Wow, where do we start? This is one of the biggest resorts on Maui, sitting among 40 acres of spacious and exotic grounds. The two outstanding pools are large with waterfalls, and one has a fast 150-foot waterslide (users must be at least 4 feet tall), a swinging bridge and a swim-up bar inside a cave. Little ones can enjoy a shorter waterslide, a sand-lined lagoon and synchronized fountains. Between the two is a poolside bar filled with the roar of the artificial waterfalls. The lobby is next to the huge atrium, which, in the mornings, is filled with the sounds of wild birds there to steal some food.There’s plenty to see and do around the property. They have complimentary tours of the wildlife strewn about the grounds (such as the warm-weather penguins, swans, flamingos and parrots). The art pieces found throughout the property (valued at over $2 million) make exploring the grounds a treat. Both their state-of-the-art fitness center as well as their health spa, Kamaha‘o: A Marilyn Monroe Spa, have really nice, oceanside views. If you’re looking for even more exclusive tours, they have a few to choose from. There’s the guided, rooftop astronomy demonstration tours.
There are four restaurants on site. Downstairs near the pool is a cheaper food court-style area called the Umalu. (It’s near the pool so feel free to wear your bathing suit there.) They even have an Ululani’s Shave Ice (one of the best on Maui) near the pool.
The Hyatt also has a nightly lu‘au (the only resort to have one that frequently), called Drums of the Pacific. Oceanfront rooms in the Lahaina Tower can expect to hear the festivities until around 8:30 p.m. Depending on your outlook, you may consider it a perk or you should ask the concierge for some earplugs.
We only have a few dings with this resort. Part of their beach has suffered erosion in recent years, exposing more reef in the nearshore waters, so you can’t frolic in the shallow waters without water shoes, or you may tear up your feet.
They have ocean activity booths where you can rent water toys such as boogie boards and snorkel gear at normal resort prices (meaning expensive). Casabella chairs are also available per day by the pool or by the ocean.
Hyatt’s keiki program (called Camp Hyatt) may or may not be available during your stay, but they have many keiki classes. Grownups get pampering treats, too, such as massages by the ocean and dinners under the stars. You can even rent your own thatched hut by the ocean per day, and they’ll bring you just about anything, for a price, of course. Large cabanas (for up to seven people) are also available for rent with some amenities.
In all, the Hyatt does a very good job, and the staff is very warm and professional. The place radiates the dreamy warmth that you want from a fantasy resort, and it’s especially pretty at night. Rooms are 451 sq. ft., Regency Club rooms are 451 sq. ft. are marginally nicer and have more amenities—namely a free continental breakfast, refreshments and snacks throughout the day, and light pupus and desserts each evening in a private lounge. However, unless you’re traveling with kids that need to eat constantly, they’re not quite worth the upgrade. Packages available.
200 Nohea Kai Dr, Kaanapali