Hana Kai Maui

Imagine a highway that runs along the dramatic coast of north Maui, with hundreds of twists and turns through jungle waterfalls and past cliffs – this is the famous Road to Hana, one of the most popular attractions on the island. The road itself is an epic journey, and at the end lies a quaint little town with only a handful of options for accommodation – one of which is Hana Kai Maui.

Hana Kai Maui consists of condos, with studio, one-, and two-bedroom options, all with spacious lanais and ocean views. The oceanfront units especially offer spectacular unobstructed views of Hana Bay, a black sand cove and pebble beach. Guests can expect the sound of the ocean on a pebble beach, right outside their window. Hopefully it is a sound that you find soothing, as there are no TVs or media in the rooms. As the hotel explains: “In order to maintain peace and tranquility, we have chosen not to have televisions in rooms. Enjoy the natural sounds of surf as you sleep!” This anecdote is a good example of the overall vibe of the property: super relaxed and all about being in the moment on this remote, beautiful, rustic shore. The buildings are arranged on a nice plot of land with a series of koi fish ponds and waterfalls on one side. With just 18 condos, the small property maintains a serene, intimate vibe.

The small, quaint town of Hana is one of the most remote and isolated places on Maui. It is located on the far eastern tip of the island, accessible only via the Hana Highway, a famed twisting 52-mile road that winds its way along the coast and through the rainforest. Also known as the Road to Hana, this highway passes through dozens of hairpin turns and one-lane bridges as it carves through the forest, so driving time will typically take between two to three hours from the airport. Most travelers will want to stop along to way to explore the many waterfalls and ocean vistas, so make sure you leave plenty of time to get to Hana before dark.

Hana Kai Maui is located on a unique black pebble beach on Hana Bay, close to the center of town. The town, which only consists of a handful of shops and restaurants and a general store, is about a 10-minute walk. There is one gas station and no big supermarkets here, so it’s a good idea to stock up on groceries before arriving. There is one small beach in walking distance of the hotel, but several fantastic sights are within a short drive, including Red Sand Beach, Koki Beach, and the super pretty Hamoa Beach. Haleakalā National Park is a 25-minute drive farther down the road, where travelers can find hikes and a site known as the Seven Sacred Pools.

Hana Kai Maui has just 18 rooms, which include studio, one-, and two-bedroom condos. Every unit has an ocean view and a private lanai to enjoy the nice breezes. The nice, large lanais are a highlight of these condos, all of which have a good amount of space and a table and chairs. Each room is individually decorated, though overall the condos are contemporary in style with dark wood furniture and island-inspired patterns. The rooms feature warm colors and cozy, homey furnishings. Natural-inspired elements are integrated, such as wicker bucket chairs, and one cottage even has the walls covered in thatched bamboo material.

The rooms do not have air-conditioning. There are ceiling fans and large windows which can be opened to receive a great breeze. Each condo has a small kitchen that comes fully equipped with stove, oven, microwave, toaster and blender. The one-bedroom units have large picture windows from the bedroom into the living area that allow for lots of light. The Premium category rooms have updated kitchens with a dishwasher and some stainless steel appliances, as wells as vaulted ceilings and better views. The bathrooms offer Meyer’s soap and locally made coconut-based shampoos and bath products, which can also be purchased at the front desk. The Oceanfront category rooms are more spacious, and have the best views.

While the rich natural setting and amazing views are one-of-a-kind, the amenities at the property are few. There is no pool, hot tub, or fitness room. There is a small laundry room for guests to use next to the reception desk, and breakfast service can be ordered and delivered to the room at a time of the guest’s choosing. The main common space is a nice picnic area with several tables and a large barbecue grill that is built into the stone. In front of the picnic tables, there is a large, green grassy lawn area with a few padded lounge chairs that face onto the bay.

The most unique feature of this property is the black pebble beach – a long beach which is covered in black volcanic sand and topped with large pebbles or stones that cover the entire shore. While not ideal for laying down on a towel, the beach is great for walks and exploring. The large pebbles slide down the banks of the beach as the waves roll in, and make the sound that could be recorded for a relaxation tape. Free Wi-Fi and parking are included in the rates.