An Inside Look at the New Westin Hapuna Beach Resort

With the June debut of The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort, wellness travelers and families have an appealing new place to stay on Hawaii Island.

Travel agents can help their clients be among the first to experience the property by taking advantage of introductory rates, which begin at $199 per night when booked by July 31, for stays through Dec. 20.

Following a $46 million renovation, the reflagged, 249-room property — formerly known as Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel — is the first and only Westin on Hawaii Island. It’s part of Mauna Kea Resort, which also includes the nearby Mauna Kea Beach Hotel.

According to Craig Anderson, vice president of operations for Mauna Kea Resort, Westin Hapuna is calling on the strength of the Westin brand to tap into an increasing client demand for rest and rejuvenation as well as quality time with loved ones.

“This is an island of adventure with amazing hiking, ziplining, world-class stargazing and an abundance of ocean activities,” Anderson said. “Westin’s reputation as a brand that’s known for well-being and relaxation fits Hawaii Island — and The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort — perfectly. It is about seizing the day and making the most of it to achieve whatever ‘well-being’ means to each individual.”

During my recent visit to the reimagined resort, I immediately noticed the hotel’s focus on its surroundings. The open-air entrance, which looks straight to the sea, features a vertical garden, or “living wall.”  In the lobby, a dramatic sculpture with suspended glass balls represents the drops of rain that nourish the island, and the hotel’s decor reflects the setting’s unique colors and textures.

Fitness Programs and Family Appeal
Active travelers will gravitate to the hotel’s new CrossFit studio and its additional studio with Peloton and TRX exercise equipment. Clients can borrow gear if they didn’t pack their own, and they can join the property’s Run Concierge on guided outdoor jogs. When it’s time to refuel, the hotel’s menus stand ready with superfood options.

For families, agents should recommend one of the resort’s suites with fold-out couches. Some accommodations connect to adjacent rooms, which are useful for larger clans, while other units come with furnished lanais that hug a lawn.

To court multigenerational clients further, the hotel has reinvented its kids’ club, promising meaningful programs for young ones. The property’s existing family pool has been expanded to include a shallow play area for children. 

Meanwhile, a new adults-only pool has been added to the grounds, with private cabanas, chaise lounges and pool-ledge loungers. The hotel’s location on the island’s largest white-sand beach enhances its allure for both sporty clients and families.

New Restaurants and Agent Perks
Four new food and beverage concepts await guests of The Westin Hapuna. Meridia features Mediterranean cuisine, while the poolside Naupaka Beach Grill sets a more casual stage for Pacific Rim fare. Clients can dine alfresco at Ikena Landing, an airy breakfast venue. Piko serves a light menu, Kona coffee, grab-and-go selections and evening cocktails.

Since the property is still operated by Prince Resorts Hawaii, agents who send their clients can continue to earn rewards and free room nights as part of Prince’s Plumeria Rewards program.

“With the resort’s new, contemporary feel and signature Westin amenities, agents can have confidence that each of their clients will be provided a high level of relaxation and rejuvenation as is expected from Westin,” Anderson said.

The Details
The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort
www.hapunabeachresort.com