It was shortly after 3:00pm when we loaded all of the groceries into the back of our dark-grey Jeep convertible and then started our adventure along the Road to Hana. For most travelers, starting the Road to Hana at 3:00 in the afternoon would be a no-go; it’s a long, curvy, and adventure packed road-trip and you typically need the entire day to explore. For us, we only had three hours left until sundown, yet we weren’t concerned as the Road to Hana was just a small piece of our adventure–We were spending the weekend in the middle of the jungle.
I have wanted to stay on the remote Eastern side of Maui ever since we first explored Hana back in 2011, and during our visit last Christmas, I vowed to my husband that on our next vacation we would stay near Hana at some point during the trip. So naturally, as I began to plan our itinerary, I started by researching rental properties near Hana.
While searching on VRBO.com I found a beautifully updated one bedroom cottage, with very reasonable rates, and best of all, it was located in my FAVORITE location on Maui: Nahiku Village. SIGN ME UP!
The two-hour drive along the beautiful north coast of Maui was the perfect way to kick off our trip. We laughed, we stopped for pictures, we sang our hearts out (who needs those singing competitions on TV?), and we enjoyed all of the natural beauty that Maui offers. The Road to Hana is known for its lushness; thick, bright green, expansive jungle surrounds the roadway and covers the hillsides, and as we took a left turn off the Hana highway towards the small village of Nahiku, that jungle became thicker and even greener (which is almost an impossible feat).
As we pulled into our rental property, I smiled. The small green house with white trim was surrounded by jungle. The yard was beautifully landscaped and had a wonderful patio where you could sit and stare at the ocean as you listened to the orchestra of the jungle (and by orchestra, I mean all the birds, crickets, frogs, and of course the wind blowing through the palm trees). 🙂 The sound was mesmerizing.
Our host, Maria, was incredible! Maria owns the house on the other side of the property so once we got settled she came over to help us get acquainted with the cottage. When I tell you that she has thought of everything for this rental, I literally mean EVERYTHING.
The updated kitchen was fully equipped, and the fridge was stocked with many different spices, butter, and the most amazing coffee. As we roamed through the condo we saw that there were beach towels, snorkel gear (although snorkeling on the East side isn’t the best), coolers, beach chairs, flashlights, candles, travel maps, a sewing kit, bug spray, sunscreen, and when we saw the boogie boards we knew that Maria did indeed, have it all.
And even after being blown away by this neat little cottage and all of its thoughtful amenities, we had one more surprise as we laid down for the night. The bed! It was so soft yet provided the perfect amount of support. It has to be one of the best beds that I’ve ever slept in.
That first day of travel is always a long one, and by the time we laid our heads down to sleep, we had been awake for almost 23 hours. That night, as we drifted off to sleep, we listened to the roar of the jungle.
And can we talk about that roar for just a moment? It is insane how loud the jungle is at night. It seems as if all the little critters are in a competition to be the loudest, and it’s absolutely hypnotizing. What’s even more mind-blowing is the next morning when you wake up–you wake up to complete silence–aside from the husband opening a bag of licorice. 😉 Not a bird chirping or frog croaking. It’s almost as if all the jungle critters wore themselves out from making so much noise the night before. I loved that experience!
If you go to Maui and are looking for an adventure off the beaten path, book this cottage. It’s one of those places that is SO good and SO special that I almost want to keep this secret to myself… but this wouldn’t be a very good travel blog if I didn’t share the hidden gems that I find. I can honestly tell you that it’s one of my favorite rental properties that we’ve ever had the pleasure of staying in. Fair warning: once you stay here, everywhere else won’t hold a candle to such an amazing host and a truly wonderful cottage. 🙂
Would you spend the night in the jungle?
Pictures and Plane Tickets 
Charming…
I was born and raised on Maui. Never thought it would become the mecca it has become. Back then folks like me graduating from high school could not wait to “get off the rock” and move to Honolulu where all the action was. Delighted my hometown is loved by so many… ❤
Hi Hug Mamma,
I think at some point we all have that “get out of this town” feeling about our hometowns. 🙂 I moved around a lot when I was younger so every few years I get the itch to move again… 😉 I wouldn’t mind making Maui my home sometime in the future. Aloha!
Hey a guys gotta eat 😉
Touche!
I Will ck that out next time I’m over! I live in Seattle so we have straight flights! I am much older than you so I really do enjoy the slow pace of the island life. Lol
I think you would LOVE this condo then. It was magnificent! 🙂
I love staying in cottage and house rentals. I use VRBO and a couple other sites. I’ve never been disappointed and usually, we don’t want to leave. I think it’s the best way to stay when you travel. This cottage sounds fantastic!
Hey!!
I would agree, all of our rentals through VRBO have been absolutely fantastic. We were wishing for more time at this place, but I guess it means we will just have to go back again soon. 🙂
Thanks for stopping and saying Hi. I hope you are doing great!!
Oh I would so love to see that side of the world!
I shall keep my fingers crossed that one day I will…for now blogs like yours will keep me going 🙂
Lauren x
Thanks for stopping by Lauren. I hope you get the chance to visit soon. Hawaii is one of my favorite places in the world, definitely worth the flight over. Aloha!
Beautiful Krystle!! I been to Maui once and loved the road to Hana – one of the most gorgeous places I’ve been. Can’t wait to go back!
Laura
Surf & Hydrangeas
Aloha Laura!
I hope you get to go back soon! The Road to Hana is one of my favorite parts of Maui! 🙂
Have a great weekend.
Looks beautiful…thanks for the “like” on my post
Thanks for stopping by! Have a great day.
Aloha Krystle,
I loved your comments about the jungle noise and the morning silence.
My house on Kauai is not that far out – but the back yard does abut the jungle. Frequently I have 4am coffee with jet lagged guests – and they all whisper about the silence. It seems a sin to break it.
A Hui Hou,
Wayne
Aloha Wayne!
I found all of the noises so incredible. It was so loud, but SO relaxing at the same time. 🙂 and I loved those peaceful mornings.
We may be heading your way for a few days next winter. I know we are going to the islands, so my husband and I are trying to fit in both Maui and Kauai. 🙂 Maybe we will see you next year! 🙂
Sounds wonderful! And the cottage looks great. Your post reminded me of our experience of staying in the middle of nowhere in the lava rock house on The Big Island 🙂 so many different sounds! 🙂
We had a day to explore the Hana road and it was a great day, it’s so nice to read about it and go back to the island through your post 🙂
Hey friend!
Glad I brought back some great memories. Next time we go to the Big Island, I’m hoping to stay a few nights over on the east side of the Big Island. You’ll have to give me some advice. 🙂
Have a great day!
I loved the road to Hana… We should have planned to stay overnight too! Great post!
Hi Shikha,
Next time definitely look into staying a night or two over on the east side. One of my favorite memories from our trip. 🙂 Aloha.
I’ve only ever been to Honolulo on a visit with the family (being from England it’s quite far away) but I can honestly say it was the best holiday I’ve ever had! I would definitely like to try the other islands! Thanks for this post will be following 🙂
There’s something about the islands that captures all visitors hearts. I hope you get the chance to go to the other islands sometime in the near future. Kauai and Maui are our favorites. 🙂 Aloha. Thanks for following.
Beautiful pictures!
Thank you Katelyn.
What an amazing place to stay, great find!
Hey Leigh!
Staying over near Hana was one of the best decisions we made on this trip. It was so nice to “check out” for a couple of days. Soooo relaxing.
Have a great day! 🙂
One of my favorite places in the world! Beautiful!
It’s incredible, isn’t it! Thanks for stopping by.
Yes, Maui is one of my favorites too although I don’t get there much any more. Glad you like my home state – Aloha – pjs/
Hi Paul,
I hope you can go home soon. 🙂 Hopefully one day Hawaii will be my “home state” as well.
Aloha!