Our family of four (boys aged 12 & 14) stayed in Unit #B403 from March 13-26, 2008. The Hale Mahina is comprised of 2 seperate 4 storey buildings with a mix of 1 and 2 bedroom units. All units face the ocean and the 4th floor units have the 2nd bedroom and bath in a loft area. Views are wonderful from either building but you will get more sun and better sunset views (at least at this time of year) from the units in building "A". This may also translate into warmer units though as there is no A/C available. Each building has an elevator and there is ample parking, at least we never had a problem finding a stall.
Our lanai was quite generous and it was wonderful eating meals while enjoying the sound and view of the ocean. I'm so glad we paid the extra money and booked in a complex so close to the ocean. I knew we had made the right choice when my "discerning" 14 year old gave me the thumbs up after checking out the view. Falling asleep to the sound of the ocean waves is just priceless and something my wife and I hadn't experienced since our honeymoon at the Sheraton on Kauai 20 years ago. Seeing a rainbow, the whales and a cruise ship from our lanai was just the icing on the cake.
The decor/updating in each unit will vary depending on the owner of the unit. Our unit was showing it's age and could certainly benefit from an upgrade to the cabinets and countertops. When you are paying $200+ a night it's nice to have quality finishing and materials throughout. None of this really dampened our experience though. On the plus side, our unit was well stocked with kitchen utensils, cutlery and pots and pans. The rice maker was especially useful. There were also beach chairs, boogie boards and some snorkel gear which saved us the trouble and expense of having to purchase them. We had maid service come half way through our stay. Our unit had a stacking washer and dryer.
The small sandy beach in front of the complex makes for easy entry into the water for a swim or snorkel. The grounds and pool area are very well maintained. I saw Manager Larry out each morning cleaning the pool area. We experienced none of the issues described by a previous poster in regards to "pool security". There were kids of all ages staying in the complex on spring break and using the pool, with water toys, and I never noticed anyone giving them a hard time. My boys "quietly" tossed around a small foam football on a few different occasions without incident. The swirlpool is fine for around 6 adults at a time and the temperature was perfect IMO.
There are 4 BBQ's on site, but they use charcoal and are starting to show their age too. A couple no longer had lids. While everyone (including me) seemed to make out okay using them it would be really nice if the ownership group could somehow find a way to replace these with a nice gas setup (3 grills and counter area) like you see at some of the hotel resorts. There is also a somewhat annoying security gate that everyone (except ground floor units) must pass through to reach the pool/beach/bbq area. The same key that opens your unit door also works to open the gate. Not sure how that is possible, but it does. I know why the gate is there but it should be replaced with an easier opening one. I was not the only person who mentioned this.
Overall I would say this is a great place to stay for your Maui getaway, whether you're a couple or a family. It's centrally located between Kannapali and Kapalua. Lahaina is about a 15 minute drive away. You've got the Star Market, ABC store (with gas station), Honokowai Okazuya & Deli, Soup Nutz & Java Jazz plus lot's of little shops (video, snorkel rental, etc.) a 3 minute drive down the road. Lower Honoapiilani Road is a slightly busy road as it services all the oceanfront properties from Honokawai to Kapalua, but we did not find it that noisy. We did hear the garbage trucks in the a.m. but I'm not sure what could be done about that. It's just the way the trucks run their route I guess.
I'm not sure when we'll get a chance to come back and visit but we'd certainly consider staying here again, although I would make more of an effort to find one of the updated top floor units. Thanks to the folks at Chase 'N Rainbows Property Mgmt. who helped us with the booking. I hope this helps anyone considering staying here.
Aloha!








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