Hyatt Regency Maui with Kids (Resort Review for Families)
Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa is more than a hotel. It’s paradise for families in Hawaii. Expect lush grounds, a fun kids club, a spectacular luau, and a sandy beachfront location. But what clinched it for me was their pools. Oh, what pools you will find at this Kaanapali resort! Read my review to discover what makes Hyatt Regency Maui with kids so special.
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Fantasy Pools
As a hotel pool lover, I was pleased to learn Hyatt Regency Maui is home to some of the world’s first “fantasy” pools. Designed by renowned hotelier Christopher B. Hemmeter, the pools meander through the property. Hemmeter is credited by many as revolutionizing the hotel industry in Hawaii by creating the first destination resorts. The pools are so fantastic, in fact, they made our list of the Best Hotel Pools in Hawaii for Families.
Look for waterfalls, a romantic grotto with pool bar, waterslides, a rope bridge, a basketball hoop for a splashy game, and play fountains for tots. Make pool time even more special with a 1.5-hour mermaid lesson for all ages (50 – 200 lbs.), available exclusively at Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa.
Keiki Lagoon
During my first visit to the resort, my family spent most of our time at the incredible Keiki Lagoon. This pool area was built with little kids in mind. The shallow waters are perfect for play with pail and shovel. Plus, there are fountains galore.
Young children love the 25-foot-long waterslide here. On my latest trip, I had to convince my first grader to pose for pictures by the fountains. He did, however, love the kiddie waterslide and took several turns splashing into the water below.
Tunnel Waterslide
I braved the bigger waterslide during my latest visit. It is an enclosed, 150-foot tunnel slide. While exhilarating, I prefer open waterslides where I can see where I am going. Hotel guests 48 inches or taller with an adventurous streak will love this slide.
Wildlife and Tropical Grounds
The hotel’s fantastical grounds and abundant wildlife will impress your family. Around 50 animals representing 21 species reside at Hyatt Regency Maui. Kids are encouraged to attend the koi and penguin feeding sessions at 9:30 am daily. To learn more about the resident fish and birds, sign up for the 45-minute Wildlife Tours.
Don’t have time to head out on a pineapple farm tour during your stay on Maui? No worries! You can spy pineapples growing right at Hyatt Regency Maui. The resort even has an on-site chef’s garden, from which fresh local produce is harvested for meals in its restaurants.
Dining at Hyatt Regency Maui
Feeling hungry? Choose from five on-site restaurants plus the Hyatt’s well-known luau. Or, book a special beach-side private dining experience for two.
Swan Court
Head to Swan Court for a tempting breakfast buffet each day. A wide assortment of fresh fruits, tropical pastries, breakfast meats, eggs, cereals and more are sure to appeal to everyone in the family. If you prefer, order items from the menu such as omelets and pancakes. For a taste of the islands, choose the Hawaiian French Toast made with coconut bread and served with coconut syrup. Kids and adults delight in watching the swans and ducks paddle right past tables at this restaurant.
Son’z Steakhouse
For date night, book at a table at Son’z Steakhouse. In the evenings, Swan Court becomes a swanky steak house known for its wine cellar and prime cuts.
Halona Kai
The Halona Kai coffee bar provides a simple morning alternative. Think baked goods and hot cuppas served up with an ocean view.
Umalu
For casual al fresco lunch or dinner, go to Umalu. Choose from local favorites like Chicken Katsu, served with jasmine rice and potato mac salad or American standards like pizzas, sandwiches, burgers and salads.
Japengo Pacific Rim Restaurant and Sushi Lounge
Japengo offers a more refined dining experience. Voted the Best Sushi on Maui, Japengo’s sunset views complement the cuisine. The prettiest and tastiest part of my meal was the Prawn and Mango salad. It comes served with Kula baby greens, ichiban vinaigrette carrots, cucumber and tomato. Meanwhile, the Flaming Pina Colada Crème, an upscale version of pineapple upside down cake, impresses with its fiery presentation. Twice per month you can even sign up for Sushi School at Japengo to learn the art of sushi roll preparation.
Whalers Village
In addition to the restaurant offerings at Hyatt Regency Maui, the resort is a short oceanfront walk (about 12 minutes) from the popular Whalers Village. This shopping center is home to restaurants like the Hula Grill and Leilani’s on the Beach, as well as a food court.
Drums of the Pacific Luau
Hyatt Maui’s Drums of the Pacific Luau has all the ingredients for a delicious Hawaiian evening. Expect an open bar, Polynesian dancing, abundant food, and humorous audience participation. Children and adults alike enjoy performances by talented hula dancers and impressive fire dancers.
The all-you-can-eat buffet offers huli huli chicken, lomi lomi salmon, tropical fruits, soba noodles, a tempting selection of desserts and more. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the Hawaiian poi (mashed taro). The kalua pork was so delicious, I had to go back for seconds!
Beachfront Fun
Yes, the pools are fabulous, but the ocean is the real star in Hawaii. The Hyatt Regency Maui has bragging rights as the hotel closest to the ocean in all of Maui. Rent boogie boards, stand up paddle boards, and kayaks from the on-site Beach Activity Center. Scuba and paddle board lessons plus guided dives are also available. Even kids aged 8 to 11 can get in on the diving fun with a Bubble Makers class, where children hunt for hidden treasure in the pool while learning basic diving skills.
Camp Hyatt Kids Club
Some parents feel guilty putting their children in a kids club while on vacation, but my children love them! Both of my kids enjoy making friends, building crafts, and playing games at a kids club — especially one as fun as Camp Hyatt.
Since my son happened to be the only child who signed up for the camp on the day of his visit, I offered to let him come tour Lahaina with Grandma and me instead. But he insisted he’d rather stay and play. Some Hawaiian-themed camp activities include lei making and hula lessons. My son made ocean-themed crafts and went swimming in the pool with his camp counselor. Camp Hyatt hours are 9 am to 3 pm and 5 to 10 pm daily, for children ages 5 to 12.
What Else to Do at Hyatt Regency Maui
Looking for something to do while the kids are at Camp Hyatt? Spread across four acres, Hyatt Regency Maui is home to the Marilyn Monroe Kamaha’o Spa for luxurious and relaxing treatments. Meanwhile, sporty travelers will appreciate the onsite tennis courts as well as preferred rates at two golf courses: the Royal Kaanapali Course and the Kaanapali Kai Course.
Hyatt Regency Maui with Kids
Long before I became a travel blogger, I chose to stay at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa with my husband and baby girl on one of our first-ever trips as new parents. Nearly nine years later I returned to this idyllic hotel, this time with my second child (our son, age 6) and my mom. Poor daddy and big sister had to stay home…not sure how I am EVER going to make this up to them!
You will find plenty to enjoy at Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa. With such beautiful grounds and so many activities, this is truly one of my favorite hotels for families. I can’t wait to go back, hopefully next time with both of my kids and my husband!
More to Do on Maui
Discover more to do and see on Maui with kids, like visiting the animals at Surfing Goat Dairy Farm, tasting traditional Hawaiian shave ice, and viewing artwork by local artists.
For additional Maui hotel ideas, read my reviews of Kaanapali Alii (an upscale condominium option) and Residence Inn Maui (which offers deep discounts for long-term stays).
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Would you like to stay at Hyatt Regency Maui with kids? Do you have any questions about this hotel? Let us know in the comments below!
A Note from The Travel Mama: My family was hosted by the Kaanapali Beach Resort and Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa during our most recent visit. We paid for our first visit to this beautiful hotel ourselves. All opinions are mine, as always.
Hi I noticed your post is from 2014 have you been there since. I just booked a vacation for August and we have two children 5 and 8. I hope is still the same.
How exciting! I haven’t been since 2014 but I just looked at their website and it appears to be the same fabulous resort with incredible pools, dining, bird displays, kids club, spa and more. I hope you love Hyatt Regency Maui as much I do!
Do you know of any Maui hotels that have kids club for younger kids? We are planning a trip next year when my son will be 17 months old.
The only Hawaii kids club that I know of that accepts children (without a parent of guardian) under age 5 is Disney’s Aulani on Oahu, which welcomes little ones as young as 3 years old. Most resorts, however, will provide a list of local trusted babysitters to watch your child in your room for an hourly fee. Four Season Maui offers a kids club for children ages 5 to 12, but they often will let younger children play there if accompanied by a parent or caregiver. You’ll find lots of Caribbean resorts that allow younger kids in their kids clubs like Beaches Resorts. If you have your heart set on Hawaii, though, you could book a cruise instead. I believe Norwegian is the only line that offers sailings through the islands throughout the year — their kids clubs start at age 3 but parents can join the fun with babies starting at 6 months. Disney Cruise Line sometimes offers Hawaiian cruises and their onboard nurseries accept babies as young as 6 months old (without parental supervision). Hope that helps!
Hi! Our family of 6 is heading to the Hyatt in Maui February 12th for a 10 day stay. I’m wondering if you’d be able to suggest some more family friendly restaurants? Our kids are 17, 16, 13 and 8 years old.
Thanks (:
Heidi
Hi Heidi – How exciting! I hope your family loves Hyatt Regency Maui as much as mine does! The hotel offers five restaurants plus the amazing Drums of the Pacific Luau. Off-site, I recommend the Hula Grill at the Whalers Village Shopping Center for their macadamia nut-crusted mahimahi and Hula Pie (delicious ice cream pie)! They offer a keiki (kids) menu, too. If you’re headed Hana, be sure to stop in Paia for lunch at Paia Fish Market. For a splurge dinner, you can’t go wrong with Roy’s Kaanapali by Chef Roy Yamaguchi. Best of all are their appetizers (Crispy Crab & Shrimp Potstickers!) and dessert (like Chocolate Soufflé or Pineapple Upside Down Cake!). I don’t think they have a printed menu, but they have a few simple items you can order for children like a quesadilla. They even bring out a special “appetizer” fruit plate for kids, if memory serves. Enjoy Maui!
Wow, great information about Hyatt Regency. And thank u sharing.
You’re most welcome!