Revisiting the Past at Sheraton Maui

The Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa evokes strong memories.

Some of my earliest recollections surround this exact property: I was a toddler, but I have flickers of sitting in a fancy restaurant with tall, narrow French windows and a koi pond surrounded by a lush resort with palms and metal torches dotting the landscape. Indoors were crisp white tablecloths and butterballs imprinted with the Sheraton logo.

Today, the space that restaurant occupied is function space, but the French windows and koi pond remain.

I wasn't the only one for whom the space evoked memories-several Instagram posts drew comments from former guests among my followers, each of whom had strong ties to past visits, some as old as or older than my own.

A visit to Na Hoku Club Lounge, set high above Pu'u Keka'a (Black Rock) draws visitors into a space that was once the original resort's lobby, adorned with historical photos and a magnificent view of Ka'anapali Beach.

While it's fun to imagine what the arrival experience must have been like during the late 1960's when the resort was new, the larger, newer resort lobby is no less impressive, with expansive views of Pu'u Keka'a, Ka'anapali Beach and the island of Lana'i looming large across the 'au'au Channel.

The property has a well-loved feel that, like most resorts in Hawai'i, makes it unassuming and approachable.

While I overheard more than one guest comment about the need for a design refresh, I felt the resort had worn its 50 years remarkably well, particularly in a place where the long-term effects of wind, sand and salt water on structures is less than kind. The readers of Conde Nast Traveler seem to agree, for the property was recently named a People's Choice favorite among Best Resorts in Hawai'i.

Ka'anapali Beach is known for sugar sand and calmer surf, so it's an attractive spot for families and novice swimmers. (N.B. conditions are always unpredictable, so exercise caution and pay attention to surf indicator signs.) There's also great snorkeling to be had along the reef.

Incidentally, the channel's name, 'au'au, is Hawaiian for "to take a bath", a testament to the water's tranquility. In contrast, the more northern Pailolo Channel that separates Maui from Moloka'i means "crazy fisherman", referencing its rougher conditions.

Those seeking a culinary variety will also find much to occupy their time.

The resort's signature restaurant, Black Rock Kitchen, just rolled out a new menu with contemporary updates of several items, continuing its commitment to using local produce and cooking in a locally-inspired style. Indoor-outdoor seating is a particular draw here. For those in the mood for Japanese, Teppanyaki Dan offers faithfully executed hibachi meals with an impressive selection of sake and shochu.

Beach and poolside meals can be had at Cliff Dive Grill, one of the best vantage points at the resort for watching the nightly torch lighting and cliff diving ceremony. Drinkers will appreciate three daily Aloha Hours at Mai Tai Bar (morning), Cliff Dive Grill (afternoon) and Black Rock Lounge (evening).

Notable for both drinkers and lovers of the environment, the resort was the first in Hawai'i to end the use of plastic beverage straws in an effort to protect the oceans. (Plastic straws are a threat to marine life, in particular, the honu, or green sea turtle, treasured in Hawaiian cultural tradition.) Blended cocktails and children's drinks are served with paper straws, which are also available on request for other drinks.

The cherry on top of all the resort's outlets and facilities-impressively including multiple resort pools and whirlpools with lava rock accents-is the people.

Maui can oftentimes feel like a mass market vacation destination, but many of the resort's employees have been serving guests there for decades. Laid-back though they might seem, these folks are experts at their craft, anticipating guest needs and making sure they've taken care of things that might not even have been considered.

I left the resort continuing to treasure my very first memories, along with many more new ones to savor.

The Takeaway

With one of the best locations on Maui, good value for money, a long-honed approach to hospitality and abundant, liberally shared aloha, Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa is memorable for all the very best reasons.

The Math

I've seen rates as low as $225 plus taxes and resort fee.

Instagrammable Moment

You might be lucky to have your martini glass in just the right place as it's illuminated by the sunset or watch a rainbow creep over the West Maui Mountains during an afternoon shower. Even if you're not, there's virtually no place on the resort grounds that isn't picture-perfect.

Loyalty

Starwood Preferred Guest.

Good to Know

The resort is expansive, so if you plan to use certain facilities like fitness facilities or the Na Hoku Lounge, they can be a walk, depending on where your room is situated. If proximity is important, inquire at reservation or upon check-in about room and facility locations. (Or if you're like me, use the extra steps to justify that dessert.)

Shuttles run between Starwood's four Ka'anapali-area resorts and Lahaina on a set schedule. If you plan to spend your entire time on Maui in the immediate area, purchasing airport transfers can be less expensive than a rental car plus parking.

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