In the heart of Lahaina town you will find an oasis that is Aina Nalu, an Outrigger Condo Resort. Being the third and final resort on our trip, the stay was bittersweet, knowing when we left here, we’d be leaving Maui. We were destined to make it wonderful.
Checking in is done right in the outdoor lobby that was welcoming and the staff was friendly and efficient. We met Alex from Russia and he made us feel so welcome and shared how he came to live and work in Maui. Something we said was that everyone is so friendly on the island and who can really blame them, they are in paradise after all! (click on photos to see larger!)
Once we were given our keys and settled in, we immediately felt the temperature change from just up the road in Kaanapali, Lahaina is much warmer with less trade winds blowing through. I was ready and eager for the pool, and was delighted to learn there was two. One was a traditional freshwater pool, great size, plenty of lounge chairs set about and with BBQ grills available for cookout. The second pool was a spectacular sight, a saltwater infinity pool that’s gives a mirrored glass appearance flush with the lawn landscape.
An partially covered gazebo-living room style area just makes this a treasured site within this residential area. The water in the saltwater pool was like satin, swimming in it was a treat, the black bottom completing the beauty of it all. Along with lounge chairs, two cabanas are available on a first come first serve basis with king size bed/chaise available. I was sold. At one point during our stay there was a private event on site, the infinity pool and gazebo areas were closed to guests. We had other plans during that time, it didn’t bother us, and the freshwater pool was still available for use.
The plantation style rooms were spread around the property, just two floors each. In the rooms, windows have slatted glass blinds and screens allowing for natural air yet still cooling with air conditioning units separate in the living and sleeping areas. The blinds also offer privacy in the bedrooms and bathrooms, though light and partial views are also provided.
Kitchenettes and pantries make it easy for couples or families to save money and eat in. *Something to think about* because we are in the tropics, make sure you keep food sealed and in the fridge if possible. Leaving food out the first night (sweets to boot) brought teeny ants out to the counter. We learned our lesson, and for the record, Housekeeping is quick on the job to remedy anything you need! Our condo had tons of resealable plastic containers in the unit to use, we know why.
Like I mentioned the living room and bedroom were separated by a door and have their own AC units. The couch was really comfortable, and my husband used it to take an afternoon snooze. The bedroom has it’s own television as well, plenty of drawer space, a most comfortable bed, closet, and leads to the laundry area and bathroom.
After 4 days of saltwater, sand, and sweat, our laundry needed to be done, it was so convenient to have the washer and dryer in our room. The bathroom had a wonderful tile shower, with room for two! Fans in all of the rooms helped circulate the air and humidity out, something we noticed necessary in this particular spot on the island more than where we’d stayed before.
My husband insists that this location be where we’d return to on our next Maui trip, I have to agree, it feels traditional Hawaii, and being close to the beach, Front Street activity, the harbor, shopping, and dining, it’s a remarkable location!
We were hosted for two nights, paid a special rate the third night. All opinions are our honest experience.
