Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows

Hotel Description

Look, I’ll be straight with you about the Royal Lahaina – it’s one of those places that grows on you once you figure out what it’s actually about. When you first pull up, honestly, the lobby feels a bit dated (we’re talking that classic Hawaiian resort vibe from maybe the 80s), but here’s the thing that took me a day or two to appreciate: this place has serious Old Hawaii charm that most of the newer resorts completely miss.

The location is actually pretty brilliant if you know Lahaina at all. You’re right on Kaanapali Beach, which means you can walk barefoot from your room to some of the best snorkeling on the west side without dealing with the crowds at Black Rock – though honestly, Black Rock is just a short stroll north if you want the full scene. What I really loved was how the bungalows (definitely spring for one of these if your budget allows) are tucked back in these tropical gardens where you can actually hear the mynah birds over the pool noise. The regular hotel rooms are fine, but the bungalows feel like you’re staying in someone’s very cool Hawaiian uncle’s guest house, you know what I mean?

The staff here – and this might sound weird – but they actually seem to enjoy their jobs. I mean, our housekeeping person remembered we liked extra towels after day one, and the bartender at the Moby Dick Tavern (yes, that’s really what it’s called) makes a mai tai that doesn’t taste like sugar water with food coloring. Speaking of which, the food situation is better than you’d expect for a resort restaurant. It’s not going to blow your mind, but the fish is fresh and they don’t completely tourist-tax you on the portions. Pro tip: grab breakfast there, then walk into Lahaina town for lunch – it’s maybe a 15-minute walk along the beach path, and you’ll hit all the local food trucks and that little shave ice place the locals actually go to.

Here’s what you should know going in: this isn’t a luxury resort trying to impress your Instagram followers. The pool area gets pretty lively (read: loud) during peak season, especially when the keiki activities are going full swing. But if you want that authentic Hawaiian resort experience without the Disneyland feel of some of the bigger chains, this place delivers. The trade winds actually reach your lanai here – something about how the buildings are positioned – so even on those sticky Maui afternoons, you get a decent breeze. Plus, and I cannot stress this enough, the sunset views from the beachfront rooms are absolutely ridiculous. We’re talking about those purple-and-orange Maui sunsets that make you understand why people move here and never leave.

Bottom line: Royal Lahaina feels like Hawaii before everything got so polished and perfect. It’s got character, the location can’t be beat, and honestly, after a few days of island time, that relaxed, slightly worn-in vibe starts feeling exactly right.

Apartments in Hawaii provide travelers with an authentic local experience, allowing them to shop at traditional farmers markets and cook with fresh ingredients from the renowned Hawaiian culinary traditions.

Rooms

• Tower Standard King with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults, 3 children
• Tower Ocean Front 2 Bedroom Suite (Molokai) with 2 × 1 extra-large double bed, 2 × 2 double beds, sofa bed and 1 sofa bed for 6 adults, 5 children
• Tower Deluxe Ocean View King with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults, 3 children
• Tower Partial Ocean View King with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults, 3 children
• Tower Ocean View King with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults, 3 children
• Tower Ocean Front King with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults, 3 children
• Tower Partial Ocean View Doubles with 2 double beds for 4 adults, 3 children
• Deluxe Ocean Front Bungalow King with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults, 2 children
• Tower Standard Doubles with 2 double beds for 4 adults, 3 children
• Tower Ocean View Doubles with 2 double beds for 4 adults, 3 children
• Tower Deluxe Ocean View Doubles with 2 double beds for 4 adults, 3 children
• Tower Ocean Front Room Doubles with 2 double beds for 4 adults, 3 children
• Tower Ocean Front 1 Bedroom Suite (Lanai) with extra-large double bed, 1 extra-large double bed, sofa bed and 1 sofa bed for 4 adults, 3 children
• Tower Ocean Front 2 Bedroom Suite (Lanai) with 4 × 1 extra-large double bed, sofa bed and 1 sofa bed for 6 adults, 5 children
• Deluxe Ocean Front Bungalow Room Doubles with 2 double beds for 4 adults, 3 children
• Tower Ocean Front 1 Bedroom Suite (Molokai) with extra-large double bed1 sofa bed, 1 extra-large double bed, 2 × 1 sofa bed and sofa bed for 4 adults, 3 children
• Two-Bedroom Bungalow with 2 × 2 double beds and 1 large double bed for 7 adults
• Studio with 2 double beds and 1 sofa bed for 4 adults
• Bungalow with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults
• Superior Bungalow with 1 extra-large double bed and 1 sofa bed for 4 adults
• Junior Suite with Ocean View with 1 extra-large double bed and 1 sofa bed for 4 adults
• Studio with Ocean View with 2 double beds and 1 sofa bed for 4 adults
• Double Room with 2 double beds for 4 adults, 3 children

Reviews

• D’arcy from Canada (8/10)

  I love the nice people was so fun.

• Anita from United States (9/10)

  Great

• Dheeraj from United States (7/10)

  Location was superb

• James from Australia (8/10)

  Lobby and the beach

• Kenneth from United States (9/10)

  Location and breakfast were excellent.

• Tamiem from Australia (8/10)

  Amazing location. The pool, bar and beach area were breathtaking. We stayed at the Royal Lahaina 10 years ago, and to this day remains just as amazing.

• Lisa from United States (8/10)

  The location was great, a nice walk or a short uber ride to great restaurants. The staff was very friendly and helpful.
  The food at the on-site restaurant was delicious. And the view from my balcony was spectacular!

• Nora from United States (8/10)

  Staff was excellent, room was spacious, property was very nice.

• Jeanine from Australia (8/10)

  stunning environment. Wonderful staff.

• Jay from United States (9/10)

  The property was fantastic. The staff were friendly, attentive, and helpful. The beach was immaculate.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities