Maalaea Banyans 105

Hotel Description

You know what struck me first about Maalaea Banyans 105? The location is honestly perfect if you want to be right in the thick of things without dealing with the Wailea resort crowds. I mean, you’re literally steps from Ma’alaea Harbor – and I’m talking like a two-minute walk to where all the snorkel boats and whale watching tours launch from. That’s huge if you’re planning to hit Molokini Crater or do some serious whale watching during season.

The condo itself feels like someone’s actual vacation home rather than a sterile hotel room, which I really appreciated. It’s got that lived-in comfort that makes you want to kick back with a beer on the lanai after a long day at the beach. Speaking of the lanai – the view isn’t going to blow your mind like some of the clifftop places, but you can actually see the harbor activity and catch glimpses of the ocean, plus the whole setup faces west so sunsets are pretty decent. The kitchen is properly stocked too, not just the bare minimum you sometimes get in vacation rentals. I actually cooked dinner a few nights because, honestly, eating out every meal on Maui gets expensive fast.

What really works about this spot is how it sits right between the action and the quiet. Ma’alaea can feel a bit sleepy compared to Lahaina or Kihei, but that’s actually the point – you get the authentic local vibe without the tourist circus. The Maui Ocean Center is right there if you’ve got kids or just want to geek out about marine life, and the Ma’alaea General Store has surprisingly good plate lunches and local snacks. Parking was never an issue, which sounds boring but trust me, after trying to find a spot in Lahaina on a busy day, you’ll appreciate it. The trade winds flow through this area really nicely too, so even when it’s blazing hot elsewhere on the island, there’s usually a decent breeze keeping things comfortable. Only real downside I noticed was that being close to the harbor means you’ll hear boats heading out early in the morning – but if you’re planning to be on one of those boats anyway, it’s more like a helpful wake-up call.

Rooms

• One Bedroom Apartment with large double bed, 1 large double bed, sofa bed and 1 sofa bed for 4 adults

Reviews

• Jason from United States (7/10)

  Location. Access to ocean. Size of Condo. Amenities of condo. Private. Check in process.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities