Address:
2737 S Kihei Rd,
Kihei, HI 96753
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This was our fourth Maui vacation and the second time we stayed at a Maui condo. We decided that a Maui hotel wasn’t for us this time.

The Hale Kamaile Condos are good for budget travelers. Nothing fancy is promised and nothing fancy is delivered. But if you are looking to save some bucks on your trip this is okay. We found that it was clean and had mostly modern furnishings, and it had a nice lanai. You’ll only get the private lanai with the two bedroom condos, though. But there was cable and internet, though you had to pay for the internet, which I think should be free.

The pools are nice, and we spent a lot of time just laying around in the sun. When we felt like moving from the pool, we went across the street to the beach.

There was a couple who were on about their 10th Maui vacation. They had stayed at some of the pricey Maui hotels and and some of the better Maui condos, and this was their second stay here. They said they liked the “homey feel” of it. We didn’t feel especially homey here, but it was comfortable in its own way. It seems to be popular with families, no doubt because of the price.

Some people, like this couple, know the owners of their rental, and others go through the management company. We liked it, but I’m not sure if we come back to Maui that we would stay here again. We might try something new.

For reservations and information: http://www.crhmaui.com/maui-condo-hale-kamaole.html

Address:
2531 S Kihei Rd
Kihei, HI 96753
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This was our first Maui vacation. We were originally going to stay at a Maui hotel that friends told us about, but after thinking about how we like to travel, we thought that finding a good Maui condo resort might suit us better.

We didn’t know where to start. Our friends only have stayed in hotels on their Maui vacations and trips. So we went to different sites on the internet.

After awhile we narrowed it down to a couple, but then chose the Kihei Akahi Condos. The price was right, and we were able to get the 7th night free. Money was the big concern this time. Plus we didn’t need the fuss of some of the ritzy Maui hotels.

The furnishings were nice in the condo. All are owned individually, but we made our bookings direct with the owner, though you can make it with the management company. We used the grill for cooking several nights. It’s at the pool. There are a couple of restaurants real close too, not expensive, either. There are more places to eat just a few more blocks away, and we took a long walk once to do that.

What was nice, was that the beach was real close, and nice. And all the stuff you needed for the beach was there: chairs, umbrellas and even snorkeling gear, though we brought our own snorkeling gear. My favorite thing to do was to walk the beach.

Like I said, this was a trip that came down to money, and we did half expect to be disappointed, as we had heard stories about some Maui condos and even some of the lower prices Maui hotels, but we were pleasantly surprised here.

For reservations and information: http://www.crhmaui.com/maui-condo-kihei-akahi.html

Address:
2480 S Kihei Rd,
Kihei, HI 96753
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The beach was just a short distance, and was really uncrowded. We liked that. The last Maui vacation we took was over 10 years ago, and we stayed at the Maui condo something — we can’t remember the name. It was good, but we wanted a step up, and the Hale Pau Hana Resort was a slight step up.

We got a good unit with newer furnishing and appliances. At least I thought they were newer. Laura complained about the stove being ancient. I used it okay. The pool was a decent size, though we are used to bigger an newer ones that you might find at a Maui hotel.

We were upstairs, so we had great views, and the sunsets were really nice. If only I could bottle that and take it home.

Laura and a lady she met from New York City played tennis a couple of times. Good thing she met this lady, as my left knee was acting up and sore. I couldn’t have played even one round. I did try golf, though, and thank god for carts. Even then, I was barely able to walk the next day.

That’s the day that Laura wanted to really go exploring the beach, too. I hobbled along, but had to go back and put my leg up after awhile. While she was gone exploring, though, I did grill some steaks, and had them ready. Then we took a drive.

We might go back to our favorite Maui hotel on our next Maui vacation, but this was good.

For information and reservations, contact: http://www.crhmaui.com/maui-condo-hale-pau-hana.html

Address:
5-7130 Kuhio Highway, Hanalei,
Kauai, HI 96714-9985
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A stay at the Hanalei Colony Resort means a minute is never spent idle. There are plenty of on-site and off-site activities for the Hawaii visitor. It’s all a matter of asking what your personal interests are.

In the resort, cool off on one of the resort’s swimming pool and Jacuzzi. Enjoy kayaking or snorkeling down by the ocean. Take advantage of the resort’s poolside parties, barbecue areas and children’s programs. Be pampered with heavenly treatments from the Hanalei Day Spa, which you can enjoy in one of their rooms or by the beachfront. Or relax by signing up for daily yoga classes at the resort.

If you’re the adventurous type, try hiking the wilderness trails of the Na Pali Coast and surround yourself with some of Hawaii’s beautiful tropical life. Go scuba diving or snorkeling in Kauai and witness the beautiful Hawaiian scenery underwater. Or take a Na Pali cruise to view Hawaii’s marine life from above the water. Don’t leave Hawaii without attempting to learn to surf. Hawaii is known for its waves and it would be a shame to miss out riding those on your Hawaii vacation. Take a helicopter tour to view Hawaii from up above.

There are no television sets and stereo systems in Hanalei Colony Resort to enjoy because these will distract you from enjoying all that Hanalei Colony Resort and island of Kauai in Hawaii has to offer.

Outside the resort, there are hundreds of sites and attractions waiting for you. The town of Hanalei is just a few minutes away, where you can enjoy some dining and shopping. Horseback riding facilities, tennis courts and golf courses, including the best golf course in Hawaii, Princeville, are just a few minutes ride away.

Hawaii is meant to be experienced and Hanalei Colony Resort gives you all the opportunity to experience it. So make sure you grab that opportunity before it runs out.

For more info and reservations visit http://www.hcr.com/

Address:
1571 Poipu Road,
Koloa, Hawaii, USA 96756
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Spend your Hawaii vacation at one of the most luxurious, top-ranked tropical resorts in Kauai, the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa, where guests will enjoy the perfect holiday.

Start the day with hearty meal of breakfast amidst waterfalls and koi ponds at Ilima Terrace. Plan the whole day’s activities while enjoying a fresh cup of brewed coffee with sumptuous choices in their daily breakfast buffet. Choose from any of the scheduled cultural activities at the hotel, including lei making, lauhala bracelet weaving, poi pounding, coconut weaving, hula dancing and ukulele lessons. Don’t worry about scheduling activities for the kids, just enroll them at Camp Hyatt Kauai and they will surely have the time of their lives! Kids get to learn all about the Hawaiian culture through arts and crafts while having fun at the resort.

Stay at the resort and take advantage of their saltwater lagoon, river pools and waterslides. Sunbathe next to the pool, go down the waterslide or play a fun of game of water volleyball. Go to Poipu Beach and hire a surf instructor to learn the basics of surfing in Hawaii.

Rent a car with your family or companions and visit the National Tropical Botanical Gardens, Lawai Gardens and McBryde Gardens and learn more about the culture of Hawaii through their luscious tropical plant life. Or take a helicopter tour of the Wailua Falls or Waimea Canyon. Ride All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV) and visit some of the most incredibly beautiful and hard-to-reach areas in Kauai.

Relax afterwards with heavenly treatments from the best Spa facility in Kauai, Anara Spa. Enjoy these wonderful offerings among the lush tropical gardens and cascading waterfalls of the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa. Don’t forget to watch the Grand Hyatt Kauai Luau Show, which takes place every night from Thursday to Sunday. Learn the culture of Polynesia through various cultural performances and the diverse traditional and modern Polynesian cuisine being served.

At the end of the day, retire in your luxurious rooms decked with numerous services designed to pamper you on your Hawaii vacation. Guestrooms are provided with air-conditioning to cool you down after a hot and tiring day, a balcony to give you a place to enjoy the majestic views of the gardens, mountains and ocean, cable TV and available high-speed wired/wireless internet access (with a fee) to stay connected and a daily maid service to help you clean up your room.

There’s no shortage of activities at the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa because they will make sure that you don’t miss out on anything. So just indulge and enjoy, it is Hawaii, after all.

For more information and reservations visit http://kauai.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/index.jsp

Address:
410 Papaloa Road,
Kapaa, Hawaii, 96746
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The readers of Leisure + Travel Magazine have voted Kauai Island as the second best island in the world and if you stay at the Outrigger at Lae Nani, you’ll know exactly why.

The island of Kauai offers a lot of sights for the visitor to enjoy on their Hawaii vacation. Breathtaking beaches and rivers are within minutes away from the resort. Visit the dramatic 80-foot waterfalls at Wailua Falls and the picturesque Fern Grotto accessible through the Wailua River. Witness the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific”, the Waimea Canyon. All these and more are waiting for you at Kauai Island. Stay at the Outrigger at Lae Nani to experience all that when you visit Hawaii.

If you decide to stay within the resort, then the resort has also provided a lot of amenities for you and your family or companions. There are on-site barbecue grills, tennis courts and swimming pools for your own pleasure. There are no on-site restaurants and shops but nearby Coconut Marketplace provides all these for the Kauai visitor.

One-bedroom and two-bedroom units are available for the Kauai visitor. All units are at least 800 square feet and have balconies for you to enjoy views of the gardens, mountains and oceans of Hawaii. All units have no air-conditioning and are cooled by ceiling fans and the natural breeze of Hawaii. All units also have a fully-equipped kitchen, with facilities that include dishwasher, stovetop and oven, microwave, refrigerator, coffeemaker, cookware and tableware. You don’t have to worry about getting bored because all units are equipped with an entertainment and stereo system to keep you entertained. Feel safe with their complimentary in-room safety deposit box where you can keep your valuables inside.

The Outrigger at Lae Nani will give you luxury at an affordable price on your Hawaii vacation. So be sure to stay with them when you’re in Kauai.

For more info and reservations visit http://www.outrigger.com/hotels-resorts/hawaiian-islands/kauai/outrigger-at-lae-nani

Address:
2249 Poipu Rd,
Koloa, HI 96756
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If you want to live in total luxury with the comforts of home in your Hawaii vacation, then Marriott Waiohai Beach Club is the place for you. Enjoy the exclusivity of the place alongside perfect sceneries of the Hawaiian tropics and oceans.

Bring your family to the Mariott Waiohai Beach Club and stay at their two-bedroom villa. There are hotel rooms available but not much and it will be easier to stay at a two-bedroom villa. Besides, each two-bedroom villa can accommodate up to six guests. The villas are air-conditioned with its individual climate control. Cable/satellite TV is available in each room and there are movies and video players (with video games) available for rent. Ocean or garden views can be seen from the private lanai of the villa.

Each villa also includes a separate, dining, living, kitchen and sleeping areas. King beds and twin beds are available in the sleeping area as well as a queen-sized sofa bed in the living room. Master suites also feature an oversized bathtub and shower.

Each villa also has a fully-equipped kitchen facility, which includes a conventional oven, stove, microwave oven, toaster, coffeemaker, pots, pans and serving dishes, dishwasher, and refrigerator with icemaker, silverware and tables and chairs. Each villa comes with an iron and ironing board and a washer and dryer so you don’t have to worry about running out of clothes to wear during your stay.

When in Hawaii, you don’t have to worry about running out of activities to do as there are a lot of on-site activities at the hotel as well as so many off-site activities you can do with your family or friends. And if you stay at Marriott Waiohai Beach Club, you don’t have to worry about having substandard rooms as they always promise and deliver luxury.

For more info and reservations visit http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/lihwi-marriotts-waiohai-beach-club/

Address:
520 Aleka Loop,
Kapaa, HI 96746
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Do you want to experience the perfect Hawaii vacation? Then come stay at the Kauai Coast Resort at the Beachboy. Located on Kauai’s Royal Coconut Coast, this newly remodeled beachfront resort is surrounded by beautiful beaches and Hawaiian tropical plant life to give you the perfect Hawaiian ambiance.

Soak up the sun, while overlooking the beautiful Pacific Ocean, in the large freshwater pool of Kauai Coast Resort at the Beachboy. Or relax by the sundeck and the Oceanside Jacuzzi or the poolside bar with your partner. If what you crave for sand beneath your feet, then head down to the beach for some swimming or water activities, including sailing, scuba diving, snorkeling and surfing. If you’d like to try something dry, then play, with your family or friends, a game of tennis, volleyball and even a game of golf at the nearby championship golf course.

If you’d like to experience the culture of Hawaii, you can opt to stay inside the hotel and participate in the resort’s numerous cultural activities. Play a game of ulu maika, where Hawaiian warriors sharpened their eye-hand coordination for battle. Watch how authentic and rare Nihau shell leis are made. Study the local culture through the dozens of Hawaiian arts and crafts displayed in the hotel or at the resort’s library where you can learn more about the history and culture of Hawaii.

If you’d like to experience more, you can rent a car and go out of the resort to visit the numerous sites and attractions of Hawaii that will give you a sense of who they are as a people. Don’t forget to visit the Waimea Canyon, Wailua Falls and the National Tropical Botanical Garden.

Don’t worry about accommodations as Kauai Coast Resort at the Beachboy offers studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units for you and your family or friends. All units have ceiling fans, refrigerator and microwave, cable TV and private lanais to enjoy the gardens and the ocean. The bigger rooms have fully-equipped kitchen facilities and its own living room.

Kauai Coast Resort at the Beachboy aims to give you the perfect Hawaii vacation. And they will bring out all stops to do just that.

For more info and reservations visit http://www.shellhospitality.com/hotels/kauai_coast_resort/reservations.html

Address:
2960 S Kihei Rd,
Kihei, HI 96753
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The beach was great, and that’s all we really wanted for this Maui vacation. We walked it every morning, and sometimes in the evening. This was great and convenient. Our room was one of the newer ones, one that they had remodeled. For a Maui condo and even for a typical Maui hotel, we thought we were paying a fair price. I’m not too picky about the rooms, but Kim is. She thought the rooms could have been cleaner.

We spent a lot of time at the water, snorkeling and swimming and just getting a tan. Then we would wander over for happy hour. The drinks were good, no skimping on the booze.

The location of the Mana Kai is good. It’s central on the island, so you aren’t too far from anything. We did Lahania for a day, ate lunch, hung around, then came back and took a nap. Our air condition was really good, and when we woke up we thought we were not on a Maui vacation or trip, but in the Arctic or something.

This was a pretty good deal for the money. We got extras, like water sports equipment for nothing, unlike the typical Maui hotel, which might charge you. If you have a large family group going, you can get the whole unit, and have plenty of space, with a lanai between you.

For a Maui condo, this was fancier than some, but as I said, we didn’t come for the rooms or amenities this time, just for the beach and a chance to relax.

For reservations and information, visit: http://www.crhmaui.com/maui-condo-mana-kai.html

Address:
1310 Uluniu Rd,
Kihei, HI 96753
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After awhile, we just called the Hale kai O Kihei Condos, “the condos”. We were looking for your traditional Maui hotel, then decided after looking at several different web sites and sources, that we really wanted a Maui condo. It would give us more room and a little bit of freedom. Mark and I aren’t the types that have to go out every night for dinner. We’d rather save the money and do a more active Maui vacation or trip.

The cool thing was that every room was ocean view. The bad thing was that the place needed some remodeling. Some of the rooms have been redone and others haven’t. Our room was okay, in my opinion, but maybe we could have gotten a little more bang for the buck by opting out for a different Maui condo or Maui hotel somewhere.

The air conditioning needed some work, too, as the bedroom never really cooled.

We did have a nice view, though, and that was worth something. You would pay a lot for that same view in a nice resort hotel. I sat out there and read while Mark golfed a couple of mornings.

We were able to get the 7th night free deal, too. Mark was happy. He says it’s not often that he gets a deal. Me either.

The furnishings were okay, but after we saw one of the remodeled condos we wanted to switch, but then our view wouldn’t have been as good.

I think the next Maui vacation will be back to hotel, or maybe a different Maui condo somewhere. Maybe one we can pronounce.

For reservations and information, contact: http://www.crhmaui.com/maui-condo-hale-kai.html

Address:
475 Front St
Lahaina, HI 96761
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I had Laurie close her eyes from the airport, or at least some of the way from the airport. This was Laurie’s first trip to Maui. It was only my second Maui vacation. I didn’t know what to expect, really, but was hoping that all the homework that I did would be okay and pay off with a good reaction. I had researched Maui hotels and Maui condos until I couldn’t see straight anymore.

We had both liked the idea of staying very close to Lahaina town, and the Lahaina Shores Beach Resort was right on the edge. So when we got close, I told Laurie to close her eyes and no peeking.

I had booked a penthouse condo. It turned out to be a great choice. Laurie though so, and that’s all that counts. She called her mother when we got there. She was thrilled to be right on the beach.

We sunned a the pool and relaxed, and didn’t do much of anything else. There is not restaurant at the hotel, so we ate in town and close by. The Lahaina Fish Company has a nice selection and good food. We had a full kitchen, and I cooked a two dinners, but wasn’t really into it. Laurie would rather eat out, anyway.

One day we went snorkeling. Laurie swore she saw a seahorse. I didn’t see it, though. She actually said there were two of them.

It was a good stay, and we had a good time. Met a few other couples there, and just relaxed and got rejuvenated.

For Laurie’s first Maui vacation it wasn’t bad. There are a lot of Maui hotels and Maui condos, and it’s hard to tell them apart if you haven’t been there, so we felt that we were lucky picking a good one.

For reservations and information, http://www.lahainashores.com

Address:
155 Wailea Ike Pl,
Wailea, HI 96753
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The Grand Champion Villas were not our first choice for a Maui hotel, because we really didn’t want a condo, but the price was in our budget, and we had four kids and two adults. We searched a number of Maui hotels, but we had too big a group for one room, and two rooms were too expensive.

We arrived late, and it was not easy to find out unit, but once we did we settled in. The rooms didn’t have the best furnishings; they were kind of old. To me it seemed okay, especially for what we paid. We ended up with a fairway view of the golf course, which I liked, but Maria hated. I said next Maui vacation we leave the kids with her mother and get the beach view. She agreed, and she wasn’t even joking.

We were close to the beach and shopping in Wailea, so that was good. Especially when it came to eating. I did some of the cooking, much to the kids disgust. But they don’t each much besides hot dogs and peanut butter and jelly. It was nice to just veg on the lanai in the evening, especially later when the kids were asleep.

The pool was okay. I had to remember that this was not a typical Maui hotel, but a condo, so some of the things I’m used to, like room service and a front desk for wake up calls, is not there. Still, for a thrown together Maui vacation on a real budget, I think we did okay.

For reservations and information, contact: http://www.vacationmaui.net/

Address:
2531 S Kihei Rd
Kihei, HI 96753
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We didn’t have a lot of money for this Maui vacation for trip. But the beach is close, just across the street. We liked the convenience of that, and we had looked at so many different Maui hotels and Maui condos.

The Kihei Akahi we had heard about from friends. We read some of the reviews, and some were good, but some were bad. We found our unit clean and comfortable, though the furnishings were kind of older. But for the price we really couldn’t complain. We had a nice suite with plenty of room.

There are two pools, and we spent most of our time there, when we weren’t at the beach. The pools were smaller, but at the time we were there anyway, not all that crowded.

When we weren’t at the beach or at the pool, we played some golf and went shopping. The golf was not so good. I just keep getting worse.

A couple of nights we cooked out on the barbecue, and that was good. There are some days or nights when you just don’t feel like going out.

Some people we met were complaining about their units being dirty, but I’m not sure which ones those were. We were happy with ours. One couple took us on a tour, and their unit didn’t look anything like ours. They said that they had complained, but there was nothing that could be done beyond doing some extra cleaning.

We had a good trip. For our next Maui vacation we will probably look for a more traditional Maui hotel.

For rates and information, contact http://www.kiheiakahi.com

Address:
4100 Wailea Alanui Dr
Kihei, HI 96753
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This was our first Maui vacation, and we decided to stay at the Fairmont Kea Lani. We like Fairmont hotelsand have stayed at a number of them in different countries. John liked the idea of being really close to golf, of course. He played several rounds with Glenn at the Wailea Golf Club, while I stayed at the hotel with Ginny. This was Glenn and Ginny’s third trip to Maui and they had stayed at a couple of different Maui hotels, but they both swore by this one.

We were debating on getting a two bedroom ocean villa with them, but in the end we all decided that we wanted and needed some more privacy than that, so we got the one bedroom suites. They were really large, and the furnishings were really comfortable and modern. Ginny said it was much better than other Maui hotels. We didn’t have too much in this class to compare to.

So while they golfed we spent some time at the pool, but only the adults -only one. There are three pools all-together. Ginny and I tried the fitness classes, but I just couldn’t get into anything serious on holiday. Ginny went back for the yoga instruction. I had a drink at the pool while she stretched.

The Polo Beach was the best. Very pretty. I wish I could take it home and pull it out in winter. John got his golf in. I did nothing at the pool. It was a great trip. Glenn and Ginny said it was their best Maui vacation, too.

For information and reservations, contact http://www.fairmont.com/kealani/

Address:
96 Makena Alanui Rd
Makena, HI 96753
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The Makena Surf was a great place! We had our sights set on a traditional Maui hotel, with all the ammenities and resort things, but since this was our fifth Maui vacation we thought we might do something different. Meggan searched through many listings of Maui hotels and Maui condos, and she chose the Makena Surf, because of great reviews and just the way it looked.

We has great views, and would have probably paid two hundred dollars more per night for them at a Maui hotel. But here we got a large 2 bedroom unit with a lanai that overlooked the ocean.

The privacy is something that we were looking for, though, so the closeness of any nightlife or shopping was not a big problem or a big surprise to us. We were glad to be off the beaten path.

Our unit was well appointed and very modern. Most everybody else we spoke to there were very happy with the units and the furnishings.

Our trip was really relaxed. We swam and snorkeled and just did not much of anything. There were some couples that swam with the sea turtles, but we didn’t get a chance to do that.

I did some golfing and we both did some sightseeing with all the tourists, even though this was not our first Maui vacation. We did see some new things, and got a chance to look over some other Maui hotels.

Housekeeping was good and quick and efficient. The rest of the staff was good and friendly and very helpful.

For reservations and information, http://www.makenasurf.com/

Address:
555 Kaukahi St,
Wailea, HI 96753
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Susan had been stationed in Japan for a couple of years, so she was into everything Japanese, so for our 10 anniversary I booked the Diamond Hawaii Resort and Spa. This was the third time we had been to Maui and every time we talk Maui vacation we promise to do it a little differently. Luckily, because Maui hotels are so varied you can do this.

I’m a bit of a stranger to Japan and Japanese customs and traditions, since I’ve never been, but Susan liked the hotel the minute we checked in. We had a great view of Wailea, and our room was nice. Susan thought the rooms were a little old in their furnishings. Me, I couldn’t tell. It was a great place to sit and watch the sunsets. That’s all I know. This is a small hotel, only 72 suites.

There are two restaurants at Diamond Hawaii, both with Japanese cuisine. Susan said that they were both fairly authentic. I thought both were good.

I went golfing with Susan once, and then with a guy I met at the hotel, whose girlfriend didn’t golf. I didn’t do too well.

The pool was kind of small, but it was nice. Very tropical. The couple we met had stayed at a number of Maui hotels over the years, and they had stayed at the Diamond Hawaii a couple of times.

We would go back to the Diamond Hawaii, as Susan liked it. We were already looking forward to or next Maui vacation.

For reservations and information, contact: http://www.diamondresort.com/

Address:
5031 Hana Highway
Hana, HI 96713
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I was in charge of the honeymoon, and we had chosen to go to Maui, though we had been to Maui many times. In fact, we have had at least seven Maui vacations and stayed at seven different Maui hotels. I had heard about the Hotel Hana-Maui and Honua Spa from some people at work, and it sounded like a great place. Marna told me to make it a surprise, so I had to make a good choice.

We had a delayed flight, and by the time we got to the hotel we were beat. This was like being in a very secluded club. There didn’t seem to be many people at the hotel, and that was okay with us. We wanted a little time for ourselves, for a change.

I made a spa appointment for Marna the day after our arrival, as a surprise, and she liked it. She got a deep tissue massage, and was very relaxed.

The private beach was very nice, too. It made if feel like we were staying at our own private beach house. We had the sea ranch cottage, and it was really nice. Marna said it was cozy. It had a stocked fridge.

We decided to renew our vows, and we picked a place on the beach with the Pacific Ocean behind us. Very nice. Marna bought the package of pictures.

Besides just sunning on the beach, we went snorkeling and Marna took some yoga classes.

Marna thought the Hotel Hana Maui was a good choice. I think she was happy. It was a little different from our typical Maui vacation and our typical Maui hotel choice, but that’s what we wanted. I was happy she was happy.

For reservations and information: http://www.hotelhanamaui.com/

Address:
3850 Wailea Alanui Dr,
Wailea, HI 96753
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We had heard about the pool at the Grand Wailea Resort and couldn’t believe it when we got there. It has an elevator! The pool was not the make or break for this Maui hotel, but we had heard so much about it we wondered if we wouldn’t be disappointed. We were — a little.

This is a huge, huge hotel. Our other Maui vacations have been in Bed and Breakfasts, so this was like a big giant step into the wilderness. We just weren’t expecting the high costs on all things, but we were reminded that this Wailea is not a cheap area. Still, we knew that many of the luxury resorts charge for internet access, but we weren’t expecting the rate here. It was a little like nickle and dimming, and our room was over $750 per night.

The spa was the other thing that we had heard about, too. And that didn’t disappoint. It was very popular, and we both got massages there. Jeanne had the Pohaku, which is the hot stone massage, and I just had a Swedish massage.

Our evenings ended with a drink at the Botero Bar (at about $11 per drink). The Volcano Bar was fun as well.

We already started planning our next Maui vacation, and Jeanne picked up a guide for Maui hotels, and we looked through it. One day we even went out and looked at a number of hotels. We couldn’t see the rooms, of course, but all the public areas were available, and we had a drink or two at each. It was fun!

For reservations and information, visit: http://www.grandwailea.com/

Address:
5031 Hana Highway
Hana, HI 96713
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I was really surprised. Tom booked the Hotel Hana Maui for our Maui vacation. I was more than surprised, I was shocked. Tom was always saying that one Maui hotel is the same as the next, and that he would never pay the going rates for the Hana Maui, so I never, ever expected it.

In fact, because this Maui vacation was going to be a surprise –as far as what maui hotel we stayed at — I was thinking that we would stay were we stayed for our 10th anniversary. I guess he thought that I needed a little pampering at the Honua Spa for our 20th, and he was right. I had a treatment every day, starting with the aromatherapy. My favorite was the tropical hot stone massage.

We stayed in the Sea Ranch Cottage. It was ocean front, and at night I thought I died and went to heaven. I saw a lot of stars. We practically lived on the lanai and just stared out over the waves. In Terre Haute, Indiana, you don’t see too many waves.

Our other official hangout was the Paniolo Lounge. It felt just like sitting in your own tropical living room. The Hana Ranch Restaurant had a good selection, too. I’m allergic to most seafood, so I had to eat a lot of veggies and beef, but it was still good.

We did the beach thing a couple of times, taking shuttle to Hamoa Beach. It runs every hour. Every half hour would have been better. If I had one complaint it would be the shuttling to the beach, but that’s not uncommon. The Garden pool is where we hung out with drinks.

For information and reservations, visit: http://www.hotelhanamaui.com

Address:
4155 Hana Hwy
Hana, HI 96713
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This Maui Bed and Breakfast was right up my alley. I had spent time in Japan in the Navy, and I like the culture. So when it came time for our Maui vacation I knew I wanted something different but left it up to Sara to find something.

She did. The Heavenly Hana Inn Bed and Breakfast is pretty secluded, in Hana. You drive out past the Hana High School and it’s there to the left. When we got to the entrance I was instantly transported back in time to Japan.

There are three different suites to the Heavenly Hana Inn, and we stayed in the one with the ocean view. It was great in the morning because you could see the sun rise, and at night you could see the moon and the stars. I think the name of the suites was “Ni”. I’m not sure what it means, but to me it meant probably the best Maui vacation I ever had.

Heavenly Hana Inn has to be the most unique Maui Bed and Breakfast.

Picollo is the dog of the property, and he even he seemed happy to see us, with all our comings and goings. We liked the country setting. But that also meant warnings about rats and other critters. Sara was upset when she saw this, but I reminded her that she would have the same things if we stayed in a cabin in Wisconsin or Michigan.

The rates were higher per night, $225 for our rooms, than any cabin in Michigan or Wisconsin, Sara reminded me. True, but country living was country living, even if this is a Maui Bed and Breakfast.

We had a very relaxing week, and this was one of the better Maui vacations we ever took.

For reservations and information: http://www.heavenlyhanainn.com