Whaler Kaanapali

Hotel Information: A glass-walled lobby with skylights opens to a koi-pond garden, a large pool with sun terraces, and, beyond, the beach walk and Kaanapali Beach. Gracious service, high-end amenities, picture-perfect views, condo convenience, peaceful ambience, and access to the beach and golf courses draw guests to this gated oceanfront condo resort. Many are repeat visitors.

Insider tip: Just north of the resort, Black Rock, an ancient sacred site, is the setting for a cliff-diving ceremony with torch-lighting each evening around sunset. The terraces of The Whaler offer picturesque views of the glowing fires above the sea.

The Whaler on Kaanapali Beach in West Maui offers 360 individually decorated studios and suites divided over two 12-floor towers. In each unit, floor-to-ceiling glass doors open to blue-mosaic tiled, furnished lanai with full ocean, angled ocean, or garden views.

Kitchens are fully equipped with dishwashers, four-burner stoves, microwaves, full-sized refrigerators, cookware, and dishes. Guests are welcomed with fresh, sliced pineapple in the refrigerator. Kitchens, including dishes, are cleaned daily.

TVs provide DVD players and VCRs. Walk-in closets contain safes (surcharge). Bathrooms feature tropical-ingredient toiletries and the works of a local photographer. Phone calls within Maui free. High-speed Internet access is complimentary, and wireless Internet access is complimentary in courtyard-facing units.

Smoking is not permitted inside hotel rooms.