Tucked between the more luxurious and popular resorts of Kapalua and Kaanapali, there is a handful of quieter and smaller beachfront vacation condos in West Maui. Most are relatively unknown perhaps to anyone except locals and return visitors who have tired of the pretentiousness of the larger resorts.
Napili is certainly one of those places. The best properties are located makai or ocean side of Lower Honoapiilani Highway where the condos line Napili Bay and provide a quieter and more private setting for island visitors. Located at the back door to Kapalua resort, it also is walking distance to a string of some of the most beautiful beaches on the island. Although the Napili area isn’t difficult to find, many find that downloading a Hawaii travel app is very useful in getting in and around Maui. these apps are free for iPhone and Android.
Vacation condos are plentiful in Napili. The accommodations run the spectrum from plain and cozy to upscale and well appointed. Here are a couple of the more popular vacation rental choices in the Napili area.
Napili Point Resort 5295 Lower Honoapiilani Road Lahaina HI 96761 808-669-9222
Located about an hour away from Kahului Airport along a busy and well traveled coastal highway and just five minutes from smaller Kapalua Airport, this informal complex sits on a rocky outcropping along the oceanfront next to the white sands of Napili Bay. Restaurants and shopping can be found nearby in Honokowai or Kahana, and in neighboring resorts like the Kapalua Resort where world famous golf courses are just moments away. Here a car is a necessity since public transportation is next to nothing and the popular resort areas of Kaanapali and Lahaina are what many visitors gravitate to for entertainment and activities. The resort hosts many retirees and visitors from Europe and Canada. It has two pools, a small activity desk, a large unsecured parking lot and well-kept landscaped grounds. Along with picturesque views of the ocean, each of the one and two bedroom vacation rentals include fully equipped kitchens, washer and dryer, color cable TV. Décor is simple and pleasant pale tropical colors and bamboo furnishings are standard. Price: $229-$489
The Mauian Hotel 5441 Lower Honoapiilani Road Lahaina HI 96761 808-669-6209
Be sure not to blink when driving along narrow Lower Honoapiilani Road toward Kapalua. The entrance to the tiny parking lot of this West Maui hotel is well marked but the small entrance can be quickly overlooked in favor of the brilliant ocean views, and the adjacent lush tropical tree lined side streets. This two story walk-up hotel offers a simple, comfortable and casual setting with no air-conditioning, TV’s, telephones, lattes, water slides and especially larger than life attitudes. What is does have is an abundance of soft tropical breezes rustling through the palm trees and the never ending roar of the ocean waves crashing along the shore. Although there is a small pool and deck to enjoy, the real treat is the beach which has a generous sandy shorline that is safe enough for children and interesting enough for snorkeling and swimming. Each open air guest room is done in bright tropical colors and complimented with oversized rattan furnishings in natural finishes along with fully equipped kitchens. Nightly rates include continental breakfast, wireless internet access, local calls, laundry facilities and daily maid service. Price: $155-240 per night
Lottie Tagupa is a native Hawaiian, born and raised on the island of Oahu. She has been writing about Hawaii for over 10 years and currently lives in Waimea on the Big Island
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