This is my first visit to the islands so I won't pretend to be some kind of expert for you, but I can tell you we had a great introductory experience to Maui here on the north shore.
I was on the fence about getting away from the cities and resorts as a first-timer, but I'm very glad we did. My partner and I came here for about three days, and would come back.. Floyd's place is a great staging ground for any activities in central Maui or the north shore. On the second floor, we could see the ocean from one of our two balconies and simply enjoyed evenings after dinner there with some wine.
It's not a busy or party spot. There are eight units and furthermore, you are in a neighborhood. So as a visitor, definitely be cool to the locals and make your footprint small. Also along those lines, you will hear plenty of wild birds and local chickens in the morning, and locals going about their business. It's a GREAT opportunity for a tourist to Feel Local, just don't get in anyone's way.
Since Floyd's has a full kitchen, you can supply up at several nearby shoppes. Guides will take you to Jaws near the mile zero marker to Hana, Floyd's team mentioned going into Makawao, but we actually went to the little store in the old pineapple cannery in Haiku itself. It's about a five minute drive to a small series of buildings that provide Haiku with it's five or so food trucks, one bar and grille, one sushi joint (very good), the market, a surf shop and a few other sundries. It's tiny. It's mostly locals. Even trying not to look like a tourist - ditch your resort wear here, for sure - we still stood out because everyone here lives and breathes surf and they all seem to know each other. I'm not trying to romanticize or exaggerate that; the store clerks greeted most of the people who came in by name, for example, and when out to eat, people can't stop greeting their friends. Just be a good visitor, and it's a great experience for you.
Floyd's place is close to multiple beach accesses good for surfing and seeing turtles. Close as in, sub ten minutes. The beginning of the road to Hana is also less than ten minutes away. If you're big on seeing part, or all, of that famous trek, there is NO better place to start out than from here. Apparently, many folks start from way back at Kahilui or even the south shore, driving an hour or more and getting stuck in Paia just to START. I'm pretty sure that's part of what ruins some people's time. Being so close to the trek, we did some activities right there at the beginning - a hike and chocolate making tour and a zipline, both really fun if really touristy things to do, hosted by awesome knowledgeable locals - and just sort of moseyed along part of it and saw the sights till sunlight dictated we turn back. Easy, relaxed.
We didn't get into the now famous Mama's Fish House, because they're booked forever, but if you are intending to go there, it is also less than ten minutes away. Getting to Paia to look around - it's bigger and has more shops angled at visitors than Haiku- is also quite easy, though we chose to stay in and around Haiku. Nuka, the Japanese restaurant, was excellent, and about this, unlike Hawaii itself, I can assert I AM a snob. I wouldn't lie to you about fresh fish. The yellowtail sushi caused me to wonder if I have ever even had real yellowtail in the lower 48, and the furikake crusted ahi and the miso butterfish were both exceptional. They also make their own ice cream. It's wonderful and five minutes from Floyd's.
Floyd's team also recommended Baked on Maui for breakfast. We went on our last morning, which I now regret, but we'll probably be back. The food is excellent, a wide variety of coffees, some unusual, many local, some infused with CBD if that is your thang - and this is generally all locals as well. We sat at a bench where we wound up chatting with two women who'd been living here about ten years, and on a short trip, even that kind of experience - actually talking to a local who isn't currently irritated at you about something - is hard to come by and super welcome. One of my favorite things while travelling, actually getting to know some folks. Looks like you can do that here, with some kindness and effort.
I've talked mostly about the area because truly, that is why you are going to stay here. No one is going to offer you a Mai Tai poolside here on the north shore, but hopefully you are here because you are aware of that, looking for something else. For the natural, local side of Maui, this was perfect. So for the place itself:
Floyd's team is VERY THOROUGH in their instructions and descriptions and I suggest you read everything... *everything* they send you because it's all the truth and all you need to know. Would best describe this place as "AS ADVERTISED." Check in with the robo door was easy. There is AC, though I would tell you, for us at least, opening both doors for a crossbreeze and setting the large fan in the door in the morning and evening was *considerably* more effective; don't expect the little window unit to do wonders. It's a tropical island. But it is there, and we found the bedroom to get wonderfully cool at night with the doors open and the fan running.
All the floors are tile. Some of you familiar with island life may know that that's pretty common, but I forgot about it and have dainty lil sore feet, especially after hiking,