The Basics: Built in the 1920s, this classic Wailuku home with gabled roofs and Queen Anne detailing was restored by Janice and Tom Fairbanks to perfection in 1998. Decorated with period piece furniture and themed after the whimsical verse of Hawaii author Don Blanding, the Inn mixes the best of new and old – air conditioning and modern bathrooms with big comfy Grandma-style furniture and colorful Hawaiian quilts.

Pros: This place has the homey feeling of a B&B but you get the privacy of an actual inn, with rooms that are well insulated and well thought out. The rooms themselves are extremely spacious and comfortable. The bathrooms are bright and on par with what you would find at most big hotels. The sprawling front porch is fabulous for lounging. Innkeeper Janice Fairbanks makes bang-up breakfasts – her malasadas (Portuguese donuts) are moist, chewy, doughy and sweet. If you like small town, old Hawaii feel, the Inn is a good place for you. There are no resorts within pineapple tossing distance. Wailuku is the capital of Maui but it’s a total burb, with a tiny downtown and small but growing clutch of cool shops and tasty restaurants. You’re close to both the Maui Arts and Cultural Center and the I’ao Theater, the twin pillars of cultural offerings on the Valley Isle. I felt this place was romantic in a retro chilled out kinda way.

Cons: You do have to drive at least 20 minutes to get to a decent beach in Wailea or Paia. The best restaurants in Maui are, likewise, a good drive away. Wailuku can be sleepy to the point of paralysis. If you want actions, this place is not for you. The Inn doesn’t have a pool, of course, so poolhounds should steer clear. If you don’t like eating breakfast with strangers, likewise, steer clear. When guests gather for breakfast, verandah level rooms can get somewhat noisy.

Bottom Line: This is one of my favorite small properties in the islands. It’s beautifully turned out. I find it quite relaxing and often recommend it to visitors as an option for two nights (minimum stay) to mix up their vacation.

Old Wailuku Inn at Ulupono
2199 Kahookele St, Wailuku / 800/305-4899
Rates: $140-$190 dbl. (include full breakfast). Extra person $20, 2-night minimum
Credit Cards MC, V

Trip Advisor Reviews / Map

Image via Flickr / erickogan

—Alex, 10/31/06