By Elizabeth Kang
We’ve recently discovered a hidden gem. It’s affordable, newly renovated, and absolutely perfect for families. And in addition to those prized features, it also has (and we don’t say this lightly) the best beach in all of Maui. That’s right, Royal Lahaina Resort is truly Maui’s best kept secret, and we’re letting you in on all the wonderful details.
The Best Beach in Maui
Located in the popular Ka’anapali area on the West coast of Maui, Royal Lahaina Resort is lucky enough to claim the best coastline on the island, with golden, soft sand and clear, turquoise water. The laidback resort rests on 27 lush acres of tropical gardens and a half mile of stunning beachfront. The beach is calm and quiet, with many shallow areas for small children to play in. For even more fun in the water, there are also three pools and two hot tubs located on the property. Private, shaded cabanas are available to rent. 
Newly Renovated Rooms
In addition to the resort’s tower rooms, Royal Lahaina offers separate, stand alone cottages on the property, which are ideal for families and larger groups. The tower rooms and bungalow cottages have all been recently renovated, and look clean, stylish, and up-to-date. Many of the bungalow cottage suites and studios are equipped with kitchenettes, so families can prepare meals at their leisure. The stand-alone bungalow cottages are just steps away from the beach, so there’s no elevator or stairs to contend with, although the views are not quite as spectacular as they are from the higher tower rooms.
Delicious Onsite Dining
Beyond the fantastic accommodations, the dining at Royal Lahaina is just as impressive. The Royal Ocean Terrace Restaurant & Lounge offered casual, open-air dining with a varied menu that is sure to please everyone at the table. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, along with gorgeous views and nightly live music and dancing.
For a quick and refreshing treat, head over to Royal Scoop, which offers locally handmade ice cream, snacks, smoothies, and specialty coffees. Royal Scoop is perfect for a quick grab-n-go breakfast or lunch, as well.
Pool-goers will enjoy the Beach Bar, which serves up tropical cocktails and cold craft beer— no cover-up needed.
Royal Lahaina also puts on what many consider to be the best Luau in Maui — with a delicious buffet of traditional Polynesian fare, including a kid-friendly keiki buffet. The Myths of Maui luau takes place during sunset, on a breathtaking oceanfront setting. Live Polynesian dancing, music and an exciting fire finale makes this a not-to-be-missed event.
Resort Fun
Besides the nightly entertainment and dazzling Luau, you’ll find plenty of other activities and distractions to keep you busy and amused. Be sure to take advantage of the 11 tennis courts, and state-of-the-art fitness center on the property, and don’t miss browsing the shops on the resort, such as the Royal Trading Company Store.
There’s also lei making instruction on the property and snorkeling accommodations can be arranged at the resort. For golfing enthusiasts, Royal Lahaina sits right next to some championship gold courses, and for a more leisurely activity, the relaxing onsite spa is worth indulging in for an afternoon.
Location, Location, Location
The Royal Lahaina is a virtual oasis – it’s in the center of it all, without the hustle and bustle of all the crowds. From the resort’s prime oceanfront location is a short shuttle ride to the popular Lahaina Town, and within walking distance is Whalers Village, where you can easily spend a day shopping, site-seeing, and enjoying local delicacies. Also nearby is the legendary Black Rock cliffs, where you can watch brave adrenaline junkies cliff dive at sunset. Nearby are parks, museums and site-seeing attractions, as well as plenty of other restaurants and hotels to explore.
The word is out — we just can’t keep the Royal Lahaina Resort to ourselves. The value, convenient family accommodations, superior location, and gorgeous beach all add up to a hidden gem that you’ll want to return to year after year. 