Vacation Rentals by Owner

It's Absolutely Stunning

Guest: MERT AND NOLA
Date of Stay: 05/07/12 Review Submitted: 05/18/12

DEAR JIM AND MIMI: I JUST WANT TO THANK YOU TWO , FOR SHARING YOUR HOME WITH US. IT IS ABSOLUTLY STUNNING. THE VIEW IS SPECTACULAR. AS I TOLD YOU OVER THE TELEPHONE, THE MISTAKE WE MADE WAS STAYING IN HONOLULU FOR A WEEK AND IN KONA FOR ONE WEEK. WE SHOULD HAVE STAYED THE 3 WEEKS IN MAUI AT YOUR ABODE. THE WEATHER WAS PERFET, WE NEVER TURNED ON THE AIR CONDITIONER. WE NEVER USED THE LOFT, BUT WE DID CHECK IT OUT/ YOUR PLACE IS BEAUTIFUL, IT LACKS NOTHING. WE LEFT IT ALMOST AS CLEAN AS IT WAS WHEN WE ARRIVED. YOUR MAID SERVICE HAD IT IN EMMACULATE CONDITION. WE HAVE NOTHING BUT COMPLIMENTS FOR YOUR MAUI HOME. FROM THE LIVING ROOM IT APPEARS THAT THE RESIDENCE IS SITTING IN THE OCEAN.. WE HAD GORGEOUS SUNSETS. THANKS AGAIN.

Recommended for:

My First Trip to Maui

Guest: First Timers (Calgary, Alberta)
Date of Stay: 04/07/12 Review Submitted: 04/25/12

We were very happy with the condo we stayed in. The owners were wonderful and got us plenty of information in advance, which assisted us in planning our vacation. The beds were comfortable, the kitchen was stocked with what we needed, it was clean and uncluttered, and the view was incredible! The only thing that we needed to pick up were boogie boards, as the last people who stayed there must have taken theirs. That was completely insignificant though, and we would definitely recommend this spot to our friends and family. Thank you again for a wonderful holiday experience!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, sightseeing.

Everthing We Could Have Wanted

Guest: Donna & Bob
Date of Stay: 03/21/12 Review Submitted: 05/18/12

I wanted to tell you both what a wonderful time we had in Hawaii, 3/21 thru 3/29, especially being our first time. Let me start with your condo, it was AWESOME, it was EVERYTHING we could have wanted and having a washer & dryer what a treat. It was very very clean and had plenty of room for the three of us. The view from our lanai was so WONDERFUL it was probably the best part of the trip and we did see whales jumping out of the water everyday we were there. We went to the Hyatt Regency Luau and enjoyed it allot. We had dinner at Bubba Gump Shrimp and really liked our meal. We went on the Reef Dancer submarine and enjoyed it. We had lunch under the Banyan tree, one tree is like a whole park. Drove the Road to Hana, it was very scenic and beautiful waterfalls. Enjoyed a cruise and snorkel trip. The weather was a real treat, getting away from Winter in Spokane, Washington. We want to THANK YOU both very much for sharing your Hawaii home with us.

Recommended for:

Amazing!

Guest: Girls Trip! (Minnesota)
Date of Stay: 02/02/12 Review Submitted: 04/25/12

We stayed at this condo on our girls trip to Maui and it was amazing! The views from the balcony are incredible. We were able to drink our coffee in the morning and our cocktails at night and watch the whales! There were always chairs at the pool and the beach is right there! Great location for restaurants too - we walked to Dukes on numerous occasions and they have great food and atmosphere! We would recommend this to anyone and hope to return to enjoy the condo and views! Mimi & Jim were so nice and gave us great suggestions on things to do and places to go in the area. So easy to work with and the condo was amazing! Thank you for sharing your gem with us!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Wonderful Unit!

Guest: Sunshine (Palmyra, WI USA)
Date of Stay: 11/14/11 Review Submitted: 12/04/11

My husband and I stayed mid November, 2011 and loved the resort. When we first walked into unit, we both, went "ahh, this is neat!!" My husband is 6'3" and he loved the ceilings/doors in unit..they were all at least 10', so it felt very roomy. The unit was very clean and adequate, all the amentities were there also. We utilzed the pool and hot tub very little as we were off on adventures daily, but when we did utilize, everything was VERY nice. We would highly recommend the resort and unit to anyone. We saw many sea turtles and a few whales in front of resort also. This location was close to Lahaina and shopping, much was within walking distance.

Owner response:Dear Lisa & Corey, Thanks so much for taking the time to submit this review. I know future guests really like to read about other's personal experiences. I'll always remember you as the folks who got the pic with Steven Tyler. I sent it to all my friends! Thanks again and we'd love to hear from you when you're ready for your next trip to Maui. Mimi

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Paradise !!

Guest: NevadaNative (Reno)
Date of Stay: 10/14/11 Review Submitted: 12/15/11

I'm sorry this review comes so late...but since we sadly landed back on the mainland our little feet have not stopped! What can I say about this condo? The description was accurate!! The minute we arrived, our shoes were off and we were on the patio! The view is outstanding. Every morning and every evening was a different beautiful picture postcard. Mimi sent us places to go and things to do, places to shop and a list of must sees. We read the little diaries from other guests and got lots of ideas from them as well. We zip lined, sailed, snorkled, sun bathed, snorkled, sun bathed and did I say snorkel ?? The property shares with another resort next door, so our kids went over to that beach a lot and paddle boarded and just played. The people at Papakea were so helpful from the concierge to the groundsman. We slept with the patio door open every night and just snuggled in the comfy bed and listened to the waves crashing in. The condo had everything you could ever imagine to use. We needed to buy nothing but groceries, which we did at the grocery store across the street from papakea....much cheaper than the safeway in kaanapali. We did a lot of barbequing down by the pool and brought it up to the patio and ate many dinners with a beautiful view. We found a little organic store with a farmers market just down the street to the left from the resort. We went to Hana, Lahina, Napili....we went so many places and was still able to rest!!! All in all the place was magnificant. We will stay again next time we go!!!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

recent stay at papakea resort, maui

Guest: jen (surrey, canada)
Date of Stay: 08/16/11 Review Submitted: 09/06/11

recently spent two great weeks at papakea,location could not have been more convenient, grocerey shops, easy access to lahaina, walking and swimming beaches on the doorstep. The grounds were well laid out with a very open and non busy feel, the convenience of the bar b q's made meals really easy. condo and grounds very well maintained, having the two level condo made for perfect arrangements for a family with two pre teens, we all had our own space. On site expedia representatives helped with last minute activity bookings, restaurant reservations and general information. Honolua bay, 15 minutes north is a wonderful, quiet, sandy, swimming beach with great snorkeling. The condo owner, Mimi, sent a very comrehensive package of local information with maps which we put to good use. We felt very welcome and quite at home, would not have a problem recommending papakea. this unit in particular has the million dollar view.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

DisneyFans

Guest: DisneyFans (Idaho)
Date of Stay: 07/19/11 Review Submitted: 08/19/11

Our favorite part of this property was being on the ocean front. It was wonderful to know exactly what we were getting, based on the pictures-just as expected but even more beautiful in person. The condo was clean and comfortable and felt like "home". Mimi made booking the property a personal and pleasant exerience, like we already knew her. We certainly enjoyed being close to everything but removed from the hustle and bustle. My family enjoyed the nearby shopping and dinining in Lahaina each night after our day activities. We also enjoyed the beach next to the Papakea but also had fun exploring others for snorkeling and body boarding. We would definately recommend this property to others, as it has all the ammenities of home you could ask for, as well as location, charm and wonderful owners. Thanks for sharing your beautiful place with us. Can't wait to return!

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway.

Absolutely had a million dollar view!

Guest: Sue (Lombard, IL)
Date of Stay: 06/26/11 Review Submitted: 07/14/11

Loved this resort property and condo unit!! It was the perfect vacation for my husband and I and our two teenage daughters. So much better than a crowded hotel resort and we felt very secluded and private. Loved the 2 pools and BBQ grills they had to offer.....not to mention the fabulous grounds at the Papakea. The lanai was the best place for morning coffee, evening cocktails - really anytime! The owner was SO helpful when we were planning our trip and we would definately go back!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Wish I was back on the lanai with my morning coffee.... :)

Guest: Mary (Huntington Beach, CA)
Date of Stay: 04/16/11 Review Submitted: 05/25/11

When I first went to VRBO to begin searching for where my family should stay on Maui, the choices were overwhelming! But once I took a look at the description, photos, and reviews of this wonderful island home, I just couldn't find another listing that compared. Before I finalized my decision, I contacted Mimi via email to ask a few questions.....she was SO friendly and inviting and open to ANY question I had, and remained that way up until the day we left on our trip. Each time I contacted her she replied quickly and with so much helpful information on what to bring, where to go once we arrived, places to see, etc. It was FUN communicating back and forth with her, and my first morning there I was so enthralled with the view from the lanai that I sent her a picture from my phone to share in the excitement! :) Our two teenagers shared the loft and each had their own bed. It was their little escape and they loved it. The home is decorated with local art and knick-knacks and was so clean and comfortable. My personal favorite spot was the spacious anai as the view is indescribably beautiful. If we weren't out and about on the island, that is where my husband and I would be. If you are lucky enough to be there when there is a full moon, be sure to wake up extra early and enjoy the "moonset"....I have never seen anything like it. Take time upon your arrival to review the "guest books" where you will find an entry from me and the many other happy travelers who have stayed here. I found such great advice here (and added my own personal favorites) on places to eat, shop, and visit while on Maui. We made some wonderful family memories here and someday I would LOVE to return. Aloha! :)

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway.

A Piece of Paradise

Guest: Al & Jan (Maryland)
Date of Stay: 01/08/11 Review Submitted: 02/18/11

This is our second stay at Mimi & Jim's condo and you just couldn't ask for more. We eat breakfast on the lanai and watch whales, toast each other on the lanai while watching incredibly beautiful sunsets, listen to the surf as we fall asleep, and entertain friends who stay in the spacious second bedroom in the loft. This is truely a piece of paradise and quite the refuge from the snows on the East Coast. The unit is exceptionly well maintained, and the kitchen has been upgraded since our first stay. Doing busines with Mimi and Jim is a pleasure in and of itself. The reservation and payment process is painless, they answer any and all questions and provide lots of information on the unit, the Papakea Resort, things to do in the area, and places to eat. In addition, all our friends and family members who have stayed with us love the place. We highly recommend staying at Mimi & Jim's condo and plan on returning.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Phil & Wanda
Date of Stay: 07/07/10 Review Submitted: 08/09/10

Mimi and Jim, Just wanted to let you know how much we enjoyed our stay in L-407. Your place is beautiful and we felt so at home within minutes of arriving. Everything was perfect and we felt so fortunate to have been able to celebrate our 31st wedding anniversary there. We would love to return to your lovely Hawaiian getaway in the near future - for a much longer stay! Mahalo, from your Canadian friends.

Recommended for:

Les and Lorna's experience staying at Mimi and Jim's beautiful Maui condo

Guest: Les and Lorna (Calgary, Alberta, Canada)
Date of Stay: 11/19/09 Review Submitted: 07/28/10

We have stayed at Mimi and Jim's oceanfront condo twice during the last few years. It doesn't get better than this! The condo is so well equipped, spotless, tastefully decorated and comfortable. Mimi and I corresponded back and forth several times to find a time that was suitable for us. She was very helpful and accommodating. The entire booking process went very smoothly, as did our experience once we arrived at Papakea. Staying at this condo right on the ocean has really spoiled us for staying anywhere else in Maui, even though we don't need two bedrooms for the two of us now that the kids aren't with us anymore. We loved having meals out on the lanai, watching the boats, parasailers and windsurfers go by. It was great to have such amenities as two pools, hot tubs, putting greens, koi ponds and lots of barbecues available, as well as being able to swim in the ocean right there. We would highly recommend this condo for anyone that wants a lovely place to stay. It is in a great location, close to Lahaina and not far from Whaler's Village. We look forward to having many more visits at this beautiful condo.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

comfy condo with spectaular sunsets

Guest: MK (Racine, WI )
Date of Stay: 09/03/09 Review Submitted: 10/04/10

This property is perfectly located within the Papakea resort and has spectacular sunset views. It is right on the ocean and close enough but not too close to the pool. It was clean, comfortable,well equipped, and the owners were very helpful answering questions and offer suggestions about restuarants and things to do. You will not be at a loss for things to do on this beautiful island. We would stay here again in a heart beat.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

OUR JUNE 2009 STAY AT PAPEKEA PROPERTY #18866

Guest: Nick (Palm Springs, CA)
Date of Stay: 07/09/09 Review Submitted: 07/28/10

My female partner, my 30 year old daughter and I had the pleasure of staying in the Papekea Resort, Condo (Property #18866) for almost two weeks in June of 2009. Prior to that, we had not been back to Maui for approximately 10 years. But our 2009 stay was well worth the wait....and the Property #18866 Condo, with the absloutely breathtaking ocean view, made our trip to "Paradise" even more enjoyable, and even more special than we had hoped for. The Owner's description, in their listing, was extremely accurate including all photos which accurately reflected the exact appearance and amenities of their Condo. And, the Condo was VERY clean and VERY well maintained....and "equipped" with everything necessary (including assorted water/beach "toys") to make our stay completly enjoyable. The owner could not have been more helpful (before, during and even the day of our departaure) in answering our questions, providing us with articulated info about EVERYTHING in Maui we might be interested in and, more importantly, accomodating us on a departure day flight delay situation. We would DEFINITELY recommed this property to a friend and/or relative. Primarily because the Condo, and the view, is even more spectacular than the owner's description BUT also because the owners are very attentive, very caring, VERY cordial Host/Hostess. Nearby activities we would recommend? Far too many to mention here but among our favorite restaurants would certainly be Pacific O, Longhi's, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co and we had a spectacular Father's Day dinner at the old "Swan Court" (I do not recall the "new name" of the restaurant) in the Hyatt Regency in Kaanapali. Our favorite activities included the nearby Aquarium and the Jet Ski rentals in Kaanapali....and, of course, shopping and hanging out in La Haina.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Unbelievably amazing view with a beautiful interior

Guest: Brian (Rancho Santa Margarita, CA)
Date of Stay: 07/08/09 Review Submitted: 12/11/10

My family and I have stayed multiple times at this property. We have told so many of our friends about it and when they see the pictures, they don't believe the price. I would easily spend $400-$500 per night for a view like this. However, it goes beyond the view. It is decorated in a classic Hawaiian style with comfort and class in mind. My wife and I prefer to sleep in the loft so we can go to sleep and wake up to the soft crashing waves that are only 50 ft or so from the condo. During the whale season, we spotted at least a few dozen whales from the balcony. Mimi has stocked the condo with every possible thing you might need. Beachchairs, bandaids, boogeyboards....you name it. The boys and I love to take the putters and go to the putting course. We also enjoy barbecuing down by the pool while the boys swim....its the perfect way to spend an evening. The last thing I would say is that you learn a lot about a place from the people who own it. The Donahues are so friendly and accomodating and they truly want each and every guest to have a wonderful, memorable stay at their incredible condo.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.