The Gardens at West Maui - (exclusive to Maui.US by Lottie T.) One of the newer arrivals on the West Maui timeshare scene is this re-purposed apartment complex located along the resort fairways at rear entrance to the fabulous Kapalua Bay Resort. Located along the narrow Lower Honoapiilani Highway, this property is located across the road from more than one perfect Hawaiian beach.

This resort is simple, low-key and plain with just the basics in amenities with all units offering nothing more than garden views. The location is a good one well within walking distance to Napili and Kapalua Bay.

Also nearby are several restaurants including Peter Merriman's fabulous oceanfront showplace, the Pineapple Grill amidst the Norfolk pines at the Kapalua Golf Course and Roy's and the nearby Kahana Gateway Shopping Center.

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Also nearby is the fabulous Kapalua spa with services that include facials, body wraps and much more.

The drive from the main Kahului airport takes a little over an hour. Once out of the airport and past the island's only Costco, the highway slices through central Maui past sugar cane fields, golf courses and roadside shopping malls.

Once through the tunnel and over the Pali the road takes a coastal track and continues past beach parks, surfing and snorkeling spots, scenic overlooks perfect for those photo opportunities, soak up the panorama of the South Maui shoreline or to view migrating Humpback whales during the winter months.

Once past Kaanapali, the resort is located on the Lower Honoapiilani Road just before the back entrance to the Kapalua Resort. One can avoid the busier Kahului airport and the subsequent hour drive to the resort by using the nearby Kapalua airport.

This airport operates during daylight hours only and offers service to and from Honolulu International Airport on Oahu.

Flights into and out of Kapalua tend to be pricier than Kahului and the required connection from Honolulu Airport is the trade off.

However, it is convenient for those who are looking to day trip to Oahu to visit the Arizona Memorial.

The property consists of just 31 units on two levels. There are no elevators and no covered parking.

All units at the Gardens off a full kitchen, air-conditioning, washer and dryers and lanais.

Accommodations come in two sizes. There are seven studios and 24 one-bedroom, two-bath units.

The studio suites are the smaller more reasonably priced with one bathroom, one queen sized Murphy bed.

The larger and the one bedroom suites have one king and a sofa sleeper in the living area. The two bathrooms and are perfect for two couples or one couple on extended vacation.