Maui Bed And Breakfast

A family-friendly bed and breakfast in Hawaii offers a unique experience for the budget-conscious traveler who wants to sample the Aloha lifestyle with down home hospitality. International travelers really have two options for experiencing exotic locations or faraway places: follow the travel brochures to reserve accommodations at glitzy tourist resorts, or venture off the beaten path to discover the culture of the native local people. Vacationers seeking a unique behind-the-scenes experience will appreciate the opportunity to relax in any one of thousands of Maui bed and breakfast (B&B). Unlike hotels, resorts, or luxury residences, renting a bed and breakfast in Hawaii is like visiting a close friend or family member. Resident hosts hospitably open homes to thousands of tourists each year, providing a cozy atmosphere, plus the opportunity to really experience a true island lifestyle. Casual or elegant rental accommodations are available throughout Maui, including Kaanapali, Lahaina Town, Kapalua, Wailea, or Kuau Cove.

Island living in the tropics is carefree, casual and relaxed. A Maui bed and breakfast gives tourists the chance to get to know Hawaiian natives, locals, or guests from around the world. Bed and breakfast in Hawaii, simply put, is just that: guests rent a bed, which comes with breakfast. Most B&Bs include an ample morning repast of homemade pastries, breads, or cereals served with local tropical fruit, fresh squeezed juices, cheeses, coffee, or meats. Breakfast is usually a communal affair served family-style in the dining room with guests from all over the world seated around the table breaking bread. Sharing a good meal is the best way to break the ice among strangers or foster lasting friendships. In the book of Acts, the simple act of breaking bread led to an increase in the newly formed Christian church. "... they continued daily with one accord in the temple, & breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness & singleness of heart. Praising God, & having favour with the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved." (Acts 2:46-47). Conversation around the first meal of the day gives guests an opportunity to discover new Hawaiian venues or learn first hand about Maui's out-of-the-way attractions, places typical tourists may seldom visit.

Room rentals at a Maui bed and breakfast usually include king or queen sized beds with adjacent private baths with showers. Guest suites also include linens, towels, soaps, shampoos, or small touches to make them feel at home. Television sets, private phones, room size refrigerators, air conditioning or ceiling fans make visitors comfortable. Guests can choose to lounge by the pool, take a walk through the family garden or along the beach, or pedal a moped or scooter to nearby parks or open air bazaars. Most of the house is open to visitors, who may choose to lounge in front of the television or curl up on the lanai to view a gorgeous Hawaiian sky. Host homeowners are always available to assist with travel itineraries or recommend a popular local restaurant or favorite place to buy handmade crafts or island trinkets. Daily maid service is usually included for guest rooms, with laundry as an option.

In addition to providing a homey atmosphere or a sneak peek at island culture, a Maui bed and breakfast is budget-friendly. Prices are comparable to most good quality hotel rates on the mainland. Spacious guest suites with oceanfront views usually start at $100 per day for one or two guests, plus Hawaii motel tax at nearly 12 percent. Guest suites average between 200 to 450 square feet with attractive furnishings. While rentals include a full breakfast, tourists can usually go solo for lunch or evening meals. Some hosts share the kitchen with guests who are free to prepare light dinners & snacks. Tourists that require special diets, are on medication, or require assistance due to a physical impairment or handicap would do well to discuss special needs with host homeowners or agents before reserving accommodations. Naturally, tourist accommodations do not include the expense of recreation, golfing, surfing, windsailing, cruises, submarine tours, island excursions or any activities.

Reservations for a bed and breakfast in Hawaii require several months advance notice. Many B&Bs are booked through independent rental agencies, which handle making arrangements for travel or accommodations online or via telephone. These agencies contract with Hawaiian homeowners to become guest hosts, charging a commission for handling transactions. Tourists can log onto bed & breakfast websites to search for pricing or availability of rentals. After making airline reservations, vacationers simply submit online reservation forms to booking agencies, indicating arrival dates, date of departure, the number of guests, an acceptable price range, & special dietary or physical needs requests. Tourists should also specify the type of dwelling preferred, along with their choice area of Maui.

The key is to find the coziest, most affordable accommodations in homes that provide a unique Hawaiian experience. Many residences have been rated from former guests, with blogs conveniently accessed through travel websites. A bed and breakfast in Hawaii could consist of a single-family home offering one to two guest rooms or multi-level housing with as many as ten to twelve units. Booking agencies usually contact host owners to confirm arrangements or discuss rates before quoting pricing for accommodations. Rental agencies will require a 20% to 30% deposit to hold reservations, along with a processing fee. Most agencies accept major credit cards. Once deposits clear, agencies forward tourists a confirmation and address, directional map, and airline tickets (if applicable). All vacationers need do is pack casual clothes and board the plane to enjoy real side of Hawaiian living at a Maui bed and breakfast.

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