Hawaii has always been a popular vacation spot for families. From watching the whales to learning the culture, stargazing or soaking in the sun poolside, we’re live from Ka’anapali Beach in Maui with fun ways to ensure a FIN-tastic trip.
WHALE WATCHING SEASON
10,000 humpback whales migrate from Alaska and the North Pacific putting on a magical show on the shores of Hawaii. This can be seen from the sand, your hotel room, or a boat tour. In Ka’anapali locals call it “whale soup” witnessing whales playing and spurting along 3-miles of stunning beach!
Being on board a spacious catamarans is the best way to experience these gentle giants and the surrounding beautiful West Maui scenery. We had an incredible experience aboard Teralani Sailing Adventures as they make it an exciting learning experience with a marine naturalist on board each trip. Additionally we could actually listen to the whale songs live on their underwater hydrophone.
You could join the Hyatt Regency Maui Wildlife Team at the hotel to learn about koholā, or humpback whales in the Spring. From whale behavior – tail slapping, spouting, spy hopping, or even breaching. We were fortunate enough to see all of this whale activity on our trip!
CULTURAL CONNECTION: ISLAND LIFE
One thing we love to do whenever we take a vacation is to learn more about the culture of that place. It can be an activity or visiting a historical landmark. When you are in Maui, many of the hotels in the Kanaapali Beach area offer free or inexpensive ways to immerse yourself in Hawaiian cultural experiences.
Traditions that are found no where else in the world and some of the unique activities are fire knife demonstration, lei making workshops, coconut weaving class and more! Our families not only enjoyed these activities but we loved hearing the rich meaning behind each of these traditions. And when we took a fire knife dancing class we had a whole new appreciation when we saw experts twirling fire at the Luau.
OUT OF THIS WORLD STARGAZING
Early Polynesians were guided to the Hawaiian Islands with the help of the stars and now Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa invites guests to take a Tour of the Stars with their very own rooftop astronomy program! Home to Hawaii’s only recreational telescope with a 16-inch reflector, the “Great White” HD telescope, sits nine stories up on a remote site of the hotel.
With crystal-clear skies and located just 20 degrees north of the equator, Maui is the perfect place for astronomy. Exceptional views of 80 of the 88 constellations can be seen which is why CNN Travel named the it the Top Stargazing Spot in the World. The tour is led by Edward J. Mahoney, the Director of Astronomy at the hotel and a NASA Solar System Ambassador who uses a computer to select an agenda, locate and identify 1,000 objects in the sky including stars, planets, galaxies and nebulae. You’ll learn to interpret with the unaided eye, then with giant astronomy binoculars, and on to the “Great White”. It’s a cosmic experience for the entire family!
VACATION VIBES
When we’re picking a vacation destination, we look for something the entire family can enjoy and Maui does not disappoint! From enjoying the beach and all the ocean activities like snorkeling and sailing to pools, golf, ziplining, and of course dining on all the locally caught fish and fresh fruit… it’s no wonder Hawaii is a top destination for families to vacation.
Kā’anapali is one of our favorite spots. With a three-mile stretch of beach that has been touted as one of the best beaches on Maui, and even in America, there are over 30 culinary options and 11 accommodations, including Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa. Friends, families and couples can choose from oceanfront hotels featuring lush gardens and waterfalls, family-friendly resorts with kid-centric programming and multiple waterslides.
At the heart of Kā’anapali is Whalers Village. Guests can enjoy oceanfront shopping and dining at Whalers Village such as Hula Grill – food delivered daily by Local Fishermen and Farmers to Hula Grill’s open-air kitchen and Barefoot Bar on the water’s edge in Kā’anapali.
