We stayed at the Mahana from 7/24-8/1 and absolutely loved it. We booked unit #804 direct from the owner www.mahanarental.com. He was super easy to work with and the condo is absolutely gorgeous. Recently remodeled in 2005 with bamboo floors, granite countertops in the kitchen, stainless steel appliances and a beautiful walk-in shower. The kitchen was fully stocked and the grills by the pool were immaculate. We grilled twice and were able to eat leftovers too- something we really missed when we got to the Moana on Waikiki. We went grocery shoppnig at the Star Market right behind the condo the first night, and there is a Safeway grocery store ~10 minutes away.
It is windy, but it didn't bother us as it made the heat bearable. The smoothie cart by tthe pool was nice.
While on Maui, we drove to Ka'anapali Beachwalk daily to run in the mornings and were able to find free parking near the Westin (there was a small lot that fit about 11 cars, and we were there around 7am when it opened and always got a spot). Then we'd eat breakfast back at the condo and set out for the day. We spent one day at Ka"anapali Beach near the Shearton and snorkeled around Black Rock, then went back that night to the Hula Grill for dinner- had good seats to watch the sunset. Drove to Haleakala to watch the sunrise and left the condo at 3:00 am- glad we didn't leave any later as by the time we got to the summit (~5:15) the top lot was nearly full. Went back to the condo and spent the day by the pool, then went to the Old Lahaina Luau at night. We parked right at the Luau and had traditional mat seating- I booked this several months in advance and we were literally the first two seats by the stage. A great night. Sunday we drove ~25minutes north of the condo to the Nakalele Blowhole and Honolua Bay to snorkel, then went to Napili Beach for the day. We grilled out that night. Monday we drove the Road to Hana and left the condo at ~5:30 so we were on the Hana Hwy by 7am. We didn't have any traffic pressuring us from behind this way. Stopped at the Black Sand Beach and several waterafalls on the way, got to 7 Sacred Pools and were able to get in briefly before we had to get out as it was raining further up the mountain and the rangers were warning of possible floods. Didn't have to tell us twice! Then we hiked the Pipiwai Trail ~1hr 15min to the 400 ft waterfall at the end, and also saw the Infinity pool feeding another waterfall about half way in to the hike. Beautiful bamboo forest. Take your ticket from Haleakala Sunrise as this is part of the same park and you won't have to pay again, but only good for 2 days I think. That night we ate from Okazuya (sp?) take out right down the road from the Condo and had great Ono and Maui Onion Burger. Tuesday we went to Molokini with Four Winds II- great experience on the boat, but snorkeling a little disappointing after Honolua Bay. Very little variety in fish species and not many to see period. Stopped at "Turtle Town" on way back ot the harbor and saw several turtles near the boat. Went to Big Beach (Huge-but kind of bigger shore break- knocked me over a few times!) from there past Wailea for the rest of the day, and grilled out that night at the condo. Wednesday we stayed a tthe Mahana byt the pool, then left for Lahaini around 2:30, walked around and shopped, saw the Banyan tree, and went to Warren and Annabelle's Magic show. Very funny (clean) and great magic. Worth it for an evening out. Ate at Cheeseburger in Paradise after for a late dinner ~9pm and didn't have to wait at all. Thursday was our last full day in Maui and we went to Wailea Beach, walked around the shops at Wailea, and then went back to Big Beach. Ate our leftovers that night and packed to go to Waikiki that night.
Overall, we loved the Mahana and would love to go back again when we make it back to Maui someday. We don't mind driving and exploring, so it didn't bother us that the beach in front of the condo wasn't swimmable- just walk south ~100 yards and from there to BlackRock you can swim. We loved the "home away fro home" feeling and having the space a condo allows over a hotel room. Very clean facility and frendly staff.
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Would I recommend this hotel to my best friend?
absolutely!
I recommend this hotel for:
An amazing honeymoon, A romantic getaway, Families with teenagers, Tourists
I do not recommend this hotel for:
Young singles, Families with young children
I selected this hotel as a top choice for:
Beach / Sun, Outdoor / Adventure, Shopping