Rediscovering a Beachside Classic

Luxurious and old-worldly, the Royal Lahaina Resort has been a locally-owned Maui favorite since the 1960s. On a recent visit, it still managed to surprise.

✎ written by Barbara Burke

Maui offers visitors a quintessential Hawaiian experience, with black sand beaches, stunning waterfalls, hikes, amazing driving tours and multitudinous outdoor experiences.

Having a home base to explore from is important. Nestled on the Island’s world-renowned Ka’anapali Beach, the palatial grounds of the Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows were once frequented by Hawaiian royalty. The venue has charmed generations of guests who relax and enjoy its 27 acres of sun-kissed tropical gardens and beaches that overlook Lanai and Molokai. The Royal Lahaina’s sto- ried, classic venue now boasts a new look, offering lovely grounds, experiences and amenities, while keeping true to its traditional, old-world ethos by preserving loyalty to native Hawaiian culture, making it one of the most intriguing establishments on Maui.

What to Do

Explore the historic whaling village of Lahaina, a laidback Hawaiian town reminiscent of bygone eras, with its expansive, ancient, tall ban- yan tree, the largest one in the United States, providing a canopy over a lovely park on Front Street, flush with art galleries and lively eateries.

History buffs enjoy touring the approximately 55 acres of old Lahaina Historic Trail. Consider visiting Baldwin Home Museum, Lahaina’s oldest home, where Rev. Dwight Baldwin entertained many famous guests from ship captains to members of Hawaii’s royal court.

Art aficionados should check out Art Night, held every Friday evening, when art galleries open their doors for guests to chat with exhibiting artists. The town is also a haven for scrimshaw, the whaler’s art of carving on ivory.

In the winter months, Lahaina is a great place to launch exciting whale watching adventures. Two-hour cruises allow tourists to get up close and personal with humpback whales. The channel off Lahaina’s coast is one of the best places to view these amazing cetaceans.

Go bigger and take a West Maui and Moloka’i helicopter tour. Fly into the hidden valleys of the West Maui Mountains and take in waterfalls that can only be seen by helicopter. Then cross over to Moloka’i to witness the world’s tallest sea cliffs and the extensive coral reef system.

Consider staying on property and lounging in the resort’s two oceanfront swimming pools with cabanas, a beach activities center, fitness center, a first-class spa and tennis courts.

Enjoy the resort’s many activities celebrating Lahaina’s native culture. As you lounge in the hotel’s comfortable lobby, visit with Chiiko, who gracefully creates mementos for guests, her hands adeptly wrapping coconut palm fronds. When finished, she presents visitors with beautiful flower motifs.

Venture out onto the oceanfront lawn and learn to dance the hula or the fundamentals and songs of the ukulele. Such experiences are complimentary at Royal Lahaina. The teachers are knowledgeable, experienced dancers who carefully explain each hulu movement’s significance. Every hand gesture has a meaning and a unique place within the fluid language of the ancient dances. At the coconut education class, attendees learn how to husk coconuts and how to weave its lush green fibers.

Where to Eat

The Royal Lahaina features an open-air restaurant, Royal Ocean Terrace, which boasts eclectic, delicious dishe served from a truly unique and lovely setting.

Enjoy the fine dining poolside just steps from the sand. In the evenings, if you’re lucky, Uncle Joe Cano will perform his smooth Latin jazz. That is, when he’s not gigging with local Carlos Santana.

Start with a handcrafted tropical cocktail. We enjoyed the frozen coconut mojito, featuring hibiscus vodka.

Then, select from a variety of Chef Mike

Neustein’s creative, delicious dishes. It’s hard to choose! The expansive menu features dishes that celebrate the island’s unique bounty, including poke bowls, coconut shrimp, hand line ahi carpaccio and seafood cioppino with Kona lobster.

Venturing beyond the hotel in search of all things epicurean, one has a lot of choices. Kino’s Restaurant in Lahaina on Front Street offers live entertainment as guests enjoy fresh seafood, steaks and grog. Try the coconut crusted fish, the venue’s signature dish, or the grilled shrimp and beet salad, featuring gold and red beets, local arugula, goat cheese and Asian pears topped with mint and macadamia nuts. Whether you’re coming to Maui just to relax or for its array of incredible activities, the Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows makes for a perfect home base.

Historic Past

Antibes has a long history, originally founded in the 5th century BC as an important Greek port. The city’s old town dates back to the 1700s.