Incredible location, great condo and amenities. Somehow the pictures from the lanai don’t give the view justice! Moloka’i in the background, waves crashing against the tide pools below, spectacular sunsets.
Walking distance to several beaches and bays, our favorites were two closest: Napili Bay and Honokeana Bay. Saw several “resident” turtles at Honokeana both times we snorkeled there. There’s a gate to access the bay from Napili Shores just outside, stop and check out the tide pools along the way. Napili Bay is the opposite direction, an endangered beach, that had a few rideable waves the times we were there, but also great snorkeling and a few turtles out a little further and along the points. Keep heading north and you can get to Kapalua and all the way to DT Fleming if you’re up for a great hike.
The condo is well appointed, think extended stay hotel. It seems to be a newbie on the AirBnB scene, so we didn’t find the usual spices, cookware, etc. that tends to be accumulated (and sorry future renters, we didn’t add much). We got by with packets from restaurants for the most part. Napili Market is just down the road, and a Safeway another 5 minutes down. There are two beach chairs and one snorkel set in the condo, and a great rental place, Water Works Sports, at the front of the complex that I’d highly recommend for all other gear.
The condo is independent of Napili Shores, so while you do check in at the desk, you need to contact the owner for anything additional. We didn’t have the need, but just FYI so you don’t do what I did and try and exchange towels at the front desk. Another FYI that is clear on the listing is that there is no AC, and even with the doors open it doesn’t benefit greatly from the trade winds (perpendicular to the direction). We got by with a wind tunnel of fans (thanks Costco!) but something to consider during the warmer months. While we were there it appeared they were installing AC on all the Napili Shores units, so perhaps this will be conditioned in the future.
Overall a fantastic stay! Maui is such a beautifully diverse island, and this is great location to explore the area. An hour drive gets you to several great hikes. Top tip, don’t trust the old guidebooks in the condo, they unfortunately are a little outdated and can lead you to dead ends with no cell signal (ie Waihee Valley Trail apparently doesn’t exist any longer). Waihee Ridge Trail is great, as is Ioa Park and the Blowhole. Longer hikes were along the road to Hana, but prepare yourself for the windy, slow road (Dramamine). If you can only go so far, Ho’okipa has a beach where turtles like to hang out, but it’s touristy coming from a tourist.