Location: Interior ground floor unit toward the ocean-end of G building [NOT right next to parking lot OR walkways] offering direct access to the beautiful grounds/pool/grills/ocean out the back door instead of messing with stairs. Outdoor furniture is comfy and large enough for a family. While at first glance the upper-level oceanfront buildings may seem enticing, don’t discount views of the lush grounds with trees, flowers, ponds AND the ocean, along with the usability of walk-out access. Plus, G106 has unobstructed sunset views right from the lanai!
Quality: Clean and welcoming upon our arrival. Well stocked kitchen with coffee maker, toaster, blender, rice cooker and plenty of kitchenware/gadgets; even a cookie sheet to get the fish to and from the immaculately kept grills in the pool area (note: buy fresh fish, or prepared deliciousness, from The Fish Market Maui a block away). Furniture is in great shape, everything was in good working order, beds are comfy, and bedrooms offer decent storage, oscillating and ceiling fans and A/C. There is also a ceiling fan and A/C in the living room which all worked beautifully in the August heat. Dishwasher and washer/dryer in the unit along with beach towels were a plus. Frig has water in the door and an ice maker. Hideaway couch, if needed. Lots of books/games/beach gear.
Communication: Owned by a small, independent group. As such, communication with Don was extremely timely, personal, and effortless. The entire process couldn’t have gone smoother. I didn’t worry a bit.
Convenient Papakea Resort:
Lush, extremely well-maintained grounds with lots of natural color, well thought out accessways and tree-covered parking. Relatively quiet property with friendly staff, water bottle-filling station, easy check-in/out, and tiki torches from sunset to 10pm. The resort fronts the ocean with a sea wall (not a beach), although if you walk south just past Papakea “L” building you can access the beach right there on property and walk all the way down to Black Rock – perfect at sunrise. 15 minute drive to excellent snorkeling.
If you are on the fence, book it while you can and thank me later. Without question or hesitation, I will start here when we return to Maui. As we walked down the beach by all the high-rise condos, I was thankful every day that we found the intimacy of Papakea and G106 specifically. Quiet, beautiful, beyond convenient, in great shape, well-stocked AND excellent owners to work with? Search. Over.