The Westin Ka’anapali Ocean Resort Villas in Maui, Hawaii continues its timeless holiday tradition for the third consecutive year by presenting ice skating in the tropics. Open to resort guests, island visitors and local residents, this exciting activity and more await all this festive season.

The first amongst resorts in Hawaii to offer this unique holiday experience, the four diamond beachfront resort has unveiled “Skating By The Sea, A Ka’anapali Holiday”, transforming its outdoor South Lobby Lawn into a holiday escape complete with a 1,800 square feet hybrid ice skating rink with magnificent views of the warm Pacific and frolicking humpback whales. Holiday makers will be treated to an extraordinary experience with whimsical winter touches amidst a tropical setting.

According to the resort’s general manager Angela Nolan, the skating rink comfortably holds up to 25 persons. “This unique idea was introduced in 2012, in partnership with BH Skating International, a company that had also created similar skating rink experiences in the past at our sister hotels in Westwood LA, Scottsdale (Arizona) and downtown Manhattan,” said Nolan. “The rink’s surface is made with a synthetic polymer and finished with a natural glide for a real ice feel, allowing the use of ice skates. This is an environmentally sound alternative to real ice as it doesn’t need refrigeration units, generators or electricity,” she further elaborated.

Lahaina (Maui) resident Chase Bumanglag, who had never skated before, tried it for the first time at the resort. “It is really fun as it is a new experience,” said Bumanglag. Resort guests John and Nancy Gerding were delightfully surprised to come across this skating event while staying at the resort. “We had not seen this anywhere in the state of Hawaii or anywhere else we have been,” said John Gerding. “And everyone can do it, regardless of age,” added his spouse Nancy Gerding. They attended the recent official launch of the skating rink where The Lahainaluna High School Band added merriment to the evening with superb holiday song performances.