My recent stay at The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Kaanapali, wasn’t my first — I visited back in 2018 — but, with the massive enhancement program that has since taken place at the resort, it might as well have been.
What do I remember from my first visit? Mostly the sprawling pool complex and the hotel’s prime location on Kaanapali Beach. My room, while comfortable, felt like it could have been at a Westin just about anywhere.
Now, however, a $120 million transformation of the property has given it a strong identity rooted in Hawaii’s culture, environment and spirit — a welcome change I felt in every aspect of my recent stay.
“The transformation restored a serene sense of place and heightened the natural beauty that surrounds us,” said Lana Uytterhagen, director of sales and marketing for The Westin Maui. “The Westin brand design philosophy draws inspiration from the concept of ‘biophilia,’ which posits that people have an innate need to connect with nature, and that our link to the natural world affects our well-being.”
Hokupaa Tower: Luxury at The Westin Maui
The star of the three-year, multipart project is the Hokupaa luxury tower, which debuted in November 2020 after a total revamp of the former Beach Tower. My Hokupaa Oceanfront King room was spacious and bright, with a modern Hawaiian vibe. Wood floors, a lounge area and a coffee bar create a home-like atmosphere, while the comfy patio boasts gorgeous views of the pools and Kaanapali Beach.
A guestroom in the Hokupaa luxury tower
Credit: 2022 The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, KaanapaliAs much as I loved my room, the open-air, ocean-view Lanai lounge rivaled it. Exclusive to Hokupaa guests, the new venue offers complimentary breakfast plates and evening appetizers, a bar, plenty of stylish seating and a lineup of cultural activities, reflecting a commitment to sharing local traditions in authentic and respectful ways.
Cultural Connections
Hawaiian ethos is truly at the heart of the renovated property, and many of these efforts begin with Oralani Koa, manager of Hawaiian programming for the resort. Koa is responsible for developing and implementing on-property offerings “that preserve and enrich the guest experience through a deeper connection to and love of the aina (land) and relationship to the elements.”
Guests can take part in Hawaiian activities.
Credit: 2022 The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, KaanapaliThe WestinWaterman wellness program, for instance, offers ocean adventures and beach clean-up activities with local watermen and women (individuals regarded for their knowledge and prowess of the ocean) to convey the importance of malama aina, or protecting the environment.
After a morning with waterman and environmentalist Zane Schweitzer, I can confirm that the messaging strikes a chord. Between sifting the golden sands of Kaanapali for microplastics and spotting a sea turtle during a paddling activity, I felt inspired by these lessons of environmental care — and even found myself picking up a few pieces of litter on each subsequent visit to the beach.
Additional Hawaiian cultural activities range from coconut weaving to lei making, ukulele lessons, storytelling, music and more. Hokupaa guests have access to these opportunities at The Lanai, where I found myself weaving coconut fronds into a crown-like lei adorned with fresh flowers.
The Lanai venue is exclusive to Hokupaa guests.
Credit: 2022 The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, KaanapaliMore Renovation Highlights
Other noteworthy changes at the property include a reimagined pool deck: The adults-only area has a pool bar and a sandy-bottomed infinity pool, while the family section features a 270-foot waterslide and the Keiki Splash Zone for little ones.
Elevated on-property cuisine hits a high note at oceanfront Waicoco, with a menu designed to celebrate Maui’s cultural diversity and local products. More options include the Hale Moolelo bar and eatery; Hale A, serving cocktails and bites at the pool; and the grab-and-go Mahele Market & Eatery.
Uytterhagen also notes that renovations are planned for the Ocean Tower guestrooms, with an expected project start date in August.
“We are able to block off floors during the renovation, so we anticipate minimal disruption to our guests throughout the project,” she said.
It’s something for advisors and travelers alike to look forward to, as The Westin Maui solidifies its status as a true Kaanapali Beach oasis.
The Details
The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Kaanapali
