After months of dreaming about our Hawaiian getaway, we finally made it to the stunning Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa for what turned out to be an unforgettable one-night romantic escape . Nestled on 40 oceanfront acres along the world-famous Kaanapali Beach, this AAA 4-Diamond resort delivered everything we hoped for and more . From the moment we arrived until our reluctant departure, every detail exceeded our expectations, especially the spectacular Drums of the Pacific Luau that became the absolute highlight of our stay
Prime Location on Kaanapali Beach
The Hyatt Regency Maui boasts an enviable position on one of Maui’s most coveted stretches of coastline. Located just 27 miles from Kahului Airport, the resort sits on the southern end of the three-mile Kaanapali Beach, once named America’s Best Beach . The location provides easy access to Whalers Village shopping complex, championship golf courses, and the famous Black Rock cliff diving spot where nightly sunset ceremonies take place.
What struck us immediately was how the resort maintains the authentic Hawaiian principle that no building should be taller than a coconut tree, preserving the natural beauty of West Maui. The property’s 40 acres of meticulously landscaped tropical gardens create an oasis that feels both luxurious and authentically Hawaiian
Accommodations and Room Experience
The resort features 810 newly renovated guest rooms and 31 suites, all completed as part of a multimillion-dollar renovation finished in 2021 . Each room showcases contemporary Hawaiian design elements with elegant furnishings, modern finishes, and private lanais featuring glass balconies . The thoughtful touches include motion-activated lighting beneath beds and in bathrooms, pre-filled reusable water bottles, and large flat-screen TVs with Google Chromecast capabilities.
Room categories range from Mountain View accommodations starting around 400 square feet to oceanfront suites offering panoramic Pacific views. The Corner King rooms, added during recent renovations, provide 510 square feet of space with enhanced views and layouts . Every room includes premium bedding, air conditioning, flat-screen TV, mini-refrigerator, and coffee/tea making facilities
World-Class Pool Complex and Recreation
The resort’s crown jewel is undoubtedly its spectacular pool complex, featuring six free-form fantasy pools designed by renowned hotelier Christopher B. Hemmeter . These were among the world’s first “fantasy” pools and remain a major draw for guests of all ages . The highlight is the 150-foot lava tube waterslide that winds through tropical landscaping, providing thrills for adventurous visitors.
The Keiki Lagoon caters specifically to families with young children, featuring shallow waters, fountains, and a 25-foot waterslide perfect for little ones. Additional aquatic features include waterfalls, a romantic grotto with swim-up bar, rope bridge, basketball hoop, and interactive play fountains . The resort also offers unique experiences like 1.5-hour mermaid lessons for guests weighing 50-200 pounds.
Beyond the pools, recreational amenities include tennis and pickleball courts, nearby championship golf, a 24-hour fitness center, and daily yoga classes. The beachfront location provides easy access to snorkeling, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and seasonal whale watching from December through April
Dining Excellence Across Multiple Venues
The resort houses several dining establishments, each offering distinct culinary experiences . Japengo, the award-winning Asian fusion restaurant, recently completed an expansion and serves Pacific Rim cuisine with an emphasis on fresh sushi and locally-sourced ingredients . The restaurant has earned multiple ‘Aipono Awards including Gold for Best Asian Cuisine and Best Pacific Rim Cuisine.
‘Umalu provides casual poolside dining with a varied menu of appetizers, salads, sandwiches, pizzas, and entrees, making it perfect for lunch and dinner without leaving the pool area. Son’z Steakhouse specializes in premium cuts of meat and fine dining, while Swan Court offers elegant breakfast and dinner options.
For casual dining, the resort features Honolulu Coffee Company for specialty coffee drinks and light fare. The variety ensures couples can find everything from romantic fine dining to casual beachside meals without leaving the property
The Drums of the Pacific Luau: An Unforgettable Evening
The Drums of the Pacific Luau truly deserves its reputation as one of Maui’s premier cultural experiences and was undoubtedly the highlight of our stay . This nightly spectacular takes place on a beautifully designed amphitheater with gorgeous faux stonework that enhances the natural beachfront setting. The luau grounds, only about 60 feet deep, ensure excellent views from every seat.
The evening begins with a traditional mai tai greeting and kukui nut lei presentation, followed by the authentic imu ceremony where kalua pork is ceremoniously unearthed from the underground oven. Pre-show entertainment includes live Hawaiian music, hula performances, torch lighting ceremonies, and demonstrations of lei-making and Polynesian drumming traditions.
The dinner buffet features authentic Hawaiian cuisine including island fresh fish, kalua pork, teriyaki chicken, paniolo beef, and traditional sides like Hawaiian-style potato mac salad and ahi poke. The open bar serves locally-sourced spirits, beer, wine, and tropical cocktails throughout the evening.
The main show takes guests on a journey through Polynesia, featuring authentic dances and music from Hawaii, Tahiti, Rarotonga, New Zealand, Tonga, and the Tuamotus. The evening culminates with an electrifying three-man Samoan fire knife dance finale that leaves audiences mesmerized . Standard seating costs $202 for adults and $101 for children, while VIP seating with premium locations and additional amenities runs $250 for adults
Unique Amenities and Experiences
The resort offers several distinctive experiences that set it apart from other Maui properties . The Tour of the Stars rooftop astronomy program, named “World’s Top Hotel for Stargazing” by CNN Travel, features Hawaii’s only recreational 16-inch reflector telescope . Led by NASA Solar System Ambassador Edward Mahoney, these nightly tours allow guests to observe planets, nebulae, and star clusters while learning about Polynesian navigation.
Wildlife enthusiasts will appreciate the resort’s impressive collection of over 50 exotic birds representing 21 species. The property is the only resort in Hawaii with an on-site penguin habitat housing seven African Black-Footed Penguins . Daily penguin feedings occur at 9:30 AM, and wildlife tours are offered Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 10 AM.
Cultural programming includes complimentary activities like lei making, hula lessons, ukulele instruction, and Hawaiian language classes. New offerings include a Friday Mixology Experience and Poke Chef Experience where guests learn to prepare traditional Hawaiian dishes .
Booking with World of Hyatt Points: Exceptional Value
One of the most rewarding aspects of our stay was booking entirely with World of Hyatt points, which provided exceptional value and eliminated the $52.84 nightly resort fee . The Hyatt Regency Maui recently moved from Category 7 to Category 6, reducing award night costs from 30,000 to 25,000 points for standard dates, with off-peak availability as low as 21,000 points.
When booking with points, World of Hyatt members receive significant benefits including waived resort fees, which normally include amenities like in-room coffee, fitness center access, cultural programs, tennis court time, and pool towel service. The only additional charges for points bookings are parking fees ($35 for self-parking, $40 for valet), though these are waived for Globalist members
Service Excellence and Elite Benefits
The resort’s service consistently meets Hyatt’s high standards, with particular attention paid to World of Hyatt elite members. Globalist members receive distinctive gray wristbands that serve as room keys and provide access to all resort amenities, while standard guests receive orange wristbands . Elite benefits include potential room upgrades, late checkout, and access to the Regency Club when available.
Check-in is streamlined with separate lines for World of Hyatt elite members, and the front desk staff are well-trained in explaining benefits and resort amenities. The property’s three towers (Napili, Atrium, and Lahaina) provide various room locations, with oceanfront positions typically reserved for higher-category bookings or elite member upgrades
Activities Beyond the Resort
The resort’s location provides easy access to West Maui’s attractions and activities . Kaanapali Beach offers excellent snorkeling, especially near Black Rock, where sea turtles are commonly spotted . The nearby Whalers Village provides shopping, dining, and a whaling museum.
During whale season (December through April), the West Maui coastline becomes one of Hawaii’s premier whale watching destinations. Other popular activities include zip-lining through tropical valleys, visiting Haleakala National Park for sunrise viewing, and exploring the famous Road to Hana
Spa and Wellness Facilities
The Kamaha’o Marilyn Monroe Spa spans 15,000 square feet of oceanfront luxury, featuring 15 treatment rooms including couples suites. Services range from traditional lomi lomi massages to specialized treatments like the Gemstone Massage . The spa includes men’s and women’s lounges, steam rooms, dry saunas, and whirlpools.
The adjacent Moana Athletic Club operates 24 hours daily with state-of-the-art fitness equipment. Daily outdoor fitness and yoga classes are offered year-round, taking advantage of Maui’s perfect climate
Final Thoughts and Recommendations
Our one-night stay at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa exceeded every expectation, delivering the perfect blend of luxury, Hawaiian culture, and romantic ambiance . The resort successfully caters to both couples seeking romance and families wanting adventure, making it an ideal choice for diverse travel needs.
The Drums of the Pacific Luau alone justifies a visit, offering an authentic cultural experience that creates lasting memories. Combined with the resort’s exceptional pools, beautiful beachfront location, and comprehensive amenities, it provides outstanding value, especially when booking with World of Hyatt points.
For couples planning a Hawaiian getaway, the Hyatt Regency Maui offers the perfect introduction to Maui’s beauty and culture. Whether staying one night or a week, guests will find themselves immersed in authentic Hawaiian hospitality while enjoying world-class resort amenities . We’re already planning our return visit to this slice of paradise on Kaanapali Beach.
