A Luxurious Home Away From Home in Maui

This trip we head for Ka'anapali Beach, a three-mile stretch of golden sand and vivid blue ocean that merits the title "America's Best Beach". Once the sands and gardens of Ka'anapali were a retreat for Hawaiian kings and queens. Today the glamour of beachfront properties brings to mind bygone days of Pan Am flights and Elvis movies.

Our 'home away from home' is the Kaanapali Ali'i, centrally located between the Westin and Sheraton on one side and the Marriott and Hyatt Regency on the other. Ali'i means "royalty" in Hawaiian and these elegant condominiums are aptly named.

Kaanapali Ali'i oceanfront condominium interior - 'Black Rock' can be seen through window

The introduction to our luxurious beachfront condo begins with the view. I step out onto the lanai and marvel as sunlight dances on lapping waves of violet and lavender. With an island fruit drink in hand, I inhale the fragrant balmy breezes. Maui's sister islands of Lana'i and Moloka'i sit off shore promising tranquility, but I am already content. There are no conference rooms here, none of the bustle of the large resort hotels. Kaanapali Alii's expansive one-and two bedroom condominiums range from 1,500 – 1,900 square feet and are perfect for couples, friends, and families. We are pleased with the privacy, comfort and space.

At Kaanapali Ali'i we have the best of both worlds -- a spacious home with fully equipped kitchen and all the amenities of a Maui luxury resort hotel. There is complimentary use of the 3,000 square foot fitness center, three clay tennis courts, tranquil swimming and spa pools with separate adult and children's areas, as well as oceanfront BBQ grills. This is a different way to experience Maui and we love the 'home away from home" feel.

Kaanapali Ali'i swimming pools and beach

We decide to spend our first day getting oriented and so head to the fabulous 1.5 mile Kaanapali Beachwalk that connects the resorts from the Hyatt Regency Maui on the south side to the Sheraton Maui Resort on the north end. With 90 shops, restaurants, galleries and museum at Whaler's Village on the Beachwalk, it's possible to find everything from trinkets to treasures. We buy our sunscreen at the ABC Store, then shop for beachwear and finer things in Louis Vuitton, Coach and many local boutiques.

As our first day fades into one of Maui's legendary sunsets, we make our way to the famous Black Rock on the north end of Kaanapali Beach. This is a great spot to snorkel, but tonight we are here for the nightly cliff-diving ceremony, a practice that began in 1963! It's the perfect way start to the evening - - whether your plans include a night on the town or (in our case) a romantic dinner back at the condo.

This trip we decide to take a helicopter tour of the island. Blue Hawaiian Helicopters is our choice and we feel in good hands with one of their veteran pilots at the controls. We are promised the island's untouched beauty and suddenly below us are deep meandering valleys set in the rainforest of the ancient West Maui Mountains. Waterfalls cascade from towering cliffs and knife-edged ridges with mist-shrouded peaks separate the spectacular valley that gives Maui its nickname, "The Valley Isle."

Blue Hawaiian Helicopter Tour - View of Hana town

We skirt over Oprah Winfrey's vast private ranch in Ulupalakua on our way to Haleakala "House of the Sun", the 10,023-foot dormant volcano that dominates Maui. Sunrise above the clouds here is said to be "like the dawn of time." We fly over the naturally terraced Pools of Oheo Gulch, the secluded small town of Hana, and then on to the Hana rainforest. Next our pilot swings up along the rugged coastline of Northeast Maui over Hookipa Beach, one of best places to windsurf on the planet. The northeastern side of Maui has nearly constant trade winds and in the winter months waves as high as 60 feet draw world-class surfers.

To end our spectacular day, we dine at the Lahaina Grill voted "Best Maui Restaurant" in Honolulu Magazine's readers' poll for each of the past 17 years. Located on the Beachwalk at Whaler's Village, this is a favorite spot for a sunset dinner, happy hour or lunch on the beach. We arrive early to enjoy the live music by the beach between 3-5:00pm (Friday to Sunday only). Conveniently our Guest Privilege Card from the Kaanapali Ali'i includes signing privileges here as well several other local restaurants, bars, and spas.

Lahaina Grill

Lahaina Grill features fresh locally caught fish and produce from upcountry farms. The service is among the best on the island and the meals are impeccably presented. We enjoy an appetizer trio of Kona lobster crab cake, seared ahi cake and rock shrimp cake. The sautéed Mahi Mahi with Kula spinach is my choice for an entree and the Signature Sampler (serving two) is one of the best desserts I've ever tasted -- Iao Valley Lime Tart, Sunken Chocolate Cake with Kona coffee ice cream, Triple Berry Pie and Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee. The restaurant opens at 6:00pm and instantly fills up its 130 seats.

After dinner we amble through the picturesque 19th century whaling village of Lahaina, once the royal seat of the island and former capital of Hawaii. It is a delightfully walkable town with restored Victorian buildings housing art galleries, restaurants, cafes, museums, historical sites and the world-famous banyan tree –- a single tree that has grown to encompass a full city block!

A round of golf (there's no disputing Maui's fabulous golf courses!) was our tentative plan for today but the helicopter tour has made us aware of how much of the island there remains to explore. We decide on a drive to Haleakala and the relaxed charm of upcountry Maui. We love the serene atmosphere, idyllic location and inspirational views at Ali'i Kula Lavender Farm (at a 4,000-foot elevation, bring a sweater even in summer). There are 55,000 lavender plants that bloom in spring and summer on 13.5 acres and 45 different varieties! There are also exotic blooms like South African Protea and Mediterranean Olive Trees. We savor a Maui we didn't know existed!

Maui upcountry rainbow

We sit on the terrace overlooking most of Maui and the ocean beyond. Proprietor, Ali'i Chang joins us for lavender tea and scones. Ali'i is an exuberant, passionate entrepreneur with a joy for life and many stories to tell. He speaks of longtime friend Beatle, George Harrison who once owned a house in Hana. He describes a visit by the Saudi Royal family who arrived with an entourage of security guards and bought up all the products in the gift shop. Today's excitement (and perfect for us) is a rainbow across our vista.

Upcountry Maui offers many more hidden secrets for travelers wanting a break from the beach. The Surfing Goat Dairy also in Kula is another must for gourmands – and the farm tour is as delightful as the award-winning cheeses. For wine lovers, Tedeschi Vineyards at Ulupalakua Ranch produces red, white, sparkling, and raspberry wines. The paniolo (Hawaiian for "Cowboy") town of Makawao is lovely – home to working cowboys and some of the island's best art galleries.

On our way back to Kaanapali Beach, we stop for a late lunch at the intimate Mala Ocean Tavern on Front Street in Lahaina. This restaurant, owned by celebrity chef Mark Ellman, couldn't be any closer to the water. From our table we spot another of Maui's natural wonders – green sea turtles swimming right off the deck. Mala won the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for 2010, so we linger at the bar through happy hour sipping wine and enjoying the sunset. There are just nine tables on the oceanfront deck lit with tiki torches at sunset, so be sure to make reservations.

Ali'i Chang, proprietor of Ali'i Kula Lavender farm

As our trip winds down, we realize that by venturing further afield we have discovered many new faces to Maui. The "best beaches" and luxury resorts are only the beginning.

Hawaiians say "Maui no ka oi" which translates as "Maui is the best". The more I see of what the island has to offer, the more I agree!

IF YOU GO:

How to Get There:
Non-stop flights to Maui Kahului Airport (OGG) from Honolulu, Los Angeles, Phoenix, San Diego, San Francisco, Sacramento, San Jose, Seattle and Vancouver.

Where to Stay:
Kaanapali Alii - For best views, we recommend you request the Oceanfront Condos in Buildings 1 and 3, or the Pool/Beach facing condos in Buildings 3 & 4. The Premier Accommodations at Kaanapali Alii are for those who require the very best (66% of the total 264 units will be "Premier Units" by the end of 2010). These renovated luxury condos feature upgraded designer level furniture, flooring, granite or natural stone kitchen and bathroom countertops, kitchen appliances, bathrooms and lighting. Beautifully appointed kitchens offer gourmet-grade cook tops, ovens and refrigerators. Entertainment amenities include DVD players, CD players and large screen televisions in every bedroom and living room. Price range for Premier: 1BR - $430 - $615/per night plus taxes; 2BR - $805 – $945/per night plus taxes. Prices based on 2010 rack rates with a 3-night minimum.

Pu'unoa Beach Estates - Located in Lahaina offers a more secluded, intimate escape with just 10 townhomes. This richly landscaped enclave right on the beach captures the dream of island lifestyle.

Where to buy groceries:
We stopped at Whole Foods Market on the way from the airport to stock up fresh local food. The bellman at Kaanapali Ali'i delivers your groceries along with your luggage to your condo.

Where to Dine:
Lahaina Grill located on the first floor of the historic Lahaina Inn, 127 Lahainaluna Road, Lahaina. Reservations: (808) 667-5117.

Mala Ocean Tavern, 1307 Front Street, Lahaina. Reservations:(808) 667-9394.

Where to Luau:
The authentic Old Lahaina Luau is rated best on the island. 1251 Front Street, Lahaina. Reservations: (808) 667-1998.

Recommended reading:
Top Maui Restaurants