Traveling to a place you’ve seen featured all over TV and in movies could set unrealistic expectations, but the two nights I spent at the Sheraton Maui Resort and Spa were everything I anticipated from a Hawaiian beach vacation—even if I spent more time by the pool than in the actual ocean.
I traveled to Maui after a few nights on Oahu, where I stayed at a modern Airbnb in a residential neighborhood. I was so ready for a resort experience and, pulling into the circular driveway, I was instantly struck by the Sheraton’s nostalgic charm. The high-pitched roofs, tiki huts and spaces that seamlessly blend the indoors with the outdoors weren’t too far off from the version of Hawaii I’d seen in my favorite ‘90s sitcoms and Elvis Presley’s Paradise, Hawaiian Style, which—no coincidence here—was filmed at the Sheraton just after it opened in 1963.
Of course, none of what I saw at the 61-year-old property appeared dated, following an extensive $30 million renovation in 2020 that introduced a new lounge, reception area, and The Sandbar, Kāʻanapali Beach’s only lobby bar. It also added a stunning lanai overlooking Black Rock, the famous site of nightly cliff diving. Come evening, you’d be hard-pressed to find a rocking chair as this was the resort’s most popular spot to watch Maui’s magnificent sunsets and sip a Mai Tai.
We stayed in a king room in the hotel’s main tower that overlooked the resort and lazy river pool, where we spent most of our time on the property. When we weren’t in the pool, the next best place was our balcony. We had a clear view of the sunset every night and could hear the poolside performers perfectly from our perch. The room was large and easily accommodated the standard hotel crib. The bathroom was a normal, comfortable size with a double vanity and a tub where I expected to find a shower, as is the norm these days. I prefer a steamy shower, but the tub meant my kid got to splash around a little longer during bathtime, so we all won.
Sheraton Maui was the first resort on Kāʻanapali Beach—frequently voted the most beautiful beach in the world. But you don’t need us to tell you that. The stretch of sand extending from Block Rock is really a sight to behold and anyone can experience it because the beach is public. The only downside to a beautiful public beach is the charge to use lounge chairs, even for hotel guests. The upside: The lazy river pool offers plenty of free seating, including some under thatched roofs for extra shade.
The pool itself is shallow enough to explore on foot as you make your way under wooden arched bridges and down mini waterslides. Poolside cabanas with couches, a mini fridge and a TV are also available to rent. We had the opportunity to experience one, and it’s worth it if you’re traveling with a group, children or anyone who needs a little more room to spread out.
Between lounging, rocking, sipping, and swimming, I fed the koi fish (ask the hostess at the Coral Reef Restaurant for pellets), squeezed in a workout (too many of us were at the gym on vacation), and leaned into the aloha lifestyle I’d been promised all those years ago.
Time Out tip: The property offers a weekly Maui Nui Luau on the lawn, complete with a generous spread of traditional Hawaiian dishes, unlimited cocktails, and live performances. It’s well attended, and everyone receives a lei upon arrival, making the festive dinner feel more like a big outdoor wedding without a bride and groom. It's definitely worth the splurge (it’s about $200 per person).