We stayed in the Ginger Hideaway for a week in April, on our first visit to Maui. We loved Maui and will definitely return, and will stay at Makai Inn every time. We chose it over the many many condo options because of the location (close to town, and right on the water), the promise of quiet, and the price.

The suite is simple but comfortable, made exceptional by great views and lovely breezes off the sea. The roll down screens on the patio meant we could sit there any time of day and have sun or shade.

Management is so relaxed that we didn't see them until we checked out at the end of the week. This was a minor negative - we had to find someone to ask for more toilet paper. On balance, though, we preferred the privacy and the feeling that the place was ours. If you need a place with daily (or even regular) cleaning or servicing, this place may not be for you. Cleanliness was acceptable, but not sterling.

It is an easy walk to the grocery store (5 minutes) and a little longer to town (15 minutes). Note that this is not a great walk if you have children with you, as there aren't sidewalks all the way and it is a fairly well-traveled road.

This place was a nightmare.

From the moment we checked in we felt incredibly unwelcome. We were told to pay particular attention to The Rules (two A4 pages of rules) "because of where we were from".

The unit smelled bad and the sheets had not been freshly washed. There were crumbs and food still in the fridge and presses. We had booked for 3 people but were given a double bed and a (grubby) foam mattress for the third person. This was not there on arrival but was later thrown on the ground outside our unit.

It was so bad that we cancelled the second and third nights we had booked even though we had no alternative reservation. The only positive was that there was no dispute over a refund. We travelled for 3 weeks in total and we had no problems anywhere else. Avoid at all costs!

This place is not the Ritz. Can we get that out of the way? Good. It's a bit worn around the edges (a few new fixtures and a little paint would be great), but it's location and overall vibe are amazing. The innkeepers are very laid back, and expect you to be while you're here (quiet = good). Rooms are clean, spacious and comfortable, and the "Hideaways" are about 20 feet from the ocean. The view over the surf is amazing, and the sounds will rock you to sleep.

The property is about one mile north of downtown Lahaina, so it's a long but pleasant walk. Easy trip up to Kaanapali for the beaches (the ocean in front of the Makai Inn is a seawall -- no chance for water entry).

So, don't expect luxury while you're here, and you should be fine. If you're expecting marble and 300 thread sheets, you'll be miserable. All in all, I would highly recommend this place -- it's comfortable and relaxing. I just wish they'd spend a little time fixing some things and spiffing it up a bit.

Ginger Hideaway.. We just returned from a vacation to Maui. The first 3 nights we stayed at the Makai Inn a short drive to downtown Lahaina. This is not a fancy resort, but a quant little inn on the water (not beach, but on the water) If you like waves crashing on the rocks with a fantastic view this could be for you. The Ginger Hideaway is a second floor end unit about 60 feet from the water. We received an off season fantastic rate of $112 that you might have to ask for. If it is peak season don't bother asking. Susie runs a tight ship and noise is a NO NO which is a real plus for me. She promotes her quite period as 24/7. There is no a/c, but we still had to pull up a sheet at night. Loved it