A number of new developments and off-site options have recently waded ashore on Maui, ranging from the ultra-luxe to the decidedly indigenous, with a new upscale shopping outlet, an indulgent off-site alternative and a luxury boutique hotel thrown in for good measure.
Being "grandfathered in" has its privileges at the Montage Kapalua Bay, where an all-suite, 50-room property is set to open on the former site of the Kapalua Bay Hotel, which was razed in 2005.
"We have the luxury of a lot of space, with fabulous lawns that go right up to the shoreline and bluffs overlooking Kapalua Bay," says Dick Holtzman, vice president and managing director for the resort. "We are blessed with an incredible location. If you want to find the best spot on the lake, they say, go find the oldest pier. We're the oldest pier, on the former site of the Kapalua Hotel. Anyone who understands Hawaiian real estate law understands it could never be built today."
A highlight of the Montage is its Cliff House function space, originally built by the Maui Land and Pine Company some 50 years ago and offering 800 square feet on the bluffs of the bay.
Another new property, Andaz Maui at Wailea, opened in September and provides a boutique luxury experience for groups. Highlights include private lanais; activities such as canoeing, kayaking, sunrise yoga and surf lessons; and an emphasis on locally sourced F&B. The Andaz offers 15,000 square feet of meeting space, including meeting studios with open kitchens that allow its chefs to mingle with attendees.
For those who crave a little high-end shopping time, The Outlets of Maui, located in historic Lahaina Town, opened in December, boasting nearly 150,000 square feet of space and an estimated 35 high-end stores such as Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Klein, along with a Hard Rock Cafe and Ruth's Chris Steakhouse.
Over at the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa in Kaanapali Beach, the new Na Hoku Club Lounge at the pinnacle of Pu'u Keka'a (Black Rock) boasts the ability to buyout the entire bluff as part of the Top of the Black Rock Experience, including access to the Na Hoku Club Lounge and Moana Lounge, the Moana private dining room and the hot tub overlooking Pu'u Keka'a.
