The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Ka’anapali

When Dave decided to surprise his wife Robin with a trip to Hawaii, he had her friends strut into the lunchroom wearing leis.  The third-grade teacher did not know what was going on until he arrived to make the announcement himself.  He chose Maui for their first trip to the islands. And, he selected the Westin Maui Resort & Spa as their basecamp for the week.  They were not disappointed.

“There are six inches of snow in Wisconsin today,” he smiles while sipping on a Mai Tai at the hotel’s Wailele Polynesian luau.  He swipes the snow photos his son sent him and pockets his phone to watch the Samoan fire knife dance. During the performance, handsome Polynesians who’ve achieved six-pack abs spin flaming torches with the ease of high school baton twirlers.  The luau features an all-you-can-eat buffet, open bar, and top-shelf entertainment.

The Westin Maui Resort and Spa: A Post-Pandemic Success Story

Now after the worst of the pandemic, the luxury hotel is back on track hosting domestic and international visitors, weddings, and conventions.  Word of the property’s $120 million renovation, draws regulars back. Renovations include an upgraded tower and revamped outdoor areas.  Being true to Maui’s cultural roots remains key to the resort’s philosophy. That includes stewarding the land, incorporating Hawaiian elements into the hotel design, and sharing art, handicrafts, foods, and traditions with visitors.

At this 769-room waterfront property, everyone receives a lei upon check-in. And the tropical oasis checks all the boxes: lush orchids and anthuriums, colorful macaws, six swimming pools, and a pair of cool waterslides. The koi pond with flapping, hot pink flamingos serve as residential eye candy.

The New Holupa’s Tower  

New as of 2020 is the 11-story Hokupa’a Tower. This includes fresh room layouts, furnishings, new carpet, art, and paint and wallpaper in hues hinting of sky, sand, and water.  The ocean view king features a spacious 400 square feet of real estate, an L-shaped sofa bed and table, and a spa-like bathroom. Plush towels, the trademarked Heavenly bed, and the Nespresso coffee maker add to the wealth of amenities. Having a small refrigerator to store snacks and leftovers is a huge bonus, not to be dismissed while on vacation. Being environmentally sensitive, the hotel offers each guest their own water bottle, refillable at purified water stations throughout the resort.

Hokupa’a Tower patrons have exclusive access to The Lanai, a VIP club room with breakfast bites and snacks, beverages, an infinity wading pool, and impeccable ocean views to make this stay even more decadent.  Design fans can appreciate the tower’s sleek hardwood plank floors, Hawaiian artwork, and air plants in dangling wood planters.

The Hawaiian culture permeates the property. Taro is grown on-site. Buildings all have Hawaiian monikers. Further, hands-on weekday demonstrations include lei-making, basket weaving, ukulele playing, and storytelling.  On weekends, Hawaiian dancers and musicians perform. At sunset, as torches are lit, diners at the new outdoor Hale Mo’olelo restaurant get to sample a cup of ‘awa drink known for relaxation and medicinal benefits. This writer’s favorite, however, is the Lanai Hala Kahiki, a frozen take on the piña colada.

Combining deep cultural immersion and the multi-million dollar renovation, the Westin Maui Resort & Spa raises the stakes, redefining luxury, convenience, and a re-invented piña colada.