Hale Honu

Just came back from the Island. While there are hoops to travel, like COVID-19 tests, there are plus’s too. The Island is still down about 50% on visitor count, so less crowded, and things are starting to open back up safely. Saw my first live concert in over a year , fantastic Hawaiian slack guitar George Kahumoku Jr , at the beautiful open air, socially distanced (like 12 feet apart - 30 people total) Napili Kai

Full sized new extra capacity washer and dryer

Well... just back from Maui. Was a wee bit different than expected. Left in Feb before the extent of the pandemic was understood, ending up staying 50 days. Most of Maui doing this time was closed with stay at home orders in place, as with most the world. However, with the advantage that one could still do water sports and swim in the ocean. Which I did a lot of. Essential services were still available, so early on did the planned replacement of the A/C. Given that Maui and... Kahana in particular rarely gets to the 90s you'd think A/C was optional. As all those that stay here through summer can testify, it may be optional, but it's an incredibly nice to have. Since Feb we have not been able to accomodate guests per state rules, and we spent some time refunding those that missed out and rebooking those that want to come later. During this period anyone seeking a refund, we give 100%, no fees, no questions asked. Though virtually no place on earth escaped this infection, Maui was less hard hit than many. Today only a few new cases per week are discovered and almost no new fatalities. Economically, its another story. Maui depends heavily on tourism and this has stopped almost entirely. We don't know when Hawaii will lift the 14 day quarantine, but once it does, returning visitors , especially the early ones, are going to see a different Maui. Incredibly clean beaches, no lines, no traffic, maybe not the same number of shops and restaurants as before (this is has been really hard on these businesses). There are likely to be restrictions at first, like everywhere else, social distancing, no large events. But if your willing to come earlier when its safe and you're comfortable, you will be greatly appreciated.

An update from Hale Honu At the beginning of Feb we started planning on spending a few weeks in March at the unit for our annual update and fix everything stay. Back then few people were cancelling travel plans so we came out despite some misgivings. It’s now the middle of April and we are still here and our plan is to stay here in place even longer until it’s safe to travel. I’m missing a few optional organs (like a spleen) that puts me at higher risk. It hasn’t been a st...Continue reading

Governor Ige announced today a testing alternative to the 14 day quarantine for visitors from the mainland. Take a COVID-19 test 72 hours before your flight and avoid all quarantine. Starting August 1st. While short term rentals like Hale Honu were closed during the pandemic, a week ago, we are allowed to offer accommodation to any resident on any Hawaiian Island, everyone else subject to 14 day quarantine. Needless to say we didn’t get any takers. With 34% unemployment in Ha...waii there isn’t much of a market for travel not too many mainland visitors want to spend most, if not all, their time inside. With today’s announcements we are now allowed to offer accommodation to any traveler who takes the test 72 hours prior to departure per Hawai’i regulations and thus not subject to the 14 day quarantine. If you decide to be one of the early birds you will enjoy one of the safest locations in the US with the lowest COVID rate. The beaches have reopened, inside restaurant dinning and many retail outlets. Some events like boating w limited passengers and other activities have also opened. If you book on August and September you will also find lower airfare, our lowest rates and significant discounts on everything. While there are still many restrictions as with any location today, you will also see Maui at its least crowded most tranquil time. On the west side where we are will be a completely new experience with near empty beaches, no wait reservations, little traffic.

Fantastic news. Governor Ige has announced the lifting of the mandatory 14 day quarantine for pan-pacific travelers to Hawaii starting October 15th. You will need to be tested within 72 hours of arrival, and be able to show negative COVID-19 result, but this combined with the restart of direct flights by multiple airlines, is exciting news. Maui has a relatively low infection rate but at significant economic costs, so the opening of the Island for guests is expected to be a ...very welcome event, especially for West Maui. Of course, some activities will still be restricted, masks mandates are in effect but beaches, parks, any restaurants are open or will be opening by this date. Hale Honu is now able to take guest reservations starting November, and will be implementing stringent cleaning and sanitation steps between all guest stays. Look at our VRBO calendar for availability dates. See more

Relax on extra large corner unit lanai

Nice update on what is just now (Oct 19th 2020) open in Lahaina

An update from Hale Honu At the beginning of Feb we started planning on spending a few weeks in March at the unit for our annual update and fix everything stay. Back then few people were cancelling travel plans so we came out despite some misgivings. It’s now the middle of April and we are still here and our plan is to stay here in place even longer until it’s safe to travel. I’m missing a few optional organs (like a spleen) that puts me at higher risk. It hasn’t been a st...Continue reading