Where to Stay in Kāʻanapali: Hyatt Maui Review

This reporter was hosted by Hyatt for the purposes of this review.

It's late May, just after Memorial Day and right before summer break — a great time to book a stay in Hawaiʻi. I had the opportunity to spend a couple of nights at Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa (my second time). The Kāʻanapali resort, famous for its wildlife, just welcomed a baby African penguin on April 24. It's the first in 17 years and the property is abuzz, searching for the perfect name. Children and adults line the lobby's penguin exhibit every morning at 9:30 a.m. to see their daily feeding and learn more about this species of penguin that can live in warm, tropical weather far from the Arctic.

While I wait for my room, a couple next to me lounging in the outdoor lobby FaceTimes with a friend, waving the phone around to show off their digs for the week. They tell their friend they are already planning their return trip for next February during whale-watching season.

A Quick Overview

• Star Rating: 4.2 out of 5 stars on TripAdvisor (over 11,000 reviews)

• Price Range: From $400-$500/night (shoulder season), $800-$900/night (holidays and summer)

• Kamaʻāina discount: For up to 50% off rooms plus no resort fee, use discount code: KAMA

• Location Score: Rated 9.1 out of 10 for its beachfront access and proximity to local attractions on Booking.com

• Best for: Families with children, group travel, couples seeking action on Kāʻanapali Beach

• Pros: At the quiet end of Kāʻanapali beach, close enough to walk to Whaler's Village, but away from the hustle and bustle.

• Cons: Far from Upcountry, Wailea and Hana.

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Location & Getting There

Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa is located right on Kāʻanapali beach, making it super convenient for ocean activities like snorkeling, boogie boarding and whale watching during the winter and early spring months. It's a short walk to Whaler's Village, an outdoor mall on the beach that has a wide variety of shops, restaurants and free movie nights under the stars. The resort is also located next door to Kāʻanapali Golf Course and the Drums of the Pacific Lūʻau is located on the property.

Although Hyatt does not offer shuttle service from the airport, there is ample parking (fees listed below) onsite, or you could use a transportation service suggested by Hyatt. I recommend renting a car. It's about an hour's drive from the airport and you'll want to visit other parts of the island.

Rooms

I stayed in a King Oceanfront room, which has a king-sized bed, couch and coffee table, flat-screen TV, desk and lanai — plenty of space for one to two people. It was super clean and well-maintained, spacious, quiet and you can't beat that sunrise view over Kāʻanapali beach in the morning. At night, I left the sliding glass door to the lanai open so I could hear the waves crashing. The room had everything I needed, including a Keurig coffee maker, two bottles of water, a robe and plenty of hangers for my clothes. The bathroom had the typical toiletries — shampoo, conditioner, body wash and lotion — plus extras like makeup remover wipes and Q-tips.

Amenities

Wildlife Exhibits

Hyatt Maui has no shortage of amenities, but the biggest attraction at this resort is the wildlife. There are trained specialists on the property day and night who care for the animals, which include swans, ducks, parrots, cranes, African penguins and koi fish. Guests can take free tours to learn more about the animals and how Hyatt Maui works to help protect endangered species.

Tour of the Stars

Another impressive amenity is the stargazing program. Hyatt Maui has an astronomy team on staff, including one who is an ambassador of NASA. In the evenings, guests can meet them on the rooftop to look at the stars through massive telescopes. Tours are based on whatever happens to be going on in space — for example, spotting a comet or another planet. The guides also share how Native Hawaiians were (and still are) able to navigate the sea by studying the stars. You'll see the Hawaiian compass and learn how it works and why wayfinding is such a crucial element of Hawaiian culture. Tours are offered nightly at 8, 9 or 10 p.m.

Most of the activities are free.

More activities and amenities include:

• Water refill stations

• 24-hour self-serve towel caddies

• Fitness center

• Fitness classes (yoga, pilates, water aerobics, etc.)

• Cultural activities (hula, lei-making, coconut weaving, etc.)

• Spa

• Oceanfront walking path

• Beach activity center (including scuba gear)

• Recreation area that includes ping pong and other family activities

• Drums of the Pacific Lūʻau

• Whale watching (during winter/spring)

• Two pools and a hot tub (open 24 hours)

• Waterslide

• Pickleball

• Shopping (local apparel, jewelry and art)

• Summer concert series

• Aloha Friday Market 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (locally made crafts and gifts)

• Volunteer opportunities, such as beach cleanups — email oggrm.leisuresales@hyatt.com for more information

• Accents (sundries and gift shop) — 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

• Concierge services

• Laundry facilities

• Business center

• A variety of event spaces for everything from weddings to work conferences

• Gold certified sustainable property

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Dining & Drinks

Breakfast

You gotta hit up the buffet at Swan Court. It has anything you could want, including a yogurt and chia pudding bar, made-to-order omelets, salad bar, hot bar, fresh tropical fruit, pastries and fresh-pressed juices. The center of the open-air dining room features a giant waterfall and lagoon. For quick coffee and pastries to go, there is also Honolulu Coffee Company located across the hall.

• Swan Court is open 6:30 to 11 a.m.

• Honolulu Coffee Company is open 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Lunch and Happy Hour

For poolside grindz, you've got ʻŪmalu serving a full menu with burgers, wings, nachos and cocktails, and Waikomo Shave Ice for a cold treat. Over by Wailele Lagoon, you can also grab tiki cocktails at Pau Huakaʻi just in time for sunset.

• ʻŪmalu is open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Happy hour is 11 a.m. to noon and 4 to 5 p.m.

• Waikomo Shave Ice is open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

• Pau Huakaʻi is open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

ʻŪmalu poolside restaurant and bar. Photo by Sarah Burchard.

Dinner

Japengo is the star at Hyatt Maui. Anywhere you sit in the open-air restaurant has an ocean view, making sunset an optimal time of the evening to dine. You'll also have a view of Lānaʻi island and whale watching from early winter through spring. The space is sleek and sexy, yet casual enough to still feel relaxed and unpretentious. The menu is sushi-centric but also features several Asian small plates, noodle dishes, grilled meat and fish and plenty of vegetarian and gluten-free options.

• Open 5 to 9 p.m.

If you are more of a meat-and-potatoes lover, you can also have dinner at Son'z Steakhouse. Steaks range from filet to tomahawk and you can find all your favorite classic steakhouse sides like mac and cheese, creamed spinach, twice-baked potatoes and wedge salad.

• Open 5 to 9 p.m. Happy hour is 4:30 to 6 p.m. (excluding holidays)

The resort also offers in-room dining with contactless knock-and-go delivery service for breakfast and dinner.

• Breakfast 6 to 11 a.m.

• Dinner 5 to 10 p.m.

Good to know:

• If you decline housekeeping, you will receive a $10 food and beverage credit.

• Kamaʻāina receive 15% off food and non-alcoholic drinks at ʻŪmalu and Japengo restaurants.

Service & Staff

Check-in and checkout are super easy at Hyatt Maui. The staff are quick and efficient while remaining warm and charming. When I pulled up to the front in my rental car asking for self-parking, the valet encouraged me to park just a couple of feet from where I was and check in first, so I could choose the parking lot closest to my room.

There were only a couple of people in line ahead of me at the check-in counter. The man who checked me in was sharp and gracious. He moved quickly but never made me feel rushed. I felt like everyone was being considerate of my time. My room was not ready yet, but I received a text only about 15 minutes later letting me know I could pick up my key.

For checkout, you will receive a text message allowing you to check out from your phone. If you are parked in the parking lot, take your key with you to exit the lot. There is a key return bucket there. If you forget your key (which I did), simply press the help button and someone will open the gate for you.

Value for Money

I can't think of anything else Hyatt Maui could offer to give you more value for your money. The location, amenities, rooms, view and overall upkeep of the property offer just the right amount of luxury for a casual, family-friendly resort. While it is not the Ritz-Carlton, it's nowhere near a budget hotel either. I would put it in the mid- to high-end tier, for guests who still like a good amount of polish.

Who It's Best For

I would recommend Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa for families with kids first and foremost. There is so much for kids to do here, including the waterslide, games in the central lobby, the beach with its calm waves and checking out all the wildlife. It's also good for groups and couples who don't mind being around kids who love to play. Even with the resort's lively atmosphere, it's still peaceful and relaxed. There is plenty of space to spread out and find a quiet place to read or nap.

Final Verdict & Rating

I agree with TripAdvisor's 4.2 out of 5 stars rating. There are many nice resorts located on Kāʻanapali Beach and Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa is one of them. I love that the staff is both fast and friendly. I love that the pool and hot tub are open 24 hours. And I love how much the property evokes both excitement and ease. Hanging out in the central communal space on my last morning watching the penguins and the families congregating around them just before feeding time felt so joyful. There were no sounds of kids crying or complaining, just laughter and sounds of awe. I didn't get to see the new baby penguin this time around. He's still being cared for in his nesting box while he grows out his mature feathers and learns to swim. On World Oceans Day, June 8, he makes his first public debut when Hyatt Maui hosts his official naming ceremony.

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Address: 200 Nohea Kai Drive, Lahaina, HI 96761

Phone: (808) 661-1234

Booking link

Check-in: 4 p.m.

Checkout: 11 a.m.

Parking: Self-parking $50, valet $55

Pet Policy: Dogs up to 50 pounds, or two dogs with a combined weight of up to 75 pounds, are OK. Reservations must be booked at least three days in advance. There is a nonrefundable fee of $150 per stay (up to six nights). An additional $150 fee is added for stays of seven to 30 nights. Leash required at all times. Dogs are not allowed in the wildlife gardens, restaurants or pool areas (service animals are exempt). Guests must be in the room with their pet during housekeeping services. Use designated dog relief areas.