Driving the Road to Hāna is the stuff road trip legends are made of. With more than 600 twists and turns (no, I didn’t count), getting to Hana is an adventure. But a stay at Hāna-Maui Resort—that’s where the relaxing vacation part kicks in.
Hotel options in Hāna are limited, especially if you’re searching for something upscale. Hāna-Maui Resort, A Destination Hotel by Hyatt, is the only major resort in town.
Fun Hana History
Most recently known as Travaasa Hāna and before that Hotel Hāna, when the property originally opened in 1946, it only had six rooms. Founded by San Francisco entrepreneur Paul Fagan, he brought his minor league baseball team (the now-defunct San Francisco Seals) to Hāna for spring training.
Accommodations
The resort features 66 rooms and bungalows spread across just as many primo oceanfront acres. As the name implies, Garden Suites feature garden views, a king or two queen beds, a dining table, a wet bar, and ample space to spread out and get comfortable.
But in my opinion, the real reason to stay at Hāna-Maui is found on the other side of the resort, where the ocean bungalows are located. They’re a splurge for sure, but the ocean views are distinctive. I stayed during humpback whale season (approximately mid-December through mid-April), and I couldn’t take my eyes off the water, squealing with seemingly every spout.
Amenities are consistent in all room categories. Expect a generous patio or lanai, a small refrigerator, and an Illy pod-based coffee machine. Only three accommodations have televisions, so if that’s important, be sure to book accordingly.
Public Spaces and Facilities
An open-air gym overlooks the quiet garden pool. During my stay, guests interested in making a splash gravitated to the pool that overlooks the ocean. Complimentary meditative sound bath sessions and guided yoga practice are offered daily. There are also bikes, tennis, and pickleball courts available for guest use. I didn’t get to visit, but the on-site spa offers a range of therapeutic treatments.
You cannot get to a beach from the resort. A complimentary shuttle runs guests to and from Hamoa Beach a few times a day. The trip takes about 10 minutes. Guests can make the drive on their own, but parking at the beach is limited. So, if you don’t get an early start, it’s likely best to let the resort handle the driving. Be respectful to folks who live nearby when visiting.
Depending on where on the property you are staying, it’s approximately a half-mile walk to Hāna Bay Beach Park. Both are nice beaches, but Hamoa has a more secluded and remote vibe.
Complimentary laundry machines make it easier to pack light. On request, housekeeping will leave detergent in your room.
Dining Options
Located steps from the lobby area, the Restaurant at Hāna-Maui Resort is open for breakfast and Sunday Brunch only. Selections range from a traditional Hawaiian Loco Moco (beef patty, rice, gravy, two eggs any style) and avocado toast to Eggs Benedict.
Grab-and-go breakfast sandwiches, pastries, and more can be ordered from the takeout window at Hāna Ranch Restaurant. It’s a short walk across the street from the accommodations, but Hāna Ranch Restaurant is a tasty, casual spot to enjoy dinner. The smash burger and baby back ribs were among the favorites at my table the night I dined at the restaurant.
Hāna is well-known for its food truck scene. There are a couple of food parks within an easy walk of the resort, worthy of exploring during a stay.
- Get a Car Rental
- Buy Travel Insurance
Good to Know
Kahului Airport is more than 50 miles away. Give yourself plenty of time to make the drive. On the Road to Hāna, that’s likely two-and-a-half to three hours behind the wheel.
There are two garden rooms and two ocean bungalows adapted for guests with mobility disabilities. Assistive listening devices can be requested when booking.
Rates start at $450. Be sure to budget for the $45 daily resort fee. There is also a daily $20 self-parking charge that seemed excessive to me, given the location.
Check rates for Hāna-Maui Resort online at Expedia, Booking.com, Agoda.com, or Hotels.com.
Review and photos by San Francisco Bay Area travel writer and television correspondent Dana Rebmann. Her stay was organized by Hana-Maui Resort, A Destination Hotel by Hyatt, and the Maui Visitors Bureau, but as always, her thoughts and opinions are her own.
