Visit Maui: The Westin Ka`anapali Ocean Resort Villas

The weekend before school went back into session, our family spent an amazing weekend at The Westin Ka`anapali Ocean Resort Villas.  We simply wanted a fun-filled, yet relaxing getaway before we all went back to the daily grind.

Check-in time is at 4pm, but we arrived at the resort early to start our weekend.  We obtained towel cards and left our luggage with the bell desk so the kids could spend time at the pools.

The expansive 26-acre property boasts six pools, including a kids' Pirate Ship pool, a water slide, water basketball, and four outdoor whirlpools.

The kids loved the water slide, and they spent hours at the Pirate Ship pool.

Water slide

Pirate Ship Pool

Surrounding the pools were plenty of lounge chairs, and despite the number of guests at the resort, it was not difficult to find a spot to relax.

The pools were always busy, but not overly crowded

Huge pools

Lots of room to lounge

So many pools!

Adult pool

There's also a shaded playground near the Pirate's Pool!

Playground

Just after 4pm I received a phone call that the villa was ready, so I returned to the front desk to get the keys to our Ocean View 1-Bedroom Villa.

The 750 square-foot villa was decorated in warm, natural tones, and included a pull-out queen sofa, a large dining table, two large flat screen televisions, and a king Westin Heavenly bed.

Living room

TV, large dining table

Bedroom

In the villa is a full kitchen with granite countertops, a convection microwave, and a dishwasher.

Fully-equipped kitchen

You can get groceries delivered!

The large bathroom included a double vanity, separate water closet, a whirlpool tub, and a stand-up shower.

Love the large bathroom

Stand-up shower

The villa was spacious and extremely comfortable.  Of course my husband loved that there were two TVs, so he could watch football on one TV while the kids watched cartoons on another.

Unfortunately, upon checking in we found cracker crumbs all over the floor in one of the closets.

However, despite that oversight, service throughout our stay was fabulous.

For instance, my kids wanted to take a bubble bath, but the jets weren't working, so we called maintenance.  We went out to dinner, and by the time we returned, it was all fixed!

The Westin Ka`anapali Ocean Resort Villas is great for an extended stay.  With a full kitchen, you can cook up entire meals for the family.  The property has its own grocery store, Kai Ala Market, from where you can purchase groceries, or you have the option of ordering groceries online.  It's just a $5 service charge to get everything delivered to your villa!

Water and snacks from Kai Ala Market were ready and waiting for us!

There are also numerous grill stations on property, where we often saw guests grilling steaks.

Grill stations

One of my favorite features of the villa was the washer and dryer.

Although we only stayed at The Westin Ka`anapali Ocean Resort Villas for a just a weekend, clothes for a family of 5 sure add up.  Prior to checking out, we did a load of laundry, which meant one less load of laundry to do when we got home.

For those staying longer, a washer and dryer means you can pack less clothes, and there'll be more room for souvenirs!

From our large lanai we had a lovely view of the ocean.

The view from the lanai

The Westin Ka`anapali Ocean Resort Villas is just steps from Ka`anapali Beach, with beautiful views of Lanai and Molokai, and if you're there during the months of November through April, it's possible to see whales frolicking in the ocean!

Molokai

Winter weather at the Westin - just perfect!

The views all around the property were just gorgeous.  The sky lit up in all hues of purples, pinks, reds, and oranges throughout the mornings and evenings.

Check out the colors at sunrise

Sunset

Morning hues

Can't get enough of the blues and greens!

The Westin Ka`anapali Ocean Resort Villas offers guests several ways to relax, immerse themselves in the local culture, or nurture their adventurous side.

Guests can lounge at the beach, go on an outrigger canoe tour, take hula lessons, get pampered at Spa Helani, and so much more!

Lounging on the beach

You really don't need to leave the property at all during your stay, as The Westin Ka`anapali Ocean Resort Villas offers so many activities, a general store, and several restaurants (you can read my review of Pulehu, an Italian Grill here; Auntie's Kitchen here; Pailolo Bar & Grill here).

And if you do leave the property, you have the option of catching the free shuttle to Lahaina town, Whalers Village, and other Starwood properties on Maui!  If you have your own car, you'll find that the resort is conveniently located, and is just a short drive away from numerous shops and restaurants.

I really love how kid-friendly the resort is.  In addition to the super fun Pirate Ship pool, kids (and kids at heart), can play shuffleboard, make candy lei, and even learn Hawaiian at the Pu'uhonua Cultural Center!

Playing shuffleboard

There's even a Westin Family's Kids Club!

Westin Family Kid's Club

The Westin Ka`anapali Ocean Resort Villas' large rooms, numerous amenities, and great location are just a few of the reasons why it's ideal for a family getaway.

A great big Mahalo to The Westin Ka`anapali Ocean Resort Villas, for the warm welcome and wonderful stay!

The Westin Ka`anapali Ocean Resort Villas
6 Kai Ala Dr

Lahaina, HI 96761
(808) 662-2644

For rates and more information, click here.

Thank you to The Westin Ka`anapali Ocean Resort Villas for the media rate.  Gratuities were paid on my own.

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Visit Maui: Beachside S'mores at Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa

One of the highlights of our recent vacation at the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa was Beachside S'mores.

Local Style S'mores Kit

We received the Local Style S'mores Kit which included the typical s'mores necessities - graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows, plus a few ingredients with a local twist - Maui cookies, strawberries, bananas, pineapples, coconut flakes, li hing mui sugar, and chopped macadamia nuts.

Fire pits fronting the ocean are lit from 6pm to 9pm, and they are first-come, first-served.

We made sure to arrive early to grab a seat at the fire pit, and fortunately we did, because some fire pits were already occupied with guests wanting to watch the sunset or simply relax (the fire pits are open to all guests, not just those who opt for Beachside S'mores).  The views are just stunning!

The extra long skewer sticks and the deep pit made it easy for the little kids to roast their marshmallows safely.

It was a little difficult to put the s'mores together in the dark with just glow of the fire pit, but that was part of the fun.

The kids made all sorts of combos with sprinkles, fruits, and different chocolates.  

Because we had a lot of leftovers from our first night of Beachside S'mores, we did it again the next night!

The fire pits are located at the lower deck of Cliff Dive Grill, so you could order dinner then have s'mores for dessert!

The entire family loved making s'mores by the beach during our stay at the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa!  It was such a great way to wind down after a long day at the pool!

Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa is currently offering a "Sea S'more Whales" package.  View the details here.


Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa
2605 Kaanapali Pkwy

Lahaina, HI 96761

(808) 661-0031

Mahalo to Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa for the complimentary Local Style S'mores Kit!

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Our Kama`aina Staycation at the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani Hotel

Located in the heart of Waikiki, the 1000-room Sheraton Princess Kaiulani Hotel offers both kama`aina and visitors an ideal setting for an enjoyable getaway.

Our family was fortunate to spend a weekend at this storied hotel, with its deep roots in Hawaiian history.  Once the site of the entrance to the Ainahau Estate, the home of Princess Victoria Kaiulani, the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani hotel offers panoramic views, nightly entertainment, fantastic dining options, and so much more.

Wall behind front desk filled with photos of Princess Kaiulani

After a pleasant check-in, during which time my lucky kids were greeted with candy lei, we made our way up into the Ainahau Tower to our Tower High Ocean View Double Bed Room.

Inside the guest room were two Sheraton Signature Sleep Experience beds, a mini fridge, a large screen TV, a coffee maker, and an in-room safe.

The room was small, yet cozy and comfortable. We even opted for a rollaway after a suggestion by the front desk employee.

2 double beds

TV, dresser, desk

Mini fridge, safe

Vanity

Shower

Shine by Sheraton amenities

The modern decor was complemented with peacock prints and wallpaper, and iridescent trim, reminiscent of a peacock's feathers, adorned the furniture.

Peacocks played a big role in Princess Kaiulani's life. She had an affinity for the peacocks that roamed Ainahau, and legend tells of how the peacocks screamed in sadness upon the tragic death of the Princess at just 23 years old.

We had a lovely view of the city, the ocean, and even the mountains from the lanai.

Lanai seating

Love when the sky is lit up in different colors

Mountains

One thing I immediately noticed upon entering the guest room was how there were enough towels for our family of 5.  All too often do I have to call housekeeping for more towels at other hotels, but not at the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani!

We spent quite some time relaxing in the room, and the plush beds and pillows made it so easy to take fall asleep no matter the time of day or night!

With the exception of an occasional siren, we could not hear any street traffic noise, and the noise from other guests in neighboring rooms was very minimal.

I was actually quite surprised at how quiet the hotel was despite all the tourists and convention goers we saw.  The elevators were almost always packed with people, and guests filled the lobby and restaurants, but the pace seemed very relaxed.

Thankfully, the pool was not crowded at all.  While my kids and husband played in the 85,000 gallon salt water pool, I relaxed on a lounger beneath one of many huge umbrellas.  Soothing Hawaiian music delivered through speakers surrounding the pool lulled me into a nap!

Plenty of loungers and shade

Three times a day at the pool, guests are offered ice pops or fresh fruit.

A cool treat for kids!

Fresh Fruit

Prefer the beach instead?  Big Kahuna Beach Services provides beach chairs for use, and three times daily fresh fruit and water service is offered to guests in a designated spot on the beach as part of the daily resort fee.  I love that the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani takes care of its guests even at the beach!

Beach chairs

The beach is just a short walk from the hotel!

The beach is just a very short walk from the hotel, so you don't have to go very far to get some sand between your toes and bask in the sun or take a dip in the ocean.

Also nearby the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani are numerous shopping centers (right next door is the new International Market Place) and restaurants, but you don't even need to step foot off property to shop or dine.

The Collections of Waikiki Shops fronting the hotel offer everything from clothing, souvenirs, beach gear, artwork, and even ice cream!

Collections of Waikiki Shops

As for dining, Splash Bar & Bento offers poolside eats, and is the perfect spot to enjoy happy hour and live entertainment.

Grilled Pineapple Bacon Cheese Burger from Splash Bar & Bento

Pikake Terrace (pikake is peacock in Hawaiian) offers a bounty of options during the breakfast and dinner buffets.  

If you're seeking fun activities and entertainment, Sheraton Princess Kaiulani has got you covered!

A variety of cultural activities are offered at the hotel, such as lei-making and koi feeding.  

Hungry koi!

For the ultimate experience in Pacific culture, the Te Moana Nui show will immerse guests in Polynesian tales through song and dance.

The Sheraton Princess Kaiulani hotel also offers a fitness center, airport shuttle (charges apply), as well as a variety of amenities included with the daily resort fee, such as complimentary Wi-Fi, self-parking (the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani is one of the few hotels in Waikiki that offers self-parking), and two bottles of water in room per day,

A very cool feature of the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani is the water filling station, which delivers fresh, pure water from an artesian well.  Water was considered sacred and and a vital part of each community in ancient Hawaii.  As the Hawaiians shared their water with others during ancient times, so does the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani with all of its guests.

Fresh Hawaiian Well Water

I love the way the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani weaves Hawaiian history into so many facets of the property!

The cultural connection, along with the central location, dining and entertainment options, and plentiful services and amenities make the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani an ideal place to stay for both visitors and kama`aina (kama`aina get access to great deals!).

Sheraton Princess Kaiulani Hotel

120 Kaiulani Ave

Honolulu, HI 96815
(808) 922-5811

Mahalo to the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani for hosting our stay.  Gratuity was paid on my own.

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