Things to do / Travel Guide
Few places on earth are as awe-inspiring as the Hawaiian islands of Maui, Molokai, and Lanai. The natural beauty found here is legendary, with its lush tropical greenery, stunning beaches and sunsets that dazzle. When you add all that to the luxurious elements of a top-end vacation, you've got something special indeed.
Luxurious Accommodation on Maui, Molokai, and Lanai
The top-end resorts in this region had a very easy time choosing their locations, since it's all so beautiful. These are small islands, to be sure, but big in style. Maui is home to many high-end properties, most around Wailea in the south, including the top-rated Four Seasons at Wailea and Kaanapali, in the northwest part of the island. Lanai is one of the world's premier destinations for the rich and famous, with two top-of-the-line resorts - the Lodge at Koele and the Manele Bay Hotel. Molokai has the Molokai Ranch as its primary entry in the luxury accommodation category.
The classic Maui resorts are well known, and for good reason. Places like The Fairmont Kea Lani Maui rates high on the list. This is an all-suites beach property that knows how to treat its guests. Beautiful landscaping only adds to the charm here. Another classic choice is the Grand Wailea Resort Hotel & Spa. This Hawaiian fantasy resort more or less clubs you over the head with its luxury. The pool alone is worth taking a dip in with its waterfalls, slides, and rapids. The luxury resort also offers Hawaii's largest spa, with treatments galore. Plus, they offer decked out ocean view rooms and a seriously gorgeous stretch of beach.
Ritz-Carlton Kapalua, as you might expect, sets the standard for luxury in this region. With a fantastic location, tasteful style, and a level of service others try, but seldom succeed, to emulate, this masterpiece rests on the coast just below the mountains of West Maui, and overlooks the Pacific Ocean and Molokai just across the way. Plus, if you love to play the links, its three championship golf courses are certainly challenging. It's worth noting that there are those who feel this is the best Ritz-Carlton of them all. Hard to argue!
Another approach to luxury is The Premier Residences at Kaanapali Alii. This really a super deluxe condo, but with all the hotel amenities you could want. Designer furniture, granite and stone accents, top-of-the-line fully outfitted kitchen, and a variety of view options all await you, along with the full hotel staff at your beckon call. All this, right on Kaanapali Beach on the island of Maui.
For near total seclusion and a true Hawaiian atmosphere, choose the Hotel Hana-Maui, at the end of the Hana Highway to enjoy spa pampering, oceanfront cottages, and, of course, Hamoa Beach.
Lanai has not one, but two, Four Seasons properties. The decision is to go for beach or inland lodging. The Four Seasons Resort Lanai, in Manele Bay is set on elevated lava bluffs along Lanai's southern coast, and overlooks Hulopoe Beach, which is only a short five-minute walk away. The grounds are simply spectacular, with multi-level gardens and waterfalls. This magical place is isolated from the rest of the world, so guests actually feel like they're on a tropical island, miles away from everything; indeed Lanai is almost a private island unto itself. There's also a natural dolphin-populated beach and a beautiful Jack Nicklaus-designed oceanfront golf course. The Four Seasons Lodge at Koele, also known for total luxury, relaxation, and world-class golf, is very different. Located in the cool central highlands, it is an English country manor down to the formal gardens, working fireplaces, horseback riding, and croquet smack in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.
Luxurious Nightlife on Maui, Molokai, and Lanai
There is a fair amount of nightlife on Maui, mostly found in the resorts. If you need a night on the town, luaus, for instance, take place regularly in Wailea, Kaanapali, and Lahina. In Kahului, two indoor theaters as well as one outdoor amphitheater can be found at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center. Occasionally, big-name local talent stops by the “Casanova,” in Makawao, to perform.
Luxurious Activities on Maui, Molokai, and Lanai
There are also some very nice sailing and yacht charters to be had in Lahina. Charter a boat, complete with captain/guide and staff, then be pampered as you see unique places and hard to reach coves and beaches. Or perhaps just a nice leisurely dinner/dance cruise. This is a great way to get out on the water and be spoiled as you see the island from a different perspective.
On Maui the main shopping spots are located in Paia, Lahaina, Makawao, and Kaanapali. In these areas there are some art galleries and boutiques offering high-quality works produced by local artists and crafts people.
If high-end golf is your thing, fear not! Maui has what you want, in spades. Every course designer worth his salt has built a course here - Jack Nicklaus and Robert Trent Jones (Junior and Senior) to name a few. You can crush it at Kapalua Golf Club (Bay or Plantation Courses), The Dunes at Maui Lani, Makena Resort (North or South Course), or the Wailea Golf Club Gold Course. Any of these are outstanding, challenging, and gorgeous. In you're on Lanai, try Manele Bay or Experience at Koele.
If you are so inclined, try viewing Maui from above in a luxury helicopter and get an aerial view of the Valley Island sights, such as the West Maui Mountains with the Honokohau Waterfall, the seven sacred pools, Haleakala, Hana, and the spectacular and rugged coastline. Plenty of photo opportunities abound from your unique vantage point as you look down on this magnificent island.
Luxury Vacation Ideas in Hawaiian Islands of Maui, Molokai and Lanai, including Kahului and Lahaina
Luxury-Vacations
Wailea Beach - Maui, Hawaii
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