We have been coming back to Maui now for over 2 decades and made a decision to give a new resort, the Honua Kai Resort, a try. We did some investigation and reserved our 2BR Ocean view apartment through the particularly knowledgeable Maui Resort Realty company (more concerning them later on).
Frankly, our 1st impression of Honua Kai Resort was not the best: we were not really knowledgeable about the hotel's North Kaanapali beach location and when we drove up to the porte cochere outside the lobby, I felt underwhelmed by the pretty uninspired resort entrance and bordering surroundings. We were immediately ushered in by the administration company representative and came into the lobby for review of the property. Upon entering the hotel my trepidation dissolved; the lobby area and were several of the most visually pleasing resort focus points I had actually seen in the course of my years paying a visit to Hawaii.
With a feeling of expectancy we accompanied the rep up to our unit. The suite was contemporary however retained a particularly Hawaiian feel and I could not find any flaw. The viewpoints were outstanding; the sea off in the distance with the pool areas in the forefront. The young man showed us around the suite and did a great job making us feel more comfortable, letting us know to contact him at any time if we desired help.
I remember seeing someplace that the title Honua Kai is Hawaiian for Land and Ocean; after taking a stroll on this sizable, beach front estate (38 acres) I appreciated that the hotel's name was wisely decided on. Huge belts of green grass, dunes and coastline gave a feeling of openness to the property rare in many common Hawaiian beachfront resorts
Amenities:
I will primarily focus on which functions of the property my family took pleasure in the most:
The Honua Kai Hotel property has every thing for everyone and IMHO was a really excellent vacation adventure.
There is a remarkable walking path in front of Honua Kai Hotel that takes you to the widely known Blackrock point in front of the Sheraton resort and back past the Royal Lahaina resort as well as Westin Kaanapali Ocean resort. I really took pleasure in the opportunity to experience the North side of Black rock; while a bit quieter, it was in many ways a more impressive setting then the South Kaanapali beachfront location. Snorkeling is terrific in front of the resort-- however, be careful, I would suggest joining the water 75 yards to the south of the resort to avoid the coral.
Pros and Cons:
Pros
Cons
Overall impression:
Despite a few minor detracting problems, the Honua Kai Resort challenges the Marriott's Maui Ocean club for very best hotel amenities, and accommodations are in a class by themselves.
I would highly recommend using Mauiresortrealty.com for booking the Honua Kai-- their rates are notably better compared to the ones offered directly from the resort and their service was outstanding from starting to end.
If you want to learn more about the Honua Kai Resort & Spa
please visit my website: http://www.westmauireview.com/2012/11/13/honua-kai-resort/ to get great tips on resorts, best shopping and dining deals and much more. From a repeat Maui addict!
Frankly, our 1st impression of Honua Kai Resort was not the best: we were not really knowledgeable about the hotel's North Kaanapali beach location and when we drove up to the porte cochere outside the lobby, I felt underwhelmed by the pretty uninspired resort entrance and bordering surroundings. We were immediately ushered in by the administration company representative and came into the lobby for review of the property. Upon entering the hotel my trepidation dissolved; the lobby area and were several of the most visually pleasing resort focus points I had actually seen in the course of my years paying a visit to Hawaii.
With a feeling of expectancy we accompanied the rep up to our unit. The suite was contemporary however retained a particularly Hawaiian feel and I could not find any flaw. The viewpoints were outstanding; the sea off in the distance with the pool areas in the forefront. The young man showed us around the suite and did a great job making us feel more comfortable, letting us know to contact him at any time if we desired help.
I remember seeing someplace that the title Honua Kai is Hawaiian for Land and Ocean; after taking a stroll on this sizable, beach front estate (38 acres) I appreciated that the hotel's name was wisely decided on. Huge belts of green grass, dunes and coastline gave a feeling of openness to the property rare in many common Hawaiian beachfront resorts
Amenities:
I will primarily focus on which functions of the property my family took pleasure in the most:
- Mom loved the multiple physical fitness facilities located in both the Konea and Hokulani towers. She loved getting her early morning workout prior to starting the day.
- I enjoyed large swimming pool features, which undoubtedly covered up at the very least 3 or 4 acres sandwiched by the coastline and hotel. I loved alternating between swimming and body boarding in the sea, showering off and taking a dip in the pool or unwinding in the Jacuzzi.
- The kids truly appreciated buying goodies from the Aina market place, swimming pool areas, water slides and, of course, being able to hang out with additional kids their ages (we went at the time of Spring Break).
- A couple of extra perceptions:
The Honua Kai Hotel property has every thing for everyone and IMHO was a really excellent vacation adventure.
There is a remarkable walking path in front of Honua Kai Hotel that takes you to the widely known Blackrock point in front of the Sheraton resort and back past the Royal Lahaina resort as well as Westin Kaanapali Ocean resort. I really took pleasure in the opportunity to experience the North side of Black rock; while a bit quieter, it was in many ways a more impressive setting then the South Kaanapali beachfront location. Snorkeling is terrific in front of the resort-- however, be careful, I would suggest joining the water 75 yards to the south of the resort to avoid the coral.
Pros and Cons:
Pros
- Family friendly
- Villas are newly constructed and also beautifully designated
- Attractive grounds, pool areas as well as relaxed setting
- Management company was very responsive regarding the few problems we had in the suite (some appliance quick fix problems)
- Friendly staff
Cons
- Market was great however pricey for what they offered
- The area behind resort is not that beautiful-- the hotel is across the street from a transportation center (although can't complain about the vistas of West Maui Mountains)
- I would have liked to see the health spa open-- the Honua Kai resort and spa is the official title and supposedly it will open up soon.
Overall impression:
Despite a few minor detracting problems, the Honua Kai Resort challenges the Marriott's Maui Ocean club for very best hotel amenities, and accommodations are in a class by themselves.
I would highly recommend using Mauiresortrealty.com for booking the Honua Kai-- their rates are notably better compared to the ones offered directly from the resort and their service was outstanding from starting to end.
If you want to learn more about the Honua Kai Resort & Spa
please visit my website: http://www.westmauireview.com/2012/11/13/honua-kai-resort/ to get great tips on resorts, best shopping and dining deals and much more. From a repeat Maui addict!