Hale Ho’o Maha, A Home Away From Home in Kauai

As you make your way up the lushly overgrown North Shore of Kauai you pass empty beaches and massive emerald colored mountains. You almost get to the end of the road before you reach your final destination. Nestled on a quiet neighborhood street a mere 101 steps from the Pacific Ocean, sits the Hale Ho’o Maha Bed and Breakfast. You’re in paradise.

When you pull into the Hale Ho’o Maha you will notice that you have your own parking spot associated with your room, and Pretty Girl, the thirty year-old parrot welcomes you from her cage. While unpacking your car you might even spot Toby (half of the dynamic duo that runs this B&B) making his way from the gardens with an armful of fresh mangos.

First Impression

The Hale Ho’o Maha Bed and Breakfast near Hanalei, Kauai is a truly a unique place. Toby and Kirby, the married owners and hosts, have been in business since they first moved to the islands from the mainland over thirty years ago. Their attention to detail, fully equipped accommodation and incredible home-cooked breakfasts are just some of the qualities that exhibit their years of experience and top-notch hospitality.

Our stay began with a quick tour from Toby, as he showed us around the beautiful, stilted house and the surrounding property. It has everything you could ever want or need on a Hawaiian getaway. A hot tub, outdoor heated showers, snorkel gear, water shoes, surfboards, boogie boards, towels, beach mats, beach chairs, sunscreen, and tanning oil…just to name a few! Usually in Hawaii you have to rent this stuff, but not here. At the Hale Ho’o Maha, all of these items and so much more are included in your stay.

The Rooms

Each of the four unique rooms is designed with it’s own theme. You can either stay in the Papaya Suite, the Pineapple Suite, the Guava Suite or the Mango Suite, which are all known for their own distinctive features. We had the pleasure of staying in the Papaya Suite and it was the perfect place to relax and forget about the outside world.

The Pineapple Suite has an ocean view, the Guava Suite is equipped with a bed canopy and chandelier, the Mango Suite has arguably the best views of the soaring mountains behind, and the Papaya Suite is located in the back with forest and mountain vistas. All four suites are equipped with double sink bathrooms and décor that is subtle but true to its natural Hawaiian setting.

Much like the house as a whole, the rooms are also fully outfitted, with each room including umbrellas, laundry bins, beach towels, shampoos, conditioners, robes, slippers and fresh flowers. The beds are also to die for, as I spoke to several other guests who agreed that the cushy mattresses and luxurious linens made it hard to pry yourself up each morning.

Included Breakfast

Every morning Toby cooks a specialty breakfast for the guests. As you walk from your room to the family room you’ll notice the breakfast table is already beautifully set with fresh fruit and coffee awaiting your arrival.

Just as you enter Toby will go over the breakfast menu with you. He’ll ask if what he’s making works for you and then ask how you like everything cooked, making it very personal for each guest. On the three days we had breakfast at the Hale Ho’o Maha, Toby cooked something different every single day. The first day we had eggs however we liked them cooked, with toast and bacon. The second day we had waffles filled with berries and walnuts. The third day was my favorite, Eggs Benedict with a killer hollandaise sauce (which Toby admitted was made prior by Kirby.)

The Setting

My favorite thing about the Hale Ho’o Maha was that the house sits only a block from one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

I’m not sure if it was just the time of year, but we walked on this seemingly untouched beach for miles and miles without seeing anyone else. The sand was a light tan color and the warm water alternated between different shades of turquoise and teals. The tide pools changed shape as the day passed on and the massive, swaying palms peacefully danced in the wind. As we took in our “private” paradise all by ourselves we soon realized we weren’t exactly alone. We almost tripped over an enormous monk seal, buried in the sand as he rested and took in some sun. There were cones set around him with a “keep a safe distance” sign, which told us someone had been here looking after the young female who frequents this beach.
As it turns out we weren’t the only ones who felt at home here.

Final Thoughts on the Hale Ho’o Maha

Toby and Kirby have certainly perfected their lovely Bed & Breakfast. The Hale Ho’o Maha is a delightful establishment with everything you need and more. Next time you’re in Kauai, make sure to remember this home away from home, for all of your accommodation needs.

Hannah

Hannah has been traveling the world since she was a little girl. She started her travel blog Heels to Hiking Boots in 2012. Heels to Hiking Boots is all about the modern female traveler. The woman who can throw on a pair of heels for a night out, and then wake up and lace up her muddy hiking boots for a day of exploration.