The Ka'anapali Beach Hotel

The Experience Of A Lifetime For You And Your Family.

by Vanessa Whitney

The Ka'anapali Beach Resort on Maui offers something for every taste and budget and truly sets the standard for all of Hawaii's resorts with five world-class luxury hotels, six condominium and vacation club resorts, a beachfront shopping complex and museum, the historic Sugar Cane Train, 36 holes of championship golf greens, and exciting ocean and beach activities. Although traditionally a honeymoon spot, Ka'anapali also offers families the experience of a lifetime!

Family Travel Forum (FTF), an online magazine dedicated to family travel, rated the Ka'anapali Beach Hotel one of the top 10 hotels for family vacations in the 8th Annual FTF Awards. The hotel offers something for every generation in your family with their "Aloha Passport for Kids" program and their Senior Special package for the older generations looking to travel.

The complimentary children's program, "Aloha Passport for Kids," is ideal. The fun begins as each child receives a passport to "Destinations" highlighting the hotel's beachfront setting and providing fun activities and opportunities to learn Hawaiian culture. In 2003, the program was enhanced to provide a personalized experience for children of various age groups. At each destination, their passport is stamped with a meaningful Hawaiian word and the child receives a gift to play with while staying at the hotel as a memento of their visit. Infants to 2-year-olds receive a passport card with their personalized Hawaiian name and a baby bucket full of goodies.

"Perpetuating the Hawaiian culture has always been our priority," says Mike White, General Manager of the hotel. "Through the 'Aloha Passport for Kids' program, children can learn about our rich island heritage in a fun and interactive way." Days begin with activities including hula classes, flower lei making, poi pounding, ukulele lessons, a sand image class (casting in plaster of Paris so the item can be taken home), cultural garden walks throughout the hotel's eleven lush tropical acres, and lau (leaf) printing. Parents join in on the fun and attend demonstrations to learn how Hawaiians make and use hula implements and ti leaf skirts (like the ones hula dancers wear) and how to cut a pineapple into decorative and delicious treats.

Moms and Dads love the "Aloha Passport for Kids" added value at the hotel's food and beverage outlets, where children 5 and under eat all meals free and those 6 to 12 years old can order from a special discounted children's menu when accompanied by a paying adult. Children also receive a stamp in their Aloha Passport and goodies at the hotel's various food and beverage outlets.

Cribs and highchairs are available upon request from the hotel. Families looking for an agency that provides more extensive equipment for transporting children (strollers, carriers, etc.) can call Baby's Away at (808) 875-9030, and they will deliver the equipment directly to your hotel. In-room babysitting is also available on a first come, first served basis (a minimum 24-hour notice is required for this service). It's perfect when parents need a little alone time for a stroll along the beach or for a day trip to nearby Mt. Haleakala to watch the sunrise.

Ka'anapali's world-class golf facility features a driving range, clubhouse, and pro shop and welcomes children, ages 7-15, for lessons. The newly renovated South Golf Course reopened in November 2005. [The North Course, where Bing Crosby launched the inaugural shot, has hosted the Senior PGA and LPGA, with golf legends Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer strolling across the greens, and will finish renovation in November 2006] Ask about their Juniors Program in the summer! After 10 a.m., when 1 adult pays, 1 child plays for free!

And, what would a trip to Maui be without exploring the colorful, rich marine life? On Maui's south side, clear, gentle tidal pools await snorkeling fans. Slather on the waterproof sunscreen and watch exotic fish and sea turtles dance beneath the ocean's surface. If snorkeling is too advanced for the family, The Maui Ocean Center offers an exciting hands-on look at sea creatures. The soothing aquarium is worth the short trip alone.

Families may enjoy their trip to Ka'anapali so much, they'll want to stay. [Fortunately, there are villas available to own, too!] Guests who book five nights or more through the hotel website (www.kbhmaui.com) by May 31st will receive their Spring Bonus, a durable, forest green embroidered Ka'anapali Beach Hotel logo backpack, designed for picnics. The backpack includes a large, insulated side pocket for your favorite beverage, utensils, wine opener and goblets, plates, and even a checkered picnic tablecloth!

Take a trip to The Ka'anapali Beach Hotel on Maui where you can relax, enjoy, and awaken your family's imagination!

For information on how you can experience this deluxe paradise, visit www.kbhmaui.com.