Days Inn by Wyndham Maui Oceanfront

Days Inn Maui Oceanfront sits on a phenomenal stretch of Pacific Beach, with surfing, snorkeling, swimming, and whale watching steps from the rooms. Lush tropical plants and flowers surround the grounds. At the entrance are two island totem poles, an example of the island decor that makes this chain motel unique. The lobby is small and cluttered, with a cluster of wicker chairs and a coffee table covered by a lovely quilt. A computer station and a bank of tour brochures round out the area, but this is not a gathering place. The grounds offer a private lawn with lounge chairs for chilling out in the sun, and there are two charcoal grills with picnic tables for guests' use.

Sarento's on the Beach is a romantic, open-air Italian restaurant serving dinner only, recognized as one of the best restaurants on the island. Walls are painted mustard and wine and hung with huge mirrors and modern art. But the eatery’s breathtaking Pacific views are the star. Tables are set with simple white tablecloths and a private dining room is set aside for special events. Ceiling fans keep diners cool.

The hotel is located on the South Maui coast, right on Keawakapu Beach, a three-mile crescent of sand voted the island's most romantic beach. The restaurants and shops of Kihei are two miles away, and famed Wailea Golf Club is three miles south. The hotel overlooks the Pacific, with views of Haleakalā volcano in the distance, and is about a 30-minute drive south from Kahului Airport. Parking at the hotel is free. 

Rooms here are small, big enough for two guests with one queen bed per room, no doubles. Decor is basic, but there are pretty blue quilts on the beds and island art on the walls. Microwaves, in-room safes, flat-screen TVs with premium channels, and mini-fridges are provided as well. Keep in mind some rooms get lots of traffic noise. Air-conditioners are set into the wall, but some guests have found them noisy also; ceiling fans are an alternative. Certain suites have full-sized kitchens. Bathrooms are tight, with showers only and free toiletries. 

Days Inn Maui Oceanfront has a small, narrow fitness center that feels cramped but has a few cardio machines and a selection of weight equipment for dedicated exercisers. There’s a TV in the space, but the machines face a blank wall and are close together. Outside, picnic tables and charcoal grills are available for guests who want to have cookouts. A coin-operated laundry room is on hand as well, and Wi-Fi in the lobby is free. Sarento's on the Beach is a romantic, open-air Italian restaurant serving dinner only -- it's recognized as one of the best restaurants on the island and draws guests who aren't staying at the hotel. Private access to the gorgeous public beach is easily the best feature at this budget-property.