We stayed at Mahana for a week for our honeymoon May 18th, 2008. It was the best decision we made. We rented out condo from the owner directly through VRBO.com. This way we knew exactly what condo we were getting before we got there. The condo was amazing. Our condo was on the first floor which we didn't mind a bit. We were on the end of the first building though, so there wasn't much foot traffic in front of it. Literally steps from the beach though. Amazing views. No other place in Maui is this close to the beach.
The beach right in front of the condo wasn't too good for swimming; it's a pretty short steep beach. But walk left or right 100 feet and it's some of the best beach on Maui. Not crowded at all, because it's not right next to any resorts. To the left is a half mile of awesome beach with no one on it. The best snorkeling was just to the left of the condo between Mahana and Black rock. If you’re worried about the beach in front of the hotel, DON'T BE! We were a little, but were extremely happy with the location and the beach on either side of the condo.
The pool was just totally redone and is awesome. Not huge, but you've got the beach right there. They've got grill to barbeque if you wish. The internet worked good in the lobby, but was really slow in the condo.
We went on the Four winds snorkel cruise to molokini. It was fun, but we wouldn't go again. The smaller the boat the better. There were about 60 people on ours, which wasn't bad, but there were soooo many people at molokini that you kept bumping in to people. All the snorkel cruises get there at the same time. So if you can find a smaller cruise it'd probably be better. The best snorkeling was right by the condo and North on 30 up by Honolua Bay.
We did Haleakala and it was amazing. It was clear on top and awesome. We did the road to Hana after that which was exciting, but we only made it to mile 22 before we turned back. We didn't want to drive back in the dark. So if you go you might want to go early and spend a whole day doing it.
We also drove the northwest side of the island up 30 which turns into 340 (kahekili hwy) Some awesome beaches and a blow hole. Definitely hike down to the blow hole, bring some sturdy shoes though. One the road turned to a one lane ATV trail; we turned back after stopping at the smoothie bus for a snack.
We liked Leilani's and Hula grill in Whaler's village. Swan Court at the Hyatt was awesome. Sansei for sushi....defiantly go here. It's up by the Ritz Carlton now, but the front desk will give you directions. The gazebo was the best breakfast on Maui. Try the banana pancakes and the omelets were awesome. It's worth the 20 min wait if there is one. Just turn left out of the condo, about 10 minutes on the left in the napili shores condos. We ate breakfast at the plantation house, it was awesome. We didn't care for the Lahaina fish company though.
We went to the Old Lahaina Luau, it was recommended and we thought it was awesome.
There's a grocery store right a crossed from the condo and a Maui dive shop to rent snorkel gear from.
We also took a helicopter ride from Alex Air. We signed up for the east side tour and ended up getting upgraded to a whole island tour for free. It's expensive, but if your gonna take a helicopter tour; this is the place to do it.
Overall, we loved Mahana, can't wait to go back. We had no problems there at all. Great place for a honeymoon or a vacation, with or without family. There was a washer and dry in the condo and beach towels, so we didn't have to bring any.
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:
Young singles, An amazing honeymoon, A romantic getaway, Girlfriend getaway, Older travelers, Families with young children, Families with teenagers, Tourists
I do not recommend this hotel for:
Pet owners
I selected this hotel as a top choice for:
Beach / Sun, Outdoor / Adventure