The Plantation Inn
174 Lahainaluna Rd., Lahaina, Hawaii, 96761, USA, Lahaina, Hawaii, USAWhy We Like It
The inn, with all of its Hawaiian decor and vibe, is utterly beautiful. It’s small, quiet, and provides plenty of intimacy and comforts to create a truly memorable visit. It’s also a nice change of pace from the larger condo hotels and resorts. The free breakfast served poolside is an especially nice treat.
Fodor's Expert Review
Ten minutes from the beach, this tropical plantation-era inn is a fine value for those who want to be in the heart of the action—which means easy access to shops, sights, and restaurants, but also that there may be noise from the town. Poster beds topped with Hawaiian quilts, free parking in bustling Lahaina, and complimentary gourmet breakfasts from Gerard's, the inn's on-site French restaurant, are just some of the perks to staying here. Standard rooms can be small, so splurge for the suites, especially those with secluded lanais hugging a central courtyard housing the pool. Special touches like stained-glass windows and historic photographs of Lahaina add charm. Some suites have kitchenettes and large double showers.
You Should Know This B&B is an adults- only property.
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Room
There are 14 guest rooms and 4 suites across the two buildings that make up the inn. Configurations, views, and lanai inclusion varies from room to room, with guest rooms housing a queen-sized bed and suites with king-sized beds. Each room includes free WiFi, air conditioning, mini fridge, and most have private lanai. Decor exudes old Hawaii charm, down to the traditional quilts on the beds.
Tip Even without an ocean view, choosing a room with a lanai adds a lot to the charm of the room and really helps to open up the space.
Bathroom
Bathrooms can be a bit snug (though larger in the suites), but carry that elegant charm from the room. They include pedestal sinks, tiled floors, and tiled showers.
Lobby
There isn’t much of a lobby at the inn, rather a small registration desk staffed by friendly employees.
Pool
The small tiled pool and hot tub sit in the middle of a tropical foliage-filled courtyard that connects the two buildings of the inn to one another. There are a few tables and loungers surrounding it.
Dining
No stay at the inn is complete without having dinner at Gerard’s, one of Maui’s most award-winning restaurants. The french restaurant is only open from 6 to 9 p.m. nightly (with suggested seating between 6 and 8 p.m.), so you may want to make your reservation the same time as booking your room. All guests receive a daily poolside breakfast as part of their stay. It’s a lovely spread from Gerard’s that will beat almost any free breakfast on the island.
What's Nearby
Getting Around
It’s easy (and preferable) to explore Maui’s smaller towns by foot, but to get to them and around the island, you’ll need to rent a car. If you plan on exploring the Road to Hana, get something with a little extra horsepower (but not too big as the road can get very narrow).
Restaurants
Enjoy fine dining while practically sitting in the ocean and relaxing with the sea turtles at Mala Ocean Tavern (5-min drive) -- this restaurant is so close to the water that at some tables you can feel the surf splashing your toes. The fresh, vibrant menu is not only full of locally-sourced items and lots of fish, it also features a gluten-free menu. Wine choices are fantastic, as are the cocktails with a few special martini options.
Dining at The Mill House (29-min drive) should top any Maui itinerary, giving guests the chance to enjoy innovative, beautiful, locally sourced dishes. Add to the food a variety of fun cocktails and a massive wine list all wrapped up with clever, beautiful styling, and it’s hard to pull yourself away. An extensive happy hour from 2 to 5 p.m. gives guests the chance to try a variety of small plates and drinks. The views of the clouds wisping by the west Maui mountains and the fun duck pond off the patio makes the dining experience even more special.