My original desire was to book a private home for our family of six. We are typically too big for hotel rooms for more than a night or two. There are a lot of condo resorts on Maui, both high rise and spread out. Puunoa Estates 303 is very different from either.
It is in a VERY private gated community with a total of 10 units. 303 is the only unit managed by Whaler Realty. The other 9 are managed by an on-site manager. Most of them don't even rent out; the owners don't want the hassle or need the money.
303 is a three bedroom on the second and third floor of a 3 story unit. A two bedroom is on the first floor. The furniture and appointments are excellent. This unit isn't near a beach; it's on a beach. While the sand is only about 10 yards deep, you definitely can walk right out into ocean if you want to. "Baby beach" isn't much bigger anyway.
You are within two blocks of Lahaina town. That was our desire. We walked into town almost every day. You are 10 minutes from the beaches of Kaanapali, 20 minutes from Kapalua.
Don't expect the activities of Kaanapali or the on-site restaurants of a Kapalua. That's all in Lahaina. Just expect to feel like you are in your own private home on a beach in paradise

We booked this unit after very much research. I found it on the internet on the Whaler's Realty site. Before I booked, they were very accommodating answering my many email questions. My husband and I had been in Hawaii several times, but this was the first trip for our friends from Germany. So I wanted everything to be perfect.
And Pu'uona fits the bill !!. Our 2200 sq.ft. 3 bedroom unit was lovely, barely 50 yards from uncrowded Baby beach, just north of Lahaina, right off of Front Street in a residental area. Shallow water, safe for children.
We stayed for 1 week and after the 3rd day my German friend said: "If there is a paradise, this it it". They hardly wanted to leave the unit and just enjoy the view, peace and tranquility.

Top-notch accomodations, perfect location, private beach, amazing sunsets, and quiet neighbors - these things helped make a week on Maui a dream vacation.