Am I making a mistake going to Hana?
 

OK, so my itinerary for Sept./Oct. is pretty well set -- the full 5 weeks in Hawaii, and I am excited about everything except for one thing. I had planned to end my stay in Maui (10 days total) after a week at a condo in Kihei with either two or three nights in Hana. I have to get back to OGG to fly home (2 PM flight)on the third day after my Kihei stay.

I will be traveling alone and I'm normally not too good at "doing nothing", but I thought Hana might be a good alternative. Yet I don't want to cook and eat alone -- how utterly depressing -- and now it looks like there is NOWHERE to eat -- on Sunday, Monday, and possibly Tuesday nights when I would be there.

I also had planned to stay at one of these places -- referred to as "Plantation accomodations":

www.hana-maui.com/accommodations.html

But when I emailed them, I only got back a short reply which said "we aren't reserving that far in advance". No "check with us after ___", no "thanks for checking with us", no anything. When I go to Trip Advisor I now see devastating reviews of the "drunk" who runs the place and has literally driven people away. I don't want to spend way over $100 a night, and I'm really not getting turned on by ANY accomodations there.

So the real question is -- is there a better alternative of how to spend my final 2 to 3 days in Hawaii? Maybe go to Molokai? Somewhere else on Maui? Or should I stick with the original plan and hope it all turns out?

I say go with your gut feeling. If you are uncomfortable with the Hana section then don't go. Personally after that type of response I wouldn't stay or go there

You can take a ride to hana and come back the same day or take a tour so you don't have to do the driving.

You can split your stay with Kiehi and somewhere in West Maui if you don't want to stay put in one place the whole time or choose another island

Neo, maybe that response was just a computer generated one due to the fact they get many requests, etc. Before I would cancel I would call the site manager and see how they are on the phone directly. If they don't repond to you as they think they should, it would then be an easy decision to make.

How about staying upcountry for the last few nights?

Hmmm, as YOU think they should.

Patrick, I have not been there for a few years, so perhaps it's built up. But when I was there, there really wasn't much when we arrived in Hana. If you aren't good at 'vegging' then I'd say just do the drive and come back on the same day. Or maybe stay one night.

Sorry I don't have an alternative plan.

I agree. I would just do the drive to Hana and check out the sights along the way and then come back. There's isn't much to do and see in Hana itself. If you're not good at doing nothing, I would want to stay somewhere else.

The restaurant at the Hotel Hana Maui is open every night of the week as is the bar. The bar menu is a nice alternative to the restaurant menu.

The Ranch restaurant is open for dinner only on Wednesdays and Fridays.

If there are ball games being played at the diamond in town, there can be vendors selling homemade things like laulau or kalua pork.

Sounds like you should go elsewhere.

I reread your post and since you are not turned on by the Hana accommodations, I would say check out upcountry in Makawao for a few days.

"There's isn't much to do and see in Hana itself."

This opinion is what has kept Hana they way it is all these years. Yay!

If your gut says no, then don't. I have never stayed in Hana but if you're not into vegging, Hana will not be for you!

I agree with the others, if you're going to stay somewhere else on Maui, you might consider Makawao or Kula. There are more locals in Kahului or Wailuku, but I don't know where to stay in that area.

I lived in Paia for a year which I loved, but nothing compares to Hana.
I would travel to Hana by myself when I had a couple of days off in a row, because I loved it soo much.

My husband and I recently went on vacation to Hawaii and stayed in Hana the whole time. PURE BLISS. The drive is far, but well worth it. You will be just fine and I highly recomend it. Hana is untouched. There is a little grocery store you can get food at.And really inexspensive cabins to rent in the area. Venus pools and the black sand beach are my favorite places in all of the islands. Both places are surreal and never congested with people. The
people in the town are warm and friendly. GO TO HANA!! We stayed here http://www.alternative-hawaii.com/hanatr/
and they owners are warm,
the places are clean and they are priced well. Bring a book, listen to good music and go check out the little bar in the hotel. You will Love it.

Jdela, I thought I'd looked at EVERYTHING there is in Hana accomodation wise, but missed that one, which seems quaint and cute -- even though it is $167 a night for just one person! How far is it from there to Hana Town and the hotel bar?

I guess one concern I have is that just being on my own now, while "isolation" sounds kind of neat -- sitting by myself and eating all alone in a deserted cottage sounds very sad and very depressing! But if the Hotel bar (with food) is always open and not too far to drive to . .
Soaking in the hot tub sounds good also.

I'm reading more about the "upcountry". I had planned to do a drive or two there during my week in Kihei. I'm staying in one condo for a full week, because basically two of those days are free -- it's a super week rate, and plan to explore much of the island from there. Breaking it up into a couple of places really raises the prices. The upcountry B&Bs all seem to have two or three night minimums or are quite expensive for a single night. I'm not sure I accomplish anything by staying somewhere "upcountry" for three nights as opposed to Hana.

On another thread I raised the possibility of spending two nights in Hana so I could take a leisurely afternoon driving back from Hana, then spend a night nearer the airport so I wouldn't be "pressured" to drive the road FROM Hana in the morning getting to the airport. After 5 relaxing weeks I'm not sure I want to be pressured by a drive to the airport on a road that should be taken leisurely. I guess I could spend two nights in Hana -- if this little "alternative Hawaii" cottage is available for that and then a final night up in Makawao or somewhere else -- closer than Hana to the airport.

How about only spending one night in Hana?

Another option would be to stay at Mama's. Not inside the restaurant; they have rooms! It's at the start of the road to Hana, so you could drive out there, then come back that night. Great food, and the location has always seemed like a nice place to stay to me!

Makawao is a great town. I wouldn't mind spending a night there either.

You could also take the ferry from Maui to Lanai. The Four Seasons are above your target budget, but there is a quaint little inn (Lanai city Inn?? not sure) that might be fun for a night or two. You could go up and eat or hang out at the Lodge or Manele Bay without staying there.

Hello Again,

I sent you the wrong link.
http://www.hana-maui.com/hph.hideaway.html
This place is 85$ a night.
Here you go. We stayed in this studio and right across the street is Venus pools.
The bar and town are 5-10 minutes, everything in Hana is close by. The hotel bar stays open till 2:00 and they sometimes have live music. It is really easy to meet people in Hana. So if you are social I don't think you will have to spend a lot of time by yourself. I always met people when I went through there and made buddies I would meet up with at the beach or hang out and drink beers with them.

Icuy, I had thought about spending my last night at Mama's and eating there as well, but not only are the single rooms very expensive ($195 with tax) but they also have a three night minimum! Don't want to do that.

But you bring up the point about Lanai. Or what about Molokai? Worth doing either for an overnight or two nights for a different venue?

Ooh and Mama's is awesome, although you will still have a drive ahead of you if you stay there. I use to work there as a baker. I would recoment staying in Hana, the drive takes it out of you. Although, definently eat at Mama's they have some of the best food on the island. Also, when you are in Kihei go to Makena (big beach) right around the corner is little beach. It is the place to party and meet people. If anything it makes for some funny people watching. I met some surfers there from Indonedsia and camped and surfed with them for a week.

I don't know about Molokai. It's very "country"', and tourists are not looked upon very favorably by locals.

I have been, but got bored fairly quickly, despite having friends there.

That said, the mule ride and tour of Kalapapa are worthwhile if you do go to Molokai.

The Old Wailuku Inn is nice and quaint and sort of close to the airport. I stayed there years ago, but it appears from the reviews on TA to still be a great place. Wailuku is off the tourist map and there are a few good restaurants too.

Ouch! Jdela, that new link for Hideway IS the place I wanted to stay but got that rather short unhelpful reply from the owner -- (yes it is HIS email (Tom) that was sent) -- the one that there are also so many complaints about on Trip Advisor. I'm not sure I'd have a problem, I just reacted badly to his failing to even comment when I should email again -- he sure didn't seem interested in being helpful when I emailed him! The place looks great and is priced great.

So am I starting to sound like a whiner? Yes, the Old Wailuku Inn looks nice -- but the rooms START at $184 a night. I'm spending so much on this trip, that the thought of nearly $400 for just two of the 35 nights kind of gets to me. I guess I'm spoiled with the one bedroom oceanfront condos I'm getting everywhere else for around $100 or less a night! And I've never been much of a B&B or small inn type person. The Old Wailuku has no vacancy for my Sunday night, but does have Mon and Tues open and a two night minimum. I could swallow the price better if I were going to Hana for two nights, then coming back to Old Wailuku Inn for one, but they won't allow that.

It is getting harder to find nicely located places for less than $150 a night. The little cottage in Hana that I rented for $85 a night about 10 years ago is on vrbo these days for around $200 a night!

NeoPatrick
I am planning a week in March. Could you give me the name of the condo that offered that special week rate? Thanks.
Marion2

Here's the link:
www.aaoceanfront.com/hale_Kai_okihei.html

But I see it's showing $160 a night by the week in March instead of the $100 I'm paying in October.

It does look beautiful and I am sure that you love it there. Besides the cost, it doesn't have the dates I need. Thanks for the info.

A new update on the Hideaway Studio in Hana. I replied to the email from Tom, the supposed owner who said they weren't taking reservations this far ahead. The email bounced back "undeliverable". I then went to their website and sent an email which goes to [email protected]. It also comes back as undeliverable. I have since seen the same Hideaway listed on another website and have sent a request to them. Maybe there is a change in ownership?

Sorry that didn't work, marion. I had read it is very popular, which is why I booked so far in advance of my October stay. Even then my first choice of apartment was not available.

I'd still like to spend two nights in Hana, I think, and then drive back to spend my last night in Hawaii eating at Mama's and staying at a "generic" motel near the airport if none of the nicer B&B's or Mama's Inn won't allow a single night -- which they might last minute, since it will be a Tuesday night, not a weekend. The Maui Seaside Hotel very near the airport and only $98 looks fine for a single night arriving after dinner at Mamas. I'd rather be spending that extra $100 on the dinner than on a nicer B&B or Inn for just one quick night.

My husband has been staying at the Maui Seaside for decades. He normally goes 3 or 4 times a year, usually for a few nights each. It is a good budget choice, especially if you don't care to be on a beach or have a view! Clean, straightforward, and friendly employees.

The only thing to beware of is the sports teams. Local groups come from other islands and can sometimes be noisy. Ask for a quiet room away from the congregating spots.

Thank you for that information on Seaside Hotel.

Meanwhile I heard back from the other agency for the Hideaway and other Hana rentals, saying they "no longer deal with them".

Hi Patrick,
I have links to many places in Hana, but am hesitate to post them as they are more than what it appears you want to spend. Would you like me post them for you anyway? I hope you find something.

Patrick-

I completely get your worry about sitting in a cottage alone with a bowl of soup while you are supposed to be having this blissed out vacation experience.

There was a thread about Hana a year or so ago in which I weighed in that it isn't as amazing as people say. The drive is pretty, but I wouldn't want to spend more than an afternoon in Hana. After three visits, to me it seems a bit depressing. The sand is dark, the water is dark, there isn't much in the town. Just my opinion- maybe I don't get it.

I do love the north shore of Maui and if it were me, I would base in Paia for the last few days.

Paia is a charming town with a bit of a hippy vibe. If you are on your own it would be perfect. Easy to be on your own, but lots of options for being solo, yet not lonely.

The bar at the Paia Flatbread Company is a friendly, laid-back place to get a scruptious gourmet pizza and a lychee martini.

There are many cafes and eating options, all friendly, in my experience. Moco Loco for brunch at the cafe (can't remember the name) will set you up for the day- yum.

Mana Foods is a wonderful organic market with incredible prepared foods and ingredients. Nagata Market has fresh fish come in almost every afternoon- cut your own tuna into sashimi and have it on your balcony with a beer.

Spend an evening seeing live music at Charley's. We've met cool people every time we went there (but we did see a bar fight once- at lunch!!)

Take a stroll to the little beach and hang out.

Take an easy drive up to Makawao to see the paniolo country and have lunch.

When we stay in Paia we rent the Maui by the Sea cottage. http://mauibythesea.com/ It might be a little out of your price range, but the owners are delightful people and the view from the balcony is so worth it! The cottage is very comfortable and not depressing in the least- eat your solitary dinner watching the wind ripple over the ocean and you won't feel lonely.

Paia is a short drive to the airport. We actually check in and check our bags early, then drive back to Paia for lunch, then drop off the rental car and head for the terminal.

Mama's is wonderful if you love really fresh fish in gourmet preparations in a beautiful tropical setting. As the cheapo that I am, I would rather save the money to pay a little more for a great cottage or room with a view and eat cheaper food.

Have a wonderful trip, whatever you decide. I am always amazed when I talk to people who visit Maui haw many different Maui's there are- so we can all find what we are looking for in our tropical fantasies.

iamq, I guess I'm now putting a cap at $200, but willing to go that if a place is really unique and not depressing. I'm spoiled by all my travels in Europe where I find such great, quaint places for around $100 a night -- and they don't add $20 or $30 taxes on top of that. Yet I keep finding places and look on Trip Advisor at horror stories so many times for nearly every place in Hana. I think I'm good at reading between the lines on a lot of reviews, but when half a dozen or more people all talk about the filth, mold, etc., it's kind of hard to ignore.

Hana Hale Inn has a garden suite at $160 a night (before taxes) that looks nice on line, but then I read nearly all agreeing horror stories about the mold, mildew, ants, bugs, and general dirt. Can't really take that.

Hana-Kai Maui Resort has one smaller unit but with a nice lanai/balcony that looks quite good -- $185 a night before taxes. I've emailed them to be sure.

Bamboo Inn also has a "downstairs" unit that looks very nice, also at $185 before taxes. Most reviews seem pretty good, other than the discussion of noise from the unit above.

But anything above those in price, I'd really not be interested in.

Blue Swimmer, funny, but I guess I'm a bit the opposite. Staying by myself I don't really see the need to splurge on the place to stay -- although I don't want a dump. Major space to roam and luxury are really not important at all to me. Yet, I don't mind so much splurging on a really excellent meal. When I think back over all my travels, splurge meals bring a bigger smile to my face than splurge accommodations for the most part.

If the Hana Kai is available, that is what I would suggest. They are sort of standard condo-style units, but the location is good. They are located right on Hana Bay and are within walking distance of the Hotel for drinks, food and evening entertainment and an overall peaceful environment.

. If you like to walk, there are several strolls that you can take from this location.

Good. That certainly looked the best of the lot and it appeared to be close to "town" and the hotel. They only have one room that shows that price -- partial ocean view, but looks pretty nice. That's certainly all I need.
It's the one at the bottom of this page:
www.hanakaimaui.com/rooms.html

Now, I hope I hear from them. I'm sort of back to thinking I might stay in Hana three nights, then do the drive to OGG on Wed. morning. If I leave by 8, that gives me 4 hours to do the trip to OGG, which they say could be done in 1:45 to 2.

I've found enough activities in Hana, waterfall hikes, the lava tube, the near by park, etc., that I think I could easily keep busy for two full days there.

OK, that was quick. Hana Kai does have the room available for either the two or the three nights and with a 10% senior discount -- it would be $166.50 or about $185 a night INCLUDING the taxes.

So now I have to decide if I want to leave around noon on Tuesday and take a leisure drive back to stay near the airport that night (and probably eat at Mama's for dinner), or if I should stay the third night in Hana and drive in the morning to the airport. I'd like to sleep in since I'll be doing the flight back to Florida (but with a short overnight at LAX), which I could easily do if staying at the Seaside near OGG, so I think I'm favoring just the two nights in Hana, plus the full morning on Tuesday. Make up my mind for me.

Neo, just saw this. Glad you are staying at least part of the time in Hana. It is so beautiful and a nice way to end your trip. I think you'd be able to make it in plenty of time to the airport but I guess it depends on how late sleeping in means to you.

If you have an overnight in LA, let me know. Maybe we can grab a drink somewhere. Do you have a place to stay there?

I'd stay the three nights in Hana. Having two full days there will be perfect, and as cat says, it will be a good way to end your trip to the islands.

Have never been to Hana but my son and his family drove to Hana. They knew nothing of the road or the drive to Hana. They had to turn around and go back to get gas - they were afraid they would run out of gas before they got to Hana.

Be sure to leave for Hana with a full tank of gas. :)

As a matter of fact, the third night there is $20 less as they will void the usual $20 "service" fee if I stay three nights instead of 2. I guess I shouldn't worry about the "pressure" of getting to the airport at noon from Hana.

Cat, my AA flight from OGG at 2 PM gets into LAX at 10:15 PM, and my flight out to DFW then Ft. Myers departs at 8 AM, so I'm seeing this to be a Priceline bid on an airport hotel to sleep for the night. I'll be flying first class so will have had dinner on the plane anyway and think I'll just be looking to sleep -- although it occurs to me that with the time change it will seem early -- so again, no reason to have to sleep in the morning before I leave Maui. Even AA couldn't tell me if I'll be able to check my luggage through to Ft. Myers when I leave Maui, or if I'll have to claim and recheck it at LAX!

But I'll be in LA for a full week on my way out to Hawaii (Sept. 2 to 9 over Labor Day weekend) so definitely we can get together then. Or during my week there the first week of July.

Oh perfect! Either time (Sept. or July) works for me. Or both! Where are you staying? We'll definitely have to grab cocktails. Maybe even a GTG if you like!

If you have grown accustomed to the television for the news or background sound, the lack of one may or may not make you feel isolated. Not sure if they have wifi either.

Yes, they do have wifi, but they say it may not work in ALL rooms, but will work in the 'lounge'area. Trust me, I can do without TV -- but without my laptop? Hmmmm, I'll have to think about that.

Cat, I'm looking at an apartment in West Hollywood, sort of between the Pacific Design Center and Cedars Sinai Hospital. An old college friend invites me to stay with him way over in Woodland Hills, but I'd prefer not to. It's enough of a chore just to go over there for dinner one night -- although he's a good friend. What part of LA are you in?

There are at least two gas stations in Hana.

Have a great trip Patrick.