WHERE TO STAY - Maui: Including Molokai and Lanai - page 649

time the boutique hotel has continued as the island's best resort. In addition to the standard
amenities of tennis courts, a swimming pool, a fitness center, and spa, the Travaasa makes
a conscious effort to help guests forge a meaningful connection with the Hawaiian culture
of Hana. Resort experiences include throw net fishing, coconut husking, lei making, hula
dancing, and ukulele classes, and adventure activities such as horseback riding and gliding
can be booked through the resort's concierge. Wellness and culture permeate the resort,
and for a real splurge, base yourself in one of the Sea Ranch cottages with its own private
lanai and romantic two-person hot tub. Rates for standard rooms begin at $400, with Sea
Ranch cottages ranging from $450-650.
Vacation Rentals
Set high above the west end of town, the luxurious Ekena (808/248-7047,
www.ekenamaui.com , $245-400) vacation rental offers arguably one of the best views in
Hana. This large pole house has an upper and lower unit which are each spacious enough
to easily be shared by two couples. Both floors have large living rooms, fully equipped
kitchens with all modern conveniences, two master bedrooms, and spacious bathrooms.
There are private hiking trails departing from the property, and the on-site caretakers can
provide all the info on Hana you could possibly need. The Jasmine level with one bedroom
goes for $245 per night; with two bedrooms for $320. The Sea Breeze level is $350 for a
couple and $400 for four people. There's a three-night minimum; no kids younger than 14.
For a truly unique accommodation option in Hana—and one that isn't for the
finicky—the Hana Lani Treehouses (808/248-7241, www.hanalani.maui.net , $135-210)
are exactly what they sound like: real treehouses inside a real jungle. Imagine sleeping be-
neath the stars in a screened-in bungalow set up in the trees, the path to your jungle chalet
lit only by tiki torches. This “camping with a roof” is available in a number of forms, from
the three-level “treetop” house to the more traditional bed-and-breakfast cottage that has
its own electricity. There is also a five-person tree pavilion with views looking out at the
ocean. Flowers abound everywhere you look. Rates are $135 for the treetops house, $145
for the tree pavilion, and $210 for the entire cottage. Two-night minimum usually required,
but one-night stays will also be accepted for an additional $20 cleaning fee.
Closer to town, the funky, ultra-relaxing M Bamboo Inn ( www.bambooinn.com ) offers
three oceanfront accommodations that look out over the water toward Waikoloa Beach. A
thatched roof hut serves as the centerpiece for the property. The owner, John, is a wealth
of information on Hana history and culture, and this is a modern, soothing place to base
yourself in Hana town and fall asleep to the crash of the waves. The one-story Honu and