Kā'anapali Beach Hotel, Hawai'i’s Most Hawaiian Hotel,
Has Culture for Everyone
By StoryStudio on March 2, 2023
What does it mean to be Hawaiʻi’s most Hawaiian hotel? Is it the dedication to authenticity in every element, from design to dining? Or perhaps it’s access to programs enlightening guests about the local culture and history? Maybe it’s the opportunity to understand the complex layers of Hawaiʻi itself, like the interconnectedness between sea and land. When you’re talking about Maui’s Kāʻanapali Beach Hotel, the answer is “all of the above” and so much more.
Kāʻanapali Beach Hotel (KBH) was initially selected as “Maui’s Most Hawaiian Hotel” soon after its 1964 opening. This designation evolved into “Hawaiʻi’s Most Hawaiian Hotel” in the 1980s after completing a 110-point cultural checklist. The hotel’s unfailing dedication to Kānaka Maoli culture remains four decades later.
The hotel’s recent $80-million renovation features a complete restyling of 264 premium rooms to express kealaula, the light of early dawn and the glow of sunset, to enrich the hotel with renewed essence. Upgrades include traditionally woven carpeting and bed runners that express ʻOhe Kāpala, historical bamboo stamping. Flower prints from Isabella Sinclair’s Indigenous Flowers of the Hawaiian Islands adorn the walls. Headboards feature unstrung lei kukui, the four strands symbolic of the Hawaiian counting tradition of 4s. (Western cultures count by 5s.) Even the carpeting displays historical Hawaiian weaving techniques.
This cultural heritage extends to Huihui, the hotel’s signature oceanfront restaurant. The name Huihui carries a double meaning, a “star constellation” and “to intermingle.” Led by Executive Chef Tom Muromoto, the Huihui staff prepares traditional Hawaiian cuisine based on local produce and the sea. The menu of vibrant dishes like grilled banana-leaf-wrapped fish in abalone sauce and braised puaʻa shank displays Maui’s rich culinary history. The restaurant’s open-air aesthetic speaks to the tradition of wayfaring. Huihui is one of several dining options.
Kāʻanapali Beach Hotel will celebrate its 60th anniversary in 2024. Long considered a unique property within Kāʻanapali Resort, the architecture is divided into Papakū (ocean floor), Kauhale (where people live), Wēkiu (the summit) and Aouli (the arch of the heavens). Each building and floor displays other unique design features as well. These personal touches add to guests’ lasting impressions of their stay.
Hawai'i’s Most Hawaiian Hotel Embraces Guests with Island Culture
“Seeing the returning ʻohana [family] with their children and grandchildren is such a blessing,” says “Auntie” Malihini Keahi-Heath, who recently celebrated her 30th year at the hotel. “As their grandparents have done for them, they are carrying on their legacy here for their children. It makes me happy and proud to call them ʻohana and welcome them home!”
While there have been many updates to Kāʻanapali Beach Hotel since Uncle Bobby first joined the staff in 1969, several foundational decisions have not changed. The hotel does not charge a resort fee. This decision, a rarity in Hawaiʻi’s hospitality industry, can save guests hundreds of dollars over an extended stay.
KBH also continues to offer traditional rooms at more affordable prices designed for budget travelers and families. Though prices vary by season, booking a room for as low as $279 per night in the traditional room category is possible. Traditional travelers enjoy the same opportunities to experience classes, swim in the signature whale-shaped pool and enjoy other amenities on the property. The comfortable, traditional room is designed for guests who like to “get up and go” explore the hotel grounds, beach and the island of Maui.
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We share with you our mea makamae (precious gifts). Each one is meticulously handcrafted by our employees and differs from floor to floor, and even room to room. The mea makamae found in our Papakū South Wing further represent the ocean theme, from traditional octopus lures to fishing nets and more. Which one will you discover in your room?
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“One of my most memorable moments was when a guest, who was here 45 years ago, said he remembered me,” says “Uncle” Bobby, who joined Kāʻanapali Beach Hotel in 1969. “They came back just a year or so ago and came to see me. They told me their daughter was all grown now and bringing her keiki here. It makes me proud that I have been here this long.”
Since its founding, Kāʻanapali Beach Hotel has created a community locally and among its guests, a connection demonstrated by the high rate of return visitors. Repeat visitors receive a white kukui nut to add to their lei kukui. It is common to see guests proudly displaying ten or more white kukui nuts on their lei.
Our newly renovated rooms are now ready for you. Designed with culture in mind, we share with you the Hawaiian hospitality and warmth in these new Premium Rooms. We can't wait to welcome you. To ensure you select a renovated room, please select "Premium" views.
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Like the mea makamae (precious gift), handcrafted, employee-made in-room shadow boxes that showcase a variety of unique Hawaiian artifacts, Kāʻanapali Beach Hotel’s complimentary cultural activities have always set the KBH experience apart. Led by an alakaʻi (cultural practitioner), guests are invited to attach their white kukui nut during a lei kukui restringing lesson, to attend ʻōlelo, an introduction to the Hawaiian language, and to explore pānānā, the traditional wayfaring class. These and an additional dozen activities from mākaʻikaʻi (garden tour) to ʻohe kāpala (bark cloth and dying) are offered either daily or on specific days throughout the week.
One asset that KBH does share with other hotels is the magical island of Maui. The hotel offers snorkel tours to Puʻu Kekaʻa and standup paddleboarding lessons. Guests can also book 20 different island tours, including a lūʻau, guided hikes and Haleakalā sunset and sunrise tours. ʻAlihilani Guest Services will arrange close to two dozen island excursions and experiences.
“Since Maui is not a very populated island,” says Uncle Bobby, “there is a lot here that people can enjoy, our views, and the ambience that we have on this island.”
