Perched atop Pu‘u Keka‘a - better known as Black Rock, Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa isn’t just a beachfront resort. It’s where the Ka‘anapali story began.
Open since 1963, Sheraton Maui Resort is a legacy property built into a sacred lava outcropping once used by Maui’s last chief to demonstrate spiritual strength through cliff diving. Today, that tradition still lives on every night at sunset, when a torchbearer climbs the rocky promontory, offers a prayer, and dives into the Pacific… just as the legend tells. It’s part ceremony, part spectacle, and entirely unforgettable.
But there’s more to Sheraton Maui Resort than tradition. It’s the rare kind of place that marries cultural depth with elevated family-friendly fun, all wrapped up in 23 acres of oceanfront views, open-air energy, and island soul.
Here’s how to spend four unforgettable days soaking it all in.
Day One
Check-in is breezy and welcoming, complete with island florals and panoramic views. Families will appreciate receiving a keepsake portrait embedded with a QR code, part of the resort’s Kuleana Series. It unlocks a cultural scavenger hunt of sorts, leading kids (and curious adults) around the resort to discover animated storytellers and scientific experts sharing wisdom about native plants, solar astronomy, and the meaning of aloha.
By late afternoon, live poolside music sets the tone as families float in and out of the thoughtfully designed pool area. While the lazy river offers a gentle loop with shaded nooks and a family-friendly slide that earns plenty of repeat runs.
As golden hour sets in, snag a view of Black Rock for the nightly lele kawa ritual. Torches are lit one by one, and a young diver - symbolizing Chief Kahekili - leaps from the lava rock into the sea in a display of strength, honor, and tradition. It’s not a performance; it’s a pause-worthy moment of reverence that has taken place here every night for more than 60 years.
For dinner, Teppan-yaki Dan brings the energy inside, where talented chefs grill lobster, steak, and garlic fried rice with a flourish of flames and knife tricks. The experience is equal parts delicious and theatrical, especially fun for kids who’ve never witnessed an onion volcano.
Wrap up your first night fireside, where locally inspired s’mores kits await, complete with Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, macadamia nuts, shredded coconut, and rainbow sprinkles. (The kids will think it’s magic. You’ll think it’s genius.)
Day Two
Wake up to island breezes in a spacious Ohana Suite ideal for families. For couples, the Moana Oceanfront building offers elevated accommodations with views of blue sky and blue sea.
Breakfast at Coral Reef is equal parts fresh and scenic - the restaurant offers buffet favorites alongside tropical fruits and made-to-order options. Little ones can feed the koi by the pond while parents map out the day.
The resort’s biggest backyard flex? Black Rock. One of the best snorkeling spots on Maui, this lava outcrop offers reef-lined waters, clear visibility, and gentle surf, especially in the morning. Snorkel gear is available onsite, and sightings include tropical fish, sea turtles, and the occasional Hawaiian monk seal. For many, it’s the highlight of their stay.
Make sure to book dinner with a show. Maui Nui Luau takes place right on the beach… leis, hula, fire dancing, mai tais and an open-air buffet of Hawaiian classics. It's a full-sensory deep dive into Polynesian storytelling and island hospitality, perfect for all ages.
Day Three
Join a complimentary yoga session on the Anuenue Lawn or take a walk along the beach, toes in the sand and coffee in hand.
Cultural experiences continue throughout the day. Learn to make an orchid lei in the lobby, practice a few Hawaiian phrases at the Shaka Shack, or pop by for the Meet the Artist series, which features local artists from Lahaina’s displaced art scene, a moving tribute to Maui’s enduring creative spirit.
Today, your poolside cabana is your sanctuary. Savor endless hand-delivered poke bowls and daiquiris. For dinner, head toThe Sandbar, the breezy lobby bar that serves standout sushi, fresh ceviches, and one of the best trio poke samplers on the island. Time it right, and you’ll catch sunset.
Round out the evening with the seasonal Legends of Hawai‘i, a twilight storytelling circle by the koi pond where firelight flickers and ancient tales come to life. It’s a grounding way to close the day and connect to something deeper.
Day Four
After breakfast at Coral Reef, take one last walk along Kaʻanapali Beach.
If you're visiting in winter, keep your eyes on the horizon. It's whale season in Maui, and from the shoreline in front of Sheraton Maui Resort, you can often spot spouts misting the air or tails breaching just offshore. With more than 80 percent of the rooms offering ocean views, you might even catch a humpback sighting from bed. It’s one of those rare, pinch-me experiences… no boat required.
And if your visit falls during the holidays, Sheraton Maui Resort’s Aloha for the Holidays package adds an extra layer of cheer: a trim-your-own tree kit, keepsake ornament, Taste of Maui welcome box, and vouchers for Black Rock Shave Ice. It’s a festive, sun-soaked way to end the year and create new traditions in a place rooted in them.
The property was built into a sacred lava outcropping once used by Maui’s last chief to demonstrate spiritual strength through cliff diving.
The resort’s biggest backyard flex? Black Rock. One of the best snorkeling spots on Maui, this lava outcrop offers reef-lined waters, clear visibility, and gentle surf, especially in the morning.