Maui Hotel Tips by keida84 Top 5 Page for this destination

Kaanapalii Plantation: Condo with air conditioning

When I travel to the Hawaiian Islands I usually always rent a condo, especially on Maui where everything is expensive. I used "Home Away" to research the condo I needed for this latest trip. The condo is situated up past Lahaina and into Kaanapalii. It is on the "makua" or mountain side of the 30 highway. Although you can walk to the beach and park you must realize that you will need to cross a very busy highway to get there (I would not advise this for families with small children.)

There are two lanais: one downstairs and the other is upstairs off the Master bedroom. This was where we all congregated in the mornings to drink coffee or diet mountain dew and watch the local cat and birds in action.

The condo was fully equipped with most everything you need to have an enjoyable stay. It will accommodate 8 people comfortably.

Unique Qualities: This condo unlike many had not only 3 bedrooms but also 2 1/4 bath. There is a sofa bed (a very comfortable one) in the living room which we used nightly for 7 days and Sally had no complaints. The unit also has air conditioning which is rare to find in condos on Maui. Although it was not central air it was efficient enough, however, I do think the units is the two smaller bedrooms could be updated a bit. A washer and a dryer was in the unit and the kitchen is well equipped with a full stove/oven, refrigerator and dishwasher. Pots, pans, cups, plates , bowls, knives and utencils were provided as well.

With 4 people we divided the cost which was reasonable for the week along with a $150 cleaning fee it worked out to be about $67.00 per night per person. Not too shabby.

Address: Puu'kolii Road and Highway 30

Comparison: about average

Directions: In Kaanapalii across from the Kaanapali State Beach park.

Theme: Other

Website: http://www.homeaway.com

Embassy Vacation Resort Kaanapali: Maui's Pink Pyramid

We had an opportunity to stay at this resort in an oceanfront suite, car rental for the duration of our visit (5 days, 4 nights), daily breakfast, evening cocktail reception and $100.00 in shopping at local retailers for $500.00 flat. The catch? Listen to a timeshare presentation. We have never done this before and I warned my husband to behave because he does not suffer sales pitches gladly. For 90 minutes out of 5 days, we decided it was worth it. Did we buy? No way!

Resort vacationing is not our ideal place as a couple. I go to resorts with my girlfriends but not my husband. When we travel we like the intimacy of smaller hotels or bed and breakfasts. So when our time was up at the Embassy Resort, we checked in to the Plantation Inn for 3 nights.

Do check this lovely resort out. If you can stand the sales pitch it is definitely worth it to sit through the presentation in exchange for a 4 night stay. Who knows you may even decide to buy. My brother did.

Unique Qualities: The resort is both hotel and timeshare units. They are air-conditioned suites with 1 or 2 bedroom units available each with a kitchette. Laundry facilities are on each floor. My favorite part of the suite was the bathroom…it was huge! 2 sinks, sunken tub, separate shower and access to the bedroom closet.

The one thing I didn’t think was so great was the gym facilities; small with outdated equipment in various states of disrepair.

The hotel is situated on a great beach for snorkeling and swimming. It definitely is designed with families in mind: Game room, miniature golf and a terrific pool.

Address: 104 Kaanapali Shores Place Lahaina, Maui, HI 96761

Directions: The hotel is located 32 miles (51K) from the Kahului airport in West Maui (Lahaina area).

Phone: 1 808 661 2000

Theme: Hotel

The Plantation Inn: Superb bed and breakfast

The Plantation Inn is a resplendant, gracious turn of the century style inn and in a perfect location to explore the town of Lahaina, Maui. A traditional B & B due to the restaurant on premise, a hot breakfast is served every morning. (Health codes in Hawaii make it difficult for most B & B's to serve anything but a continental breakfast).

The rooms are done in the Victorian period, and the staff is delightful.

Note: Our room was over the restaurant which was a bit noisy but by 10 PM everything settled down and became peaceful again.

Unique Qualities: We had a room in the front of the hotel which had a very large veranda with wicker furniture. The sunsets over Lahaina were beautiful from our veranda. The rooms (we had a suite) were spacious and well appointed. The stained glass detailing was exquisite. The pool area was beautiful and this is where breakfast was served every morning.

Chef Gerard is wonderful, on a very busy night all I wanted was dessert which he prepared and sent up to my room (my husband had to leave the islands early so I was alone). Great coffee!!!

Address: Lahainaluna Street Lahaina, Maui

Comparison: about average

Price: US$120-180

Theme: Bed and Breakfast

Website: http://www.theplantationinn.com

Hyatt Regency Maui: a lovely place...for a drink

The grounds are spectacular. The rooms well, for this level of hotel I certainly expected more ammenities. We did have an ocean front room but the decor was that of a nice Holiday Inn, not that that is a bad thing but not for the high end prices of the Hyatt. Small bathroom, one sink, very small dressing area. Very small room for the money. We enjoyed the lounges and the plentiful lobby seating, great place to read a book or take in the atmosphere.

Unique Qualities: 40 acres of gardens, waterfalls and ponds. There are caged birds of varied types that call and beckon. The work out facility is quite small for a hotel that size but it overlooks the beach and that is great when using the treadmill, better yet a walk on the beach beats all.
The pools are delightful and fun for kids. waterslides and caverns make for a lot of fun. I like the swim up bar. The chaise lounges at pool side are terrific, many of them have shades so if you want to read a book or sleep you are protected by a canopy (but still make sure you use sunscreen!)

Address: 200 Nohea Kai Dr Lahina, Maui, HI

Comparison: most expensive

Phone: 808 661 1234

Price: US$180 and up

Theme: Hotel