Westin Maui Resort Proposes $55M in Improvements

Westin Maui Resort & Spa, proposed master plan improvements. Image courtesy Munekiyo & Hiraga, Inc./ Draft Environmental Assessment, DOH.

By Wendy Osher

The Westin Maui Resort & Spa has filed a Draft Environmental Assessment for site improvements at their Kāʻanapali property in West Maui.

The resort is proposing improvements to refresh and revitalize the property, which opened more than 25 years ago in 1988.

In March 2014, the resort completed enhancement of its Ocean Tower with 553 guestrooms and suites that amounted $70 million. That project included the installation of new spa-like showers, new transparent balcony railings providing panoramic views of the West Maui mountains and Pacific Ocean, and exterior painting of the building.

The resort is seeking a special management area use permit, a shoreline setback variance and a building permit as part of the new master plan.

Ocean Tower – Ocean view Balcony
The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Kāʻanapali. Courtesy photo.

Details of the plan listed in the Draft EA document include the following:

• A new 3-and-a-half to 4-and-a-half story parking garage within the existing south parking lot for the Westin Maui with a half story below grade;
• New landscaping facility in the lower level parking structure;
• Renovations and expansion to the existing Convention Hall and Ballrooms to approximately 12,000 square feet and meeting rooms extended to 9,500 square feet;
• A new one-story back of house structure adjacent to the convention hall;
• Expansion of the existing spa facility within the building footprint;
• Demolition of two structures,
• Removal of man-made mound and a portion of existing decking within the 150-foot shoreline setback area and replacement of those structures with new decking materials;
• Installation of roof coverings approximately near Tropica Restaurant and in the area adjacent to Relish Restaurant;
• Relocation of an existing County of Maui sewer line within the south parking area; and
• Various related improvements including utility work, landscaping, and interior renovations, such as painting, replacement of fixtures, renovations to back of house areas, and curb cuts to the bus turn around area to the north of the convention hall.

A 30-day public review and comment period on the Draft Environmental Assessment concludes on July 23, 2014.

According to the Draft EA, the project is proposed to remain current and competitive. The document states that the resort’s current lease for off-site parking is expected to end in the near future, and that a new garage structure would address parking needs.

If approved, the project is expected to cost an estimated $55 million, with construction projected to occur over a 30-month period, according to the Draft Environmental Assessment.

Sumithra Balraj of the Westin Maui said the project is still in the permitting process and has yet to be finalized. “Excited as we are with new enhancements planned for guests to enjoy, we anticipate the work schedule to be determined at a later date,” she said.