Located at the foot of the legendary Pu‘u Keka‘a (Black Rock), the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa is not just a place to stay; it is a landmark of Hawaiian hospitality. As the first resort to open on Ka‘anapali Beach in 1963, it holds a unique position both geographically and historically.

Spanning 23 oceanfront acres, the resort is designed to embrace its natural surroundings. Whether you are visiting for a family vacation, a romantic getaway, or to experience the vibrant culture of Maui, the Sheraton offers a comprehensive island experience.

A Legacy of Aloha: History and Location

The Sheraton Maui occupies the northernmost point of Ka‘anapali Beach, a spot once favored by Hawaiian royalty. The resort’s architecture is legendary; when it first opened, the lobby was situated atop Black Rock, requiring guests to take an elevator down to their rooms. While the lobby has since moved to a more traditional ground-level open-air structure, the resort’s connection to the rock remains its defining feature.

Pu‘u Keka‘a (Black Rock)

This massive lava flow is one of Maui’s most sacred and iconic sites. In ancient Hawaiian lore, it was known as a leina a ka ‘uhane, a place where souls leaped into the spirit world. Today, the resort honors this history every evening at sunset with its Cliff Dive Ceremony. A young cliff diver traverses the grounds, lighting tiki torches, before offering a lei to the heavens and plunging off the summit of Black Rock into the Pacific below.

Accommodations: Where to Stay

The resort features 508 rooms and suites spread across six different "Hales" (buildings). Approximately 83% of the rooms offer some form of ocean view, ranging from partial glimpses to sweeping panoramas of the Moloka‘i and Lana‘i islands.

Popular Room Categories

• Resort View: Overlooking the lush gardens or the nearby Ka‘anapali Golf Courses.

• Ocean Front: Situated closest to the water, offering "grandstand" views of the Pacific and the sunset.

• Moana Oceanfront Wing: Located atop the cliffs of Black Rock, these rooms provide a more secluded experience. During whale season (December–April), these lanais (balconies) are perfect for spotting humpback whales breaching in the distance.

• Ohana Suites: Designed for families, these larger rooms often feature separate living areas and extra bedding options.

Amenities and Activities

One of the strengths of the Sheraton Maui is that you never truly have to leave the property to experience the best of the island.

The Lagoon Pool

The resort features a massive, 142-yard-long freshwater lagoon pool. It meanders through the property like a lazy river (though without a strong current), complete with:

• Bridges and lava rock formations.

• A dedicated children’s (keiki) pool.

• Waterfalls and a hidden jacuzzi tucked among the rocks.

Snorkeling and Ocean Sports

Because the resort sits directly in front of Black Rock, it offers some of the best shore snorkeling on Maui. The waters are teeming with tropical fish and green sea turtles (honu).

• Snorkeling: Rent gear at the beach shack and swim right out from the shore.

• Watersports: On-site vendors offer kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and outrigger canoe tours.

Cultural Experiences

The resort emphasizes the concept of kuleana (responsibility) through its Kuleana Series, an augmented reality experience where guests can use QR codes to learn about Hawaiian culture from local experts. Weekly activities also include:

• Lei making and ‘ukulele lessons.

• Hula dancing and koi fish feeding.

• The Maui Nui Luau, which features a traditional imu ceremony, Polynesian dancing, and fire knife performances.

Dining at the Resort

With five on-site restaurants and bars, there are options ranging from casual poolside bites to upscale multi-course dinners.

Nearby Attractions

• Whaler’s Village: A 10-minute walk along the beach path, filled with high-end shops and oceanfront dining like Leilani’s or Hula Grill.

• Ka‘anapali Golf Courses: Two 18-hole championship courses are literally across the street.

• Kapalua: A short 15-minute drive north takes you to beautiful hiking trails and additional world-class beaches.

The Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa remains a favorite because it strikes a balance between the nostalgia of "Old Hawaii" and modern resort luxury. From the morning turtles at Black Rock to the evening fires of the luau, it offers a quintessential Maui experience.