Fodor's Expert Review Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club

The new, cool kid on the block opened in April 2016 as a 1960s-inspired boutique hotel with a surfing vibe. (Interestingly, it's an Aqua Hotel, but you'd never know it from its branding.) The hotel's interior design, down to the smallest touches including the typeface used on signs throughout the hotel, set it apart from the cookie-cutter resorts in the area. The builders collaborated closely with local designers to bring authentically Hawaiian touches throughout the property; some of the collaborators included the Hawaii Potter's Guild, artist Mark Chai (who designed the lamps), designer Tori Richard (who designed the upholstery), and others. Another perk to staying at Surfjack is its restaurant, Mahina & Sun’s, which is operated by renowned Kaimuki chef and restaurateur Ed Kenney. As at his other three restaurants, the menu focuses on locally sourced ingredients and seasonal foods, plus great house cocktails.

YOU SHOULD KNOW Though there is a lot of appeal for families with the sizes and affordability of the suites, this is one of those places probably best left to adults or families with older kids (who will probably love it). It’s super trendy and offers a lot to cater to adults.

room

Rooms at the Surfjack blend retro and modern to create a charming aesthetic. Each room includes air conditioning, refrigerator, and private lanai. Room options include 1-3 bedroom suites, a bungalow suite, and two different penthouses with oversized lanais. Some of the rooms are even dog-friendly.

bathroom

Chic, minimal, browns and whites, the bathrooms evoke a definite beach vibe. They include a standing shower with handheld shower head, LaBottega Davines toiletries, The Indigenous Soap Company hand soap, and Hawaiian Body & Bath soap.

lobby

The lobby area is fun and trendy, with bright colors, lots of bench and other seating for lounging, fun art throughout, and a small, unassuming reception desk. It’s very relaxed, and pulls in the pool area, the boutique, and the cafe area, making it a fun place to hang out and meet other travelers.

pool

The medium-sized pool and sundeck area isn’t large or fancy, but draws you in with the cutesie (and utterly Instagrammable) “Wish You Were Here” painted on the bottom of the pool for aerial viewers to get a chuckle at. Even though it’s not grandiose, it’s a centerpiece of the hotel with special poolside programming including talk story time and movies by the pool, board games and books to use while hanging out at the pool, and an adults-only swim time from 6 to 9 p.m. daily.

dining

Guests can find breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as happy hour and weekend brunch at Mahina & Sun’s where local foods are given a chic and contemporary twist, with a focus on locally and ethically sourced fish.

If you’re staying 3 or more nights, be sure to book direct with the hotel to receive a $100 credit at Mahina & Sun’s.

drinking

The bar at Mahina & Sun’s offers some great happy hours including their weekday Pau Hana Special (Naked Pig Pizza + 2 Maui Brewing beers for $20) from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and a 7 for 7 Happy Hour from 3 to 5 p.m. and 9 to 10 p.m. (all day on Thursday). There guests will find plenty of craft beers, fresh, vibrant cocktails, and a few off-menu items that shouldn’t be missed. It also caters to the early morning drinker, as it’s open from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. For those who need caffeine before day drinking, guests can find espresso and cold brew to-go inside Olive & Oliver boutique and other coffee drinks at the bar.