"What was your first impression?The Sheraton Maui is a sprawling resort on the northern stretch of Kaanapali, but its entrance is very low-key. The breezy lobby is an open-air one, and out the back are great views of historic Black Rock. Check-in happens at a small front desk on the left; concierges and tour operators occupy smaller desks elsewhere in the lobby. It’s nothing jaw-dropping to look at, but it’s pleasant enough. What's the backstory?In 1963, this Sheraton was the second resort to open on the island. On opening day, it held a cliff-diving ceremony off Black Rock to honor Kahekili, Maui’s last ruler before King Kamehameha united the Hawaiian islands. That cliff-diving ceremony has happened every evening since. Today the Sheraton is part of Marriott’s huge collection of hotels and resorts. So if you’ve got Marriott Bonvoy points to burn, you can do so here. How are the rooms?The Sheraton was renovated in summer 2018, and the guest rooms now have sleek, all-white bathrooms and light, airy bedrooms. (The hallways will be renovated shortly.) Since the resort is so spread out, you’ll want to be careful about selecting a room; if you plan on hitting the pool and beach all day, book one that opens out to the grassy area in front of the pool. If you want to get away from the action, book a room that overlooks the ocean and nothing else. Is there a charge for WiFi?The Wi-Fi is included in the $30 daily resort fee. What's on offer in terms of drinking and dining?Coral Reef restaurant is open for breakfast only, without the buffet for now. However, takeaway options are available. Later on in the day, guests can head to Mai Tai for an open-air lunch or dinner, overlooking the pool and beach, and take in the nightly torch lighting and cliff-diving ceremony. Naturally, a mai tai is recommended. Any thoughts about the service?The Sheraton is a fairly large resort (more than 500 rooms) in a crowded area. Service at times can be perfunctory. What's the crowd like?Families and couples who’ve cashed in their Marriott points for a relatively inexpensive Maui getaway. Tell us about the neighborhood.Kaanapali is home to several big hotel resorts like Westin, Hyatt, and Marriott. All are fairly crowded and none feel particularly local; the Sheraton, however, has the Black Rock, which has excellent snorkeling. Is there anything you'd change?There are often not enough chairs at the pool—stake your claim early. Anything else we should know?The hotel’s original lobby, where Elvis Presley filmed a scene for Blue Hawaii, still remains (although check-in has been moved to a new building). You can head up to the original lobby and admire some cool black-and-white photos of the property from the 1960s and '70s; additionally, just past the original lobby is the hotel’s Ali’i Suite, the largest on the property, which has a gigantic patio with unobstructed views of the coast. Bottom line: Worth it? Why?This isn't a luxury resort, but the price is right for a Maui getaway." - Juliana Shallcross
