Maui Revealed - Westin Maui

759 rooms, 5 interconnected pools, spa, 24-hour room service, 4 shops, child care program, 15 conference rooms, business center, Wi-Fi in lobby, hi-speed Internet access in rooms, excellent fitness center (with trainers) and day spa, 4 restaurants, laundry is valet-only. This resort prides itself on two things: their pools area (one pool is for adults only) and the beach. And their boasts ring true. Their part of Ka‘anapali Beach is outstanding. This is the kind of beach scene you’ll always remember. The pools are an outrageous water playground that includes two waterslides.

They have a mandatory $25 resort fee that gets you self-parking, coffee and tea, in-room hi-speed Internet access, room safe, area shuttle, local calls and a 4x6-inch professional photo of you taken on property. (That’s a nice touch.) It’s an extra $15 per day for valet parking.

Rooms were renovated in 2004 and 2007. They achieved their goal of “modern luxury” with their trademark Heavenly Beds and tasteful decor. The older (early ’60s) Ocean Tower building has smallish rooms. The Beach Tower rooms are bigger. They have a long list of items that guests may request, from hand-held shower heads to “Heavenly” dog beds to “Heavenly Cribs” for your other little angel.

They have wedding services provided by the Director of Romance and activities such as teen swim-up poker, coconut husking and aquatic golf provided by their “Director of Fun.” (That must look cool on a business card.) Their child care programs include a night camp program to unload the keikis for $52. The day program is $70 per day and includes lunch. They have sunset dinners for couples by the beach for a pricey $594. The gazebo and cabana chairs range from $55–$125 by the beach or pool (depending on type, location and amenities).

In short, the Westin is a pleasant place with a dynamite location. It tends to feel more busy and crowded than other resorts in the area. Rates go down 30–35% if you join Starwood Preferred (which is free). Rooms (340–450 sq. ft.) are $490–$810, suites (700–2,063 sq. ft.) are $1,200–$3,600.