While lush reefs and azure waters draw visitors to the shores of Maui year-round, the beauty of the island’s natural environment can sometimes be overshadowed by the extravagance of its resort accommodations. For travelers in search of an authentic island experience, more casual bed-and-breakfasts can provide a rewarding twist on the typical Maui vacation.
Most B&Bs feature friendly hosts who can provide guests with one-on-one attention, insider tips about island life and a unique home-away-from-home atmosphere that is often lacking in mainstream resorts.
“Guests can learn so much from their host on a personal level,” said Terryl Vencl, executive director of Maui Visitors and Convention Bureau. “Maui B&B owners are seasoned kamaaina (locals) with a wealth of knowledge about the island.”
Trading in the typical continental breakfast for a hearty, home-cooked meal and a local’s insights on nearby hot spots might be exactly what travelers need to revamp their Maui getaway. Also, B&Bs can be great options for solo travelers, as they provide a forum to meet and engage with other guests.
“Clients will likely meet travelers from various parts of the world simply by eating breakfast,” Vencl said.
Other common B&B perks include free Internet access, parking and evening snacks, not to mention lower prices so that guests can spend more on enrichment activities.
The following B&Bs — all of which offer travel agent commission — strive to provide visitors with exclusive options for a memorable Maui vacation.
House of Fountains
Located in Lahaina, this newly renovated Hawaiian plantation-style house offers five suites. Set just four blocks from the beach, House of Fountains provides visitors with a variety of beach equipment and gear. The tranquil retreat also offers guests access to a library, a yoga room and a saltwater pool, along with complimentary happy hours and breakfasts — courtesy of the inn’s live-in chef.
www.thehouseoffountains.com
Huelo Point Lookout
Owned and operated by Jeff and Sharyn Stone, this North Shore coastal hideaway has a range of accommodations, from the quaint Haleakala cottage to the two-bedroom Ocean Lookout house that can be rented independently. Visitors can pick fruits and flowers that grow on the entirely organic property, making it an ideal spot for the traveler in search of an authentic Maui experience.
www.maui-vacationrentals.com
Maui Beach Ocean View Rentals
Maui Beach Ocean View Rentals operates a B&B on a private west Maui estate situated between the resort areas of Kaanapali and Kapalua. Steps away from the ocean, Maui Beach House features three deluxe units with kitchenettes and ocean or garden views. The property is a solar-powered beachfront paradise, set apart by its serene privacy.
www.maui-beach-vacation-rentals.com
Maui Eco Retreat
On Maui’s North Shore, Maui Eco Retreat was built with ecologically friendly concepts in mind, offering unique accommodations like the bamboo cottage — the first of its kind to be permitted in the U.S. The main Opua House has individual, themed rooms for rent, all of which boast an ocean view and access to the house’s full kitchen. The secluded property’s meditative grounds include a private waterfall, swimming lagoons and hiking trails.
www.mauiretreat.com
Old Wailuku Inn at Ulupono
The Old Wailuku Inn is within walking distance of several small-town eateries and boutiques. Built in 1924 and run by Janice and Tom Fairbanks, the main house has seven private rooms and baths, a shared lanai and a living room and dining room where breakfast is served daily. The Vagabond’s House, a smaller building on the inn’s property, has three rooms, two of which feature private lanais.
Distinguished by their personalized care and authentic vibes, B&Bs may be the offbeat getaways that inquisitive travelers are searching for.
“If you’re looking for a peaceful atmosphere, delicious home-cooked breakfasts, personal attention, comfortable beds, well-appointed rooms and recommendations for restaurants and activities,” said Vencl, “book a Maui B&B today.”
www.mauiinn.com
The Details
Maui Visitors and Convention Bureauwww.gohawaii.com/maui
