Bamboo Inn Paradise in Hana
Hana is a lovely small town to escape the madness and soak in the local Hawaiian culture. That also means the accommodations can be extremely limited. Although I’m always drawn to an adventure of the unknown, to avoid being disappointed by finding many options closed, I recommend securing your crash pad ahead of time. There is one upscale larger hotel in town, Travaasa, that is beautiful however quite pricy and none of the rooms overlook the ocean. The rest of the options range from yurts to small hotels to private homes. After several hours and many carefully read reviews I decided to book the Bamboo Inn, an intimate establishment with just three rooms, each with an ocean view private deck.
Without difficulty, I arrived at the quiet building right in Hana with parking on the property. The Honu Suite, which is on the ground level includes a small room with a comfortable king bed and a bachelor kitchen that with a hot plate & coffee maker, perfect for making simple breakfast and dinner. There is a small bathroom with a toilet and sink and the shower is just outside a few steps away. I really like outdoor showers when staying in warm tropical climates, they offer a freedom you just don’t get a home.
There are a lot of beautiful beaches, parks and waterfalls to explore a short drive from Hana. A nice perk is that Bamboo Inn has a ton of beach items to use such as chairs, boogie boards and umbrellas, just grab a few items and return them when you’re done. In the morning, there's fresh juice and various breads/muffins put on a communal table in baskets to take back to the room.
Of course, my favorite part was the jacuzzi tub big enough for two on the back balcony, which faced North towards the ocean. Lounging in the warm water, wine in hand, listening to the waves, that is my idea of relaxation. The weather was intense during my visit and I left the balcony door open at night to listen to the storm roll in.
Pure heaven.