| |
Maui is on nearly everyone's "bucket list" for a dream vacation. But this Hawaiian island hasn't always been ready for an influx of global tourists. How - and when - did all this begin?
According to archival Sheraton Resort information, it wasn’t until the late 1950s that the island became the dream vacation destination. Increased post-WWII air travel and Hawaii’s statehood in 1959 spurred an interest in the new state’s beautiful beaches, warm climate, and the islands’ welcoming and equally warm way of life.
In 1961, Kaanapali was designated Hawaii’s first master-planned resort. Sheraton Maui became the first resort built in Kaanapali, opening January 23, 1963, and the rest is history.
For those travelers, especially families, looking for an iconic vacation experience with a wealth of Hawaiian history on the island of Maui, the Sheraton Maui Resort offers an experience featuring classic Hawaiian Ohana (family) cultural traditions with many hands-on opportunities to share that culture.
Sea turtle
The Sheraton Maui is situated on Kaanapali Beach, a three mile long stretch of white sand, one of the most highly rated beaches in the world. Black Rock, at the north end of the beach, is renowned for snorkeling and encounters with hanu (green sea turtles.) During winter months, humpback whales breach offshore. The Resort is also home to many ocean activities including kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, outrigger canoe adventures, and relaxing spa treatments.
Cliff diver
One example of the historical/cultural history of Maui shared with visitors takes place every evening just as the sun begins to sink into the ocean. Torch lighting signals the nightly ritual of lele kawa (cliff diving). According to the history, “Mauiʼs last ruling chief, Kahekili (Thunderer), a master of cliff jumping, loved to dive into the ocean from the Leina a ka ʻuhane (leap of the soul) at Puu Kekaa (Black Rock). Because it was a portal where spirits on their journey to the afterlife would leap into eternity, his feats proved the great power of his mana (divine energy) to all.” Every dusk since the hotel near Black Rock opened, Kahekiliʼs courageous journey between the physical and spiritual realm is celebrated with a sunset cliff diving ritual.
Pools at Kaanapali Beach 3
Today’s Sheraton Maui visitors may also gather the family for a freshwater splash and float in the 142-yard lagoon-style pool, just a few steps from the ocean beach, with views of the islands of Molokai, Lanai, and Kahoolawe. These islands originally were the landmass called Maui Nui, separated over time by thousands of years of erosion.
As visitors to this beautiful, welcoming culture and its people, we often regret that our visit has come to an end too soon and forget what made our experience so peaceful and lovely. A gentle reminder of the spirit of Maui to take away with one’s memories:
Kaanapali Sheraton aerial of beach at Black Rock
“Legendary Maui, for whom our island is named, is the Hawaiian demigod said to have lifted the heavens from the earth so that man could walk tall. He slowed the sun’s path across the sky, and he discovered the secret of fire.”
For more information:
https://www.marriott.com › Sheraton Hotels › Maui
| |
Lynn Rosen is an Emmy award-winning TV broadcaster, producer and director, and has been on the Journalism and Theatre faculties at Western Washington University in Bellingham, Wash. She’s also a theater critic, travel writer, published author, fearless skier and belongs to the American Theatre Critics Association (ATCA) and the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW). |
|
 |
|
|
|
