The Plantation Inn, Lahaina: Maui Excellence Under One Roof

Free parking and no resort fees

Upon arrival, guests have two dedicated parking lots to choose from. Parking is at a premium in Lahaina making this a desirable perk. The reception area is towards the back of the hotel conveniently located to service both buildings. The reception staff is more than happy to haul your baggage to your room, a service most guests want without an elevator to the second floor.

Choose a suite overlooking the main drag from your private balcony. This balcony is large enough to entertain up to eight while taking in the sights and sounds of Lahaina. Inside the suite are ceiling fans and air conditioning to keep you comfortable on rare days when the sea breeze takes a break, and the temperature can climb to 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32.2 degrees celcius). A mini-fridge keeps drinks and snacks cold during your stay. Foodland, a local grocery store, is just a ten-minute walk away to stock up on cold drinks, snacks, and takeout meals. Other amenities are daily maid service, in-room safe, guest laundry, free WiFi, TV, DVD, and clock radio. Unlike many Maui hotels, the Plantation Inn doesn’t charge a resort fee!

Bathrooms have showers only, but the hot water arrives quick and steamy. The beds are decorated with a colorful comforter with a palm-from design. The carved pineapple headboard in the suites adds to the feeling of being in paradise. If it wasn’t for a free breakfast each morning, chances are you might sleep in late. Coffee is available starting around 7 a.m. in the pool area. Grab a table in the pool area and dig into local fresh-cut fruit before ordering one of the delicious breakfast entrees. A glass of guava, orange, and pineapple juice pairs well with the lox and toasted bagel. Having breakfast outdoors poolside with palm trees swaying in the breeze makes this a meal to remember.

Excellent on-site dining

For fine French dining at its best, try Gerard’s located on the ground floor of the hotel. The stuffed quail is one of the best known entrees at Gerard’s. The two quail surrounding a hockey puck-sized helping of rice will satiate most appetites. Seafood lovers should ask about the fresh fish of the day, usually a locally caught variety like monchong, mahi-mahi, yellowtail tuna, etc. The seafood in Maui is enough reason to visit this part of the world. To finish your meal with a tropical flair, try the coconut and passion fruit sorbets for a perfect ending. Gerard’s gets rave reviews online, and after dining there, my wife and I agree it’s an excellent place for dinner.

Close to the waterfront

Although the Plantation Inn is not located on the water, a short walk of fewer than five minutes takes guests to the waterfront. The reception staff can help with recommendations for tours, restaurants, beaches, and other attractions. Staying at the Plantation Inn is convenient if you have plans at Kaanapali, nearby beaches, or the Maui Ocean Center. All these favorite places are within 20 minutes or so of the Plantation Inn depending on traffic. For whale or sea turtle cruises, book ahead of time to get the best time slot for your day’s schedule.

Several tour operators launch from the boat slips just ten minutes walk from the hotel. Fishing charters also launch from this area. Shops, galleries, cafes, and bars are all near the Plantation Inn. Take a walk along historic Front Street around sunset and look for whales spouting or breaching just offshore during whale-watching season, December through March. Over 6,000 humpback whales are said to be in the area according to the Maui Ocean Center.