Aston at Papakea Resort

Hotel Description

You know what caught me off guard about Aston at Papakea Resort? It’s actually way more chill than I expected for a place that sits right on the Maui coastline. I mean, when you first pull up, it doesn’t scream luxury resort – it’s got this laid-back, almost residential vibe that honestly works in its favor. The buildings are spread out in a way that makes it feel less crowded, even when the place is pretty full.

The thing about Papakea is that it sits on this stretch of coast where you get incredible sunset views without the Front Street chaos that tourists usually deal with. You’re basically in Honokowai, which – if you’re not familiar with Maui – is sort of the sweet spot between Lahaina’s tourist madness and Kapalua’s resort prices. I actually ended up spending most evenings just hanging out by the oceanfront pool area, watching the sun drop behind Lanai and Molokai. The sound of waves hitting the rocks below is constant but not overwhelming, you know? It’s like white noise that actually helps you sleep instead of keeping you up.

What really sold me on the place was how it handles that tricky balance between being a proper resort and feeling like somewhere you could actually live for a while. The units – and honestly, they’re more like condos than hotel rooms – have full kitchens that you’ll actually want to use. This matters more than you’d think because there’s a decent Foodland just down Lower Honoapiilani Road where you can grab everything from poke to those weirdly good Hawaiian rolls. The beach situation is interesting too – it’s not your classic sandy paradise, but the snorkeling right off the rocky shoreline is surprisingly solid. I saw more sea turtles here than at some of the more famous spots.

I’ll be straight with you though – this isn’t the kind of place where someone’s bringing you mai tais by the pool. The service is friendly but pretty hands-off, which I actually preferred. Check-in was smooth, parking is free (thank god, because resort parking fees are getting ridiculous), and the Wi-Fi actually works throughout the property. The trade-off is that you’re not getting those polished resort touches – the landscaping is nice but not manicured, and some of the units show their age a bit. But honestly? For the price point and that 8.2 rating, it delivers exactly what it promises without trying to be something it’s not. Plus, you’re literally a five-minute drive from some of the best fish tacos on the island at Honokowai Okazuya – locals will know what I’m talking about.

Hawaii hotels range from charming beachfront bungalows in traditional Polynesian style to elegant oceanfront luxury resorts and modern accommodations with panoramic Pacific views.

Rooms

• Queen Studio with Garden View with 1 large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Queen Studio with Ocean View with 1 large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Oceanfront Studio with 1 large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• One-Bedroom Suite with Ocean View with 2 × 1 extra-large double bed and 1 sofa bed for 4 adults, 3 children
• Oceanfront One-Bedroom Suite with 2 × 1 extra-large double bed and 1 sofa bed for 4 adults, 3 children
• Two-Bedroom Suite with Ocean View with 2 × 1 extra-large double bed, 2 × 1 large double bed, sofa bed and 1 sofa bed for 6 adults, 4 children
• One-Bedroom Suite with Garden View with 2 × 1 extra-large double bed and 1 sofa bed for 4 adults, 3 children
• Room Selected at Check-In with 1 large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Suite with 2 × 1 large double bed for 6 adults

Reviews

• Malia from United States (9/10)

  Loved that this was a 10/15 minute walk to the boardwalk with golden sandy beaches + jewel toned blue waters wonderful for snorkeling.

• Laura from United States (8/10)

  The garden was beautiful.

• Jennifer from United States (7/10)

  The view was beautiful and relaxing

• Alondra from United States (9/10)

  The beautiful views, home like environment, pool are is amazing with great views to the ocean.

• Ysias from United States (9/10)

• Loksze from United States (9/10)

  The waterfront location was great

• Ricand from Chile (9/10)

  Close to the beach, with swim pools and all the items described at Booking. com
  The laundry was very good.

• Clay from United States (9/10)

  Great view from balcony

• Michelle from Australia (8/10)

  Was in a great location. Loved having a big apartment with good facilities. Beautiful beach (saw a monk seal on beach in front of resort next door). Beach walking track close by. Shops and food trailers within walking distance. Good value for the area.

• Dan from United States (9/10)

  Beautiful waterfront and grounds

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities