We knew we did not want to stay at a resort for our first trip to Maui so when we found the Adorable Garden Gingerbread House we fell for it right away (the nod to Jimmy Hendrix didn't hurt, either). We wanted a relaxed environment, a chance to meet locals, and see the island. So as we made our way from the big city airport, up roads that became more rural, with vegetation growing right up to the edge of the road, we knew we'd made the right decision. And then you see the cottage; it is every bit adorable as you see in the photos. The fainting couch is the best seat to view the monkey pod tree from the very large window. We ate most meals out but we made coffee and had cereal at the cottage. There are two grocery stores in Makawao and Haiku, two very close towns. You must walk the grounds to appreciate life in a rain forest: bananas, pomegranates, coffee beans, and I think other fruits are growing within 50' of the cottage door. The trickling stream came alive one night from a tropical storm that flooded parts of the beach areas but at 1000', didn't bother us; we were still acclimating to the time change so it just made for good sleeping. We were very grateful for Steve's two minute Hawaiian language course. Between the land and the language, you really know you're someplace else. We had a car so getting around the island from Makawao was really easy.
It's all true about the tropical climate (that things don't dry well) so get yourself some breathable tropical clothing. People there mostly wear bathing suits/coverups anyway.
It's also true that the chickens are wild and everywhere on the island (except the volcano). They're just like squirrels where we come from except some of them crow and not just at sunrise. But we loved our chicken family and I swear we saw the three baby chicks grow in the week we were there. They're not afraid of humans and were like a welcoming committee.
Maui, Makawao, this cottage - it was all perfect for us. My favorite bumper sticker said, "Slow down. It's not the mainland". Maui's really laid back so come to this cottage and relax. Mahalo, Eve & Steve!