By Karen Sprinkles
Located in West Maui, Ka'anapali Golf
resort's Royal Ka'anapali Course---managed by Billy Casper Golf---is among the most elite golf courses of the world, receiving 4.5 stars (out of five) from Golf Digest in its 2008 "Best Places You Can Play" rating system. In keeping with the world-class setting, there are several 4-star, luxury hotels in close proximity to this famed golf course.
Sheraton Maui Resort and Spa
Featuring 508 rooms and suites including a semi-private wing that offers deluxe oceanfront accommodations, Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa is the site of the legendary nightly cliff-diving ceremony at sunset from Black Rock, called Pu'u Keka'a. Two restaurants, one lounge, two poolside bars, lava-enhanced whirlpool and fresh-water lagoon make for a magical setting on the Ka'anapali coastline, where views of the Pacific Ocean reveal the nearby islands of Molokai and Lanai.
2605 Ka'anapali Parkway
Lahaina, Maui 96761
(808) 661-0031
www.sheraton-maui.com
Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa
Forty oceanfront acres unfold in lush, tropical beauty in the heart of West Maui at Ka'anapali. The Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa features four restaurants and five lounges amid shimmering pools and cascading waterfalls. A half-acre swimming pool with a 150 foot waterslide is part of the Keiki Lagoon recreational component that includes tennis, a spa and fitness centers, plus opportunities for scuba and snorkeling, as well as a Tour of the Stars astronomy program. In 2009, the resort received the prestigious AAA Four Diamond Award for the 21st consecutive year.
200 Nohea Kai Drive
Lahaina, Maui 96791
(808) 661-1234
www.maui.hyatt.com
Royal Lahaina Resort
Fronting the best and most exclusive stretch of Ka'anapali beach, the Royal Lahaina Resort offers garden and oceanfront cottage accommodations in the tradition of Hawaii's plantation era. Featuring two oceanfront pools, a tennis ranch, beach activities center and myriad dining and entertainment options, the resort also presents such island-inspired offerings as its legendary Royal Lahaina Resort Luau. With 516 rooms and suites total, the resort has recently completed its newly refurbished, 12-story Lahaina Kai Tower.
2780 Kekaa Drive
Kaanapali, Maui 96761
(808) 661-3611
royallahaina.com
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.
