Maui Hotels

Spa goers will love this resort. Hawaii's first oceanfront spa, the Spa Moana, opened here in 2000 with some 9,000 square feet of facilities, including an exercise floor with an ocean view, 11 treatment rooms, sauna and steam rooms, and a huge menu of massages, body treatments, and therapies. Book your treatment before you leave home -- this place is popular.

The management has poured some $19 million in renovations into rooms in this fantasy resort, the southernmost of the Kaanapali beachfront properties. It certainly has lots of imaginative touches: a collection of exotic species (pink flamingos, unhappy-looking penguins, and an assortment of loud parrots and macaws in the lobby), nine waterfalls, and an eclectic Asian and Pacific art collection. The resort covers some 40 acres; even if you don't stay here, you might want to walk through the expansive tree-filled atrium and the parklike grounds. The 1/2-acre outdoor pool features a 150-foot lava tube slide, a cocktail bar under the falls, a "honeymooner's cave," and a swinging rope bridge. There's even a children-only pool with its own beach, tidal pools, and fountains, and a "Camp Hyatt" children's program .

The rooms, spread out among three towers, are pleasantly outfitted with an array of amenities and have very comfortable separate sitting areas and private lanais with eye-popping views. The latest, most comfortable bedding is now standard in every room (including fluffy feather beds). Two Regency Club floors have a private concierge, complimentary breakfast, sunset cocktails, and snacks.

Families will appreciate Camp Hyatt, a year-round program offering young guests a range of activities, from "Olympic Games" to a scavenger hunt. There's also a game room for kids with video games, pool, Ping-Pong, and air hockey.

Facilities: 5 restaurants; 2 bars; a 1/2-acre outdoor pool; 36-hole golf course; 6 tennis courts; health club w/weight room; state-of-the-art spa; Jacuzzi; watersports equipment rentals; bike rentals; year-round children's program; game room; concierge; activities desk; car-rental desk; business center; shopping arcade; salon; room service; in-room or spa massage; babysitting; coin-op washer/dryers; laundry service; dry cleaning; concierge-level rooms.

- Frommer's