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 Napili
Shores - (Exclusive to Maui.US) Napili Bay
has long been a secret spot among beaches on Maui. The
area of Napili sits away from the more popular resort
area of Kaanapali and at the back door to the upscale
and fashionable Kapalaua Resort. What Napili Bay isn't,
is flashy, flirty and famous, what Napili Bay is, is
low-key tropical atmosphere and serenity.
For those
who return year after year to Hawaii, Outrigger Hotels
is probably a familiar word. The resort chain offers
a collection of mainstream resorts and condominiums
that features great value, moderate pricing and comfortable
accommodations. The Outrigger Napili Shores is no exception,
but in fact one of their most popular resorts in the
islands.
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 drive from the main Kahului
airport takes an hour and 15 minutes. 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. But 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.
At first glance the oceanfront
resort is small, understated and peaceful. The location
is more neighborly than resort-like and offers easy
access to Maui's most beautiful beaches. It is a collection
of two story condominiums set on a bluff adjacent to
the beautiful Napili Bay. Sunsets are magnificent in
the Napili area. Deep oranges and sometimes purples
will fill the sky reflecting off the ocean and framed
by silhouettes of Molokai and Lanai.
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Nearby the resort is a collection
of amazing beaches and restaurants. Roy's - Kahana Bar
& Grill is not more than five minutes away at the Kahana
Gateway Shopping Center. Merriman's glorious new showplace
restaurant is located less than a mile from the resort.
Dinner at Merriman's offers wonderful ocean and sunset
views and is easily now one of the finest dining experiences
in the islands. DT Fleming Beach, one of Maui's most
beautiful is less than a mile away. Also in the area
is Kapalua Beach, beautiful and wonderful for snorkeling,
picnicking and perfect for families.
Shopping, activities, sightseeing
and galleries can be found in abundance at nearby Lahaina.
The historic whaling town offers lots of interesting
boutiques, bars and more.
This non-smoking resort offers
many amenities to make anyone's vacation more comfortable
and enjoyable. Amenities include free poolside morning
coffee, free parking, a wonderful barbecue and picnic
area, two pools and a jetted spa. There is also a coin-operated
laundry, concierge and business services.
Guest accommodations come in
two distinct styles; studios and one bedroom suites.
None have air-conditioning, but all have ceiling fans.
Guest accommodations also include full kitchens, Studio
pricing depends on the location. Studios are the smallest
and have 540 square feet and allow three persons maximum.
Studios come complete with fully equipped kitchens,
one queen and 1 twin sofa bed, free internet access
hair dryer, in-room safe, iron and ironing board and
more. My favorite in the oceanfront studio which is
so close to the ocean one can lulled to sleep by the
crashing waves and awake to turtles and gleaming crystal
clear water.
The one bedroom units have a
choice of two views the garden view, and the ever popular
ocean view suite. Each has 675 square feet of space,
one king bed, one queen sofa bed and one twin sofa bed.
A maximum of 4 guests are allowed. The one-bedroom suites
also come with fully equipped kitchens, free internet
access along with flat panel TV and DVD player.
The Outrigger Napili Shores
is not for everyone. Those looking for huge waterslides,
full scale spa and fitness facilities and room service
need to look toward the Ritz Carlton in kapalaua or
the Sheraton, Westin or Hyatt down the street, If you
are wanting casual low key vacation accented by the
sounds of waves and colorful sunsets, this place may
be your heaven on magical Maui. So, pack up your bathing
suit, sunscreen and Costco card and don't forget to
load up on groceries in Kahului before heading out.
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