Hakuna Matata Maui Hostel — Hotel in Maui

My past two experiences staying here were positive, so returning for a 3rd stay was an easy decision. I booked a total of 5 nights, May 15-20, 2020.||||My first two nights were booked and cash paid for in a private room. The room was clean, spacious and comfortable.||||Upon checking with staff for my room the next 3 nights, it was discovered a mistake was made and I did not have a bed to sleep in. They would work on getting me a new room. Originally I booked the Surf Room for the last 3 nights.||||I was taken into the back yard where a van was parked and told they would park the van next to the room (I was originally told would be my room "Surf Dorm") and I would sleep on the inflated mattress in the van but my luggage could remain in the hostel.||||I was speechless.||||I returned to my private room as I was packing my belongings to move to the Surf Dorm....but realizing the only option given to me was a vehicle on the side of the house.||||In a state of panic I called various hotels - mind you this HIGH peak season for Maui and rooms were ranging $450-1,200 a night. Having stayed at Lahaina Inn previously I called asking for a room for 3 nights. They were sold out but the kind woman recognizing my panic and need for a room (not a van), put me on hold and found the Lahaina Shores Beach Resort. I booked 3 nights immediately. My $58.00 a night in Surf Room turned into $1,050 at the Resort......||||Better SAFE, comfortable and respected vs.... sleeping in a van.||||Preparations and communication could have been better upon my arrival. Knowing the Surf room is no longer an option for rental, I should have been informed. I was not.||||Unfortunately, I will never stay here again. No apology was offered.||||Buyer beware. Safe travels and check and recheck your reservation here, it seems things can...

I feel like I should start with the positives. This was by far the most affordable place to stay in Lahaina when we booked our trip. And the location was fabulous! So close to a lovely beach for snorkel and surfing and walking distance to all of the action on Front street. The people staying at this hostel were absolute gems! We all got along well and enjoyed several communal meals in the fully equipped kitchen and genuinely enjoyed our time with really cool and respectful guests. Also, I did find the bed very soft, and comfy. As for some of the challenges we faced. I would not describe the place as pristine, or extremely well maintained. It was liveable, but ant infestations (I get it, it’s tropical. But there was no attempt to reduce them) hair in the drains after the cleaner was there, mould on the floor and walls in high humidity area etc. just a general lack of attention to detail were hard to miss. Communication with management broke down in many areas. There was no information provided to us on policies, or house rules. We, as well as other guests we spoke to had to text the management with multiple questions regularly. Ie about towels, bbq use (it’s broken and there was no propane) and to please come replenish the toilet paper! During our stay, management would show up and inform us of a new and seemingly made up rule that we were never aware of before. (Dishes have to be washed by 10 pm, even if we were still using them). Over all our experience was comfortable, but there is lots of room for...

Could not have wished for a more beautiful and memorable stay than that which I had at Hakuna Matata. Before arriving Daniel was extremely helpful and communicative in relation to my booking, upon arriving and meeting Irving who, from the start, provided a really warm welcome and insight into Maui and the hostel and anything I might need. Both Daniel and Irving were so helpful, friendly and kind throughout our stay, the hostel was incredibly clean and it's assuring to see they take pride in ensuring the space is respected and kept to a good standard of cleanliness. The people I stayed with were above and beyond - a truly amazing mix of women from all around the world who I have lasting memories with. All the equipment available (snorkeling, paddle boards, surf boards and more), the coffee and morning pancakes, the garden leading to the ocean, the proximity to Lahaina - to be honest, there's absolutely nothing to dislike about this place. I want to extend a huge thank you to both Irving and Daniel for your kindness and hospitality - and running an amazing place for people to stay on your beautiful island. Aloha to you both - and thank you for...