Each evening at sunset, a young man blows a conch shell at Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa. Holding a lit torch, he runs barefoot to the top of Kaanapali Beach’s Puu Kekaa (Black Rock), a lava promontory jutting into the ocean. He pauses, gives gestures of thanks, throws his lei into the water, and dives 30 feet into the sea in the tradition of ancient island chiefs.
This nightly cliff-dive ceremony is one of many traditions that Sheraton Maui has kept since it opened in 1963. Preservation of culture is key to the longevity of the property, which each day introduces guests to age-old pastimes such as Hawaiian games, lei-making, hula dancing and ukulele strumming.
At the same time, Sheraton Maui has been placing equal focus on the future. Not only is the hotel amid a complete renovation of its guestrooms; it’s also updating its programs and amenities to remain current.
“Some of our guests have been coming here since we first opened, and now they’re bringing their children and grandchildren,” said Mike Masterson, director of sales and marketing for Sheraton Maui. “We want to keep in tune with the tastes of younger travelers while retaining the spirit of the original hotel.”
Renovated Rooms
The upgrade of the resort’s 508 rooms and suites is scheduled for completion by mid-July, according to Masterson.
“The design of the renovated rooms embraces the history of the area and the hotel while incorporating modern elements, crisp and clean lines and integrated technology that will appeal to multiple generations of travelers,” he said.
I recently stayed in one of the refreshed accommodations, which lived up to Masterson’s description. I liked the addition of tech-friendly amenities such as USB ports and plugs on the nightstands, where I could charge several devices at once. My bathroom featured handy new touches like open shelving below the vanities and illuminated vanity mirrors. What’s more, rooms now provide pullout sleeper chairs and extra closet storage.
For Sheraton Maui’s renovated rooms, Hawaii artist Kristie Kosmides created ethereal artworks inspired by views of three islands.
Credit: 2018 Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa
I was particularly drawn to the room’s new decor, where contemporary works by a local artist added pops of orange and blue. In each accommodation, colors and textures have been inspired by the culture and islands on view from the resort: Maui, Lanai and Molokai.
Hotel officials have been meeting with travel agents and wholesale partners to familiarize them with the renovated accommodations.
“As completed rooms become available, we have been inviting agents to visit the resort and experience them firsthand at a special travel agent rate,” Masterson said. “In the coming months, we will be conducting fam trips with key travel partners.”
Dining Innovations and Sustainability Efforts
Early this summer, a new dining outlet will also make its debut at the hotel. Replacing Black Rock Kitchen, it will serve global dishes using local ingredients.
“Featuring small and large shared plates, the new restaurant concept is designed to encourage guests to gather, connect and talk story over a memorable meal,” Masterson said.
New cocktail menus at Sheraton Maui’s poolside eateries include novelties such as the Frose (pronounced “fro-zay”) Bite, with sparkling rose and pomegranate liqueur. Also recently added is the shareable Fish Bowl, comprised of pineapple-mango vodka, blue curacao, pineapple juice and a Midori float, served in a keepsake container.
Creative amenities are sweetening Sheraton’s present-day allure, as well. With its s’mores package, clients can roast marshmallows at beachfront fire pits and build the lip-smacking snacks with fixings either mainstream or island-style. The resort’s newest add-on, called Day at the Beach, provides beach toys, reef-safe sunscreen, water, juices and Maui chips.
Meanwhile, the hotel continues to make waves with its sustainability programs. Last August, it became Hawaii’s first resort to fully eliminate single-use plastic straws in favor of a marine-friendly alternative. Since then, other hotels around the islands have followed suit.
This summer, the property will introduce three dispensers with free, reef-safe sunscreen. As it presents these and other forward-thinking projects alongside traditions such as the cliff-dive ceremony, the 55-year-old Sheraton Maui is finding a perfect balance between the past and the future.
The Details
Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa
www.sheraton-maui.com
