Review: Hāna-Maui Resort

Where are we exactly?
The Road to Hana is an epic drive along Maui’s eastern coast, one marked by winding roads, incredible rainforest scenery, secret beaches, and waterfalls galore. While you can make the trip in a day, it’s recommended that you spend the night in Hana to fully take in all the glorious sights along the way. And, in that case, the only place to lay your head down is the Hāna-Maui Resort.

What's the backstory?
The Hāna-Maui Resort opened in 1946 as the Ka'uiki Inn by an entrepreneur from San Francisco. Back then, the property only had six rooms, but today, Hāna-Maui Resort has 74, most of them bungalows and cottages, spread out on the edge of the coast. Although the new owners modernized the property in the early 2000s, Hāna-Maui Resort still feels like an old-timey getaway, probably due to the fact that there are no clocks, no TVs, and no air-conditioning (there are ceiling fans). Thankfully, though, there is Wi-Fi. The Hāna-Maui Resort is set to undergo a renovation from Hyatt to bring the hotel up to modern luxury standards. But in-room TVs may not be added so as to keep the resort's offline vibe.

Any advice for which room type to book?
To maximize the experience, book an Ocean bungalow with a generously sized lanai and up-close-and-personal views of the ocean. Larger suites are available for families; there are also a few condo units with multiple bedrooms and full kitchens.

Anything to know about the food?
The main dining option is the Hana Ranch, an all-day open-air restaurant overlooking Hana Bay, which also delivers in-room dining. Guests can also pick up fresh snacks at the hotel's gift shop and order Hawaiian-themed cocktails by the wellness pool.

How did the staff treat you?
This is a small, intimate resort with very attentive service.

Who stays here?
Adventure-seeking guests who’ve done the Road to Hana and are looking for some serious relaxation after their trip.

How's the location? Is there anything else nearby?
Hana is a rather remote town and while there's plenty of daytime exploring to do nearby, like the Hamoa and Koki beaches, there's not much of a nightlife. However, a handful of local food trucks and a farmers market have popped up just a short walk from the hotel, making them a convenient stop for local bites. Hana Farms, a tropical farm, bakery and restaurant a few miles away by car, is also worth checking out for its Bamboo Hale Grill and Pizzeria, which serves freshly-made pizzas such as the Porky Pine topped with pulled pork and pineapple.

Is there anything you'd change?
The decor could use an upgrade.

What else do we need to know?
Getting to the resort from Kahului Airport will take about two and a half hours by car, or you can book a 14-minute flight on the hotel's very own private plane, a Cessna 208EX.

Bottom line.
The Hāna-Maui Resort is pricey, commanding nearly the same rate as newer resorts in Wailea and Kapalua and with a $38 resort fee. But the off-the-grid feeling and the incredible sunrises can be worth it.