As a native New Yorker visiting Maui, Hawai’i, I was immediately struck by how still and quiet the island is. If you’re looking for a breather from the commotion of city life, the Hāna-Maui Resort on the island’s east side is the perfect getaway.
The Hāna-Maui Resort is located about 50 miles from Maui’s Kahului Airport, and the drive to get there is part of the experience. The resort is snuggled away at one end of the Hāna Highway, a two- to three-hour car ride filled with twists, turns, and views of the island’s rainforests and waterfalls. But if you’re not keen on driving, or winding roads make you queasy, the resort can arrange a Cessna transfer that will let you appreciate Maui’s scenery from above.
The air transfer only takes about 15 minutes. From there, you’ll arrive at the sleepy Hāna Airport. The drive to the hotel will take another 10 or 15 minutes, followed by a complimentary welcome beverage — and you’re off to a stress-free vacation.
Inside the Hāna-Maui Resort
The Hāna-Maui Resort sits on 66 acres, with rooms, suites, and bungalows for guests. From the front desk, I was escorted to my room via golf cart.
My oceanview room was like my own personal haven. The rustic brown decor reminded me of a cabin — but with views of the water. The room was packed with a king-size bed, a kitchenette area with a microwave, a refrigerator, a coffee/tea kettle, and a huge walk-in bathroom with a separate tub and shower. Many of the rooms located on the property, including mine, don’t have TVs because the resort’s main goal is to whisk you away from technological distractions.
One fun feature of my bungalow was that the roof had glass openings. Hāna has a tropical climate, and you can expect warm, sunny days throughout most of the year, although rainfall is common between October and April.
Things to Do at and around the Hāna-Maui Resort
My favorite on-property amenity at the Hāna-Maui Resort has to be the wellness center, which overlooks the property’s main outdoor pool and oceanfront bungalows. The wellness center holds yoga and meditation classes every morning for guests, but you can also join other arts and festive classes. I took a Feather Flower class and a Lau Kāpala (Leaf Printing) class to awaken my child-like creativity. My instructor, London, was very knowledgeable about the royal origin of feather flowers and how they were introduced to Hawaiian culture.
For nature lovers, the Tree of Life Talk Story activity is for you. Though it rained during my stay, I learned about the power of the coconut. You might think that the coconut is simply a fruit used to make some of your favorite sweet treats. But on a walk during the activity, I learned of its healing virtues and ability to re-plant itself in the right environment.
For those looking to venture off the property, the resort partners with Jeep Rentals to give guests access to Wranglers. You can rent a Jeep for a day or for your entire stay. At check-in, ask for the resort’s 72-hour Hāna itinerary, which includes off-property activities.
If you’re like me, on the other hand, and don’t mind walking everywhere, Hāna Town is located across from the hotel. The walking trail leading from the property to the street takes you to a small town that has an art gallery, post office, and gift shop that’s open during the week. Hāna Town also houses a market called Hāna Dry Goods that has all the groceries, travel gear, and over-the-counter medications you might need during your stay.
Where to Eat at the Hāna-Maui Resort and in Hāna Town
The Hāna-Maui Resort has two main restaurants: The Restaurant at Hāna-Maui Resort and Hāna Ranch Restaurant. The Restaurant at Hāna-Maui Resort serves breakfast daily from 7 AM to 10 AM. The menu features classic dishes such as Hawaiian french toast, mochiko (sweet rice flour) pancakes, and sides, as well as fresh pineapple, orange, and guava juices.
On my first night at the resort, I dined at the Hāna Ranch Restaurant, which serves lunch and dinner from 11:30 AM to 8:30 PM. I ordered fried calamari as an appetizer and steak frites for my main, but whatever you order, know that the chefs source locally whenever possible.
When you’re not at the resort, you’ll find legendary food trucks in Hāna Town plating up a wide variety of cuisine, from Thai or Mexican food to coffee and smoothies. During my stay, I visited Da Mean Bean to grab caramel lattes with oat milk to start my days. If you’re more in the mood for fruity flavors, try The Juice Box for a fresh Mango Mojito smoothie. One lunch, I ordered pad thai from AE’s Thai Kitchen and was absolutely stunned by the amount of food I received — a good surprise, it turns out, as it was absolutely delicious.
Book Now
More like this
How to Visit Maui Responsibly and Respectfully in the Wake of Recovery
The Hāna-Maui Resort on Maui’s east side is the perfect getaway for those seeking a peaceful retreat from city life. Located at the end of the scenic Hāna Highway, the resort offers a tranquil setting surrounded by rainforests and waterfalls. Guests can enjoy a comfortable stay in rooms, suites, or bungalows, with ocean views and rustic decor. The resort aims to provide a tech-free environment, allowing guests to disconnect and relax.
On-site amenities include a wellness center offering yoga and meditation classes, as well as arts and crafts workshops. The resort also provides access to Jeep rentals for exploring the area. Hāna Town, located nearby, offers a small market, art gallery, and gift shop for those looking to explore the local community.
Dining options at the Hāna-Maui Resort include The Restaurant at Hāna-Maui Resort and Hāna Ranch Restaurant, serving classic Hawaiian dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. In Hāna Town, guests can sample a variety of cuisines from food trucks, including Thai, Mexican, and coffee and smoothie options.
Overall, the Hāna-Maui Resort offers a peaceful and rejuvenating getaway for visitors looking to experience the quiet beauty of Maui’s eastern coast. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, outdoor adventures, or cultural experiences, this resort provides a tranquil setting to unwind and reconnect with nature.
Source link
