Paradise Found - Look no further

Guest: John and Melanie Ways (Lincoln, Nebraska)
Date of Stay: 01/06/12 Review Submitted: 02/09/12

I've spent countless hours researching the best place to stay on Maui. This is it! The pictures actually do not reflect the perfection of this condo. When you walk in and see your view you'll think you are simply looking at a postcard - or the next best thing to heaven. We just came back from our 4th visit here and, to be quite honest, it has become our second home - or at least that's how we feel when we are here. The bed and linens are so comfortable - we found ourselves sleeping far too long, but the sound of the waves and the quiet comfort allowed for the most peaceful rest I've had in a long time. Can't wait to return. That should tell you something... if it wasn't absolutely perfect, we would stay somewhere else! You might not think this is important - heck, maybe it isn't to you... but having an end unit is special because you have windows on the side which allow you to be lulled to sleep by the waves AND, there isn't anyone walking past your condo sneaking a peek in your window (yep, I admit it, I do that) so you have much more privacy, and there is no noise - which is possible if you have people on both sides of you. To be honest, I've never heard any neighbor noise. I have also never smelled smokers - but the BBQ grills on the lawn sure make it nice if you want to cook and eat ocean front! The owner is very easy to work with. The on-site manager, Larry, is great. Having a private beach is unusual and wonderful. You can snorkle or surf without getting in your car. Convenient to everything, yet far enough removed from the more touristy area that you don't feel so crowded. Love the in-unit washer and dryer - allows you to pack very light and save money on baggage fees (we stayed 24 days and had all our clothes in one 24 inch duffle bag carry on - space saver bags are the trick). Enjoy this condo and keep it nice for us. :o)

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, adventure seekers, age 55+.

I want to live here!

Guest: Cindy F.
Date of Stay: 01/10/11 Review Submitted: 01/04/12

There are not enough words to express how much we loved this condo and the Hale Mahina complex. Yes, they were painting while we were there (could not use the lanai for nearly 3 days) but that did not take away very much from our stay here. We spent lots of time on the beach and in the Jacuzzi on the property and never once smelled smoke, encountered Larry the manager being rude, heard any traffic noise or any other negative aspects. We enjoyed sitting in the Jacuzzi talking with the parents of the children that were enjoying the pool. When at this beautiful condo we felt like we were all alone in the world enjoying this breathtaking view. Staying at the resorts cannot compare to staying at Sandy’s beautiful Maui home. The “rules” so to speak are just common courtesies that you would display at anyone’s home and were not a problem at all for us. We took our shoes off before entering and walking on the beautiful wood floors; we swept & vacuumed and washed the towels and cleaned up like we would at home. Sandy was great answering all of my questions and concerns before and during our stay. We also received our deposit back just as promised. Tip: We found shopping at the Times grocery store was about half of the price of Safeway. If you want the following….then this is the place for you….beautiful condo, gorgeous grounds, breathtaking views, beachfront & close to shopping, beaches and sightseeing then this is the spot for you during your stay in Maui!

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+.

I want to live here!!

Guest: Cindy F.
Date of Stay: 12/10/11 Review Submitted: 01/04/12

There are not enough words to express how much we loved this condo and the Hale Mahina complex. Yes, they were painting while we were there (could not use the lanai for nearly 3 days) but that did not take away very much from our stay here. We spent lots of time on the beach and in the Jacuzzi on the property and never once smelled smoke, encountered Larry the manager being rude, heard any traffic noise or any other negative aspects. We enjoyed sitting in the Jacuzzi talking with the parents of the children that were enjoying the pool. When at this beautiful condo we felt like we were all alone in the world enjoying this breathtaking view. Staying at the resorts cannot compare to staying at Sandy’s beautiful Maui home. The “rules” so to speak are just common courtesies that you would display at anyone’s home and were not a problem at all for us. We took our shoes off before entering and walking on the beautiful wood floors; we swept & vacuumed and washed the towels and cleaned up like we would at home. Sandy was great answering all of my questions and concerns before and during our stay. We also received our deposit back just as promised. Tip: We found shopping at the Times grocery store was about half of the price of Safeway. If you want the following….then this is the place for you….beautiful condo, gorgeous grounds, breathtaking views, beachfront & close to shopping, beaches and sightseeing then this is the spot for you during your stay in Maui!

Owner response:So great to hear -- nothing makes me happier than knowing my guests have had a wonderful experience in my beloved Maui home!

Recommended for:

A Romantic Getaway BUT...

Guest: Roma825 (Anchorage, AK)
Date of Stay: 11/12/11 Review Submitted: 11/20/11

This particular unit has been renovated and is just beautiful! The thing that really took away from our experience was the construction work on the building lasting all day... It's not ideal being woken up by a power sander every morning on your vacation.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway.

Our vacation was a 10!

Guest: Linda (Ridgefield, WA)
Date of Stay: 09/26/11 Review Submitted: 10/17/11

Thank you Sandy for letting us use your beautiful condo in Honokowai. The location was perfect. It was close enough to everything we wanted to do, but private enough to feel like we really got away from the crowds. My husband walked in to the condo, saw the beautiful view of the water, heard the waves crashing...and turned to me and said, "You done good, Girl." He doesn't impress easily, but he was impressed within the first five minutes of settling in to the unit. The bed was absolutely the most comfortable bed we have ever slept in. The couch on the deck was my little slice of heaven. What else can I say....perfect!! Thank you again.... Linda and Shawn

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, girls getaway, age 55+.

Beautiful!

Guest: Gina (Sherman Oaks, CA)
Date of Stay: 08/30/11 Review Submitted: 09/15/11

What a fantastic place to stay for a relaxing Hawaiian vacation! The condo is absolutely stunning and spending each morning out on the lanai drinking coffee and listening to/watching the waves is such a wonderful way to start the day. Same at night....nothing like listening to the crashing waves while you lay your head down to fall asleep. We didn't see any actual turtles while we were there, although you could see their heads pop up on the water from time to time, but that was completely OK. The beach and pool were very quiet and private. It had been 11 years since my husband and I took a "real" vacation and this one did not disappoint. We have been back for over a week now, and continue to talk about our next trip, which will hopefully be next year. Thank you, Sandy, for sharing your lovely home with us!

Recommended for:Romantic getaway.

Amazing!

Guest: paula & jonathan (Lancaster, PA)
Date of Stay: 05/20/11 Review Submitted: 06/08/11

We came to Maui on our honeymoon and as soon as we unlocked the door the condo was unbelievable, the view incredible everything was more than we expected! We watched beautiful sunsets & two rainbows all right from our lanai, rented snorkel gear and went swimming with huge sea turtles at our beach which we will never forget! The condo complex is very well maintained. Would love to come back again!!! Mahalo Sandy for sharing your place with us :)

Owner response:Yay! The turtles are always there and so much fun!

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, adventure seekers, age 55+.

Perfect Condo!

Guest: Melanie Ways (Nebraska)
Date of Stay: 01/07/11 Review Submitted: 01/23/11

This is our third visit and I couldn't be happier. Interesting review that mentioned smokers... I HATE smelling smoke and in the more than 50 days we have enjoyed this condo, it has never been a problem. This condo is perfect for us - and I'm pretty picky. Don't stay here if you enjoy large resorts with lots of people; you don't want your own private beach; having everything you need to feel at home at your fingertips; you don't like to hear the waves constantly; you don't want privacy; a direct view of the ocean doesn't impress you and you have seen too many turtles and whales to get excited; huge TV's in the bedroom and living room; the perfect place to enjoy sunset; eating ocean-front without the wait doesn't matter... I want those things and this condo provides it all. Thanks Sandy for sharing your perfect paradise.

Owner response:Thrilled to have such happy renters year after year! Thank you Melanie & John -- you guys are great! PS She was not paid to write this review -- she is not an actor !!! LOL

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, age 55+.

Home Away From Home--Only Better!

Guest: A&J (Los Angeles, CA)
Date of Stay: 11/27/10 Review Submitted: 01/18/11

We spent a week here for our honeymoon in Nov/Dec 2010 and it was better than we ever imagined! The location is wonderful; we were pleasantly surprised by the quality of the beach in front of the condo -- perfect for nightly sunset swims! And we were within close driving distance to everything we wanted to do. The condo itself was spectacular -- beautiful, comfortable, and thoughtfully decorated. The daybed on the lanai was worth the stay alone! Overall, our stay was amazing, and we definitely plan to visit again. There were only two negatives for me, but take them with a grain of salt, as neither of these things would affect my decision to return to this condo: This condo is spectacular; clearly no expense was spared, and I have no doubt that it is a challenge for the owner to keep everything as sparkling and clean as she'd like it. To that end, you are presented with quite a few rules when you enter the condo. None of the rules are unreasonable, but there are several, more than any other vrbo property I've ever rented. And if you're like me, when faced with a page and a half of rules, you feel a little compelled to constantly clean. The "keep sand outside" rule was a particular challenge, as Maui is an island, the condo is ocean front, and most of our activities involved water and sand. Again, this wouldn't discourage me from returning, and I can understand the owner's desire to keep this beautiful condo immaculate, but I don't necessarily enjoy feeling the need to clean all the time while on vacation. Lastly, it seemed the picnic area in front of the condo was where all the smokers in the complex congregated every day/all day, and we could smell the smoke from the lanai and from the living room. This may have just been a particular group that visited while we were there, but it was a bit of a bummer to be inhaling someone else's smoke while trying to enjoy the fresh air and scenery from the lanai. Like I said, we definitely plan to go back, and hopefully the smokers will be gone when we do. Wonderful, wonderful place!

Recommended for:Romantic getaway.

Quiet Luxury . . . Escape the Hotel Crowd

Guest: Bill (Lake Oswego, OR)
Date of Stay: 12/07/10 Review Submitted: 01/09/11

Found this sneaky fabulous property on VRBO and, not having used them before, were not sure what to expect since pictures hide and highlight what owners want to be seen. Upon arrival, we were amazed. The owner(s) describe it exactly as delivered. Beachfront, 3rd floor, end unit, Molokai on the horizon, sunsets available, village store within a few 100 yds on, frankly, the best part of the island. Beautifully appointed, this is a great place to relax (we were hit with the Island's worst rainstorm (12/9/10) in several decades). Our only glitch was the living room TV (it was Heisman week, we're from Oregon) and used the bedroom TV without issue. Frankly, that was the only time we used it. Property is immaculate and offers lawn chairs, small pool, spa and BBQs. We're big on getting out and this was a great jumping off spot - North beach, Kehei, Makena (Big beach), Haleakala crater. And EVERY restaurant we went to, whether high-end hotel or man-on-the-street food, both the service and meals were wonderful - Kehei Cafe, Star Noodle & Pioneer Inn (Lahina), Hali'imaile General Store (on way to/from Haleakala crater) and Plantation House Restaurant on the Plantation course at Kapalua. Hey, even the local Safeway has decent and affordable sushi. Finally, recommend Snorkel Bob's, down the road, for snorkeling gear (cheap, but good) and a trip to Black Beach in front of the Sheraton in Kahnapalii, if you're into that. We spent much of the morning before departing doing the required clean-up and were rewarded with a full refund of our deposit, so all's good on their word if you keep your end of the bargain. It's a month since we left and my suitcase is still packed, just in case! Bottomline, you want a nice one bedroom, comfortable, well appointed space, in a great location and close to everything (except Hana) on the island, this is your spot! Yes, we have already recommended this property to many people, will continue to do so and look forward to returning.

Owner response:TV glitch has been handled!!

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, age 55+.