool, five new couples’ cabanas — called couples' nests — feature customizable beds akin to the Four Seasons signature mattress. Also on hand is an alluring menu of exclusive food, drinks and spa services. From early morning until the sun goes down, guests can indulge in the likes of personalized minibars, facials and lunch for two.
www.fourseasons.com
Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina
Hugging the adult pool, four luxury cabanas provide ocean views and lounge space both shaded and exposed. Packages pamper clients with inclusions such as fresh fruit, selfie sticks, wireless headsets, lunch, cocktails, dinner, champagne and unlimited sunscreen. Add-ons range from in-cabana mani-pedis to massages and nanny service.
www.fourseasons.com
TheModern Honolulu, Oahu
Dubbed daybeds, the cabanas at this boutique hotel double as elegant poolside digs for two people. Various daybed packages are offered during the day and evening. The Afterglow, for instance, includes a three-course blind tasting menu, two cocktails per person and sliced, fresh pineapple. A 20-minute couples massage and a bottle of prosecco are equally easy to arrange for daybed devotees.
www.themodernhonolulu.com
The Ritz-Carlton Kapalua, Maui
A dedicated attendant stands ready to please guests of the resort’s seven swanky cabanas. Throughout the day, clients get goodies such as fruit plates, snacks, unlimited soft drinks and either sparkling or white wine. During breaks from scenery-gazing, guests can take advantage of their cabana’s high-speed internet connection and flat-screen television. A ceiling fan keeps things cool by the pool.
www.ritzcarlton.com
Sheraton Kauai
At this oceanfront hotel, eight poolside bungalows accommodating up to six people feature flat-screen TVs, ceiling fans, refreshments and deliveries from the adjacent restaurant, Lava’s on Poipu Beach. Better yet, when guests and visitors book one of the bungalows, the resort donates the proceeds to Kapiolani Medical Center in Honolulu, part of the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals.
www.sheraton-kauai.com
Sheraton Waikiki, Oahu
RumFire, Sheraton Waikiki’s beachside lounge, features four private cabanas, each seating six people. What’s great here is that visitors don’t have to be hotel guests to reserve one. During the day, a cabana rental comes with a valuable perk: access to Sheraton Waikiki’s Infinity Edge pool. Folks also can book a cabana for dinner, when sunset views are spectacular, or for late-night food and beverages.
www.sheraton-waikiki.com
Wailea Beach Resort-Marriott, Maui
This southwest Maui resort offers cabanas at three of its pools. Most notable are the luxury cabanas by the children’s pool complex. They’re perfect for families, because they hold up to 10 people. In between the splashy action, parents and kids get bottled water, savory and sweet snacks, chilled hand towels, free reading materials and a $50 credit on food.
www.marriott.com
