The Beach and Beyond
There are even more advantages than the above. At the Honua Kai, award-winning Kaanapali Beach is just steps away, and it’s great for swimming, snorkeling, or just sunning. During the winter months, you’ll probably see humpback whales right off the beach. The resort has also aligned itself with Beach Activities of Maui, who are experts to help you with all of your pool and beach activity needs, be it boogie boards, snorkel gear, pool floats or rafts. There’s also an imaginative aqua network of pools, hot tubs, natural pond bridges, waterslide, waterfalls and fountains, offering waterfeatures that also set the resort apart. There’s a Formal Pool; an Activity Pool for kids; and the Konea Pool featuring niches for deckchairs and cabanas.

But above and beyond that, and perhaps the most important characteristic -- the resort is serious about sustainability, and even has created the position of its own Director of Sustainability, Lance Gilliland. Honua Kai is a leader in environmental stewardship, with “caring for the land” practices that begin in the ocean, protect the surrounding beach, and extend to every room. For example, a new two-tiered water-conserving program keeps nearly 40 acres of beautiful landscaped gardens and grounds green, without wasting precious water. To accomplish this, the Honua Kai worked in partnership with the county waste water department, to develop a landscape irrigation system that is fed solely by recycled “R1” water, which provides the highest quality of recycled water. That water is then enhanced through a process known as “fertigation,” which delivers small daily doses of organic fertilizer through the irrigation system.

There are also signs along the shore, which inform guests about the green sea turtles (honu) that sun themselves in front of the resort. Heat from the air-conditioning cooling system is captured and used to heat the pool water. Compact fluorescent lightbulbs are used whenever possible. Recycling centers are located throughout the resort, to capture paper, cans, bottles and glass. Biodegradeable trash bags are used throughout the resort. Its green compactor is only the second on Maui, and is run on soy oil and solar power. And information cards are posted in every room, to explain why bed linens are changed every third day, and towels changed upon guest request, to conserve precious water resources.

These incredible initiatives are just the tip of the iceberg, as there are many more too numerous to mention. Said Mr. Gilliland: “It just makes sense to conserve energy, re-use, recycle and protect the beautiful natural environment for our homeowners and resort guests who visit the property.”

In a word, impressive. So if you’re someone who deeply cares about the environment, and want your vacation to embody those feelings, the Honua Kai is exactly for you.

By the time you read this, there will also be a second fitness center on the property, letting you eat dinner at Duke’s without any guilt. In 2010, the resort will also add a river pool to the premises.

So what’s our forecast for this amazing property on Kaanapali Beach? Bright and sunny.

In 2010, rates start at $400 per night for the Ohana suites with a resort view; while the oceanview Penthouse, for example, runs $1,200 per night.

A daily $25 resort fee also applies, which includes a beach and pool services discount; use of the fitness room; wired and wireless internet; in-suite safe; self- or valet parking and more.

For more information, visit www.Honuakaimaui.com; (808) 662-2800, (888) 718-5789.

By William D. Kickham. Esq.
JustLuxe Contributor
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