We LOVED this hotel- as much for what it is not, as for what it is. Located 50 miles from mass-market Maui, the 60 room luxury hotel sits on perhaps 40 acres of lush, green Hawaiian real estate. It is relaxed, understated and quiet- the perfect place to chill out and rejuvenate. All rooms would be considered suites in most hotels so there is lots of room to spread out and hang out. We were told they had a new chef and we were well pleased with the food- contemporary with a Hawaiian twist. It is not densely populated; there is no golf course or kiddie-land; no one is asking you to sign a chit every ten minutes; it isn't near a mall; and it isn't well suited to people that need to be entertained 24 hours a day.
It rains on Hana's side of Maui, but during our stay it seemed to rain only at night. That said, we were told we were lucky. Also be aware that the ocean on this side of the island is rough- gorgeous to look at and perfect for accomplished swimmers, but no place for tots. The hotel has two large pools with lots and lots of loungers. One never feels crowded.
Aside from the hotel affiliated restaurant in town (which is only open for dinner two nights a week), you'll need to eat at the hotel. A la carte prices aren't cheap by San Francisco standards. However, you can choose a 3 course meal for $50 and then choose any starter, entree and dessert. It saves money and makes the meal you receive a real value.
Each unit is an open plan suite- about double the size of an average hotel room- with a large semi-private deck. It is semi-private in the sense that others can see you on your private deck. The more expensive Sea Ranch cottages are distinguished by clerestory windows that provide lots of natural light and their orientation facing the ocean, which is 100 to 1,000 yards distant. The Garden Cottages are lovely though, but darker. All cottages have a wet bar with fridge (stocked daily with soft drinks) and coffee maker. There are two rooms per building for Sea Ranch cottages, while Garden suites are in buildings of 6 or 8 suites.
90% of the guests were couples. Most everyone seemed to be content reading their books, getting sun and chatting with one another. Never once in six days did we have to deal with obnoxious noise or shrill people. There were, of course, lawn mowers and such.
Our cottage had a King sized wonder bed (great linens, duvets and I think a feather topper beneath the sheets), sofa and easy chair facing the ocean, and dining table with armchairs. The decor is 90s contemporary, done in good taste and so complete that there isn't much to complain about. Our bathroom was huge and included a jetted tub.
Hana is the tiniest of villages- a few hundred people max. The two funky general stores are it aside from the hotel shops.
If you are too lazy to walk the 200ft to 1/2 mile from your cottage to dinner or the spa, all you need to do is call for a ride on the golf cart. The staff (with lots of native Hawaiians) are helpful and accommodating.
We love being well taken care of in a calm atmosphere where other guests' agendas don't intrude on ours. Yes, we require good food too. We LOVED this hotel. We haven't found anything nearly as good in numerous trips to the Caribbean. Hotel Hana Maui is a class act, the antidote to vacations by Marriott and as far from the mass-market as you can get.
Only complaint- breakfast service was slow.
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Would I recommend this hotel to my best friend?
absolutely!
I recommend this hotel for:
An amazing honeymoon, A romantic getaway, Older travelers
I do not recommend this hotel for:
Young singles, Families with young children, Families with teenagers
I selected this hotel as a top choice for:
Beach / Sun, Outdoor / Adventure, Great food / Wine, Spa