I admit that I get tired of the luxury resorts in Hawaii. After a while they're pretty much the same. I really enjoy a resort that has a "sense of place" and the Napili Kai Beach Resort has just that.
Napili Kai is Hawaiian through and through, from the beautiful setting right on the beach, the friendliness of the staff, to the omni-present general manager who is always making sure you're enjoying your stay.
While I really enjoyed my stay at Napili Kai, if you're looking for a luxury resort with all the top amenities, then the Napili Kai Resort is probably not for you.
- A very special sense of place, filled with the history and culture of Hawaii
- Numerous online specials available
- Great location on one of Maui's best beaches
- Friendly and helpful staff with excellent general manager
- Weekly Napili Kai Foundation Keiki Hula Show is well worth the $10 price
- Limited and difficult parking
- Rooms are a little dated and many need updating
- Many guest reviewers note a bug problem
- All reservations require a credit card deposit equal to two days of room cost.
- Christmas/New Year's reservations require a deposit equal to seven days of room cost.
- Napili Kai Beach Resort
5900 Lower Honoapiilani Road
Lahaina, Hawaii 96761
Web Site: www.napilikai.com - Direct: 808-669-6271
Toll-Free Reservations: 1-800-367-5030
Fax: 808-669-0086 - 163 hotel rooms, studios and one- and two-bedroom suites (most with kitchen facilities)
- Free in-room Internet access. Wireless Internet hotspot in lobby
- Nearly all (96%) of Napili Kai's accommodations offer ocean views.
- Large heated whirlpool, 4 swimming pools
- Resort has two 18-hole putting greens, two shuffleboard courts as well as bocce ball, croquet and ping pong.
- Fitness room includes: stair climber, treadmill, free weights, bicycle, stretching area with mats, mirror with bar and more.
- Complimentary beach towels, beach mats, coolers and golf putters.
- Four outdoor barbecue areas with barbecue grills (3 charcoal, 1 gas area)
There are many hotels and resorts in Hawaii that I like. There are only a few that I really love. One of these is the Napili Kai Beach Resort. It's not a flashy place and thank goodness for that. It is, however, a very Hawaiian place. You can't help but feel relaxed when you stay there. There's no pressure from the staff to make sure you're off and running all the time.
Napili Kai is popular with families, very popular. It's a real pleasure to see families sitting on the lawn with children playing nearby. Most units come with kitchenettes which allow families to save money on meals.
I was pleasantly surprised to see how affordable breakfast was at the resort's Sea House Restaurant. How can you beat two eggs, 5 strips of bacon, hash browns, toast, juice and coffee of tea for $9.95? A number of reviews online are critical of the restaurant's food quality, but I've never had any complaints having eaten there on several occasions.
Napili Kai is home of one of the Expedia Local Expert desks which are found at various lodgings on Maui. These folks are top notch and do a great job of recommending and scheduling activities. I've used them on many occasions.
It's hard to find a lot to dislike about Napili Kai. Parking is difficult. You may end up parking pretty far away from your room. The lots are small and getting in and out of spaces and even your car can be difficult.
Reviews elsewhere comment on a bug problem, mostly with ants. I didn't notice that, but it's not uncommon in a tropical climate. Enough guest reviews mention this, so it is a concern that should be addressed.
The rooms are a bit dated and could probably stand to be renovated in the next few years.
Be sure to note the resort's deposit and cancellation policy, especially for the Christmas/New Year's holidays.
