Royal treatment
The Royal Lahaina (Maui)
GETAWAYS • Hawaii
I liked The Royal Lahaina when I arrived; by the time I left, I was in love. The hotel is the second oldest on the Ka’anapali Coast of Maui, built in the ’60s. While it still retains the vintage charm of that era, the hotel recently underwent updates and renovations throughout the property.
I stayed in one of the oceanfront bungalows. The little time I spent in my room, I spent on my lanai. Every morning, still in pajamas, I’d walk barefoot onto the lawn and down to the beach. For those four days, I became a firm believer in grounding.
Aside from their 127 bungalows, the main tower holds traditional hotel rooms. I was able to take a peek at one of their two-bedroom suites on the 12th floor, and the view onto the ocean from the rounded balconies was breathtaking.
I particularly enjoyed dining at their new restaurant, Lahaina Noon, helmed by local chef Vanessa Castillo. I ate all three meals there, and every dish was one I’d order again. Beyond the food’s appeal is the setting: the restaurant seamlessly flows from indoors to out, with direct views of the pool and ocean. The two pools, comically close to one another, are surrounded by ’60’s-inspired bright yellow umbrellas and cabanas.
During the Lahaina fires in 2023, the hotel closed to take in the people of Maui. Upon reopening, they debuted Branches, an outdoor music venue where wicker lanterns hang from a massive ficus tree and local musicians have a new place to share their craft. In addition, the resort offers a collection of weekly cultural options like Hawaiian language classes and lei making. I also helped plant trees with Treecovery, a local nonprofit the hotel partners with to help replace trees for homeowners who lost theirs in the fires.
A new spa debuted this summer. I received my treatment in an open-aired room that looked like it was meant to be a bridal suite. Even so, the massage was noteworthy. The masseuse used techniques from Lomi Lomi (a traditional Hawaiian massage), hot stones, and Swedish, along with aromatherapy oils of my choosing.
The Royal Lahaina is unpretentious, but full of beauty. Once you’re there, it’s hard not to get it. –Dyana Lederman
→ The Royal Lahaina (Maui) • 2780 Kekaa Dr • Bungalow rooms from $460/night.