We visited Maui for our first time from November 16 to December 14, 2010. WOW! It has been an unbelievably amazing vacation. We researched condo rentals on Maui and eventually settled on Unit 219, Maalaea Banyans owned by the most accommodating host...Nikta Houston. The unit is only about 20 minutes from the Kahului Airport (OGG) and is centrally located on the island of Maui. The unit has recently been remodelled and has state of the art appliances..sub-zero fridge, drawer microwave, glass top stove with convection oven, 2 dishwashers, washer & dryer. Beautiful rattan furniture.
Best points:
View whales right from the lanai (balcony)
Trade winds make sleeping at night so comfortable (no need for the air conditioner)
View from lanai is spectacular
Comfortable queen bed
Modern bathroom
Everything you need is here (i.e. everything for the beach...cooler, umbrella, chairs, beach towels, thermal mugs, ice paks, snorkel gear, boogie board, sun bathing mats).
Fully stocked kitchen (spices, every dish, glass, pot, pan, utensil you will need)
More linens than you will use in 2 months
Little extras: fresh fruit, chocolates, coffee beans (and a grinder) when you arrive plus a welcome note from Nikta.
Just when you think Nikta may have forgotten something (large vase for Hawaiian bouquet) you look in another cupboard and there it is. She hasn`t forgotten anything. Her attentiion to detail is unsurpassed. And then, just in case something is missing, Nikta calls to see if there is anything else she can do for you. Nikta is a walking book of knowledge on the island of Maui and imparts her knowledge freely. Don`t miss the `Swap Meet`at the Maui College grounds every Saturday. Great prices on fresh fruit and vegetables. Beautiful jewellery, wood carvings, etc.
Anyway, I`ve gone on and on...but truly, if you choose to stay at Unit 219 at Maalaea Banyans owned by Nikta Houston, you will have the best time with no disappointments. (Did I mention the weather is perfect..mid 80`s during the day and low 70`s in the night and virtually no rain for the entire month).

Note:

The Waterfront Restaurant is just down the road (5 minute walk) and the food, service and view are the best. You should visit `Mama`s Fish House` in Pa`ia, exceptional view, service and food. We love the beach at Makena..wide, long beach with crystal clear water.

Nikta Houston, thank you so much for having us stay in your condo unit 219. It was perfect. You know and live customer service. Thanks again.
Valerie & Krenar
Ontario, Canada

This was our first stay at the Ma'alaea Banyans in August 2010, although we have been to Maui many times in the past. We have two children (8 and 13 year olds) and were looking for a low-key condo where we could be self-sufficient but centrally located on the island. We loved the condo and the location - it is situated between Kihei (where we took surf lessons and ate), Lahaina (where we shopped), Kahili (to golf and zipline in Waikapu), and North Shore (where we windsurfed). The condo we stayed in (unit #315) was beautiful, with bamboo floors, granite counters, and a priceless view of Haleakala and the ocean (including Molokini). The weather was breezy every day (which we loved- no need for air conditioning), and the condo was just a block away from a 4-mile stretch of beautiful beach. If you are looking for a home-base from which to explore the island, this location is perfect!

If you've come to Maui looking for a warm welcome and a great experience then you've come to the right place! From the moment we arrived on the property the management was helpful and attentive. Traveling with two toddlers they made sure we had one of their ground floor units which opens up on to the garden/ grassy setting on the ocean! They also made sure we had whatever we needed to accomodate us; porta-crib booster chairs whatever we needed they were on top of it! The setting is gorgeous a tropical paradise on the ocean! Comfortable clean units equipped with whatever you might need and a friendly accomodating staff! What more could you ask for?

We have stayed here for several years in a row now and will continue to come back. The value is very good. Awesome views, clean rooms and grounds are well maintained. Love the BBQ! We don't use the pool much but we do enjoy the hot tub periodically. We especially love how quiet it is at night and actually have never experienced noisy people there at any time of day.
It was surprising to read a couple of poor reviews here. All I can think is that there are two sides to every story. We have had an excellent rapport with the management at the Banyans. Both, Patty and Rory are super nice people and we have recommended this place to our friends knowing that they will take care of them.
The central location is also very convenient for activities and...the Trade Winds are awesome!