A Stay at the Travaasa Hana Hotel on Maui

Maui hotels and resorts are plentiful, but few anywhere on the Hawaiian Islands can stand up to what Travaasa Hana has to offer. I learned that fact when I enjoyed their hospitality on my recent visit to the island. My stay at Travaasa Hana was one of the best – if not the best – resort experiences I have ever had anywhere. And it has created a new benchmark for me when it comes to comparing luxury resort destinations.

I woke in the middle of the night to the sounds of a rain storm and waves crashing on the rocks far below my Sea Ranch Cottage. The beautiful night weather on the windward side of Maui inspired me to leave the door to my lanai open while I slept. But the storm awakened me with the sight of a long curtains flapping parallel to the ground in the wind. I simply smiled, turned over, and fell back into a deep and comfortable sleep thanks to the sound of the storm. It was a heavenly moment where I could not have been more content.

This was the way it happened both nights during my stay at Travaasa Hana on my Maui Visitor Bureau trip. And each morning I woke up happy and rested, ready for the day ahead. That’s a good thing, too, considering all of the complimentary activities offered by the resort. I was busy each day, from morning to dusk, running around the resort and the Hana area exploring so many of the great things that make it one of the best little towns in all of Hawaii.

I was impressed by the activities menu when I saw it in advance of my trip. But I knew there was no way I could fit it all in. Heck, I wouldn’t even be able to try half of the activities. I’d have to be selective and choose what really interested me. That’s alright, though, since the large number of options means guests have a lot to choose from thus making many of the opportunities one-on-one experiences. Forget about big groups all learning the same activities, these are small and personal classes handled with care. I found this out first hand with my throw net fishing lesson with Andrew Park, which is something I’ll talk about more in a future story.

In addition to the throw net fishing, I also chose to go for a hike through the bamboo forest in Haleakala National Park. But what else to pick? There were so many choices – yoga, an equine coastal ride, archery, hula lessons, lei making lessons, or maybe a trip to the spa for a relaxing massage. In the end I decided to go with only the two options, not wishing to lose sight of what makes time at such a beautiful resort as Travaasa Hana so special – relaxing.

My room included a comfortable sofa with a view of the ocean, a small refrigerator – which I filled with beer – and an amazing lanai, also with a view of the Pacific, with my own private hot tub. So while I wanted to get out and do a lot of activities, I also didn’t want to miss out on the chance to just relax and enjoy the day for what it is in Hana – special. So after driving the Road to Hana, going for my hike, and heading down to the beach to learn how to throw net fish, I simply kicked back and ordered some room service.

Just like the Sea Ranch Cottage I stayed in, the food at Travaasa Hana was amazing. On my second night, as I said, I ordered room service. During my first night, though, I headed up from my cottage for dinner at Travaasa’s Kauiki Restaurant. There I had a nice, thick steak covered in a tasty sauce with broccoli. And, to be quite honest, normally I don’t like broccoli. Well, honestly, I really hate it. But after it was steamed and covered in that sauce, I couldn’t devour it fast enough. Such was the case for each of my meals at the resort, including breakfast, which were all accompanied by a spectacular view of Hana Bay.

I was disappointed I did not have more time to both explore and relax at Travaasa Hana. That was my one singular regret when I checked out on the final morning. There was so much more to experience that I could have easily spent a week there and not been bored. As it was, I had to skip out on the chance to participate in some activities, lounge by the infinity pool, or simply get out and watch a community baseball game at the neighboring field. I wanted to do and see more, but I was out of time. So now I’m left with an insatiable urge to return and spend more time at Travaasa Hana, which is how I believe any great resort should leave their guests.