This was our third time in Hawaii, first time in Maui, first time at a Papakea. We had a 3rd floor condo with an 'oceanview'. We paid $2900 for the flight, condo, and rental car departing from Toronto.
CONDO- Was beautiful, spacious, clean and well equipped. It included laundry, dishwasher (unlimited detergent), standard size fridge and any other utensils or pots/pans you would ever need. It included a large lanai with a breakfast table and a sun chair. The main room was nicely furnished. The bedroom was great, comfortable mattress, sufficient sheets which they changed every other day. They also changed our bathroom towels daily, as well as swept the floors. The washroom included a single shower with a fantastic shower head. You will never complain about the pressure or water temperature. The soaps/shampoos were quickly replaced when low. Please note they do not include toothpaste and they only include a 1 load package of laundry detergent. After that you have to pay $1 for every additional one (which they will bring to your room) or you can purchase for 75 cents at the nearby ABC stores (walking distance). They provide each room with 4 pool towels which they launder upon request. They also replenish your Kona coffee everyday!
The condo was quiet and we were never disturbed by surrounding noise. I should note they do have elevators for those who want a higher level, however, are physically unable to climb stairs.
RESORT- Was almost at full capacity when we were there. Space was never an issue and the parking was convenient. The staff were pleasant and we never had any issue. The first day we had a nice orientation compliments of Expedia. I encourage you not to skip it. Free breakfast pickings and they raffle a free trip. It is not a timeshare and there is no pressure for anything.
We never used the pool or hot tub but they appeared nice and many guests seemed more than satisfied as they would swim until very late at night. The resort is ocean front, however, swimming is not recommended directly out front. There is plenty of grass and sun chairs to use along the rock wall. If you want a sandy beach, walk to the resort next door and you will find a sandy beach that stretches for miles. You will also find other resort restaurants along the way. There is an easily accessible boardwalk that will take you the entire way along. The beach was great for swimming and snorkeling! Some days the waves would be plenty, other days not at all. Despite being close, this area was one of our favourites on the island.
The resort was landscaped beautifully, there were never any issues of theft (in room or vehicles) and there were no bugs that we seen. We loved the location of the resort after visiting the busy and crowded South end of the island. It was convenient to travel and close to everything you wanted. Lahaina town was a favourite for dinner time, a 10 minute drive South from the resort or a cheap cab ride.
Also there is no restaurant or fitness facility directly on the resort. There are fitness classes available. The restaurant meant nothing as there were plenty all around us.
ISLAND- Maui wowee! We loved Maui (although the rugged Kauai still remains a favourite). There are so many things to do and travel is convenient. We traveled the entire island during our 10 days including a ferry trip to Lanai for a day. Its hard to list only a few things we loved... We watched the sunrise from the volcano summit one morning, woke up at 3am and drove up to the summit (there is a guy that sells coffee in a booth half way, it gets a bit chilly!) We were cognizant of the weather, ensuring it was going to be a clear night/morning for best view (although many of the clouds are below 10,000 ft and dont matter). We were shocked at how busy it was, park rangers assist in getting everyone parked at the top. You do pay a small park entrance fee per vehicle on your way in (cash appreciated). Bring a blanket. We also hiked after the sunrise, it was magnificent, almost like you're on another planet. Bring lots of water, food, and a comfortable jacket.
Hana highway - AWESOME! We had a jeep and did the entire thing (it gets rough to the South). If you are not a skilled or patient driver, go very early in the morning or do a bus tour. We stopped many times along the way, swam in waterfalls, bought banana bread, pictures galore. It was incredible (especially if you pursue the South roads where many do not travel). The South roads loop you around the the main highways eventually. MAKE SURE YOU HAVE ENOUGH GAS IN YOUR VEHICLE. I'd also warn people not to get a late start or you will be stuck on the roads at night, which could be a disaster.
The North part of the island was also beautiful. We would often see dolphins swimming and the beaches were nice. If we seen clouds coming in on the North we would just head South to extend our beach day.
FERRY TO LANAI - The ferry trip we purchased online before we left. It was a package that included an off road jeep for the day. Budget rentals will give you a map for you to navigate the rough roads and hang out on untouched beaches. There is hardly anything on this island so do your research and be prepared for food and come with any other necessities you may want. It was a great time discovering the sights and shore line.
LAHAINA TOWN - We went here every night for dinner trying a new restaurant each time. Famous Daves was our favourite! Lots of shops to walk through while you are walking off your dinner.
Lastly the weather was great on Maui! and the people were nice.
If you have any questions feel free to send me a message. Happy travelling!
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