Review of Honua Kai Spa and Resort

The resort is very nice with covered underground parking, a water slide, a kiddie pool area, steps from the beach, bbq area and world famous Duke's Restaurant. Our particular unit had a kitchen and two bedrooms. We spent most nights eating at Duke's or one of the other restaurants at the surrounding resorts (Westin, etc.).

The resort has a very nice entry where you are eventually (a mere 100 feet in) greeted by a water fountain and grand view of the ocean. The room was clean and our unit had bodyboards and other beach gear and was nicely appointed with Bosch appliances and a washer/dryer. Our particular unit had an extra room that was turned into another guest room (so it had previously been kind of a study, but the new owners of the condo put in a door, which it made it very convenient). We booked through KBM and they were on top of things throughout our trip, we even got a unit that had garage parking. The only drawback was that guest services never once brought us new towels, we had to wash the ones we had in the washer dryer, I believe because unless you book through the resort you are on your own in that respect. Ultimately it wasn't a big deal.

Our first night we attended a Luau (Drums of the Pacific) at the Hyatt and enjoyed the show and feast. It was a bit warm (hey it is Hawaii) so it became more pleasant as the sun went down. They paraded a fully cooked pig out and there were MaiTais galore. It was really fun and enjoyable.

My 10 year old and I were able to travel up to Haleakala and do some zip-lining at Upcountry Maui Zipline. I would definitely recommend you do the treetop route as opposed to others as it is really exhilirating and the views are great. My 10 year did every run without any issue! They offer guided only tours and the guides we had were very energetic and safe.

Another day the family took a yellow submarine tour on the Reef Dancer to see some of the local fish, we even saw a turtle! Being rather hot that day, we did enjoy the fact the sub was air conditioned. Overall it was a quick trip on the sub and the divers did go out and bring by some fish for us to view. I don't necessarily know if I would do it again, but it was fun for the kids.

The resort of Honua Kai located right on the water (as are many in the Ka'anapali area of Maui). It is at the Northen end of resort row on Ka'anapali, so you will likely need a vehicle to get around. Very near the resort is a great make your own pancake restaurant called Slappy Cakes. It is difficult to get a seat as they are crowded so go early. It was very interesting making our own cakes, although as an attorney I can see possible liability here, but hey they have been around for awhile so I guess it works for them.

Another night we took a dinner cruise on Hawaii Ocean Project. It was pretty good food and they had one gentleman playing guitar for everyone. Keep in mind a dinner cruise will be windy so bring a light jacket.

The last night we spent we dined at Kimo's in downtown Lahaina. It is a well-established local and tourist favorite and we highly recommend you give it a try.

Overall: our 10 day/night stay at Honua Kai was pleasant and inviting. The nicely appointed rooms enabled us to cook some nights and of course do laundry as needed (3 kids and 2 adults).

Pros: great location, Duke's on site, well-appointed rooms for reasonable fees, great pool area, inviting lobby.

Cons: guest services not attending to or cleaning our room, again it was likely due to the fact we booked from a 3rd party.