Sands of Kahana Hale Honu

FAQs

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• Ok we love it, how do we go ahead and book it?
  The best way to book is by calling us directly 303-459-4769. While we advertise with VRBO, that company, after being acquired by HomeAway/Expedia started to charge guests a service fee - often up to 10% of the total rental fee, to book through them.  While nearly every owner has protested this, VRBO has found an easy way to make a fortune with little discernible added value. If there is clogged drain, do not call VRBO they will not help.  We use a professional on Island management firm "Whalers Property Management" to process payment, handle refunds, manage any issue with real on Maui people.  Save some money, avoid the "Book Now" button and give us a call. 
   

• What is the daily rental rate? How do I know when the unit is available?
  The availability calendar and rates are posted on our VRBO site at:  http://www.vrbo.com/584713
   

• How do your rates compare with other 3 bedroom units?
  We use a professional Hawaiian management company that manages many Maui rental properties to help us lease the unit. We use their guidance to set rates. As they know the market intimately they help ensure we are competitively priced. Our unit is a great value. The Sands is an outstanding property and as it is outside the high rent Kaanapali district our rates are far lower than similar units just a few miles away. Keep in mind when comparing that this unit is highly upgraded, 3 bedroom 1800 sq feet, two Lanais on the ocean, incredible views - very rare to find all this in this price range.  Given that it sleeps up to 10 people - it's a very affordable yet luxurious way to visit Maui.
   

• Do you have any tips on lower cost car rentals?
  Fancy you should ask, yes we do!  Car rental is big business in Hawaii and the chain companies make a fortune here. If you dead set on using one of them then book through Costco for the best rates. I also advise our guests to join one of their frequent renter programs, they are free and allow you to use an express check in that saves a lot of time.
  
  But better than the big buys is a local company, there are just a few, but a new one that popped up and has great reviews is Go rental car Maui. www.gorrentalcarmaui.com.   The local companies do everything on line and self serve. After on line paperwork you get an email or text with instructions and pick up and return you car from the airport parking lot or wherever you agree. Skips all the lines.   Last look for a late model mini van it was $33 a day.  They also rent beach gear and pre pack it in your car!  We used to recommend Kimo's car rental, but not after they gave us a run down and unsafe 180,000 mile wreak and then didn't answer our calls for two days! 
   

• Do you give discounts?
  Our rates are already quite the discount. Generally we do not offer any other kind of discount, especially high season, however if you are a returning guest or staying more than 2 weeks, lets talk.
   

• How do you handle refunds?
  You can find out full refund policy at our VRBO site. All payment and refunds and handled through our property management firm, Whaler's Property Management on the Island. 
   

• Do you have reviews?  What about those other reviews on Sands of Kahana on social media sites?
  We have only owned our unit for less than eight years.  In that time we have had quite a few wonderful guests lease the unit. In every case so far (fingers crossed) they loved their stay and the unit.  See the VRBO site for first hand authentic reviews by our guests. We go to exceptional lengths to make sure the unit is clean, updated and ready for you.  Our unit is also air conditioned and a corner unit, so its quieter and cooler than others.  Note many units in the Sands are part of a timeshare program with different standards than those owned privately. When reading social media reviews please understand the timeshare units are not us.  For many people their visit to Maui is once in a life time, we are going to do our best to make sure that enjoy all the wonder that is Maui and that the Hale Honu adds to that experience.  At he same time, The Sands is not the Ritz. It does not have room service,  $300 day Cabana's, cascading waterfalls or on site massage/spa, however it is meticulously maintained, exceptionally clean and Maui friendly.
   

• How do I check in and get the keys?
  There is a 24 hour front desk at the Sands where all guests and owners check in.  This is in the open air lobby when you first enter the complex. Just go to front desk with your ID and they will give you one or more electronic keys to open the door with and use throughout your stay. This is just like a Hotel. You should have noted in your quote that there is a "check in fee". This is something we do not control and is payable by credit card as you check in.  Besides any long distance phone calls, this is the ONLY fee that you pay during your stay that is not paid up front. 
   

• Where do I park?
  There is parking directly under each building, all parking is first come first serve.  If you have a larger vehicle we recommend parking outside as the underground parking stalls are narrow.  When you first arrive try to find a spot underground near the elevator. There are luggage carts that you can use to unload your car. Parking is free - another reason this unit is such a good value.
   

• How am I sure of what unit I will get when I check in?
  Unless there is some kind of significant damage to the unit you will always get 337 or be told far in advance that we will work with you on finding a different unit. This has never happened. We are not part of the time share or vacation club at the Sands.  If by some weird set of circumstances the unit is not habitable when you are scheduled, our property management firm, Whalers, represents hundreds of units on the Island and will make sure you get something comparable.
   

• Is there on site property management?
  Our unit is professionally managed by Whaler's Property Management. Their phone number is: Tel: (808) 661-3484 or (800) 676-4112. They provide 24hr assistance if there is any issue with the unit.  The front desk is only there to help with keys, security  or anything on the grounds. Note though Maui has one of the lowest crime rates in the country there is 24 on site security, with real people (not just cameras) dedicated to the complex, you will be able to see them day and night.
   

• How do I know everything is legitimate and my payment and terms will be honored?
  Nothing beats checking. There are so many sophisticated scams out there. First just call if you're at all worried. Between calling us, the owners, and the Whalers property management you can double check to make sure you are not connecting via a scam web site. Whalers can provide documentation that the property adheres to all Hawaii state laws concerning short term vacation rental properties and the unit you see here is the unit you will be getting. Whalers handles all payments, T&Cs and has a perfect BBB record and impeccable reputation.  The only way to book on line is via VRBO (and its sister sites) and Vacation-Maui website. If you are not going direct though these call us. 
   

• Is there wireless internet available?
  Absolutely - unlike the timeshare units, this is a contracted high speed private wireless network.  Its also true wireless not just an Ethernet connection. The smart TV in the living room and a few of the Blue Ray players are connected to the router to enable netflix, roku and hulu if you have your own account. As we often work from the island ourselves we keep a wireless printer in the unit free for you to use. Note the phone is also free for local on Maui calls.  
   

• Can we see whales, turtles or tropical reef fishes from the Sands?
  Well we wouldn't have name the unit "Hale Honu" (House of the Sea Turtle) if you couldn't see a lot of sea turtles.  They generally come on shore in the afternoon right in front of the unit or along the walkable beach area.  Sea Turtles dine on the ocean vegetation that grows in shallow areas just in front of the condo. You can often see them surface and dive right from the lanai.  During whale season, because Kahana is in front of the Au'au channel  (see the wikipedia entry: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Channels_of_the_Hawaiian_Islands), a shallow protected band of water between Maui, Lanai and Molokai, it is one of the very best spots for whale watching on the Island. We stock a pair of high power field binoculars so it's possible for you see to see dozens of breaches per hour just from the living room window.  Good snorkeling is just a sort walk from the unit along the beach. The lava rock outcropping down from the unit is great for seeing a wide variety of reef fish without getting in a car. Outstanding snorkeling is just up the road at the world famous Honolua bay.
   

• Are there extra or hidden fees that will surprise us?
  Never.  All fees are explicitly listed in your quote before you book. The quote includes all the state taxes, cleaning, and insurance fees. All costs are paid up front at the time you book the unit, with the sole exception of the "Check in Fee" which you pay at the front desk when you check in (this is also listed in your quote).  There are no "resort" or parking or other nonsensical fees that you find everywhere else.
   

• Can I bring a pet?
  Simple answer is no.  For starters, all dogs and cats not from the state must be quarantined for a lengthy period if your visiting or just moving to the island. Secondly, many of our guests prefer to know that there has not been any pets in the unit.
   

• Is the beach safe for kids and swimming, water sports?
  We get this question a lot.  The beach at Kahana is protected by an offshore reef so larger waves break some distance out and rip tides are minimized. However like all beaches in Maui there are rocks and coral as you wade deeper so we advise our guests to always use beach shoes (we even keep various sized pairs in the unit). Some days there are wind driven waves that do break on the beach, this usually builds up later in the day so morning swimming is usually gentler. While there are jellyfish and sharks around Maui, they are more common on the other side of the island and we have never seen an incident at Kahana. We do caution on one thing, kayaking and paddle boarding are popular and generally very safe, however winds do blow off shore here making getting back to the beach harder when strong, so watch the winds and know your limits. 
   

• Is the unit handicap accessible?
  Yes, the complex is per state law. The pools have automated lifts, there are elevators in each building, the unit itself is opened to ensure wheelchair access throughout and their is bench seating in the master shower.  We just replace the unit toilets with ADA height models. 
   

• Do I need to bring laundry or dishwasher detergent?
  There is always starter pack of dishwasher detergent  that will last you a few days, we also try to keep laundry detergent in the unit, but that's a bit iffy to count on. 
   

• Is there smoking allowed?
  This is a strictly no smoking complex. There is no smoking ever allowed in the unit or on the lanais.  
   

• What kitchen utensils are there?
  It might be easier to list utensils that are not there ;-)   Lisa is a cooking nut, so there should be every kind of knife, fork and spoon, glass, formal and plastic ware, high end Cuisinart pots and pans, cooking trays and sheets, toaster, blenders, corkscrews, shot glasses, measuring cups, common dry spices,  you will be challenged to find something kitchen-wise missing.
   

• What if something breaks?
  The last thing we want you to worry about.  This is why insurance purchase is rolled in with your terms.  If it needs repair right away just contact Whaler's property management and they will send the correct repair crew.  No need to contact an independent repair person or try to fix yourself, this is your vacation remember. If not urgent you just send us an email or leave a note.
   

• Can I BBQ there?
  You sure can, but only on the complexes' gas BBQs. These are cleaned daily. We have all the grilling utensils you will need. No fires allowed on the lanais.  Something fun to think about for the outdoor types, many of the west Maui beaches offer BBQ or fire pits. Try renting some fishing equipment and try your hand at shore line fishing - the rental stores will give you the full lowdown on what's required and what you might be able to catch and eat.  
   

• Do you have beach towels and chairs?
  I don't think it will possible for you to run out of beach towels - we have a ton. There are also a number of nice beach chairs (some are backpack types with built in coolers no less), beach umbrellas, boogie boards and sand toys.  Anything we don't have you can rent on premise at the little rental stand next to the pool.
   

• What do you have for children and small babies?
  Especially for babies we know what a hassle it is to bring all the stuff they need, thus two of the biggie items you can leave at home. We have a pack and go play/sleep pen and a full size baby chair for dining.  We also try to keep a stock of toys for all ages, books, puzzles, DVDs and board games.  As Hawaii, like most states, require baby seats for infants, you will need to bring those or rent from the rental car company if you're driving.  We really recommend bringing your own as many of the rental car companies way over charge for this. 
   

• Is there grocery shopping nearby?
  There is everything you could possibly need nearby. The closest mini market is across the street, and there is a surprisingly well stocked Whalers Market just a short block away. Though the west Maui grocery stores are not the cheapest, we like The Times right off the highway as its a Hawaii local store.  Safeway in Lahaina is the best stocked, and it does offer discounts to members but if you're staying a while, it's worth the drive across the island back to the only Walmart and Costco on the island and stock up.  Costco has amazing prices and carries many discount cards for luaus, restaurants and even boat tours.
   

• Can we easily get organic or vegetarian food?
  Absolutely, there is a great organic only grocery store on Lower Honoapiilani road called Honokowai Farmers Market.  They have a fish market featuring locally caught. There are local fruit stands (you likely passed one as you drove to the unit), these offer great organic locally grown tropical fruits and great shaved iced. 
   

• Is there a cleaning service available?
  Yes, at any time just send us a note or call and we can arrange for the cleaning crew to come in at your convenience. There is a charge for extra cleaning during your stay though the unit is thoroughly cleaned before you arrive.  For stays over two weeks we offer free mid stay cleaning. 
   

• What is there nearby for children to do? Are there supervised events nearby?
  The Vacation Club at the Sands has a few hour long events like lei making or coconut painting, (guests have told us that the Elvis show is fantastic) but for full or half day and some evening supervised events, the Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment at the Ritz Carlton has a number of great events open to all. See  http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/KapaluaMaui/AmbassadorsoftheEnvironment/Default.htm.  There are even family activities like snorkeling.  For kids with a sense of adventure there are a number of surf camps for west Maui, most lessons are in the beaches south of Lahaina where there are gentle breaks and easy to learn waves. For raining day's consider the Maui Ocean Aquarium or there is even an indoor trampoline park owned by our friends Leslie and John
   

• How can we save money when we go and eat out?
  Saving money on Maui is a local art.  There are a number of great tricks here - start with the discount/gift cards sold at Costco in Kahului - you can get a steak dinner at Ruth Chris for two with free parking in Lahaina at 20% off, snorkeling trips to Molokini, dinner cruises, etc.  Don't fall for the "discount" offers at the local stands unless you want to attend a full afternoon timeshare sales pitch.  The simplest savings come from happy hours and food specials at the restaurants. Check the Maui News (they have a nice app as well as the web site) where you can find times and specials. The Sands own restaurant has great happy hour drinks and daily breakfast deals. 
   

• What should we bring with us?
  Maui temperature is almost always the same +- 5 degrees between winter and summer. However you never know when the jet stream can dip and the evening temps can get into the low 60's - so bring a sweater or something light warm. If you plan on driving up to Haleakala then you should bring a real jacket - it has even been know to snow up there.  A light rain coat is not a bad idea as it does rain here quite often. Otherwise its mostly light tropical wear, and most importantly, sun glasses and a hat. It's a lot cheaper to bring your own sunblock  (though remember the spray on kind is not permitted in carry on and can depressurize - e.g. explode in a huge mess - in checked luggage). On the subject of sunblock. There is increasing evidence that the active ingredients in most sunblocks causes severe damage to Hawaiian reefs so make sure yours says "Reef Safe". There is a fruit and unwrapped food ban coming into the island (and leaving it) so either plan on eating it on the plan or dumping it at the airport. We have all the beach toys, beach stuff, towels, etc. and kids stuff (though you will need a stroller) so you can leave that behind.