Hyatt Regency Maui Has a Stellar Lineup of Activities — Here's What You Should Do During a Stay

Staring through a telescope at Saturn, in all its ringed glory, I could barely tear myself away from the instrument’s eyepiece — the bright-blue planet was practically glowing, so perfectly defined it almost looked fake. It was only the small group of other guests waiting patiently with me on the rooftop of the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa that finally got me to pull away from the sight.

I was taking part in the resort’s Tour of the Stars, a guided stargazing program offered four times each night (for $40 per adult and $30 per child). My tour, led by a knowledgeable astronomy enthusiast, included a small group of all ages, from toddlers to adults. Together, we traveled up to the roof, where we found hallways decorated with starry scenes leading to a dedicated platform equipped with a powerful telescope and gently illuminated with red lighting that doesn’t hinder participants’ night vision.

My husband and I were blessed with a clear night for our viewing and, as our eyes adjusted to the low light, the dark sky grew brighter and fuller until we were able to spot stars, planets and even a few meteors streaking through the sky. Our guide used a laser to point out constellations and positioned the telescope to show us Saturn, Jupiter, Venus, nebulas, star clusters and other celestial objects.

The tour — an absolute highlight of my stay — is just one of many add-on activities offered at Hyatt Regency Maui, including a few brand-new options. As of October, the lineup includes a Friday Mixology Experience (for $59), during which participants dive into the origins of Hawaii’s iconic mai tai and learn how to craft one themselves. And just this month, a new Maui Poke History and Tasting debuted on Thursdays (for $25), during which cuisine-curious guests join expert chefs for a live demonstration on preparing the traditional Hawaiian dish, followed by a tasting.

RELATED: The 5 Best Poke Classes in Hawaii

In addition to these activities, the resort offers a schedule of complimentary cultural opportunities, including kukui nut bracelet-making, hula lessons, coconut weaving, ukulele lessons, coconut husking and lei-making. (Just make sure clients know to sign up in advance, even for the free classes.) And, of course, any travelers interested in a luau have a solid option here, with the Drums of the Pacific Luau sharing stories, music and dance performances from a variety of South Pacific nations on multiple evenings each week (prices vary by age and seating).

Property Enhancements

These varied options for exploring Hawaiian traditions are excellent ways to enhance the already-impressive resort experience, which also includes beautiful guestrooms and suites that were renovated in 2020-2021, when they were “gutted down to nails and studs,” according to a representative of the hotel. In addition to comfortable furnishings and clean, modern design elements, rooms feature thoughtful touches such as soft, motion-activated lighting beneath the bed and in the bathroom; pre-filled reusable water bottles (with easy access to refill stations around the property); and a large, flat-screen television equipped with Google Chromecast for easy media streaming via a phone or tablet.

RELATED: Review: Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa

And there are more improvements in the works, too — during my visit, Japengo (the resort’s must-visit restaurant, serving excellent Pacific Rim and Asian fare) was undergoing an enlargement and beautification project, as was the half-acre pool deck, which is being extended. At press time, these enhancements were expected to wrap up in mid-December, though both Japengo and the pool area remain open and ready to please guests.

Speaking of the pool, one last tip: Hyatt Regency Maui has some of the best cabanas I’ve seen on Kaanapali Beach, located at the very edge of the property looking out over the ocean. Between the incomparable view, easy access to both the beach and the pool and an attentive waitstaff, it’s all too easy to while away the hours from that perfectly serene spot — in between activities, of course.