Hana-Maui Resort

I've lived on Maui since 1974 and had never stayed at the Hotel Hana (now the Hana-Maui Resort, after many incarnations over the years). For my birthday, I splurged on an oceanfront bungalow (I remember when the houses for the Hana Ranch workers were in that location and there were only the hotel rooms). It's a physically gorgeous place, and the local folks who work there (some of them 2nd. & 3rd. generation) are wonderful. However, what they don't tell you is how far away the bungalows are from anything (even the swimming pool), and that the beautiful restaurant/bar in the hotel, that I remembered fondly, is open only for breakfast these days. For lunch or dinner, you have to cross the main road, and go up a hill to the Hana Ranch Restaurant (which I remember as a takeout plate lunch place), which doesn't have the same ambience (but the same prices). Also, over the 4 days we were there, they could never get the room phone to work, which is the most efficient way to book a ride on one of the golf carts to go pretty much anywhere on the huge, hilly property. And there was no microwave oven in the room, only a refrigerator and coffee maker. Considering the distances involved from any food source, that would have been useful (I've stayed at $150/night hotels that provided them). The property is one-of-a-kind, but not worth the outrageous prices.

Old, falling apart, never upgraded resort. This is, at best, a 3 star hotel. Sad, because it has some of the best views in the world. Restaurant on-site has hit bottom -- only open for breakfast. One degree above Denny's. Staff is superb, is the only thing good I can say. You pay a ton of money, you get floors and furniture that belong in a Holiday Inn.

Hana Maui by Hyatt is pretty much the only show in Hana town. As we saw it, when there's no competition, there's no reason to upgrade the facility. Its very expensive for what it is. Room is huge, but not an efficient use of space. Very clean but tired. Staff is very attentive and friendly and helpful. Did I say its pretty much the only show in town. Not even a bar on the premises. Its across the street in the only sit down restaurant in town - owned by the resort. No big deal to walk there. Breakfast on premises is ok. Nothing special, but expensive. Good coffee though.

We have been lucky enough to be upgraded to a bungalow. Would I have known how nice they were, I would have booked that! We were there for only one night and I regret it. This hotel is so peaceful, so beautiful, it's heaven on hearth. And the service we received there was amazing.

As travel agents, we were checking out the resort for clients. We were blown away from the beginning. Check in was smooth, the shuttle driver hunter was amazing, the SPA! 10/10. Best sunrise in Maui