The Real Maui Experience
By A Yahoo! Contributor, 1/15/08
I arrived at the Banana Bungalow on Friday Jan. 9th at night, with no reservations, and they had no problem providing me with accommodations. I have never stayed at a hostel before the BB and any expectations I had of hostels were completely blown away. My plan was to stay here for a couple of days then travel to other hostels to get the full Maui experience. However, the BB provides free tours to all the corners of the island.
The real draw hear are the free tours. Monday is a hike through the Iao Valley. Simon is the greatest guide, he fed us all with the wild fruits of the jungle along the way. Tuesday is the road to Hana, this is a very long and winding drive with the most amazing views of the ocean, jungle and dozens of water falls. There are stops along the way for local foods and fresh produce, both a red and black sand beach, a hike into a cave, and the greatest hike through a bamboo forest to a 300ft waterfall for a swim. Wednesday is a snorkeling trip to Black Rock in Kaanapali. I swam with hundreds of fish and followed a sea turtle over a beautiful coral reef. After we went to see the largest Buddha statue in the U.S. and then a trip into Lahaina for some shopping, food and drinks. Thursday is another snorkeling trip to Turtle Town, there is a lot of great reef to see here. Buy a waterproof camera, it is well worth it. After swimming and some sun the tour goes to Big Beach in Makena for some volleyball and more sun,..... Bring sun screen. Friday is a whale watching tour that I have yet to experience for myself, but I hear it is quite amazing. Saturday is a hike through the Haleakala crater. This is by far the most breathtaking place I have ever seen. To my knowledge, there is no other company on the island you can hire to guide you through the Volcano. It is truly one of those places in the world that words can not describe, you have to see it for yourself. It is well worth the stay at the BB to see this awesome place. Sunday is an incredibly relaxing day in Makena at Big Beach/Little Beach. Little beach, also my favorite beach, is clothing optional and the weeks events culminate with the most fabulous sunset over the island Kahoolawe with fire dancers feed primitive rhythms by a 20 piece drum circle.
The beds here are very comfortable but sleeping street side can get noisy in the early morning, however the BB provides ear plugs which does alleviate the problem. They use a white power called Diatomaceous earth in the beds which helps prevent a bed bug infestation, as of yet I have not seen a single bed bug or anyone with bites, this is good because hostels usually have problems with bed bugs. The neighborhood is a pretty cool place with a bunch of cafes and art dealers. It can be a bit sketchy at night so if you need a midnight stroll use some common sense and walk in a group.
The Banana Bungalow is a very interesting place. The atmosphere is here is very conducive to the social environment. I have had many fascinating philosophical conversation here. People travel here from all over the world for the Real Maui experience.
The common area is the focal point of the BB. There is a 52in HD TV with satellite, free Wi-Fi, pool table, foosball, full kitchen, and a hot tub outside that is great to soak in after a long day of hiking. Friday there is a free keg and Chuck is here providing some great island tacos.
I think the BB is a great place for the budget traveler. Young and old, couples and families, or just single this place will be able to accommodate anybody. I have been here for little over a month, met so many interesting people, and had the opportunity to see many of the less touristy areas of the island. I hope to stay here for a bit longer and see more of non resort Maui. The Banana Bungalow is centrally located on the island and is in my opinion perfect for taking in the Real Maui experience.