There are countless vacation rentals on Maui. Most are generic condos crowded together. Fine if you like anonymous or really need to be on the beach. But if you want to experience what it is like to live on a Hawaiian estate off the tourist path, Makila house is a great option. It is technically as advertised: master bedroom suite in private home. And the suite is really big and beautiful with a huge shower as shown in the pictures. However, what you really get is use of a large, very well equipped home with gorgeous hardwood floors. You access the covered porch with dining and sitting areas directly from your room. It is way, way bigger and nicer than any condo balcony with a great views to the ocean, which is about a mile away. The neighbors are mostly multi-million dollar homes, set like Makila on several acres. There is an excellent, easy walking and bike trail right at the edge of the property. True, you really need a car to get to the beach. But there are many beaches on Maui and most people want to visit more than one, so this isn't onerous. What you get in exchange is a vacation home with no traffic and no noise other than birds.

We have stayed at many VRBO properties and, in the past, rented on Maui for long periods. But this was our first in a suite shared with the owner living in the house. We like privacy and we were a bit nervous about this. Our fears were needless. Our host, Jan, could not have been nicer. She was there if you needed her or wanted to talk, but never obtrusive or, for the most part, even visible.

All in all, a great choice.

This reviewer worked in the resort industry for over 25 years and currently stays at vacation rental properties four to six months a year. In other words, we know what good is.