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| image from the Hyatt Regency Maui website |
Destination: Lahaina, Hawai'i on the island of Maui
Date: February 2017
Hotel: Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa
Address: 200 Nohea Kai Dr, Lahaina, HI 96761
Brand: Hyatt
Elite Status: globalist (first tier, nothing)
# of travelers: 2
nights: 1
Making the Decision
Given that we were leaving Maui via the Expedition ferry, I decided to book a night in Lahaina. I admit that the grotto bar, the animals located on the property, and the beachside shaved ice stand definitely influenced my hotel pick. Also, I've had pretty great experiences staying with Hyatt. As it turns out, this stay was no different; it definitely exceeded my expectations!
Getting There
Knowing that Lahaina was all the way on the west side of the island, my husband and I spent the day driving from Wailea to Lahaina making stops along the way, specifically at the Maui Ocean Center located between the two hotels. The total drive time between Wailea and Lahaina is almost an hour. This is pretty much the same drive time as what you would expect from the OGG airport as well.
Alternates?
– The Kapalua airport (JHM) is much closer. You are looking at a 15-minute drive.
– If you arrive via the Expeditions Ferry service, you are also quite close to Lahaina.
– I do not recommend arriving at the Hana Airport (HNM) unless you have a few days to spare. If you do, you will want at least one overnight stay in Hana and plenty of time to make the long, arduous journey between Hana and the rest of the island. And, if you do make that journey, I encourage you to fly out a different airport – JHM or OGG. Travel time between Lahaina and Hana is at a minimum of three hours but will likely take much longer.
It should be noted that should you choose to go carless, you will be fine. You won't be able to see much of the island, but you will have plenty to do! Long beach days, tours to Hana, taxis, the city of Lahaina, and luaus will all be easily accessible. A car is not needed unless you want one.
Not quite as fast and seamless as the Grand Wailea, checking in at the Hyatt Regency Maui was still fairly easy. The valet helped us remove our luggage from the car and directed us to the front desk where we only waited a few minutes before being checked in. Noting that it was our fifth anniversary, they upgraded us to a partial ocean view with lanai (porch), then lei'd (flowers for men and women) us before the bellhop showed us to our room.
It should be noted that self-parking is $20 a day (as of this posting) and valet parking is $30 a day. Because we were Hyatt members, they gave us valet parking at the cost of self-parking. This is, of course, one instance where your mileage may vary.
The Lobby
Before heading to our room, I made sure to check out the gorgeous indoor/outdoor lobby of the Hyatt Regency. Much like the Grand Wailea, the Hyatt Regency lobby is gorgeously decorated with lush flowers, trees, and plants as well as statues. It was absolutely beautiful and definitely a place I would consider lingering if I had the time. Unfortunately (or fortunately?), I had filled every second of our trip to the max so there would be no lingering in this hotel lobby or any lobby, for that matter, on our trip.
Hotel Room, Bathroom, View
Our room at the Hyatt Regency Maui felt huge with a king bed at one end of the space, a couch, some chairs, and a tv at the other, and a lanai with a table and chairs where we could sit outside and enjoy the beautiful Maui weather!
The bathroom, while not as big as the Grand Wailea, was still a decent size. I loved that the sink was located outside of the closed off toilet and shower making it easy for one person to brush their teeth, comb their hair, put on makeup, etc… while the other could be in the actual bathroom. I also loved that the sink, while not in the bathroom proper, had a wall between it and the actual bedroom. It makes the bedroom feel homier and less hotel-like when the sink isn't within view of the bed.
For your convenience, the hotel offered soap, shampoo, and conditioner as well as a hairdryer, iron and ironing board, fridge, bathrobes, a coffee maker, self-serve laundry (I did not see it), dry cleaning options, and a shuttle to take you to Lahaina for $3.
As for the view? Well, words defy. Just check out the picture:
Green Options
I absolutely loved this hotel's focus on going green. At check-in, if you are staying more than one day, you have the options of getting Hyatt points instead of clean linens. If you are ok sleeping on the same sheets for night two or reusing your towels, you get free points! And, when you enter your room, you will find two free reusable water bottles (possibly one depending on how many people are in your party) that you can use during your stay and keep when you leave! How easy is that for encouraging people to go green! <3.
Amenities
The grounds of the Hyatt Regency our pretty amazing. You could easily spend hours walking around exploring. They have beautiful pools with a grotto bar and a hot tub for soaking your worries away, a peaceful beach within walking distance, animals roaming the property including flamingos, swans, penguins, and other birds, a spa, a gym, and a gift shop.
The hotel offers lots of activities to keep you busy. Enjoy a wildlife tour three days a week at 10am, stargaze nightly (with or without the youngins), watch a penguin feeding, spot whales between December and March off the coast of Ka’anapali Beach, or take in a luau. Other cultural activities they offer include classes on lei making, lauhala bracelet making, and hula dancing.
Of course, one of my favorite offerings found at Hyatt Regency Maui is the delicious shaved ice you can find on the beach property of the hotel made by Ulalanis. Yum! Be sure to get it with ice cream, condensed milk, and mochi! (It's the Hawai'ian way.)
We also enjoyed a dessert following our luau at Old Lahaina Luau at the hotel's restaurant Japengo. We ordered the flaming piña colada créme which, of course, came out on fire.
Check Out
Check out was quick and painless. We did have to wait a bit for our car to arrive, though. It was only frustrating because we were in a hurry to return our rental and get to the ferry on time. We ended up being a little late, but I called and was told it would be ok. *sigh of relief*
Overall Review
★★★★★ (one of the best)
Easily a four-star hotel, potentially five, I quickly fell in love with the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa. The property was absolutely amazing to explore, the rooms were huge with comfortable beds, the lei'ing definitely gave off a very Hawai'ian vibe, and I loved the green options the hotel provided. Who doesn't want to feel good about protecting the environment? The only negative I have for this hotel is that it is a little dated looking. But aside from that, I would definitely stay here again. In fact, I would relish the opportunity to explore the property even further! Hyatt did a great job with this hotel and if you ever find yourself in the Lahaina area, I'd suggest checking this beauty out to see if it's a good fit for you and your family!
Your Turn
What is the most unique thing you have ever seen a hotel do in an effort to protect the evironment? Would you be interested in staying at a hotel where anials roam freely on the property?
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It's day eight in the A-Z blog challenge! This month I'll be sharing all about my five year anniversary in Hawai'i – providing insight into the places I went, reviewing the hotels I stayed at, and telling my story. Today's letter was H for the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa in Lahaina, Hawai'i on Maui Island!
