Maalaea Banyans by Coldwell Banker Island Vacations

Hotel Description

You know what caught me off guard about Maalaea Banyans? It’s not your typical Maui resort experience – and honestly, that’s exactly why I ended up loving it. This place sits right in Maalaea, which most people just drive through on their way to the airport, but they’re missing out on something pretty special here. The condos themselves are managed by Coldwell Banker Island Vacations, so you’re getting that local expertise rather than some corporate chain experience.

The location is actually genius once you figure it out. I mean, you’re literally steps from Maalaea Harbor where all the snorkel boats and whale watching tours launch from – no more of that crazy early morning drive from Wailea or Kaanapali just to make your 7 AM departure. The harbor area has this authentic, working-waterfront vibe that feels refreshingly real compared to the polished resort zones. Plus, you’ve got the Maui Ocean Center right there (honestly one of the better aquariums I’ve been to), and when you want proper beach time, Kealia Pond is just down the road with those long stretches of sand that locals actually use. The trade winds really whip through this area, which keeps things cooler but also means it can get pretty breezy – just something to know if you’re planning to set up an elaborate beach setup.

What really sold me on this place was how it strikes this perfect balance between being comfortable and not trying too hard. The 4-star rating feels spot-on – everything works, it’s clean and well-maintained, but you’re not paying for marble lobbies and infinity pools you’ll never use. The condos themselves have that lived-in vacation rental feel where you can actually spread out, cook real meals (the local fish market is literally a five-minute walk), and not feel like you’re camping out in a hotel room. Parking was straightforward, check-in was handled efficiently, and the whole setup just felt… easy, I guess? That 9.0 rating makes total sense when you consider you’re getting authentic Maui living without the resort markup or crowds. The only thing I’d warn people about is that this isn’t going to be your Instagram-perfect tropical paradise spot – it’s better than that, it’s real Maui life where you can watch the sunrise over Haleakala while sipping coffee from your lanai, then walk down to catch a boat to Molokini Crater without dealing with resort shuttles or tour desk upselling.

Visitors often choose Hawaii apartments over traditional hotels because they provide more space, kitchen facilities, and the opportunity to live like a local in this magnificent Pacific paradise.

Rooms

• One-Bedroom Apartment with extra-large double bed, 1 extra-large double bed, sofa bed and 1 sofa bed for 4 adults
• Two-Bedroom Apartment with 4 × 1 large double bed for 4 adults
• Standard Apartment with extra-large double bed, 1 extra-large double bed, sofa bed and 1 sofa bed for 4 adults
• Superior Apartment with 2 × 1 large double bed and 2 × 2 single beds for 4 adults

Reviews

• Sebastien from France (9/10)

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities