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| Property | Island | Type | The Doctor's Advice |
Bambula Inn
 | Maui | Inn | Meet Pierre- a French man with a Hawaiian mission. Make sure everyone gets into the Aloha spirit! Laid back, yet organized, he and his partner offer 3 efficiency suites near downtown Lahaina, with classic tropical plantation ambiance. Media articles called them a 'best value'. He takes you out sailing, tells you in any of three languages what's up in town, and makes you feel welcome from the moment you arrive. Fills fast, book early.... more |
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| Property | Island | Type | The Doctor's Advice |
Hale Hui Kai
 | Maui | Condo | One of my favorite Kihei properties. Like the Kihei Sands, it is a small complex, wood framed, right on the beach, which speaks to an earlier era when land prices weren't so exhorbitant.
A herringbone arrangement ensures that everyone at least faces the beach, even if the greenery obscures the views from the lower and back units. Still, the direct ocean front units are far and away the most desirable, partly because of a nicer layout.... more |
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| Property | Island | Type | The Doctor's Advice |
Hale Kai O'Kihei
 | Maui | Condo | 70's built modest beachfront property, located off the main drag on Uluniu Rd., but still close to shops. The trick here is to know which unit you'll be getting, and I work with owners who have maintained and upgraded their units properly. For about $100, you can be sitting on your lanai staring out at the unobstructed sunset view over the Pacific. The beach is narrow, water shallow, and there is sometimes a seaweed problem, but you can get wet, and kids will be happy as clams.... more |
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| Property | Island | Type | The Doctor's Advice |
Hoyochi Nikko
 | Maui | Condo | A small complex done up in Japanese style. Oceanfront. Very well decorated 1br units with a/c in the bedrooms for terrific prices. Also nearby- The Kuleana, Hale Kai, Hale Ono Loa- all with similar pricing.
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| Property | Island | Type | The Doctor's Advice |
Kahana Sunset
 | Maui | Condo | A family friendly condo, low rise and woodframe, located on its own beach! Ideal for small children... more |
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| Property | Island | Type | The Doctor's Advice |
Kamaole Beach Royale
 | Maui | Condo | I actually do book people here, despite the fact that the decors are strictly 1970's pre Laura Ashley, in plain jane units in a nondescript tower. Why? Price and location. A block up the hill from Kam 1 beach, with clear views over the mini-malls to the ocean, and prices from $90. Also, it is one of the few places with 3br units. Ali'i Kai, across the road, does as well, but no views to speak of...
If you are looking for affordable ocean view in central south kihei, and don't mind a slightly geriatric ambiance, this will work. But don't be looking for stainless steel appliances and granite countertops.
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| Property | Island | Type | The Doctor's Advice |
Kihei Sands
 | Maui | Condo | My favorite for a budget beachfront. This place has a/c, sits right on a 5 mile beach and sports a small pool.... more |
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| Property | Island | Type | The Doctor's Advice |
Kihei Surfside
 | Maui | Condo | What's unique about the Surfside is that it sits oceanfront on a rocky promontory, but adjacent to a beautiful beach. So there are no pesky tourists hanging around, obstructing your view out to Asia, BUT you are only a short walk to Keawakapu beach. Located well back form South Kihei Rd. and its attendant noise (the bane of Kihei). So you get the reasonable prices plus the exclusivity of nearby Wailea. AND- some of the units are totally redone. Why not? Their value has gone to over $500k in the last couple of years. Still- the building is 30 years old, a/c is of the wall-mount kind, if at all. ... more |
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| Property | Island | Type | The Doctor's Advice |
Makai Inn
 | Maui | Inn | Lahaina does NOT have a lot of accommodations, other than the big condo-Lahaina Shores, a few B&B's,and the triplex of historic downtown Inns- the Pioneer, Lahaina, and Plantation.
Less known, and just north of the busy tourist area, is a little gem- The Makaii Inn. Very well priced, RIGHT on the water, with a range of accoms. from rooms to bungalows. The REAL gem is Susie Duro, who is not yet jaded and offers real hospitality to the guests. There is a bit of traffic noise, but not the boisterous bar crawlers that plague downtown Lahaina. Plus, you're closer to Baby Beach, and of course Kaanapali.... more |
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| Property | Island | Type | The Doctor's Advice |
Napili Bay
 | Maui | Condo | I love this place, and the property beside it- Hale Napili, and the luxury Napili Kai three doors down. All have in common 'NAPILI'- the closest place to heaven on Maui! But getting back to the Napili Bay. No pool, no office, postage stamp units of 320 sq feet. Laundry machine in a shed out back. Soooo? The 320 sq feet are perfect, who needs a pool when you are steps from the best beach imaginable, and laundry- why wash the bathing suit, which is all you will wear.
I guarantee that your best intentions to get out and explore the island will flounder with the onset of 'Polynesian Paralysis' on your first day. And you will wander down the beach to the Cabana for macadamia nut pancakes and to the Sea House restaurant for the children's authentic hula show, without putting more than flip flops and a coverup. Beyond that, no predictions, except that you may risk losing your job for not showing up that next Monday.... more |
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| Property | Island | Type | The Doctor's Advice |
Napili Village
 | Maui | Condo | Just back from a gorgeous, safe crescent of a beach, with a pool and shops/restaurants nearby... more |
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| Property | Island | Type | The Doctor's Advice |
Anuhea Health Retreat
 | Maui | Retreat | This is a B&B PLUS health center located just above kihei. Three night minimums, at prices that are ridiculously cheap, even without the healthy breakfasts prepared daily. Almost everyone signs up for reiki treatments, colonic therapy, massage, and 'cleansing programs' priced at $65-$175. Mostly an older clientele. If not for the tropical backdrop, the treatments could be found at any Old World spa...say Marienbad... more |
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| Property | Island | Type | The Doctor's Advice |
Hale Akua Shangri-La
 | Maui | Retreat | In only six years Shangri-La has become a retreat tour de force, attracting top yoga and other practitioners and their followers to Huelo- which is a magical place in its own right. you can go on adventure walks or horse rides after an astrological consultation, massage or healing consult. As well there are organized group retreats- an upcoming one Feb. 04 is on 'conscious loving', followed by Maya yoga in March. The complex includes at least 14 rooms and suites; they seat 36 for breakfast. Quite an enterprise, and well worth visiting.... more |
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| Property | Island | Type | The Doctor's Advice |
Kahua O'Mali'o Maui Retreat
 | Maui | Retreat | A one-of-a-kind place, of international repute. 15 acres of organic bamboo cultivation are the backdrop to the retreat facilities, consisting of a main house, two 'temples' or 'hale'-houses in Hawaiian. Off the electrical grid, so all is solar, rainwater catchment and the like.
They offer everything from yoga to psychic readings, and specialize in Tantric teachings- yes, Martha, that includes Tantric sex.
The proprietors, Raphael and Kutira, are musicians as well, and have recorded CD's with titles like Into the Dreamtime, Tantric Wave, like an Endless river. you get the picture.... more |
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| Property | Island | Type | The Doctor's Advice |
The Old Church House
 | Maui | Cottage | Not old, not a church. Not really a house (just 1br), but of a size that you can't really call it a cottage. It is a unique abode for 2 pax, set in rural Haiku, with ducks and a horse sharing the front lawn. It really is an architectural homage to the pastoral eglisian form of the 19th century, that happens to find a use. There are interesting innovations-eg a kitchen sink set in a giant heavy carved cabinet, amazing ceiling heights and exposed purlins/beams. It IS tranquil and for some may invoke spritual contemplation. In any case it is delightful and a worthwhile upcountry refuge.... more |
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| Property | Island | Type | The Doctor's Advice |
Aloha Cottage
 | Maui | Cottage | The Thai Treehouse and Lotus Blossom comprise the Aloha Cottages, located upcountry near Makawao. Thai is the key word-The Serles, who run the place, went to Thailand and came home with materials and inspiration. This extends to Ranjana's cooking- while not a B&B, the option of 'eating in' can be exercised with notice. Her fusion cuisine is legendary. People can complain that all the import architecture and design undermines Polynesian themes on Maui, but really, when something as nice as this comes along, we should all be grateful. What a nice counterpoint to kihei condos!... more |
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| Property | Island | Type | The Doctor's Advice |
Honua Kai
 | Maui | Condo | A new complex at the North end of the beach, beside the Mahana. I get some good prices here from owners who are anxious to rent units in a tough market. Top notch decor and appliances. Resort has a 'new' feel still- ie the vegetation is just settling in, etc. Only downside is that the complex is occasionally downwind of the sewage plant. Not often, and not bad, but it is an issue, as it is for the Mahana and Maui Kai.
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| Property | Island | Type | The Doctor's Advice |
Kaanapali Ali'i
 | Maui | Condo | Considered one of the elite condos on Maui- along with Makena Surf and the Pu'unoa, the Ali'i sits smack on Kaanapali beach between the Westin and the Marriott. Swim out front, luau to the left or right. Top grade concierge service at the front desk. A complex of 4 mid-rise towers, there is a big difference between a ground floor unit facing the car-park, and a top floor overlooking the ocean, but in all you will find elegant furnishings, a quiet refinement that sets this place apart.... more |
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| Property | Island | Type | The Doctor's Advice |
Kaanapali Royal
 | Maui | Condo | Located on the Kaanapali North Golf Course
just behind the Whaler's Village and the beach,
this complex offers the highest quality at a terrific location. Half the price of the front line condos a few hundred yards away, but in the same quality league. Units are a huge 1830-2000 sq. feet, all 2br/ 2bath.
A residential atmosphere, rather than a resort one- there will only be a few people lying around the pool at any given time. An oasis within Kaanapali resort, itself an oasis... I rank the KR very high for value, quality, and location, but most of all for its quiet, luxurious ambiance. For those that think they HAVE to be on the beach, just remember you give up a lot of peace and privacy for the privilege! Look at the location pic- the beach is not far away.... more |
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| Property | Island | Type | The Doctor's Advice |
Kahana Village
 | Maui | Condo | Oceanfront, low rise 2 and 3 bedroom condos just north of Kahana- half way between Napili/Kapalua and Kaanapali. The beach is seasonal- in the winter it tends to turn to pebbles as the sand migrates, but you can always get into the water for a dip. The lovely grassy area and pool make up for the less than perfect beach. Built in the 80's, when parquet floors and nice wood cabinets were not an anachronism- you will heave a sigh of relief when you walk in, and feel right at home. Next door is the Kahan Outrigger, an almost identical property, except no office, no mai-tai's, and quite a bit less expensive. (Outrigger also has A/C). Choose either, and be near Roy's for dinner!... more |
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| Property | Island | Type | The Doctor's Advice |
Mahana
 | Maui | Condo | Two towers, right on the water, all unobstructed views, are the biggest draw. Where else can you get 3 diamond quality in Kaanapali on the water for $160. The hitch is that it is Honokowai, not Kaan. (you are outside the resort) it is a mile down thebeah to the Sheraton, so don't compare this place to say, the Whaler. Also, the beach is a bit thin, with coral out front, and the wind funnels between the two buildings. units are generally very nice- though it is nearly 30 years old and some owners are a bit lax about updating. Be careful here. Nice quiet location on a cul-de-sac, yet close to shopping and restaurants. A 1 br unit here costs over $500k, which is some measure of its desireability. Cheaper to rent than buy, for sure.... more |
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| Property | Island | Type | The Doctor's Advice |
Mama's Beachfront Cottages
 | Maui | Cottage | Everyone who has been to Maui knows of Mama's Fish House. Fewer know about the several exquisite cottages on property. 5 star rated, daily maid service, facing the water, with the best food on Maui (priced to match), a few steps away. Heaven.... more |
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| Property | Island | Type | The Doctor's Advice |
Palms at Wailea
 | Maui | Condo | The Palms represent what's right AND what's wrong with Maui. What's right?- nicely done, good quality low rise units in a great area, just above Keawakapu Beach at the entrance to Wailea. Also- really good value for a quality property. What's wrong?- generic resort design, with absolutely no Aloha 'feel' about the place- you could be ANYWHERE that sports palms and an azure sea....Still, I like to book people here for the simple reason that they can count on quality, location, cost. ... more |
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| Property | Island | Type | The Doctor's Advice |
Penny's Place in Paradise
 | Maui | B&B | Located just at the north end of Lahaina, newly built, and priced in the budget range, Penny's would be an unbelievable gem if it were not for the road noise from two busy adjacent streets. But still, for quality of rooms, hospitality, and location, this B&B gets the superior rating. Don't go here for 10 days- but for a few night stay over close to Lahaina AND Kaanapali for minor dineros, hard to beat.... more |
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| Property | Island | Type | The Doctor's Advice |
Wai Ola
 | Maui | Guesthouse | Not really a guesthouse, Wai Ola is a large house which rents as a whole, or by its component rooms, apartment and suite. Sleeps 12, and located close to both Kaanapali and Lahaina in a residential area. Impeccably furnished and maintained- given the prices charged, it truly is a deal.... more |
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| Property | Island | Type | The Doctor's Advice |
Wailea Ekolu
 | Maui | Condo | The Ekolu is one of those outwardly unremarkable, but endearing condo complexes built in the 80's when land prices were not so astronomical that developers could afford to leave lots of green space and keep the density down. While not as exclusive as, say, the Elua, nor on the beach like the Polo Beach Club, it is still very well situated on the golf course just back of the Wailea Village shopping area. What's really nice is that some of the units have been totally remodelled to a very high standard. An example is a one br/2 bath which goes for $225 high season- such a good deal that people are booking by the month! So book early to get the best units...... more |
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| Property | Island | Type | The Doctor's Advice |
Whaler
 | Maui | Condo | The Whaler is the most requested property I list. Located smack at the center of Kaanapali (Dig Me!) Beach, adjacent to the shops and retaurants of Whaler's Village, it's not hard to see why the twin towers are so popular. But with the popularity comes the price, particularly for the 2 br beachside wraparound corner units running over $600/night. Considering the fact that these units sell for upwards of $1.2m, I guess the price is warranted, but in my opinion, there are too many downsides to the Whaler to make them a good value. The large studios, by contrast, are good value at prices starting in th ehigh $100's.
The towers are perpendicular to the ocean, so only the front units are true beachfront. Compare this to the Mahana, Ali'i or even the Kaanapali Shores. Also, the pool area is abysmal- located in a very public area, and micro sized considering the large number of units. Result- competition for chaise longues or even deck space! Again, compare to Kaanapli Royal, 200 yards away, where you'll see half a dozen souls around a larger pool/spa complex. Finally, the age- at 30 years old, she is a little long in the tooth, but not old enough to be 'classic'. The front desk management turnovers, owner wars, partial timeshare ownerships all result in a discordancy that I have not seen elsewhere. Some units with washer/dryers, others don't. Parking is expensive, and there is a check in fee unless you rent via Aston.
Still- if you ignore all that, and just lounge on your own lanai, 12 storeys up, peering at the sunset, much can be forgiven.
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| Property | Island | Type | The Doctor's Advice |
Baby Pig's Crossing
 | Maui | Cottage | There are three reasons to stay here a few nights. First is the owner, Arabella Ark- AKA Gail. When I first met her, it was clear she was a person with clarity of purpose and high standards. You will feel honored to have spent time with her. Which leads to the second reason- she bought the most spectacularly located rural property, and lovingly restored it. There really is a story behind the 'baby pigs crossing'. And third- everyone going to Hana ought to slow down and stay awhile. and this B&B- only one guest suite, is just perfect on that count as well.
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| Property | Island | Type | The Doctor's Advice |
Hamoa Bay House and Bungalow
 | Maui | House | Oprah Winfrey just bought a nearby property. So, if it's good enough for celebrities, the area HAS to be something special. Well, it is- Hamoa Beach is a classic crescent, and within walking distance. The accoms. are gorgeous- Balinese inspired and impeccabley maintained. Quiet and private. You will be very lucky to have stayed here. ... more |
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| Property | Island | Type | The Doctor's Advice |
Ho'Oilo House
 | Maui | B&B | Bali is big on Maui- and the latest, perhaps best homage to that architiectural theme is this new B&B located in Launiopoko, just south of Lahaina, in a new estate neighbourhood. The 5 rooms are all different, but share common motifs- spare but elegant bathrooms, lots of dark teakwood furniture. The pool mirrors the unobstructed view to infinity. Three night minimums, less to fill a puka (hole). This will appeal to quiet discerning guests who have no desire to pose for the paparazzi, but could well be of interest to them.... more |
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| Property | Island | Type | The Doctor's Advice |
Hotel Hana-Maui
 | Maui | Hotel | I dutifully checked into the Hotel Hana Maui for 2 days in March 2003, and stayed 5! What can I say? This IS a 'died and gone to heaven' place but you can get a room for $295. Not one of the fabulous oceanfront Sea Ranch cottages with private spa, mind you, but still something out of Robin Leach's TV program on the rich and famous. Look at Conde Nast Feb. 2004 for an appreciative write up- but book through the Aloha Doctor for discounts... There is a truly wonderful fitness studio, two restaurants, two pools, tennis, 3 hole pitch'n putt, horseback riding, a beach that Michener described as the best in the Pacific, as well as Red Sands beach next door- the local clothes optional secret spot.... more |
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| Property | Island | Type | The Doctor's Advice |
Napili Kai Beach Resort
 | Maui | Resort | Ok- I am totally prejudiced, as a shareholder here. Our family bought in during the 60's, and I have seen this place go from 12 units to about 150, and from a 2 star to a 4 star plus. They were first on the block (along with the Sheraton at Kaanapali), and so get pride of place, ie absolutely the best location. Perfect beach, sheltered promontory, views to forever. As to quality, I was staying there once, and my concierge friend from the Hyatt came over. She could not believe how gorgeous it was. Her remark: "I wish the Hyatt was as nice as this". However, it is not a 5 star; you can't get breakfast in bed, nor a palatial suite. You do get daily maid service, a weekly mai tai party, free lei making classes, weekly golf putting party. There is a small spa- massages etc, but nothing like the Ritz Carlton around the corner. Rather, you'll delight in the HankiPanki pool, you'll love the pupu's royale, the weekly authentic kid's hula show. Everyone is asleep by about 9:30 pm, so not for the nightlife set. Yes, it's a bit geriatric except during holidays when there are kids everywhere, but that's a bit of a plus as well- quiet and genteel. The staff really do smile and wave, and know you by name if you are a returnee.
I don't get huge discounts here. They stick by their rack rates; I might get 5% off or so. Yes, you can stay down the beach for half the price, but it ain't the same- believe me.... more |
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| Property | Island | Type | The Doctor's Advice |
Old Wailuku Inn at Ulupono
 | Maui | Inn | I am not alone in absolutely loving this place- it has received accolades from travel writers, is a 3 diamond AAA, 3 1/2 kisses from Best Romantic Places, etc. Beautiful restored authentic 20's decor, wonderful hospitality. Only problem is its location, downtown Wailuku, which after about an hour along charming Orchard St. is quite tiresome... They have a 2-3 night minimum, so it is not a stopover sleep, which leaves this place suitable for those on business on Maui, or the intrepids who don't mind driving to everything. Actually, Wailuku is equidistant from Haleakala, Lahaina and Wailea, so in a way it is central. Also there is a good golf course nearby (Waikipo), and Maui Tropical Plantations are similarly nearby. I'ao Valley, as well, is right close. but this is not the beachside experience, and is way too expensive for the windsurf crowd who commute to Pai'a daily. They stay at Banana bungalow, or the North Shore Inn, both nearby.... more |
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