Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa
200 Nohea Kai Dr., Kaanapali, Hawaii, 96761, USA, Kaanapali and Nearby, Hawaii, USAWhy We Like It
If you love resorts with lots to do, Hyatt Regency Maui is the place for you. Beautiful views, plenty of activities, lots of wildlife around, unique swimming options, and lots of dining are just a few reasons to enjoy this hotel .
Fodor's Expert Review
Fantasy landscaping with splashing waterfalls, swim-through grottos, a lagoon-like swimming pool, and a 150-foot waterslide "wow" guests of all ages at this bustling Kaanapali resort in the midst of the Kaanapali Beach action. Stroll through the lobby past museum-quality art, brilliant parrots, and South African penguins (as we said, this is not reality). The Hyatt's architecture is not necessarily Hawaiian, but it sure is photogenic, with cultural displays and tropical landscaping. The grounds are the big deal as rooms are modest presentations of plantation style, with a little sitting area and lanai. Unwind at the oceanfront Spa Kamaha'o, or with cocktails and sushi at Japengo restaurant. The nightly Drums of the Pacific luau and the must-see rooftop Astronomy Tour of the Stars using digital telescopes are popular perks.
You Should Know Because it’s a large, popular resort, lines for classes, amenities, and dining can get long. Be sure to arrive early and have a backup plan.
Recommended Fodor’s Video
Room
Room views at Hyatt Regency Maui include an ocean view, ranging from partial to oceanfront, mountain, golf course, and garden. Configurations include king bed (plus full-sized sleeper sofa) and queen with double bed. All rooms include private lanai, air conditioning, signature Hyatt Grand Bed, coffeemaker, and mini fridge. Rooms include bright linens and paints, with dark woods. In addition, Hyatt Regency offers a club level floor that includes lounge access with a daily continental breakfast and daily snacks.
Tip Because of its layout and size, this is definitely a hotel where you’ll want to get a higher level room to get better views and less noise.
Bathroom
Bathrooms are modern, with large tubs that include showers. The toilet and shower are in one chamber, while the large vanity is in another. Each bathroom features Kamaha’o Spa toiletries.
Lobby
The lobby at Hyatt Regency Maui isn’t too large, but its vaulted ceilings and towering sliding doors make it seem massive! The marble desks for seated check-in (with lei greeting) and unique decor make for an interesting visual welcome to the hotel.
Pool
The Lahaina pool is a huge freeform pool surrounded by loungers, palm trees, and a nice sun deck. The pool also features a waterfall (with basketball hoop) and an enchanting grotto bar, and cabanas are available to rent. It’s also open 24 hours a day. The kids’ pool really makes you want to be a kid again, with a small sandy beach, 150-foot water slide, swinging rope bridge, and all kinds of fun little accents.
Spa
The Kamaha’o Spa at Hyatt Regency is a Marilyn Monroe Spa that includes beachside cabanas with services that include massages, facials, and signature body treatments. The spa also plays host to the Glamour Room where guests can enjoy makeup, manicures, and hairstyling services to bring out their inner Marilyn.
Gym
The hotel has a 24-hour StayFit gym that also offers daily classes, as well as basketball and tennis courts.
Dining
Hyatt Regency Maui boasts a large variety of different dining concepts within the resort. For poolside dining, guests can enjoy Umalu, serving lunch and dinner, as well as a late night menu that lasts until midnight. Guests can find treats at Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice, coffee and light fare at Honolulu Coffee, and a breakfast buffet with incredible views at Swan Court. For fine dining dinner options, Japengo offers Asian cuisine with ocean views and Son’z Steakhouse features steak and seafood. Room service is also available for breakfast and dinner.
The hotel is also the site of one of the most popular luaus on Maui, Drums of the Pacific Luau, which is open nightly. Guests should purchase tickets well in advance for this dinner and show.
Drinking
Drinking poolside gets taken to another level here, as Umalu offers up a poolside happy hour from 11 a.m. to noon and a bar and lounge happy hour from 5 to 6 p.m., featuring a variety of tropical and frozen drinks. The grotto bar, open daily with happy hour from 11 a.m. to noon and 4 to 5 p.m., is set inside a cave surrounded by waterfalls where guests can enjoy drinks including specialty cocktails served only at this unique bar.
Japengo hosts a lounge, open in the evening, with a happy hour from 5 to 6 p.m., as does Son’z Steakhouse, with a happy hour from 5 to 6:30 p.m. (and an award-winning wine list).
What's Nearby
Getting Around
It’s easy (and preferable) to explore Maui’s smaller towns by foot, but to get to them and around the island, you’ll need to rent a car. If you plan on exploring the Road to Hana, get something with a little extra horsepower (but not too big as the road can get very narrow). Parking is free, and this hotel provides a free shuttle to anywhere in Kaanapali.
Restaurants
For a casual meal with one of the best ocean views in Lahaina, try Aloha Mixed Plate (8-min drive) for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. You’ll get your plate lunch fix with some traditional items like teriyaki beef and kalbi ribs, as well as a loco moco plate, and a mixed plate that lets you try a few different items. Besides the famed plates, you’ ll find a fresh breakfast menu, and sandwiches, salads, and noodles at lunch and dinner. You’ll also find a special treat on their menu -- a few of their items, including the pork and beets, are cooked in the nightly imu from next door’s luau. AMP is a good choice for families.
Enjoy fine dining while practically sitting in the ocean and relaxing with the sea turtles at Mala Ocean Tavern (7-min drive) -- this restaurant is so close to the water that at some tables you can feel the surf splashing your toes. The fresh, vibrant menu is not only full of locally-sourced items and lots of fish, it also features a gluten-free menu. Wine choices are fantastic, as are the cocktails with a few special martini options.