The Westin Ka'anapali Ocean Resort Villas

With 1,021 rooms spread over 26 acres, The Westin Ka'anapali Ocean Resort Villas is one of Maui's biggest properties. It is comprised of two huge buildings -- known as North and South -- each with its own pool, fitness center, and restaurant, and both offering direct access to a gorgeous stretch of beach. The grounds are beautifully landscaped with flowering plants and palm trees in abundance. Wide concrete or wooden paths wind through well-manicured grass lawns, while several ponds lined with rocks and plants are home to dozens of koi fish. The layout of the resort is such that wonderful ocean views are available from most rooms and public areas.
A lot about this resort implies class and elegance, from the open-air lobby with polished wooden floors, heavy wooden furniture, silk throw pillows and shoji screens, to the rooms and suites with their wraparound windows, kitchens, and earth-tone palette. However, the property is largely geared toward families, and the vibe is casual and bustling. Guests should expect to see kids running around and families gathered around the barbecue grills.

Located a 10-minute drive north of Black Rock, Kaanapali's landmark feature, this hotel enjoys a measure of solitude not possible in the rest of tourist-heavy Kaanapali Beach going south. It is located between the beach and Honoapiilani Highway, and there is little going on in the area but for a couple of casual eateries down the road. The daily sunset dive performance off Black Rock -- a sacred spot for ancient Hawaiians -- is a popular attraction located a 20-minute walk away. Whalers Village, an open-air shopping mall with beachfront restaurants, curio shops, upscale boutiques, and the free Whalers Museum, is a five-minute drive from the hotel. It takes about 15 minutes to drive to the lively, historic village of Lahaina, which offers lots of shopping, dining, and Maui's best nightlife. The hotel offers a free shuttle to its sister properties and to Lahaina, but seats tend to fill quickly. The Sugarcane Train Tour -- offering a history of Maui's sugar plantation days -- leaves from the station across the street. The hotel is a 40-minute drive from Kahului Airport.

Spread over two six-story buildings, the Westin Ka’anapali Ocean Resort Villas’ 1,021 units include 483 studios and 538 one- and two-bedroom suites. Decor is contemporary if a tad chain-like across the board, consisting of dark-wood furniture and patterned carpeting that stands out against the white crisp bedding. However, some of the artwork shows Hawaiian influences, and the earth- and neutral-tone palette lends spaces a pleasant island vibe.
Starting at 480 square feet, units are spacious and bright, with sofa beds for two additional guests, and large sliding glass doors that open to patios or balconies. Views range from full ocean to not-so-scenic views of the resort parking lot; some of the ocean-view rooms are obstructed by palm trees and the pool area.
All units have fully equipped kitchens outfitted with modern appliances -- including fridges, microwaves, stovetops, dishwashers, coffeemakers, and sinks -- plus washer/dryers in separate closets. Suites add ovens. Flat-screen TVs, DVD players, and stereos are also standard amenities, and Wi-Fi is free throughout the property for all guests. Bathrooms are spacious and clean, and feature glass showers, separate jetted tubs, and sinks over granite counters and wooden vanities.

The Westin Ka’anapali Ocean Resort Villas sits on a much more tranquil section of Kaanapali Beach -- north of the landmark Black Rock – than its neighbors to the south. The water is calm and clear here, with gentle surf and terrific snorkeling opportunities.
Additionally, the Westin Ka’anapali Ocean Resort Villas offers more resort features than typically found at a time-share property. Two large beachfront pools offer plenty of space to lounge, and there are ample chairs, dozens of palm trees for shade, and a small waterfall at each. One of the pools offers an array of daily activities and has a shallower area for children, while the other pool is quieter and more secluded. There is an additional kiddy pool on a separate deck, complete with a fun pirate ship and waterslides. Children 5 to 12 years old can also take part in the daily activities at the kids’ club, though there is a fee for all of them.
The 10,000-square-foot Heavenly Spa by Westin has 13 treatment rooms, as well as outdoor massage areas both for couples and individuals. Kids’ spa treatments are also available. Two 24-hour fitness centers offer a good range of cardio machines, strength-training equipment, and fitness classes (all free of charge), and there are two tennis courts equipped with lighting for night play.
The hotel also features a 24-hour business center, and there is self- and valet parking -- both for a fee. Guests can take the free shuttle to the Westin Maui Resort & Spa and to the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa, where they get signing privileges at the spas and the restaurants. The hotel shuttle also stops in Lahaina.
Pets are not allowed on-site.

The hotel offers three dining options ranging from formal to casual, all offering outdoor seating. Food gets good reviews from past guests, and all restaurants have kids’ menus. Located by the pool, Auntie’s Kitchen is the all-day island-inspired eatery here. It serves up comfort food and has a popular daily happy hour with cocktails and small bites. Pailolo Bar & Grill is the resort’s other casual spot, with a menu offering sandwiches, burgers, and salads for lunch and dinner. For something a tad more formal, Pulehu -- open for dinner only -- is an Italian restaurant with a wood-stone oven and an exhibition kitchen. Additionally, there is a juice bar offering smoothies, and room service is available for all three main meals.