Travaasa Hana Resort Hotel Review, Maui, Hawaii

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Sunrise over the Pacific Ocean. Photo © 2013 Nancy D. Brown

Located at the end of the Road to Hāna, on Maui’s secluded eastern shore, Travaaasa Hāna was formerly the Hotel Hāna-Maui, originally opened in 1946 and a favorite of multiple generations. Blending nature with modern amenities, the four diamond, luxury property is divided into two sections, Garden Suites and Sea Ranch Cottages. Only the Sea Ranch side of the resort, including the infinity pool, is adults-only, requiring a key card entrance. The Garden side of the property is family friendly, with the activities center, pool, spa, and dining at this main part of the sprawling 66 acre Hawaiian resort.

Kōkua Travaasa Hāna

The Hawaiian word kōkua means giving to others for their benefit. During my visit to Travaasa Hāna I was surrounded by Hawaiian culture, from the local art displayed at the resort, to the hula dancers, ukulele players, paniola cowgirl and throw net fishermen.  Even the Hana residents driving me around in the golf cart introduced me to Hawaiian words and talked story during my stay. All of my employee encounters exemplified my understanding of kōkua – of giving to others.

Travaasa Hāna all inclusive or a la carte lodging options

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Travaasa Hana Infinity Pool. Photo © 2013 Nancy D. Brown

While the town of Hāna is small and relaxed, there is plenty of adventure to be experienced at Travaasa Hāna. From culinary, culture, fitness and spa/wellness options, all inclusive guests are offered yoga, Pilates, bicycles, lei making, hula lessons and horseback riding along Hāna’s coastal bluffs, as well as shuttle service to nearby Hāmoa Beach for ocean kayaking and snorkeling.

Travaasa Hāna, Maui features 70 cottages and suites, a wellness spa, locally-sourced dining and activities highlighting Hawaii’s culture. The property offers 47 plantation-style Sea Ranch Cottages and 23 low-rise bungalow Garden View Suites. All guestrooms feature organic linens and Hawaiian art.
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Sea Ranch Cottage photo © 2013 Nancy D. Brown

Honua Travaasa Hāna

If you are looking to re-connect with nature during your stay in Maui, Travaasa Hāna is the ideal place between heaven and earth – don’t except to find radios, clocks or televisions in resort rooms. However, there is a big screen tv in the library, along with a computer, printer and strong wifi for those hoping to stay plugged in on vacation.

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Sea Ranch Cottages feature high wood-beamed ceilings, but spotty internet access. At Travaasa Hāna, it’s all about the ocean views. All cottages include private lanais, many with private hot tubs.  Fyi, the minimum age requirement for Sea Ranch Cottage guests is 16-years-old.

My Sea Ranch Cottage, 409, had a fantastic ocean view and view of Alau Island. While the Sea Ranch Cottages are adult-only, two weeks out of the year in winter, spring and summer, Travaasa Hāna Sea Ranch Cottages turn family-friendly. While I was solo this trip, I would certainly return here with my family!

Macadamia Nut pancakes, pancakes, hana, hawaii, "travaasa hana"
Macadamia nut pancakes photo © 2013 Nancy D. Brown

Travaasa Hāna dining

Needless to say, you will not go hungry while on vacation at Travaasa Hāna. One of the highlights for me; the Total Travaasa Package means that I don’t have to shop for food, cook or calculate tips when I am on vacation! Everything is included in the package, from spa treatments, to daily activities, to meals and unlimited non-alcoholic beverages.
The Ka‘uiki dining room is expensive, offering ocean-to-table cuisine and organic food, with the majority of the produce, fish and beef coming from Hāna and Maui. I was delighted to see that Executive Chef Barry Villiarimo, a Hāna native, uses local ingredients like taro, breadfruit, sweet potatoes and coconut milk in his cooking.
Hāna Ranch Restaurant, located across the street from Travaasa Hāna, offers fresh seafood, excellent ribs and killer Macadamia Nut Pie, among other items, at affordable prices. During my Tuesday night dinner it was “open mic” at Hāna Ranch – a wonderful experience with talented local musicians.
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Lava rock Jacuzzi overlooking Kapueokahi Bay. Photo © 2013 Nancy D. Brown

Spa at Travaasa Hāna

The Spa at Travaasa Hāna, overlooking Hāna Bay and Ka‘uiki Hill, is an indoor/outdoor wellness center. With nine treatment rooms, the spa includes an outdoor lava rock whirlpool (with ocean view), indoor and outdoor relaxation areas, a private garden, steam room and cold plunge pool. I highly recommend the Lomi lomi massage!

Check in: 4:00 p.m. (Greeting includes a hot towel, fresh fruit juice and Kukui Nut lei) The Hawaiian Kukui tree has a spiritual meaning of hope, light and renewal; all qualities that I experienced during my Travaasa Hāna stay.

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Check out: 12:00 p.m.

"Mokulele Airlines"
Mokulele Airlines Kahului Airport to Hāna, Maui, Hawaii

Insider tip

If you don’t have time to drive the scenic road from Kahului Airport (OGG) to Hāna, consider twice-daily flight service from Mokulele Airlines. The nine-seat Cessna Grand Caravan 208B offers spectacular views of Maui during the 20-minute flight. Ticket prices start at $59 each way or check with Travaasa Hāna for package deals.

For additional insider tips follow Luxury Travel Writer Nancy D. Brown on Twitter and follow Travaasa Hāna on Twitter. Travaasa Hāna is a Preferred Boutique member hotel and AAA Four Diamond-awarded hotel.

If You Go:

Travaasa Hana (855)868-7282

5031 Hāna Highway
Hāna, Maui, HI 96713

Article written by, video and photos courtesy of  Travel Writer Nancy D. Brown of What a Trip, Travels from Northern California. I was a guest of Travaasa Hāna and Maui Visitors and Convention Bureau.

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4 thoughts on “Travaasa Hana Resort Hotel Review, Maui, Hawaii”

  1. Heather Atherton

    Hi Nancy! Love me some Lomi Lomi massage! I enjoyed your review as I’ve always been curious about this resort. I was pleasantly surprised to hear how reasonable the flight is to Hana I’m assuming from Kahalui? What does the resort average per night?

  2. @Aloha Heather
    I think you will love vacationing at Travaasa Hana. Yes, flights are from Kahalui Airport to Hana. There are two pricing options at the resort, the all inclusive Total Travaasa Package and a la carte pricing. Pricing depends on which package you select, as well as the time of year for your visit. I have included a link to the hotel website and phone number under “If You Go.”

  3. We are going next week and booked the total travasa package. We were curious if since our meals are included it is still customary to tip in the restaurant.

  4. Aloha Alan,
    I’m delighted to report that all taxes and gratuities are included in the package. I don’t think alcohol is covered in the Total Travaasa Package. What a trip!

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