Vacation Rentals by Owner

Lovely studio with beautiful lanai

Guest: Jesse (Sacramento, CA)
Date of Stay: 04/16/12 Review Submitted: 04/23/12

The secret garden studio was really wonderful. We loved having breakfast and after-dinner drinks on the lanai, and were able to cook meals when we wanted to. The surrounding area is very nice, but we drove to the beach rather than walking. The apartment was clean, comfortable, and had everything we needed. We'd definitely go again!

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

Awesome condo

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 04/06/12 Review Submitted: 04/16/12

Our stay at the Secret Garden exceeded our expectations. This is an extremely comfortable condo and is in a great location. We have been frequent VRBO users for over 10 years and without a doubt, this was the cleanest place we have ever stayed. The furniture is comfortable, especially the bed which often is not the case in many other places. There was everything we needed (great beach chairs and cooler) and the condo was nicely upgraded and decorated. The beautiful plumeria trees outside the lanai added quite a tropical feel. The assigned parking space in front of the condo was quite convenient. Gail provided a helpful list of suggested activities and restaurants which was quite valuable. We would certainly recommend this condo and hope to return again soon -- this is excellent value for your money.

Recommended for:Age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Secret Garden One Bedroom

Guest: David C.
Date of Stay: 03/29/12 Review Submitted: 04/07/12

Upon our arrival, we were amazed at how beautiful this one bedroom condo is. Pictures on the web site cannot even come close to describing the actual beauty of this place. This condo unit was very well maintained and exactly what were were looking for as a couple without children. Every day we enjoyed breakfast on the lanai with the sounds of the beautiful birds surrounding us. The condo had updated appliances and furnishings which made our stay very enjoyable. It had everything we needed from a washer/dryer to a stove and coffee pot. (Not to mention beach towels, chairs, bags, and a cooler). The kitchen was stocked with dishes ample for two people to enjoy. The Grand Champions resort is nestled in Wailea and is close to everything especially the beautiful Wailea Beach. Gail and Leon were very helpful and accomodating with all of our needs and questions. The Grand Champions resort is very well kept and all of the guests that we met were very friendly and helpful. The security guard on staff was very friendly and he was always around which provided a safe and comfortable feeling. He even went to the extreme of offering us suggestions on making our stay even more enjoyable. We will definitely be back in the future and highly recommend this resort to others.

Recommended for:

great quiet retreat

Guest: sharon (saskatoon, saskatchewan, canada)
Date of Stay: 02/10/12 Review Submitted: 03/04/12

Thank you Gail and Leon! We loved the condo. It was very comfortable and had everything to make our stay very enjoyable. We also appreciated your hospitality. The hints list of where to go and what to see was great-our only regret was not getting out to canoe! Next time!! Great condo, nice and quiet. Our daughter especially liked the pool and hot tub.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Home away from home

Guest: michelle:) (vancouver, wa)
Date of Stay: 11/24/11 Review Submitted: 01/10/12

My husband and almost 2-year old daughter and I stayed in the secret garden apartment for 6 weeks. The apartment was perfect when we arrived and had everything to be comfortable. We loved the living room sofa which had a chaise section which made watching movies almost too comfortable. No 2-person tiny furnishings. The full-size kitchen was equipped for preparing any meal. There's tons of closet and drawer space. The bed was comfy with high thread count sheets and both down and polyfill pillows. Spacious bathroom with large marble walk-in shower with rain showerhead and riverrock floor. Having a full-size washer and dryer that worked well made life easy. There are 2 flat screen tvs, one in the bedroom and the living room. Gail's instruction list was perfectly detailed. We really didn't have any questions cuz everything was covered well. The pool areas were really nice with bbq's available. We would definitely recommend to others and we would stay here again.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Home away from home

Guest: michelle:) (vancouver, wa)
Date of Stay: 11/24/11 Review Submitted: 01/10/12

My husband and almost 2-year old daughter and I stayed in the secret garden apartment for 6 weeks. The apartment was perfect when we arrived and had everything to be comfortable. We loved the living room sofa which had a chaise section which made watching movies almost too comfortable. No 2-person tiny furnishings. The full-size kitchen was equipped for preparing any meal. There's tons of closet and drawer space. The bed was comfy with high thread count sheets and both down and polyfill pillows. Spacious bathroom with large marble walk-in shower with rain showerhead and riverrock floor. Having a full-size washer and dryer that worked well made life easy. There are 2 flat screen tvs, one in the bedroom and the living room. Gail's instruction list was perfectly detailed. We really didn't have any questions cuz everything was covered well. The pool areas were really nice with bbq's available. We would definitely recommend to others and we would stay here again.

Owner response:Mahalo Rick and Michelle, We so appreciate you taking the time to submit a review on behalf of the Secret Garden Apartment. And, we are pleased you enjoyed your stay and found the apartment to provide all you needed for your extended stay with family. We are very grateful to have guests such as you who take beautiful care of the apartment. We sincerely hope we have the opportunity to welcome you and your family again in the future. Mahalo, Gail and Leon

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

The Secret Garden

Guest: Kandy (Cathedral City, CA)
Date of Stay: 11/01/11 Review Submitted: 11/15/11

We stayed in the Secret Garden from Nov 1 -8, 2011. The condo is very comfortable with everything you need for a wonderful time. The king bed is very good with wonderful linens. Loved the bedroom set that is beautiful. Lots of storage. Going to the beaches are very close and there is beach equipment there to use. Kitchen is well equipped with all your needs. Looking forward to our next time in Maui.

Recommended for:Age 55+, romantic getaway.

Very Enjoyable Rental of VRBO Rental #58293!

Guest: Harry (Hayward, CA / East San Francisco Bay Area)
Date of Stay: 09/29/11 Review Submitted: 10/10/11

My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed the time we spent in Wailea, Maui renting the "Secret Garden Apartment" otherwise known as VRBO rental listing #58293. The friendly owner was quite helpful in making certain our stay in Maui was as pleasant as possible. The apartment itself is lovely and well-appointed. Excellent instructions were provided concerning the amenities offered by the apartment and Maui in general. We fully recommend this apartment to anyone planning a stay in the south Maui area. Go for it!

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

Maui Condo is the best!

Guest: Jewels (Regina, Sk. Canada)
Date of Stay: 04/02/11 Review Submitted: 04/20/11

We loved our stay in "the secret garden" Grand Champions in Wailea. This condo had everything we needed to make our 2 week stay our home away from home. With just minutes to the best beaches in Maui, we enjoyed the beautiful sand on our feet for our morning walks and the breathtaking sunsets every evening. We used the well equipped kitchen to create gourmet meals almost every night and enjoyed our Maui coffee on lani in the mornings. We have great memories to keep us going until we get back again next year! Maholo Gail & Leon for creating such a beautiful space for your guests. Julie & Lorne

Recommended for:Age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Great holiday!

Guest: Norm and Lucile (Ottawa, Ontario CANADA)
Date of Stay: 02/11/11 Review Submitted: 02/27/11

We loved "our" secret garden. Arriving jetlagged, tired and admittedly cranky, it was hard to get a feel for the apartment, but when my husband woke me up the next morning so I could see the garden and hear the birds, we were absolutely hooked. Scheduled to stay for only a week before heading to Honolulu for our second week, from day 1 we wanted to stay there. The location is great, across the road from the Shops at Wailea, close to a pretty good pizza place Matteos and other restaurants,) certified that we are truly addicted to our devices - but we loved it - driving our friends crazy with daily updates of our time in Hawaii. This was our second time to Maui in 5 years, so we mainly relaxed. We did a whale watching tour, visited Lahaina and generally sat back and relaxed. Dealing with Gail these last few months was a pleasure. The quiet pool was terrific (we are pool people) - great place to meet and chat with people. My only complaint is that that the refrigerator is slightly damaged on the outside door, which seems like a petty comment, but it bothered me upon first seeing it, mainly since as mentioned above I was tired and cranky. Kitchen was extremely well stocked with basics and spotlessly clean. You really do need a car in Maui, and I enjoyed driving to the safeway, a big deal for me as I rarely feel comfortable enough to drive on holiday. - We are hoping to go back (maybe even in 2012).

Recommended for:Age 55+, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 12/17/09 Review Submitted: 12/17/09

We had a wonderful time. The apartment is gorgeous. The pictures don't really do it justice so we were surprised when we arrived because it's truly luxurious. Gail's suggestions were fantastic and my only complaint is that the time went by way too fast.

Recommended for:

Guest: tom kidder (Eugene Oregon)
Date of Stay: 12/17/09 Review Submitted: 12/17/09

This was the third time we have stayed in the secret garden apt. Each of our visits are absolutly excellent. We have been to Maui at least thirty times over the years and found the secret garden condo two years ago, our plans will include staying at the secret garden condo on each of our future visits. Everything was excellent. Thank you

Recommended for:

Guest: Maui Runners (Chicago, IL)
Date of Stay: 10/06/09 Review Submitted: 10/05/09

Thank you for accommodating us so beautifully, Gail. What a delightful getaway! We truly appreciated all of the modern amenities as well as the location. We look forward to returning soon. Mahalo!

Recommended for:

Perfect Maui Getaway

Guest: Maui Runners (Chicago, IL)
Date of Stay: 09/21/09 Review Submitted: 10/05/09

Conveniently located and all the modern amenities of being at home. The unit was very clean and included everything needed for a day at the beach. Gail was a joy to work with and provided great dining & activity suggestions.

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

Guest: Newman & Denise C.
Date of Stay: 06/04/09 Review Submitted: 06/03/09

We had a horrible delay in our flight...18 hours....so when we arrived, it was so easy to get to your place and relax. Great amenities...rice cooker was a plus for us. Thanks, Gail. We will refer this condo to everyone.

Recommended for:

Guest: John & Margaret
Date of Stay: 05/30/09 Review Submitted: 05/29/09

Thank you for the wonderful, relaxing vacation home. We couldn't ask for more and it's very difficult to make ourselves go back to the airport. The condo is perfect, quiet and clean. We can't wait to come back again. Aloha and Mahalo,

Recommended for:

Guest: Nancy & Roger Van Duzer (Park City, Utah )
Date of Stay: 05/01/09 Review Submitted: 05/01/09

Lovely, convenient and comfortable accommodations for an 8 day retreat from the mud season in Utah! Great access to all activities, dining and shopping! We will be back!

Recommended for:

Guestbook Comment

Guest: Diane R. (Winnipeg, Canada)
Date of Stay: 04/01/09 Review Submitted: 04/12/09

Aloha Gail & Leon, Thank-you for a fantastic 7 week stay in your Secret Garden condo. We definately felt very comfortable and it was truly a home away from home. We want to personally thank-you Gail & Leon for your kind hospitality and making our stay comfortable and very relaxing. Even though we were there for 7 weeks it went by so quickly. We enjoyed listening to the birds every day. It is indeed paradise and the grounds are so beautiful and well maintained. We met some wonderful people while barbecuing. We look forward in returning for another long stay in your lovely condo. Mahalo,

Recommended for:

Good value for money

Guest: Sloo (Stuttgart, Germany)
Date of Stay: 10/22/08 Review Submitted: 11/04/08

Very nice condo. Well located with good amenities. Made our stay on Maui pretty enjoyable.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway

Guest: Kim & Steve R.
Date of Stay: 05/16/08 Review Submitted: 05/15/08

Thank you for such a wonderful stay in the Secret Garden. This is our 3rd time back at your condo and everything was perfect, as usual. We had a great anniversary (#4). It was so good to finally meet both you and Leon. We will miss the birds on the lanai (as well as the chicken!). And, we enjoyed seeing the deer again on the golf course after sunset. We will be back back!!!! Thanks again.

Recommended for:

Guest: Erin B.
Date of Stay: 05/03/08 Review Submitted: 05/02/08

Aloha and thank you for your hospitality! What a wonderful place to stay and a great backdrop for my 30th birthday celebration in Maui. I plan on coming back as soon as humanly possible. Again, many, many thanks. Mahalo!

Recommended for:

Guest: Barbara L.
Date of Stay: 04/26/08 Review Submitted: 04/25/08

This place is a paradise on earth! The furnishings are so lovely and appropriate for Maui. Enjoyed the aquarium, snorkeling with my son Matthew and his wife Kristin and four children. I love the orange and grey bird I see every morning.

Recommended for:

Guest: Randy, Brynda & Zoe B.
Date of Stay: 04/10/08 Review Submitted: 04/09/08

Thank you for the great place to stay. The location was perfect and the amenities for time at the beach were awesome! Zoe really enjoyed using the boogie board and the pail & shovel for making her very first sandcastle. With any luck, we will be looking forward to our next trip to Maui and our next opportunity to stay at this perfect "Island Retreat".

Recommended for:

Guest: Chris & Shannon H.
Date of Stay: 03/28/08 Review Submitted: 03/27/08

Thank you very much Gail & Leon for such a lovely place to spend our time on Maui. Quiet & Convenient! You have thought of everything here and we appreciated it very much. We'll definitely be back.

Recommended for:

Guest: Cynthia & Peter Q.
Date of Stay: 03/25/08 Review Submitted: 03/24/08

We found the Secret Garden perfect for our needs - quiet privacy & relaxation. It was so convenient to our favorite beach (Big Beach) and we endorse your recommendation of Spago's. Also recommend: road to Hana and Haleakala Crater. Again, mahalo, Gail & Leon! We cannot wait to visit this place again and will recommend it to others.

Recommended for:

Guest: Tony & Chris L.
Date of Stay: 02/22/08 Review Submitted: 02/21/08

Thank you so much for your continued hospitality. Each visit keeps getting better and better making it harder and harder to leave. We love being able to feel as if you condos are our home away from home. Maui is a magical place. Thanks for sharing your piece of it with us. Much peace and aloha. C-Ya next year!

Recommended for:

Guest: Clay & Nancy T.
Date of Stay: 02/12/08 Review Submitted: 02/11/08

It was great meeting Gail and hanging out with Leon. I have to especially thank Leon for setting up the fun tennis matches. The condo was perfect for our style of vacation and we are already looking forward to our next trip. Thanks alot!

Recommended for:

Guest: Larry & Melinda P.
Date of Stay: 01/12/08 Review Submitted: 01/11/08

Mahalo, Gail, for all your expert tips for enjoying our stay at the "Secret Garden". Our favorite beach was Keawakapu and our favorite Maui shopping was Makawao for the local art. Your condo was just the perfect spot to spend the last week of our holiday. Thanks again.

Recommended for:

Guest: Donna & Paul S.
Date of Stay: 01/04/08 Review Submitted: 01/03/08

Thank you, Gail! We really enjoyed your well equipped condo. We love Wailea...the sun, greenery, shops and beaches. We loved "Big Beach" in Makena, the snorkeling trip to Molokini, the ProAm for the Mercedes Championship, breakfast/lunch or light supper at SeaWatch, Antonios for Italian and Matteo's for eating in. We hope to return for our 5th trip!

Recommended for:

Guest: Eric
Date of Stay: 12/28/07 Review Submitted: 12/27/07

I wanted to personally thank you, Gail, for providing an excellent vacation rental condo. I stayed there 1 week, 13-20 December and I had an excellent time. It was one of the few times that a place booked sight unseen turned out to be better than expected. I especially feel glad that you took the time to write out carefully detailed notes and suggestions to all the guests. A great big mahalo from me. (received by email 12-28-07)

Recommended for:

Guest: Kim & Erick
Date of Stay: 10/09/07 Review Submitted: 10/08/07

Gail & Leon, We loved our stay here! The condo is adorable & we used the pool to cook dinner every night. We enjoyed walking through the shops & hotels each a.m. but didn't do much more than lay around on the beach~the perfect honeymoon. Now we're off to Kaanapali, but hope to return soon.

Recommended for:

Guest: Sara & James
Date of Stay: 08/30/07 Review Submitted: 08/29/07

Aloha Gail, My son and I enjoyed the comforts of your condo. It made a lovely homebase as we reacquainted ourselves with all Maui has to offer. Mahalo for all your prompt replies to our queries and for all the information you provided to help make our stay enjoyable.

Recommended for:

Guest: Steve & Kim
Date of Stay: 05/13/07 Review Submitted: 05/12/07

This was our 2nd trip back to stay at Grand Champions and your Wailea Escape apartments. Again, your condos are lovely! We enjoyed the sunset views and cocktails at the Renaissance (*Note: the Renaissance has now closed and is being rebuilt as time shares--very sad) as well as most of the Wailea beaches. Just after sunset we would walk up to the top of the complex to the golf course and watch all the deer come out to graze each night. What a sight. We went back upcountry to enjoy the winery. Thank you again. PS Pita Paradise is awesome!

Recommended for:

Guest: Gary & Candis
Date of Stay: 04/01/07 Review Submitted: 03/31/07

Our vacation in Maui was so much better than we ever expected. Maui is heaven on earth! We weren't able to pack all that we wanted to in 1 week, so darn, we'll have to come back. We were blessed with perfect weather and were able to see whales, dolphins and sea turtles! Gail, your condo is wonderful and we will recommend it to friends and family. Mahalo!

Recommended for:

Guest: Margie & Bill
Date of Stay: 01/31/07 Review Submitted: 01/30/07

Our 1st trip to Maui was 5 years ago and we stayed at the Sheraton in Kaanapali. We just can't compare---Wailea wins overwhelmingly! Lots of choices for everything. We loved Ulua Beach and Makena Beach. Absolute Must Do's: ~Mama's Fish House (but, VERY EXPENSIVE) ~Iao Valley (only 40 minutes North) ~Warren's Magic Show in Lahaina ~Haleakala Nat'l Park & Crater Grand Champions Villas and your Secret Garden was our lovely, peaceful home away from home. What a WONDERFUL week! Mahalo!!!

Recommended for:

Guest: Steve & LaVisa
Date of Stay: 01/23/07 Review Submitted: 01/22/07

I don't know how we could have had a more enjoyable time for our first trip to Maui. The accommodations were wonderful and your directions/information most helpful. We enjoyed a luau in Lahaina, a whale watching cruise and most of all tons of beach and snorkeling. We want to return---soon! Mahalo

Recommended for:

Guest: Jim & Jerri
Date of Stay: 12/09/06 Review Submitted: 12/08/06

FABULOUS---SIMPLY FABULOUS! My husband planned a beautiful 50th birthday for me and we also celebrated each other! And...we rocked on. Gail, you've been great. Thank you (Mahalo) for your gracious living space and for your newsy letter about what to expect! We spent our fabulous last day at the Grand Wailea Spa with hydrotherapy and a couple's massage...truly an event to get to the heart of why we're here - each other and de-stressing! I don't know what I enjoyed more - hanging out in the Secret Garden or venturing to wild beaches, Hana, and our favorite, Mama's Fish House, in Paia. We're going home refreshed, energized and on top of the world! Mahalo.

Recommended for:

Guest: Bruce & Jenny
Date of Stay: 12/09/06 Review Submitted: 12/08/06

Mahalo for making our stay in Hawaii a special one. We really enjoyed the condo. It was fully equipped! We hope we will be able to come back again.

Recommended for:

Guest: Bethanie & Evan
Date of Stay: 12/09/06 Review Submitted: 12/08/06

Mahalo. We had a wonderful stay. This is our 2nd trip to Maui and we enjoyed it as much as our first. You condo is very comfortable and inviting. We plan on returning again next year. On our last day we spent the morning snorkeling at Polo Beach, swam with a turtle and watched dolphins swimming....a wonderful experience.

Recommended for:

Guest: Jen & Billy K.
Date of Stay: 12/09/06 Review Submitted: 12/08/06

Thank you for the use of your perfect garden villa! It is beautiful, homey and the ideal spot to explore the island. We loved every minute of our first trip to Maui and, of course, can't wait to come back.

Recommended for:

Guest: Mark & Cindy
Date of Stay: 12/01/06 Review Submitted: 11/30/06

Mahalo for your hospitality and help in making this vacation great! Your Secret Garden is beautiful. Your kindness and guidance made our time perfect. Maui is truly paradise! Thanks for sharing.

Recommended for:

Guest: Mary Lu
Date of Stay: 10/07/06 Review Submitted: 10/06/06

What a perfect setting for a much needed rest. We love your "Secret Garden". Thanks for letting me be a part of paradise. Loved Wailea - upscale from the other parts of the island. Enjoyed great tours and exploring the island - feated at Buzz's Wharf, didn't care for Matteo's, but all of the other restaurants you suggested are tops! Amenities were great!! Aloha and Mahalo.

Recommended for:

Guest: Beate & family
Date of Stay: 08/26/06 Review Submitted: 08/25/06

These were 10 wonderful days in Maui before going to Big Island. This area has wonderful beaches, sunsets and lots of activities. The condo is well located and well equipped. ...especially loved the boogie board! Maybe we once have the chance to come back some day. Aloha and Mahalo!

Recommended for:

Guest: Jim & Cheryl
Date of Stay: 08/14/06 Review Submitted: 08/13/06

This "Secret Garden" was the perfect escape for us as we shared this vacation with our children, spouses and grandchildren (14 in all) We all had condos in the Grand Champions and found it the perfect spot for all ages. The beaches were plentiful and perfect for boarding and snorkeling. Found a great place for lunch and breakfast - Ashley's Cafe on Piilani Hwy.

Recommended for:

Guest: Bill & Jean
Date of Stay: 08/02/06 Review Submitted: 08/01/06

We had a great 2 weeks here in Maui. The condo was well equipped. There's nothing we missed! We especially appreciated the beach umbrella. We enjoyed SeaWatch for breakfast and lunch. Great view! Took the Trilogy trip Lanai. Great! Mahalo.

Recommended for:

Guest: Steve & Julie
Date of Stay: 07/19/06 Review Submitted: 07/18/06

The Grand Champions and your condo is a wonderful and beautiful place to vacation in Maui. The location and opportunities in this area are great! We loved the pool after our morning scuba dives and all the amenities of your comfortable condo. We agree with your recommendation of Cafe O'Lei for dinner and would add a recommendation of "Five Palms" for drinks and watching the sunset (food great, too!). Mahalo.

Recommended for:

Guest: Diane & Don
Date of Stay: 07/05/06 Review Submitted: 07/04/06

It was a great place! We celebrated our 50th Anniversay here and we had family and friends all over the complex. My grandchildren made great use of the pools. The condo had everything we needed. Thank you for providing all the comforts of home. Your hospitality is greatly appreciated.

Recommended for:

Guest: Dwayne & Loann
Date of Stay: 05/27/06 Review Submitted: 05/26/06

Thanks for letting us share a piece of your paradise. This place felt like home with all the things we need. Our trip to Hana was incredible, but it was interesting how we couldn't wait to return to our condo here again. We definitely recommend this stay to our friends and family. Thanks so much.

Recommended for:

Guest: Marc & Janis
Date of Stay: 03/24/06 Review Submitted: 03/23/06

What a little slice of paradise you have right here in your "Secret Garden" condo. We had a wonderful time and your condo could not have been better. Our last full day we finally got that brilliant blue sky & Maui sunshine. Despite the clouds and some rain, we had a fantastic stay. Our last evening we had dinner at Capische?. Our best meat yet! Thanks for the suggestion. Sure hope to return to this same spot some day. Thanks for everything.

Recommended for:

Guest: Richard & Wanda
Date of Stay: 02/01/06 Review Submitted: 01/31/06

Mahalo for your hospitality and kindness. May all of your days be "Maui" ones. Thanks, Leon and Gail, for a great vacation. See you in Sonoma County.

Recommended for: