Escape to Paradise
BY JOAN HEFFERNAN
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In Stockton, when winter sets in, it can be grey overhead, and the weather chilling. It’s tempting to think of sunny skies, beaches, and swaying tropical palms. When you contemplate summer plans, you might consider Napili Kai Beach Resort on Maui.
This family friendly resort next to Kapalua was built before regulations forced properties back from the water. The setting, on a palm-rimmed crescent beach, feels small and intimate, but actually is set on ten tropical acres.
Because the resort is low-rise, it feels like what Hawaii is supposed to be. The units reflect the Polynesian style, with Japanese shoji screens and private lanais.
Besides its beauty and setting, Napili Kai caters to children, especially during holidays and the summer months. The “Keiki Club” for children 6-10 offers Hawaiian games, hula lessons, lei making, nature walks, crafts, movies and family putting contests.
In addition to the beautiful beach, four pools and two putting greens grace the grounds. One putting green is just for children; another is for adults.
The reef-protected beach has soft sand, and is perfect for snorkeling, swimming or sunbathing.
Adults will enjoy the fitness room and a large ocean view whirlpool spa, as well as boutique day spa with in-room or in-spa professional massage services. Most units have utility kitchens, and barbeque facilities give visitors the option of “eating in” with the children. Well-screened, competent babysitters are available as well.
An ocean view restaurant serves a full breakfast including famous macadamia nut pancakes, American-, Mexican- or Asian-inspired lunch specials, and fish or meat entrees of generous portions. No nouvelle cuisine served here!
An indoor bar and outdoor patio invites guests to enjoy Napili’s famous mai tais. On Wednesday nights the resort hosts a complimentary mai tai party by the lobby pool. These mai tais are not the pre-bottled variety. They are from the bar and taste authentic. Yes, you can taste the rum.
A typical morning at Napili Kai includes a 10:00 am conch shell calling guests to the beachfront cabana. Complimentary coffee, tea, lemonade and pineapple are available to guests. For walkers, a newly expanded coastal trail follows the beach and cliffs, ending on a boardwalk about 1½ miles from the resort.
Other walks include the hike up to Pineapple Hill, and the walking trails along the former Village Course at next-door Kapalua. Golfing on Kapalua’s courses is available to Napili guests, as is tennis at the tennis pavilion.
At about six o’clock the conch shell sounds again, this time signaling the torch-lighting ceremony. One of the beach boys who tended to the chairs and towels during the day dons native dress and runs along the property, lighting torches to mark another relaxing, satisfying day in paradise.
Check it out – you will want to check in.
This family friendly resort next to Kapalua was built before regulations forced properties back from the water. The setting, on a palm-rimmed crescent beach, feels small and intimate, but actually is set on ten tropical acres.
Because the resort is low-rise, it feels like what Hawaii is supposed to be. The units reflect the Polynesian style, with Japanese shoji screens and private lanais.
Besides its beauty and setting, Napili Kai caters to children, especially during holidays and the summer months. The “Keiki Club” for children 6-10 offers Hawaiian games, hula lessons, lei making, nature walks, crafts, movies and family putting contests.
In addition to the beautiful beach, four pools and two putting greens grace the grounds. One putting green is just for children; another is for adults.
The reef-protected beach has soft sand, and is perfect for snorkeling, swimming or sunbathing.
Adults will enjoy the fitness room and a large ocean view whirlpool spa, as well as boutique day spa with in-room or in-spa professional massage services. Most units have utility kitchens, and barbeque facilities give visitors the option of “eating in” with the children. Well-screened, competent babysitters are available as well.
An ocean view restaurant serves a full breakfast including famous macadamia nut pancakes, American-, Mexican- or Asian-inspired lunch specials, and fish or meat entrees of generous portions. No nouvelle cuisine served here!
An indoor bar and outdoor patio invites guests to enjoy Napili’s famous mai tais. On Wednesday nights the resort hosts a complimentary mai tai party by the lobby pool. These mai tais are not the pre-bottled variety. They are from the bar and taste authentic. Yes, you can taste the rum.
A typical morning at Napili Kai includes a 10:00 am conch shell calling guests to the beachfront cabana. Complimentary coffee, tea, lemonade and pineapple are available to guests. For walkers, a newly expanded coastal trail follows the beach and cliffs, ending on a boardwalk about 1½ miles from the resort.
Other walks include the hike up to Pineapple Hill, and the walking trails along the former Village Course at next-door Kapalua. Golfing on Kapalua’s courses is available to Napili guests, as is tennis at the tennis pavilion.
At about six o’clock the conch shell sounds again, this time signaling the torch-lighting ceremony. One of the beach boys who tended to the chairs and towels during the day dons native dress and runs along the property, lighting torches to mark another relaxing, satisfying day in paradise.
Check it out – you will want to check in.