By Karen Sprinkles
Kaanapali Beach Hotel
Located on the golden sands of Kaanapali
beach in West Maui, Kaanapali Beach Hotel ranks as the "kamaaina" (local) favorite among the five luxury hotels that front the three-mile stretch of beach. While not as fancy as the nearby Westin Maui or Lahaina Beach
resort, Kaanapali Beach Hotel offers the right mix of amenities for an enjoyable stay in Maui's premier resort area, where shops, restaurants, championship golf and plenty of beach activities await. Outfitted in basic furnishings, rooms are simple and tasteful. Free Internet service is available in the lobby, where décor presents a certain "retro Hawaii" charm.
Wows and Woes
Wows: Hotel grounds offer many private niches on the lawn, by the pool or beneath the coconut trees. At night, tiki torches bring a magical aura to the property.
Woes: Restaurant offerings are truly basic. Use your breakfast coupon for the buffet-style menu in a "diner" environment.
Insider Tips
For affordable meals, walk to the nearby Whalers Village food court, where tacos, pizza and hamburgers are available.
Author's Most Memorable Moment
I stayed at the hotel for the Lanai to Maui Channel Swim, an annual, open-water swim that takes place every Labor Day weekend. I sat on the beach and watched my friend's team place second overall in the female division.
Bottom Line
The most affordable of the five resorts on Kaanapali Beach, the hotel presents basic amenities and outdated decor, while evoking a charm reminiscent of the early days of Hawaii tourism.
Resources
About the Author:
Karen Sprinkles has been a freelance writer since 1988. She's currently the managing editor of a luxury home magazine and has written for regional newspapers and magazines. Sprinkles received the Award of Excellence from the Hawaii Book Publishers Association for "The Hawaii Home Book," which reached No. 1 on the Hawaii bestsellers list. She earned a bachelor's degree in English from the University of California.
Photo Credits:
Kaanapali Beach Resort
