What to expect: Flagstone pathways meander through an open-air atrium with palm trees, bromeliads, orchids, and Asian art. Peaceful koi ponds, sparkling waterfalls, and swinging rope bridges dot the lush tropical grounds, and the ocean beckons at the edge of the resort. Families, celebrating couples, conference attendees, and leisure travelers are among the guests who return here year after year.

Insider tip: Adjacent to the Hyatt, four canoe clubs gather daily (seasonally) on the beach to paddle at dawn and sunset, when waves permit.

What to expect: Guests check in at a reception building, then proceed to one of four 11-story oceanfront buildings housing condominium residences. Footpaths meander through lush tropical landscaping and spacious lawns. The complex is located within Kaanapali Resort and dining, shopping, and golf are within a five-minute walk. Its location and size make the resort popular among multi-generational families needing room to roam.

Amenity highlights: A poolside pavilion is the center of hotel activity, with an adjacent freeform outdoor pool, children’s wading pool, spa tub, fitness room, and picnic area with gas barbecues. The hotel has three tennis courts, and complimentary weekday tennis clinics are provided.

Insider tip: The Sugar Cane Train (surcharge) makes a 12-mile round-trip trek along the sugarcane fields from Kaanapali to Lahaina. On Thursday evenings, the Paniolo Express Dinner Train features a sunset ride, live Hawaiian entertainment, and a Hawaiian cowboy-style barbecue. The station for the vintage steam locomotive is a five-minute drive from the hotel.

What to expect: An inspiring view of the blue Pacific and famed Black Rock greets guests as they enter the copper-trimmed, open-air lobby with vaulted ceiling. Hotel staff offer welcoming leis. Tropical gardens, lagoon pools, sunset bars, classic Hawaiian ambience, and a coveted oceanfront location along the Black Rock promontory draw vacationing families and couples. Golfers appreciate the proximity to Kaanapali’s and Kapalua’s championship courses.

Amenity highlights: Each evening, narration and hula dance at the oceanfront Lagoon Bar accompany a torch-lighting ceremony on the cliffs of Black Rock. The ceremony ends with the torch-bearers’ dive into the sea. Luaus are presented weekly on the oceanfront lawn (surcharge; reservations required). A 140-yard freshwater lagoon meanders through tropical gardens, grottos, and natural wading pools, culminating in a large freeform swimming pool. Steps away, the ocean offers superb snorkeling.

Insider tip: The one-mile Kaanapali Beach Walk, which starts at the Sheraton, is popular with runners and fitness walkers. A round trip provides a healthy workout with ocean views, especially rewarding when the whales are visiting during the winter and early spring.