Day Passes at Maui Resorts

Question

Family group of 11, 6 adults and 5 kids (7yrs-12yrs) arriving on a cruise ship at the Kahului Harbor. We are looking for the best resort pass for the day that would be good for our group. I am reading on resort pass that day passes don't guarantee lounge chairs and umbrellas. We would definitely need chairs/umbrellas guaranteed. We will be taking a taxi to the resort and we dock at 9am, so thinking chairs will already be taken by hotel guests.

Any suggestions??

Thanks, Jean

Answer

For a family group of 11 arriving in Kahului Harbor, getting a day pass at a Maui resort that guarantees chairs and umbrellas can be tricky but manageable if you plan ahead. Most day pass programs, including Resort Pass, operate on a first-come, first-served basis for beach chairs and umbrellas, so arriving mid-morning can mean limited availability, especially in high season.

Here are some strategies and suggestions:

Book directly with the resort: Contact resorts individually rather than relying solely on general day pass platforms. Many resorts allow you to reserve day-use cabanas or chairs in advance for a fee. Examples include the Westin Ka’anapali, Hyatt Regency Maui, and Sheraton Maui.
Consider cabanas: Many resorts offer private cabanas for rent, which guarantees seating, shade, and sometimes includes amenities like towels, food, and beverages. This is ideal for a larger group like yours.
Time your arrival: Since your cruise docks at 9am, plan to get a taxi immediately to the resort. Arriving closer to opening (often 8-9am) can help ensure better seating availability.

Recommended resorts for day passes with guaranteed seating for families:

Hyatt Regency Maui (Ka’anapali): Offers day-use cabanas and has multiple pools and beachfront access suitable for kids.
Westin Ka’anapali Ocean Resort Villas: Large property with the option to reserve cabanas; has kid-friendly pools and beachfront.
Sheraton Maui (Black Rock area): Beachfront access with pool and cabana rentals; central Ka’anapali location.
Montage Kapalua Bay: More upscale, but offers cabana rentals and excellent beach access; ideal for family groups.

Additional tips:

Confirm with the resort if day passes include towels, chairs, and umbrellas; sometimes cabanas are the only way to guarantee these.
Consider splitting the group into a few adjacent cabanas if one large cabana isn’t available.
Bring sunscreen, hats, and water for the kids, as resort chairs and cabanas may not include full service.

In summary, for a group of your size, securing cabanas directly through the resort is the best way to ensure everyone has guaranteed seating and shade. Resort Pass is convenient but may not guarantee availability, so direct reservation is preferable, especially during peak times.