Visit Hawaii: Aina Nalu Resort

1. Location

Aina Nalu Resort is about 3 blocks away from the ocean, on a quiet side street (a rarity in Lahaina). You will be able to walk through Lahaina every night without have to drive everywhere. If you want to shop for souvenirs, browse art galleries, and dine at charming waterfront restaurants, Front Street has many different places for you to see.

You can also walk to the historic Lahaina Harbor that used to be the busiest whaling port of the Pacific in the early 1800s, and is now a beautiful restored waterfront spot where you can walk around and watch the ocean.

Aina Nalu's only drawback is the fact that you are not on the beach. Lahaina doesn't have any good swimming beaches, so you'll have to take a short drive to Kaanapali for swimming and snorkeling in the ocean.

Lush landscaping at Aina Nalu Resort (former Ohana Maui Islander) creates relaxing, close-to-home atmosphere. Wooden buildings are barely visible through the densely planted coconut palms, royal poinciana and rainbow shower trees. Papaya and banana trees make the grounds look like a fruit garden. Red, white and yellow ginger plants, hibiscus and birds of paradise add glorious sprays of color. Take a brief walk around, and you can feel your "mainland" worries melting away.

2. Condos

Outrigger Aina Nalu Resort offers studios, 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom condos, all with garden views. Units are located in twelve 2-story wooden buildings. You will be pleasantly impressed with the interiors - every room has been thoroughly renovated in 2005. You just can't beat the prices on - these are some of the best buys in Lahaina and Kaanapali!

Condos are airy and light, decorated in russet, bronze, natural stone and rattan.

Studios include kitchenette with built-in microwave and under-counter refrigerator. One- and two-bedroom units feature complete kitchen with dishwasher, built-in microwave, refrigerator, and ceramic cook top and oven. Everything you need for cooking is provided, including shiny and new dishes and silverware.

As part of the renovation, Aina Nalu Resort recently installed 26" Dell flat-screen TV in the bedrooms, and another 20" TV in the living rooms.

Immaculate-looking bathrooms have natural stone floors and brand-new large stone showers (no bathtubs). Shower is open: it is deep enough and covered in slate tile, so you don't need a door or curtain. Medicine cabinet, many drawers, and Aveda toiletries make the bathrooms not just nice-looking but also very convenient.

This is a pretty quite place. The only noise that you will hear is the wonderful sounds of bird songs at dawn. Aina Nalu Resort (former Ohana Maui Islander) gives you the "Old Lahaina" charm that other hotels just don't have.

There are 92 studios and condos, each unit features:

Two-story buildings with stairs (no elevators)
Air-conditioning
Ceiling fans
Balcony is available in second floor 1-bedroom condos only
Studios come with kitchenette;
1- and 2-bedroom condos have full kitchen
Cable TV and video games
Brand-new appliances from Whirlpool and Kohler
Coffee maker
Blackout drapes
Hair dryer upon request
Iron and board
In-room safe
Daily maid service
Non-smoking rooms available

3. Restaurants

Outrigger Aina Nalu Resort does not have an on-site restaurants, but there are quite a few restaurants and cafes located within a short walk from the hotel. Here are our 2 favorite places:

1) Blue Lagoon Tropical Bar & Grill – 0.1 miles away, at 658 Front Street

Looking for a remote idyllic hideaway to grab a bite to eat? Then head to “Blue Lagoon Tropical Bar & Grill” nestled right across from the famous Banyan Tree. it is surrounded by waterfalls, palm streets and babbling brooks, and feels like a nice retreat from the busy Front Street.

Menu includes tasty appetizers like Ale Battered Mushrooms and panko-crusted Calamari Strips that are perfect with Blue Lagoon's creative tropical drinks like "Red Death" or "Sex in a Palm Tree". One of the best entrees is "Ono-Ono" grilled, topped with mango salsa and set atop a bed of white rice with mango sauce and sir-fry vegetables. Prices are very reasonable, so you can take the whole family there and not break your pocketbook.

2) Cheeseburger in Paradise – 0.4 miles away, at 811 Front Street

This place is always hopping! A terrific atmosphere and affordable prices grant it instant popularity, and the burgers are out of this world. Choose a juicy loaded beef burger and add yummy gigantic fries and a tropical drink, or opt for the veggie and chicken selections.

The location is unbeatable, next to the seawall on Front Street in Lahaina. You will have an absolutely spectacular oceanfront view from your table.

Live band comes on stage around 4:30pm, and they play a variety of rock music, classic tunes, and current hits, to make sure everybody is having a good time.

4. Things to do

Aina Nalu Resort complex is spread across 10 landscaped acres and includes a sun deck, barbecues and picnic area in a quiet garden setting. The atmosphere is very casual and family-oriented.

Other facilities include: