By Elizabeth Kang
If ever there was a perfect vacation destination for both adults and kids, Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa is it. With lush, tropical gardens, an exceptionally luxurious spa, and fun-filled children’s day camp, Hyatt Regency Maui is a family friendly resort that every member will be thrilled with.
Hyatt Regency is located on the gorgeous Ka’anapali Beach, Maui, surrounded by 40 oceanfront acres of pristinely landscaped gardens, lush green lawns, and colorful tropical forests. The beach is clean, fine sand and crystal blue water — the exact thing you picture when you imagine a tropical getaway with the family.
The resort offers so much for everyone. Read below for highlights of what makes Hyatt Regency Maui one of the most family friendly vacation destinations in Hawaii.
Children Delights:
Camp Hyatt engages children ages 5 to 12 in a variety of hands-on activities, games and learning experiences. The daily camp is divided into two sessions, (9 am to 3 pm, and 5 pm to 9 pm) which is perfect for parents who can choose to have a spa day to themselves or romantic adult-only dinner. Activities include traditional lei making, building sandcastles, fishing, hula lessons, swimming, and much more. Reservations are required and prices start at $55 for a half day (includes lunch.)
Turtle Talk is a fun complimentary educational experience your little “kieki” won’t want to miss. A marine expert leads an engaging discussion on the Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle, and provides interesting facts such as how long the turtle lives, and how long it can hold its breath.
Penguin Feedings is another “can’t miss” event at the Hyatt Regency, taking place daily at 9:30 a.m. on the property’s Penguin Habitat, which houses the endangered African Black-Footed Penguin. Children will love learning all about the species from the Hyatt’s wildlife team, while watching the penguins energetically gobble up their morning breakfast.
Napili Pool is where kids and teens are likely to want to hang out all day. Older kids will love 150-foot enclosed lava tube water slide and swinging rope bridge. And everyone will enjoy hangin’ in the whirlpool hot tub.
Kieki Lagoon is the place to be for toddlers or younger children, who will be thrilled with the sandy beach play area, pint-sized jumping water fountains and smaller, 25-foot water slide. The lagoon also features playful dolphin and turtle figures to climb on.
Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice will be everyone’s favorite pit stop, offering traditional Hawaiian shave ice made with natural, homemade syrups from 100% cane sugar (no corn syrup) and fresh fruit purees and concentrates in traditional and local flavors such as guava and passion fruit.
Drums of the Pacific Lu’au, voted best Luau in Maui, is a fun-filled evening the whole family will remember. No Hawaiian vacation is complete without attending a traditional luau, and Drums of the Pacific is exemplary, offering a lavash buffet with traditional and contemporary Hawaiian delicacies, eye-catching entertainment with drums, fire and dancing, and traditional Hawaiian costumes.
*Another wonderful aspect of this property is that it’s pet-friendly, allowing dogs under 50 pounds to stay in room, so children can bring their best friend on vacation, too!
Adult Fun
Kamaha`o Spa is a standout among resort spas in the area. It’s location can’t be topped, surrounded by lush flowers and plants, right on the water. The spa offers indulgent massages, facials and body treatments, as well as other pampering services. The spa includes a “Glamour Room,” where guests can opt to get their makeup, hair and nails done for a special occasion or a quick blow out and style for a romantic dinner.
Cabanas are offered oceanfront or poolside, and are just the thing for a shaded, relaxing day. Refreshing ice water and fresh fruit is included in your cabana, whether you choose a two-person, private cabana or family tent (up to seven people.)
Moana Athletic Club is open 24-hours, so adults can stay fit whenever they choose in a high-tech, fully equipped complimentary fitness center. Take advantage of the numerous daily fitness classes offered on property as well, including Barre, Yoga, Aqua Fit, and Pilates.
Romance Tour of the Stars ($40) is a unique experience offered at the hotel, where couples spend a romantic evening sharing champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries while stargazing, using a 14-inch high-power reflector telescope. The resort’s Director of Astronomy will teach couples interesting facts about the stars, and about how ancient Polynesians used the stars to navigate during sea voyages. (Family sessions are also available for $15 per child and $20 per adult.)
Shopping is plentiful near the resort, with three main shopping hubs to choose from nearby. Whalers Village is a half mile from the Hyatt, which you can walk to, take the hotel trolley to or drive to, and discover designer boutiques, souvenir shops, art galleries and restaurants. Be sure to visit the nearby historic town of Lahaina, where you can easily spend half a day discovering quaint retail shops and savoring local food. Another retail therapy delight is the Outlets of Maui, which is a quick 5-minute taxi ride from the Hyatt. You’ll find deep discounts on designer, brand-name goods at the outlets.
Dining on property is diverse and plentiful, with ten different options available, from casual swim-up bars to fine-dining accommodations. For truly indulgent date night or adults-night-out, make reservations at Son’z Steakhouse for succulent, juicy prime steaks, fresh seafood and an extensive selection of wines. Or take it up a notch further and arrange an oceanside dinner for two, where award-winning chefs prepare a delicious multi-course dinner that you can enjoy privately by candlelight, under the stars.
The Hyatt Regency Maui is truly a one-stop vacation destination designed with every age in mind. It’s an immensely enjoyable experience every member of the family will remember and want to return to, year after year.
https://maui.regency.hyatt.com
