We stayed three days at the Westin resort then three days at Kaimana's Tortoise and Bird Refuge. (We wanted to be able to experience the resorts, but also experience our first Airbnb with locals, and save a few bucks.
I was in paradise already being in Maui, but even more so, for the fact that there were so many fur (feather, shelled) babies at Kaimana's! I was getting home sick missing my pups, and the three doggies on property were just the sweetest cuddly dogs ever! Her tortoises were incredibly friendly. I especially loved Artie, the largest tortoise. We even got to be apart of their Sunday bath day. Super cute seeing all the itty bitty tortoises swim.
This was our first trip ever to the islands and using an Airbnb, and Kaimana was very prompt and extremely helpful on giving us tips for our itinerary before we came. I can't thank her enough for that. (Haleakala sunrise and bike downhill tour, Road to Hana tour (used Mahalo Tours, from my own yelp research on tour guide, they were amazing), Old Lahaina Luau, her recommendation as best luau, fun!)
Kaimana has two live-in workers who care for the animals. Adam and Seth were around our age, and were such great company. We shared many conversations with them, and even got to join them in their homemade pizza party they threw on our last day.
We spent each morning and evening hanging out with them on their porch listening to their stories about themselves, how they came to Maui, etc. Kaimana truly is blessed to have amazing people like them around. It's just not the same to stay within the resort/hotel environment to get the feel of the real Maui lifestyle. It was great to make friend with the locals and stay with them.
Seth took us snorkeling with him at the Baby Beach, which was literally seconds away from the house. The Baby Beach was just amazing. The location alone is worth staying at Kaimana's property. Very safe, clean. And it felt like a home away from home. The pictures Kaimana has of the Baby Beach do not do it justice. It is a crystal clear beach, waist deep only, with highways of gorgeous colorful reefs when you go further in and tropical fish all around. It's protected by a reef all around so there are no giant waves to push you around which makes snorkeling there just perfection (and no sharks lol).
Perfect location (walking distance to the Old Lahaina Luau and the downtown Front Street where you can walk with gorgeous panoramic ocean views and where famous Ululani's shave ice etc is).
Staying at Kaimana's property supports a good cause also, keeping the animal refuge going.
We hope to keep in touch with all of them. Such great people. Thank you. Kaimana, Seth, & Adam!!! Miss you guys already! And especially Maui.
"A hui hou" - until next time.