It was a pinch-yourself moment in Maui. As the golden sun slumped on the horizon, frisky trade winds fanned us with a warm sea breeze as towering ocean breakers crashed down on the sugar-coloured shoreline of Kaanapali Beach. Lurking just across the channel, the pint-sized islands of Lanai were bathed in a wondrous glow. All senses were engaged in the elemental glory of the moment, as if the foaming rollers were washing away the daily grind we had left behind, in favour of blissed-out Aloha-flavoured beachfront escapism. Backed by the achingly beautiful West Maui Mountains, studded with a riot of volcanic rock hues, something quite magical happens virtually every day at Kaanapali. As if by clockwork, a massive rainbow arcs across the mountains, most days, at 5pm.

One of Kaanapali Beach’s signature attractions is the daily cliff diving ceremony off the beach’s northernmost cliffs known as Puu Kekaa, or Black Rock. Staged every evening at sunset, a cliff diver lights the torches along the cliff, diving off Black Rock in a re-enactment of a gallant feat by Maui’s revered King Kahekili. A glittering necklace of resorts that melt into one another, line up along Kaanapali. As the flaming torches nestled around my resort took hold in the twilight, I strolled along the Kannapali Boardwalk, which links the vacation village together. It’s an effortless way to have a snoop and property-compare, to get a feel for how well your resort stacks up, compared to the glittery swank of your neighbours.

I plumped for The Westin Nanea Ocean Villas, an elegant and verdant oasis of relaxation, underpinned with a concerted focus on showcasing and sharing the region’s cultural pride. Just one year old and still exuding that just-new shiny freshness, as I entered the resort’s lobby, I was swept up by the traditional Hawaiian artwork, designed by five Maui artisans, wrapped around the four pillars of the lobby, that embody Hawaiian proverbs. An on-site cultural centre, Pu’uhonua o Nanea offers a range of interactive cultural experiences, whether you want to make a fresh flower lei, learn how to play the ukulele, dance hula or master some indigenous language skills. The team of cultural specialists will go out of their way to share with you some of the history, mythology of their people, endowing your stay with an authentic layer of cultural depth and appreciation.

Every aspect of the resort has been thoughtfully conceived and executed through the prism of cultural pride and environmental sustainability. Accommodations are luxurious, with expansive living areas, supreme creature comforts and culturally inspired décor. As you’d expect from a top-end resort, the leisure amenities are superb, with a main lagoon-style pool adjoined by plunge pools, hot tubs and a splash pad, all wreathed in ocean views and meticulously maintained tropical gardens. The signature dining venue, Mauka Makai, celebrates Hawaiian cuisine with inventive flair, spanning the shared plate dining affair and trademark dishes like Yukon Gold Gnocchi, Poke & ‘Ahi with Maui Onion Jam, and Pohaku Prime Ribeye.

The poolside restaurant also serves up a splendid buffet breakfast. Virtuously kickstart your day with their spectacular cold-pressed juices, like turmeric, ginger and carrot juice. Another winning attribute is the resort’s complimentary shuttle service which loops you around her sister properties all along Kaanapali and to Lahaina. www.westinnanea.com
Maui’s northwest coast, the island’s sunniest spot, was once a retreat for Hawaiian royalty and the capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom. Just minutes from Kaanapali is the historic whaling town of Lahaina, which was also the Hawaiian capital before Honolulu. Once known as Lele, which means “relentless sun” in Hawaiian, echoes of Lahaina’s whaling era are strikingly manifest in its rustic portside buildings and colonial architecture. At the height of the whaling boom in the mid 19th century, thousands of sailors from hundreds of ships would take shore leave in Lahaina, the whaling capital of the world, including Herman Melville of Moby Dick fame.

I strolled down bustling Front Street, which despite its tourist trap excesses, still lays on the charm thick. In between the bevvy of eye-catching art galleries, essential historic stops include the U.S. Seamen’s Hospital, Lahaina Prison (for rowdy sailors) and the Pioneer Inn. Grab a walking map from the Old Lahaina Courthouse and take a two-hour long self-guided walk on the Lahaina Historic Trail, traversing the full range of influences, from ancient royalty to whaling and missionaries. One of the best preserved colonial structures is the Baldwin Home, Maui’s oldest home, built in the mid-1830s and originally the residence of Dr. Dwight Baldwin, whose missionary influence on Maui was profound and lasting. It’s just across the road from the oldest Banyan Tree in the United States. Marking its 145th birthday this month, this magnificently sprawling specimen was a gift from missionaries in India.

Something that equally enthralled me is the ancient rock down on the shore line, washed by the ocean and shaped like a throne, Hauola Rock. For centuries it was a birthing stone for Hawaiian royalty, where the mother would deliver their newborn prince or princess while sitting on this rock. Ancient healers would also send their patients to sit on the Hauola Rock and let the brackish water, soothe their illnesses. After taking my fill of culture and history, I was itching to stake out some flavourful Maui bites. Stand-outs include Duke’s Beach House, perfect for breakfast, whether it’s for Beach Boy Burritos or Local Kine Eggs. Aloha Mixed Plate is a salubrious dining spot on Lahaina’s waterfront. Shoyu chicken, fresh fish and teriyaki beef is the headline offering. Hula Grill Kaanapali is a gorgeous venue, whether for sundowners in the Barefoot Bar under the thatched palapas, or feasting heartily from the Kiawe wood grill.

My pick? Macadamia nut encrusted Mahi Mahi! For snacks on-the-go, pop into Leoda’s Maui Bakery, an adorable plantation-style restaurant and pie shop, specialising in “glorified grandma comfort food.’ Just south of Lahaina in Olowalu, this roadside venue is worth the trip alone for their Chocolate Macadamia Nut Pie. Take your Shave Ice fixation to the next level at Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice. It’s as soft and fluffy as a snowflake, the flavour range is ridiculous and all their secret syrup recipes use premium purees and natural fruit juices.