Huelo Point Lookout

Far from the mega-resort-lined beaches and shopping malls, down a long, gravel road into the lush tropical foliage near dramatic sea cliffs, Huelo Point Lookout (permit # BBPH 2009/0015) is practically the definition of off the beaten path.

This boutique property consists of just four cottages and a small pool area, providing for a very peaceful, intimate atmosphere in a spectacular natural setting. The cottages are situated in a jungle-like tropical forest with lots of overgrown foliage, creating the look and feel of a secret hideaway. The buildings are connected by a series of wood-framed breezeways. These screened-in and covered passageways, painted with colorful murals of tropical birds and dolphins, form something of a maze around the property. It feels almost like being in a giant treehouse or secret fort, but for grownups.

The two-acre property offers room to roam, especially since there are only a handful of guests around at a time. Visitors will find gardens with fruit trees, hammocks tucked away in shady corners, and even a chicken coop with adorable baby chicks.  The service is also personal: The staff will go shopping and stock the fridge with items of your choice, for a fee. This artistic inn is a refreshing and quirky alternative to chain hotels and huge resorts on other parts of the island. It’s great for couples or families, and anyone looking for an experience that’s relaxing and memorable. However, this super-quiet property is several miles away from any restaurants or even a convenience store, so those looking for a more lively scene should probably look elsewhere. 

The long, twisting, turning road to Hana is one of the most popular and memorable activities on Maui for many visitors. Not far from the beginning of the famed Hana Highway, about 12 miles from its start in Kahului, is the tiny town of Haiku. Turn off the main road and down a long, bumpy gravel path and follow the signs to Huelo Point Lookout (permit # BBPH 2009/0015). It’s great point from which to explore the many hidden waterfalls and stunning vistas of the north shore of Maui. The closest attraction, less than a 10-minute drive away, is the popular Twin Falls, a short hiking trail with waterfalls along the way (fronted by a popular farm stand). The property is set on a part of the coast that has steep, dramatic cliffs that drop off into the sea below, and so the closest beach is about a 20-minute drive away. Huelo Point Lookout is about a 25-minute drive past the quaint little town of Paia and about a 40-minute drive from the Kahului Airport. 

Each of the four cottages is unique in size, layout, and furnishings. The cottages have several big picture windows and sky lights that flood the space with sunlight. The furniture is very beachy and reflects the airiness of the rooms, with light colors punctuated by bright tropical colors like sea blue and sunshine yellow.  All include a kitchen and open living room area. Kitchens have all the essentials including coffeemakers and dishwashers. A highlight of each cottage is the large outdoor lanai and garden area with a private hot tub.

In the Rainbow Cottage, the bathroom is tiled in bright blue from floor to ceiling, and the shower includes two shower heads. The main space has soaring ceilings and a spiral staircase leading up to the second floor, which contains a loft-style bedroom and a half bath. A small flat-screen TV and some DVDs are provided in the bedroom. Outside, there’s an enchanting outdoor shower hidden within a spiral- shaped concrete wall, adorned with a tile mosaic of sea turtles and rays.

The Lookout House is the largest cottage on the property. The top floor can be rented as a one-bedroom unit, or the whole house can be opened up to create a large two-bedroom home. It offers large lanais, in both front and the back, with a grill and outdoor dining table, great breezes and awesome ocean views from the top deck. The spacious kitchen includes a beautiful dining table made out a huge single slab of wood, brightly painted cabinets, vaulted ceilings with exposed beams, stainless steel appliances and lots of cookware. There’s an extra daybed in the sunny upstairs living room, and an enclosed porch-type living room downstairs -- both with flat-screen TVs.

The main feature is one small pool surrounded by trees and flowers. Plenty of shade and peace and quiet can be found here. There are a few lounge chairs scattered around the pool, and with only a handful of guests, you’ll never be fighting for one. A long hammock swings between two palm trees in a secluded back yard area beyond the pool.

In the gardens around the property, there are many fruit trees including organically grown bananas, papayas, mangos, guavas, limes, and lemons. There’s even a small chicken coop offering fresh eggs. There’s also a guest laundry facility available. While the amenities are few, the focus here is really on enjoying the natural beauty of Maui’s north shore. Nearby the hotel, there is an excellent ocean-view coastal walking path. A short walk down the road leads to a path through fields with grazing cattle, ending at the steep ocean cliffs with dramatic views looking up and down the coast.