Perched on a Secluded Beach, This Resort Might Just Be the Ultimate Retreat in Kāʻanapali

One of my favorite beaches on Maui is on the island’s West Side—and no, it’s not Kāʻanapali Beach. It’s Kahekili Beach, right around the corner.

The lesser-known shoreline is just north of its famous next-door neighbor, on the other side of Puʻu Kekaʻa, aka Black Rock. Like many of the beaches on this side of the island, the sands of Kahekili are golden and the waters are unbelievably clear. Here, the conditions are perfect for snorkeling or just floating in the water and soaking in the rays.

The beach is fronted by a handful of resorts and condos, but it’s much less busy than other visitor areas. The shoreline, in fact, feels like a secluded slice of paradise. Having grown up on Maui, I’ve spent many weekends on Kahekili Beach, but I’ve never explored the surrounding accommodations. Until now.

In May, I was delighted to check into the Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows, a property that has a long history on these shores.

The interiors of the resort’s 127 bungalows have all been recently renovated with contemporary designs that marry modern comforts with the island’s beach vibes.
Photo: Courtesy of Royal Lahaina & Bungalows

The property’s cottages were built in 1962, and a decade later the resort’s tower, which features 333 suites and rooms, was added. While its cottages and rooms have been renovated and updated over the decades, the resort’s warmth and charm have been thoughtfully maintained. And team members at the resort say guests love returning, time and again.

The interiors of the resort’s 127 bungalows have all been recently renovated with contemporary designs that marry modern comforts with the island’s beach vibes and vibrant spirit. With tropical-patterned walls and local artwork, the accommodations radiate a laid-back, chic boutique vibe. The property’s details—from the colorful walls and shaka hooks in the bungalow bathrooms to the bright yellow pool umbrellas—made me feel like I’d stepped onto a Wes Anderson movie set—and I soaked it all in.

Set on 22 serene acres, the bungalows are spread across the lush grounds and the 12-story tower overlooks the Pacific. The tower’s rooms feature contemporary island designs and local artwork. Paths weaving throughout the property are lined with plumeria and pua kenikeni and other flower trees, and I felt lucky to visit in May when many of them were in bloom.

The stunning view from a tower room.
Photo: Courtesy of Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows

The refreshed Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows still exudes a familiar charm, and I quickly understood why so many guests return year after year. Along with its unrivaled location, many of the team members here have been taking care of the resort’s guests and grounds for decades. They know the history of the resort and have even become a part of its unique tale, too. These connections and stories add to the intimacy of the place, making it easy for guests to feel at home.

Guests can also expect to find all of the resort amenities that travelers have become accustomed to. You can enjoy two beachfront pools, play some pickleball, hit the gym, and relax at the spa. (There’s a new spa in the pipeline, too!)

And the spirit of the place flows right through Lahaina Noon, the resort’s signature restaurant that features easy-going yet elevated dining with sweeping views of the Pacific.

Lahaina Noon highlights the flavors of the island.
Photo: Courtesy of Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows

With 45% of ingredients sourced from farms and producers in Hawaiʻi, the restaurant highlights the flavors of the island. For breakfast, you can load up at the buffet or select from a variety of options, like omelets with goat cheese from Maui’s own Surfing Goat Dairy or an açaí bowl topped with Kula strawberries. In the evening, you can try its seafood cioppino made with Kona lobster or the garlic noodles topped with Hāmākua aliʻi mushrooms. Many of the menu items are inspired by Hawaiʻi’s one-of-a-kind cuisine, from the char siu pork Benedicts and banana bread French toast to the mochiko fried tofu and mochi-crusted mahimahi.

Thanks to Pineapple Noon, you can enjoy a selection of the kitchen’s delicious bites right by the pool. And for a sweet and refreshing treat, you can head to the Royal Scoop, the resort’s own ice cream shop. Here, you can choose from tropical flavors like Haden mango, lilikoʻi and ube haupia, or decadent ones like Kona coffee and Nēnē Tracks (vanilla ice cream with chocolate clusters of honey-roasted cashews and peanut butter cups).

One of the newer features at the resort is the outdoor music venue known as The Branches. Set under the canopy of a banyan tree, guests and Island residents alike gather here to listen to live music performed by local musicians.

After the Lahaina fires, many local musicians lost their gigs, recalls Nicholas Kuhns, the resort’s general manager. He says he wanted to offer these musicians an opportunity to perform again while at the same time welcoming more of the local community to the resort. The first performance at The Branches was in November 2024, and there have been performances every night since.

Guests are in for an enchanting evening at The Branches.
Photo: Courtesy of Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows

At The Branches, guests are in for an enchanting evening. Along with live music, guests can enjoy craft cocktails and impressive charcuterie boards. And on the third Friday of every month, local vendors are also welcome to hold pop-up shops—at no cost, either. Kuhns says he’s committed to shining a light on local businesses, too.

In line with working with local companies, Mana Up opened its first retail store on Maui at the Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows in May. The Mana Up Market highlights unique products from local entrepreneurs who participated in the company’s accelerator program. From hot sauce by Hi Spice and chocolate sweets by Farm to Fudge to organic skin care by To Be, guests can check out premium products from Maui companies along with a variety of items from brands across the state.

Whether you’re eating breakfast at Lahaina Noon, with a breathtaking ocean view, or spending an evening at The Branches, beautiful moments seamlessly connect at the Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows. My first visit to the resort was long overdue. My second one won’t be.

BOOK NOW, 2780 Kekaʻa Drive, Lahaina, royallahaina.com

Grace Maeda is the editor of HAWAIʻI Magazine.