NOTE: During our last visit to Maui, the tragic fires of August 2023 were still very much at the forefront. The burn zone in Lahaina was closed to visitors, as recovery and rebuilding efforts continue. As all visitors should, we avoided that area entirely. Instead, we spent our time and money in other areas of the island. Right now, you as a tourist can do the most good by providing an economic lifeline to local businesses and communities on the island. Maui is ready for visitors, and the people of the island are eager to welcome you back.
The Hawaiian Islands have always been a favorite destination for my family. We’ve had the opportunity to visit five of the six major islands — the Big Island, Oahu, Maui, Kauai and Lanai — and recently made a return trip to Maui. Yes, there’s the sand, sun and surf, but what we’ve come to appreciate the most is the aloha spirit.
Without a doubt, that aloha spirit is on full display at Napili Kai Beach Resort, located north of Kaanapali in West Maui. Read on to learn more.
1 Feeling of Ohana at Napili Kai Resort
The term ohana in the Hawaiian language refers to a sense of family — both your blood-related family and your chosen family. Spending time at Napili Kai, you do get that sense of ohana. We met families who were taking advantage of Napili Kai’s family reunion package. We met other parents who have been coming to Napili Kai since they were kids and are now continuing the tradition with their own children. And we talked to people who met other families and couples at Napili Kai and now meet up here every year. In that way, it felt a little like the Catskills resort in the movie Dirty Dancing where people return year after year.
Returning guests also feel that connection with the long-time staff here. After the Lahaina fires, guests started messaging the resort, asking how they could help the staff. The Napili Kai shareholders and condo owners established a Go Fund Me account to support those employees who lost their homes in the fires. To date, they’ve raised nearly $535,000.
So if you’re looking for that kind of connection when visiting Maui, you’ll find it at Napili Kai.
2 Location, location, location
Nestled along crescent-shaped Napili Bay, the resort has a prime location for accessing the water. It’s especially good if you have smaller children who need extra protection from Maui’s big waves. The resort boasts a sizable beach, though it typically shrinks a bit during the winter months. I’d recommend heading to the beach early in the day for calmer, less windy conditions. The bay has a coral reef, making it a perfect place to snorkel. You may even spot one of Maui’s resident green sea turtles. Speaking of wildlife, humpback whales swim along this coast (December-May), so keep your eyes peeled when sitting on your lanai. The resort’s westerly orientation also means you’re well positioned to witness some spectacular sunsets.
KidTripster Tip: In 2022, Maui County passed a law prohibiting non-mineral sunscreens containing chemicals like oxybenzone to protect the island’s marine life. You can find these reef-safe sunscreens in shops on the island. There are also stations with free mineral-based sunscreen at popular beaches and tourist attractions.
3 Family-sized suites at a more affordable price
It’s no secret that resort lodging in Hawaii can be expensive. While I wouldn’t characterize the rates as cheap, I think Napili Kai’s a really good value for the size of accommodations and all of the free extras. Plus, because each unit has a fully-equipped kitchen, you can save on food costs by preparing some meals yourself. Room sizes range from studio to 3-bedroom suites with the vast majority of units having ocean views.
[ Related: Review: Napili Kai Beach Resort in Maui ]
4 No extra fees at Napili Kai Resort
One of the most irritating things about travel is paying resort prices and then being slapped with add-ons — resort fees, parking fees, activity fees and the like. The folks at Napili Kai must feel my pain because they’ve made a point of calling out their fee-free philosophy — “We don’t nickel-and-dime our guests.” Amen to that!
Here’s what’s included: free parking, in-room WiFi, beach chairs, beach towels, coolers, snorkeling gear, plus morning and afternoon coffee. Putting greens and shuffleboard courts are free to use. Also, kids (10 years old and under) eat free with a paying adult at the on-site Sea House Restaurant (excluding some holiday periods).
KidTripster Tip: Ok, not everything is free. Boogie boards and standup paddle boards are available for rental fee.
5 Complimentary activities
Recently, I stayed at a resort that touted a long list of family-friendly enrichment activities only to find out that there was an unfriendly charge attached to each one. Again, that’s not the case at Napili Kai. Before you arrive, take a look at the weekly activity calendar online. There’s a rotation of daily cultural demonstrations, including Hawaiian fishing, lei history, poi and taro making, and pidgin language basics.
The resort also hosts daily activities and parties. While we were there, the resort threw a putting party for grown-ups on the resort’s putting green. Adults-only because it featured 50¢ adult beverages (yes, you read that correctly). Sign me, up! Other free activities throughout the week include a mai tai party (complimentary drinks), horticultural tour and lei making lesson (for adults).
KidTripster Tip: If you’re a golfer, the resort is near the Plantation Course at Kapalua Golf, recognized as a top 25 public golf course in the United States. It’s not well advertised, but if you tell them you’re a Napili Kai guest when booking, you’ll get a discount on your round.
6 Complimentary kids club
Here’s that word, again… free! During popular family travel times — summer, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years, Napili Kai offers two hours (Monday-Saturday) of supervised activities for kids (ages 6-10). While you decompress with a massage in the outdoor garden cabana, your kids will be fully engaged in lei making, hula, sandcastle building and the like.
7 Free hula show
For many families, no visit to Hawaii is complete without attending a luau and hula show. I’m here to tell you that most are overrated. My family and I have attended several and have found the food to be average and the shows to drag on, not to mention that a luau costs a small fortune. In West Maui, resort-based luaus start at around $185 per adult and $110 per child. Ouch!
That’s why I think the free keiki hula show at Napili Kai is a much better alternative. Every Tuesday evening, local children enrolled with the Napili Kai Foundation perform a delightful program of island song and dance accompanied by a live band. The foundation is committed to preserving and passing down this Hawaiian tradition to the younger generation. And your keikis may get pulled into the show, as visiting kids are invited to participate.
8 Discount packages at Napili Kai Resort
Already a good value, Napili Kai has discount packages that make a family stay here even more affordable. At the time of publication, the resort was offering a Lahaina Strong package which included a fifth night free for select dates. There’s also a special package designed for family reunions. It includes complimentary services, activities and even a professional photo session for you and your extended family.
[ Related: Island Guide: How to Choose the Right Hawaiian Island ]
9 Beachfront dining
Napili Kai has one of the few truly beachfront restaurants on Maui. What’s more, it’s a restaurant will a long list of awards: previous Maui Magazine’s Best Breakfast, Best Happy Hour and Most Maui-est. And from what we sampled, the accolades for Executive Chef Alex Stanislaw are well deserved. As mentioned above, kids eat free at Sea House. That’s a good thing since this restaurant is a bit pricey, even by Hawaiian standards.
KidTripster Tip: Make reservations and be sure to time your dinner for sunset.
KidTripster Tip: While Sea House does serve breakfast and lunch, the resort also has a snack shack, Makai Hale, next to the main pool.
10 Friendly and dedicated staff at Napili Kai Resort
Many of the staff who work at Napili Kai have been a part of the family for decades. For example, head gardener Joe has been tending the lush grounds for more than 20 years. He takes great pride in his extensive hibiscus and orchid collection and is happy to tell you more. He’s also responsible for the driftwood sculptures around the property that he creates by hand. What’s telling is return guests know Joe and others by name, which adds to the resort’s feeling of ohana.
This writer received a complimentary stay for the purpose of this review. However, all opinions expressed are solely her own.
