Maui, Hawaii
With miles of pristine beaches and turquoise water, Maui, the second-largest island in Hawaii, is a dream vacation destination. Kaanapali Beach is a one-mile stretch of white sand along turquoise water on Maui's west shore. Its Puu Kekaa (black rock) lava outcropping is home to tropical fish, sea turtles and other marine life. Surfing and kiteboarding are popular water sports.
Accommodations
Enjoy a Maui sunset from a private balcony.
Room rates vary depending on the view. The luxurious Ocean Front rooms face the surf, just feet from the beach. A tropical fruit-laden breakfast can be enjoyed on a private balcony looking out over the sand and water. As of May 2010, Ocean Front rooms run from $235 a night. The Aloha Value rooms are the hotel's most affordable option at $143 a night, as of May 2010. Although they lack a view of the water or gardens, the Aloha Valuerooms (like every room at the hotel) come with a mini-refrigerator, wireless Internet access and hypoallergenic pillows.
Food
Try local fruits such as mango, a sweet tropical treat.
The menus at all three of the hotel's on-site restaurants feature fresh ingredients and island specialties. Tiki Terrace, a casual outdoor cafe, serves fresh-caught island fish and seared steaks for breakfast and dinner. In the evening, the Tiki Bar and Grill specializes in tropical cocktails such as Mai Tai and Pupule (lemon, pineapple, Chambord, creme de cacao and rum). Gerard's serves French food with an island twist. Try poi, a starchy staple made from mashed taro that is ubiquitous in a traditional Hawaiian meal. Every Sunday features a champagne brunch. The spread includes unlimited champagne, fresh tropical fruits and locally caught fish, all served while live music is played.
Kupanaha Dinner Theater
When the sun goes down, the lights go up at the Kupanaha Dinner Theater, located within the Kaanapali Beach Hotel. The show combines magic and live theater to share the history and myths of Hawaii. Check-in at 4:30 p.m. and enjoy an early dinner that includes Hawaii-inspired foods such as Kalua Pork Maui Quesadillas and Pina Colada Cheesecake with Caramelized Pineapples. Following dinner is a two-hour magic and dance performance by the Kupanaha Dancers.
Local culture
Learn to make your own lei.
Kaanapali Beach Hotel calls itself "Hawaii's Most Hawaiian Hotel" because of its commitment to sharing and teaching guests about native Hawaiian culture. The hotel's 30-plus daily cultural activities include ukulele lessons, lei-making classes and lauhala weaving, where guests create a bookmark using pandanus tree leaves. An on-site program teaches employees about Hawaiian history, myths, religion, food and more.
Lei Aloha Benefits
Returning visitors to the Kaanapali Beach Hotel should take advantage of the Lei Aloha Benefits program, which may entitle returning guests to free accommodations and access to exclusive vacation packages. The Lei Aloha Awake to Paradise Package, available only to rewards program members, includes an upgraded room, a daily breakfast buffet and a welcome cocktail upon arrival.
Tags: Kaanapali Beach, Beach Hotel, Kaanapali Beach Hotel, Aloha Benefits, Dinner Theater