On a previous trip to Maui, my husband and I happened upon Napili Bay while snorkelling in the area and we thought it would be a good location for us to look at when we returned to Maui. It turned out to be even better than we could have expected. We thought the area of low slung condos on a nice bay/beach would be more our style than a resort or high-rise type place.

Our goal was relaxation and snorkelling and Napili bay offers both. A nice central area for checking out the bays on the west side of the island, walking distance to Kapalua and lovely views across the water as well. The unit we chose was a 2nd story studio that looked out toward the bay but is not considered oceanfront. The room was quite comfortable and offered everything we needed. It was nice to have a kitchen (all appliances were full sized) and we loved sitting on the lanai. One night there was a 'mai tai social' where we enjoyed complementary drinks with other guests as the sun was setting--we were somewhat surprised to find that many of the guests make the Napili Surf their vacation destination year after year. Everyone was so nice and you will likely find us here again....as one of the repeat visitors requesting the same perfect room.

A short walk by beach or street lands you at the Sea House restaurant which is a great place to enjoy happy hour and enjoy the bay view. Other restaurants within walking distance: The Gazebo, Merrimans and the Pinapple Grill. Grocery store also within walking distance.

Our family has been going to Napili Surf Beach Resort for years. In fact, every time we're in the islands we stay here. The location is prime. The staff are great. And the hotel is perfect for a few days of relaxation. Though the beach directly in front of the hotel can be crowded at times, the snorkeling is still fair. Walk around the southern point of the Napili Bay and you'll find even better snorkeling (and many many turtles) with a bit of a rougher entry. The staff are helpful and there weekly happy hours, and weekend lei making for the kids. The hotel is very calm. The noise from the beach never really reaches the grounds. It's a perfect place to just relax and enjoy being in Hawaii.

We stayed for 3 nights at the Garden Studio. The room was clean and cozy - big enough for the two of us. The kitchen was fully equiped and as a welcome present we found a nicely sliced pineapple in the fridge. The best reason for Napili is the great location at the Napili Beach. The value-for-money is very good. We would definetly go again and can recommend Napili Surf to anyone who does not need the luxary and entertaiment which the pricy resorts on Maui offer.

When you meet someone in the laundry room whoses family has been returning annually for 22 years you know there must be a reason why. The Napili Surf embodies the best of Hawaiian hospitality without the pretentiousness of a resort. Because of zoning laws prohibiting buildings "taller than a palm tree", Napili Bay continues to be an enclave of low rise old Hawaiian style condos on a beautiful bay offering great value for the money. Though we were in the "garden units" of the Pua Mala building, the beach was less than a two minute walk away (my husband timed it at under 90 seconds - he walks faster than I do) through meticulously maintained grounds. Staff, many of which have been there for a number of years (one housekeeper will retire next year after 39 years!) treat you as family.

The complex is older but well maintained. Units are individually owned so each has its own character but all come with a fully equiped kitchen including diswasher. If you find that you need something that is not stocked in your unit housekeeping can ususally find it for you. The number of returning guests was quite impressive - the Napili Surf has become a family tradition for multiple generations of families with children and grandchildren returning year after year. You could tell that returning guests felt like the Surf was a home that they were coming back to.

If you want a taste of real old Hawaiian hospitality without the pretensious of a large resort, if you like quiet and aren't looking for a lot of ammenities, if you want to just feel at home and relax in a beautiful and more laid back area of Maui I would highly recommend the Napili Surf Beach Resort.