Frommer's Review
This quaint 22-room inn is back in the hands of the Molokai Ranch and under new management (now it's a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World -- Hotel Hana-Maui is the only other Hawaii hotel in this group). It's not cheap; rates are comparable to those at luxury, oceanfront resorts on Maui. Only this property is not oceanfront. It's 6 miles and a 20- to 25-minute, bumpy-drive down an unpaved gravel road to the closest beach. Nor is it in a resort, but in a sparsely populated planned community (that has not worked out), with no other amenities (except the Big Kite Store) in the immediate area.
The attractive, two-story lodge sits on 8 nicely landscaped acres located in sometimes-windy and sometimes-cold Maunaloa Town. Designed to resemble a 1930s-style Hawaii ranch owner's private home, The Lodge features a giant fireplace, huge wooden beam construction, panoramic views, and details like cuffed cowboy boots beside the door that make it look and feel like a real ranch. Guests step back in time to a Hawaii of yesteryear.
The guest rooms, each with individual country decor, are of two types: deluxe and luxury. The luxury rooms are spacious corner units that feature either greenhouse-type skylights or a cozy king-size daybed nestled in a comfy alcove. My luxury room was wonderful, with a free-standing four-poster bed, 270-degree view, and a TV that hydraulically lifted out of a credenza.
Other amenities include a dining room, the option of dining at buffets at the beach pavilion, and a small but practical spa (with massage treatments, men's and women's sauna, and locker facilities). The Lodge, along with the Beach Village at Molokai Ranch, sits on the 65,000-acre Molokai Ranch and is geared toward outdoorsy types, with lots of activities available (horseback riding, mountain biking, hiking, kayaking, snorkeling, and more, ranging in price from $37-$275). There's also wonderful local entertainment in the Great Room in the evening; even if you don't stay here, come for the free entertainment.
Facilities: Restaurant (Maunaloa Dining Room); bar w/entertainment Tues-Sat evenings; gorgeous heated outdoor "infinity" pool; workout room; small spa w/massage room; bike rentals; game room; concierge; activities desk; car-rental desk; shopping arcade; massage; laundry service
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without
notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before
planning your trip.
