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How We Enjoyed a Luxury Maui Resort for a Day Without Booking a Room

Note: Affiliate links may be used in this post. I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you if you use my affiliate link. You can read full disclosure policy here.

Updated June 2026 with current ResortPass information and affiliate links.

One of my favorite Maui vacation memories didn’t come from a fancy hotel stay. In fact, we weren’t staying at the resort at all. Like many families visiting Hawaii, we had rented a condo for our trip. We loved having a kitchen, extra space, and a place to spread out. But while planning our vacation, I kept finding myself admiring the beautiful oceanfront resorts with their sprawling pools, palm trees, and lounge chairs overlooking the water.

The problem? Resort stays in Maui can be expensive.

While researching activities before our trip, I came across ResortPass and immediately thought, “Wait…you can spend the day at a resort without actually staying there?” It seemed almost too good to be true.

So before we even left for Hawaii, I booked a ResortPass for one day of our trip. My thinking was simple: we could enjoy all the benefits of staying in a condo while treating ourselves to a luxury resort experience for a day.

As it turns out, it ended up being one of the highlights of our Maui vacation.

What is ResortPass?

ResortPass partners with hotels and resorts across the country, allowing visitors to purchase day access to resort amenities without paying for an overnight stay.

It’s especially useful if:

  • You’re staying in a condo or vacation rental
  • You have a late flight and want somewhere to spend the day
  • You’re looking for a special splurge during your vacation
  • You simply want to experience one of the area’s beautiful resorts

One of the things I like about ResortPass is that you can choose your own level of splurge. There is a huge range of options available, from a simple pool pass to VIP experiences with private cabanas that include food and beverages.

Curious what resorts are available at your destination?

Our Maui ResortPass Experience

When we visited Maui, we were staying in a condo and loved having extra space for our family.

But there was one thing we missed: the resort experience.

You know the feeling – the oversized pool, tropical landscaping, ocean views, and lounge chairs where you can sit for hours with absolutely nowhere to be.

That’s where ResortPass came in.

We booked a day pass with a private cabana and spent the day soaking up the Maui sunshing, swimming, relaxing, and enjoying amenities that normally would have required booking an expensive room at the resort.

Things to Know Before you Book a ResortPass

If you’re considering trying ResortPass, here are a few things I learned along the way.

1. There are More Options Than You Might Expect

      When I first discovered ResortPass, I assumed it was just for pool access. Not even close. Depending on the resort, you may find options ranging from a simple day pass for the pool all the way to private cabanas and VIP experiences with food and beverages included.

      Whether you’re looking for an affordable way to enjoy a resort for a few hours or planning a full-day splurge, there are usually several options to choose from.

      2. Read the Details Carefully

      Every resort is different. Some passes include only pool access, while others may include beach chairs, food and beverage creidts, parking, towels, or access to additional amenities.

      Before booking, take a few minutes to read exactly what is included so there are no surprises when you arrive.

      3. Booking is Easy

      You can browse available resorts, compare options, and make reservations directly through ResortPass online or through their app.

      I recommend booking ahead, especially during busy travel seasons or if you are interested in a specific resort or package, as those can sell out.

      4. Don’t Be Like Us

      One final tip: remember to bring a beach bag.

      We somehow managed to show up at a beautiful Maui resort carrying our towels, sunscreen, and change of clothes in a grocery shopping bag.

      Nothing says “luxury resort experience” quite like arriving with a brown paper bag from the local grocery store.

      Thankfully, nobody seemed to care, and we still had an amazing day.

      Was it Worth It?

      Absolutely.

      One of the reasons I love staying in condos when we travel is the extra space and savings. But there is something special about spending a day at a beautiful resort – the pools, the views, the atmosphere, and the feeling that you have nowhere to be except exactly where you are.

      ResortPass gave us the best of both worlds. We got the affordability of a condo vacation and a day of resort luxury.

      It ended up being one of our favorite days in Maui, and I would absolutely do it again.

      Ready to Plan Your Own Resort Day?

      If you’re thinking about trying ResortPass for your next vacation, use the link below to receive a discount on your booking. You can take $30 off first orders $150+. Whether you’re looking for a simple pool day or a splurge-worthy cabana, there are options for every budget.

      Have you ever used ResortPass? I’d love to hear about your experience in the comments below. And if you’re planning a trip to Hawaii, let me know which island you are visiting!