THE WESTIN NANEA OCEAN VILLAS, MAUI
Centuries before hotels and condos lined Kaanapali Beach, Hawaiian royals fought over its northern stretch, home to fishponds, taro patches and sacred sites such as Puu Kekaa (Black Rock), while legends arose about its guardian spirit owls. The new Westin Nanea Ocean Villas, which laid claim to 16 of the area’s last remaining undeveloped acres, luckily boasts a guiding spirit in cultural adviser Makalapua Kanuha. She worked with architects, interior and landscape designers to weave Hawaiian motifs such as fish-trap baskets, cordage and taro throughout the property, and created its Puuhonua O Nanea Cultural Center to teach the stories, language and traditions of this wahi pana, or special place.
The setting: Along the northern part of Maui’s 3-mile, golden Kaanapali Beach, renowned for its dazzling sunsets and views of Lanai and Molokai. To the south is a 10-acre open space bordering the Westin Kaanapali Ocean Resort Villas, where guests at Nanea (Hawaiian for “relaxation”) have charging privileges at Spa Helani and dining outlets. Honua Kai Resort, home to popular Duke’s Beach House, lies just north.
The appeal: West Maui luxury, with room to spare — from 840 square feet for a onebedroom villa, up to 1,470 square feet for a three-bedroom. All 190 villas offer a king bed in each bedroom plus a large living room with queen sofabed, spacious bathrooms with free-standing tubs, stainless-steel-fitted kitchen and washer-dryer, among other amenities. Insider’s tips: Take one of Kanuha’s free, 90-minute walking tours of Lahaina for lively history shared with aloha. Among the locally inspired delicacies at Mauka Makai restaurant, try executive chef Ikaika Manaku’s kiawe smoked tako (octopus) or the pork and ahi, which alternates slices of seared tuna with crispy pork belly and Maui onion jam. Good to know: Although 200 more villas are expected to open this fall, all public areas, including the pool complex with three hot tubs, are open now. There’s no resort fee, but self-parking is $10 a day, $12 for valet. Guests have access to two free shuttles, one between Starwood’s four Kaanapali resorts and another that heads to Lahaina shops and cinemas.
Details: 45 Kai Malina Pkwy., Lahaina. (808) 662-6300, www.westin nanea.com. One-bedroom villas from $429; two-bedrooms from $649; three-bedrooms from $1,219. — Jeanne Cooper; travel@sfchronicle.com