A Maui vacation doesn't have to cost a fortune if you are willing to back off the high-end luxury resorts and search out some of the attractive, smaller hotels that offer a comfortable place to stay, special package rates, and a possible walk or drive to a swimmers' beach. Enjoy pools, air conditioning and occasional quirky amenities for less than you'd think on one of Hawaii's premier resort islands.
The Maui Beach Hotel isn't exactly on the prime swimming beach---its small strip of sand is only visible at low tide and is not safe for swimmers--but it is just three miles from Kahului Airport. It has a cheerful, contemporary-tropical décor, outdoor rooftop pool, free Internet access, a restaurant and nearby golf course that is open to hotel guests. Shopping is close by but you will want a car for getting around. As of March 2010, rates start at $99 USD during specials.
Maui Beach Hotel
170 Kaahumanu Ave.
Kahului, Maui, HI 96732
808-877-0051
The Garden Gate is a charming, rambling Hibiscus-pink and white house with French doors and balconies all around, wide verandas and plenty of wicker seating, a footbridge from the porch to the gardens, tropical blooms everywhere and the scent of frangipani to remind you that you're not in Kansas anymore. Travel a short distance for whale watching and submarine tours, surfing, snorkeling, windsurfing and scuba diving. There are nearby traditional luaus and a Hana day tour that visits waterfalls, the rain forest, the base of an active volcano, the rocky coastline and Haleakala National Park. The bed and breakfast basics include queen-size beds, private baths, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, TV/DVD and, of course, breakfast. As of March 2010, standard suites are from $99 USD a night with 10 percent discounts for longer stays.
Garden Gate Bed & Breakfast
67 Kaniau Road
Lahaina, Maui, HI 96761
808-661-8800
800-939-3217
gardengatebb.com
The Kaanapali Beach Hotel sits right on a spectacular beach on 11 acres of sustainably developed low-rise architecture and extensive gardens. The hotel has two restaurants, a spa and a swimming pool, a concierge service for booking sightseeing and local activities, a hula welcome breakfast and singing employees. Its three-night Maui Getaway package includes a double, partial ocean view room, daily breakfast buffet, choice of a Sunday Brunch or a tiki Terrace dinner for two, a compact car rental and a few small amenities for $899 USD a couple, as of March 2010.
Kaanapali Beach Hotel
2525 Kaanapali Parkway
Lahaina, Maui, HI 96761
800-262-8450
808-661-0011
kbhmaui.com
