Photos courtesy of Honua Kai.

With its ideal location in North Kaanapali, one- two and three-bedroom luxury accommodation options and package deals that include car rental and savings of $50 per night, Travelweek thought it was about time to catch up with Honua Kai Resort & Spa.

Here’s what Claudio Andrade, general manager, Honua Kai Resort & Spa, had to tell us about the resort’s key selling features, Specialty Suite category, agent rates and FAMs.

Travelweek: For agents who aren’t already familiar with Honua Kai Resort & Spa, which opened on Maui in 2009, can you give us a breakdown of some of the resort’s special features and what sets it part?

Andrade: “Surrounded by the natural beauty of North Kaanapali, with breathtaking views of Lanai, Molokai, and West Maui Mountains, Honua Kai Resort & Spa combines all the conveniences of home with spacious full kitchens, and suite sizes that meet the needs of a single traveller, couples or even multi-generational families, with AAA Four Diamond facilities and services.

“Within a few minutes one can experience four different championship golf courses, several hiking trails, Honolua Bay and its amazingly perfect surf breaks, ziplines and Lahaina town, which was the Hawaiian Kingdom’s first capital.”

Travelweek: As well as the one- two- and three-bedroom suites offered at Honua Kai, the resort also offers a Specialty Suite category. What are the key selling features of the suites in this category?

Andrade: “We offer some of the most stunning three bedroom accommodations on Maui. Our specialty suites offer more than 2,600 square feet of indoor living space, private barbeque grills, two master suites and three separate baths, not to mention all the amenities of your home; full gourmet kitchens with granite counter tops with stainless steel appliances, washer and dryer, and flat screen TVs in each room.”

Travelweek: With a fluctuating Canadian dollar, many Canadians travelling to Hawaii will be looking for extra amenities and package add-ons that stretch their dollar further. Does Honua Kai currently offer any travel packages that include extra amenities or special features?

Andrade: “Yes, absolutely. We offer attractive packages to meet everyone’s needs. Our room and car package offer a car rental paired with any of our room accommodations. When confirming more than five nights the car rate gets even cheaper and guests will receive a weekly rate with no additional charge for the car on the sixth and seventh rental day.

“If you are not interested in a car rental check out our signature ‘Hawaii 5-O’ offer. This deal saves $50 per night off the published rates on various travel periods.”

Travelweek: For those travellers who aren’t already familiar with the famous Duke’s Beach House, can you share some details about the restaurant’s Maui location at Honua Kai Resort and Spa?

Andrade: “Duke’s Beach House offers a casual ambiance with beautiful views of the Pacific, and a décor that honors the great Duke Kahanamoku, considered the father of modern-day surfing. Duke was a six-time Olympic swimming and water polo medalist, and Hawaii’s official ‘Ambassador of Aloha’. The cuisine is Hawaiian influenced focusing on fresh seafood, premium steaks and locally sourced ingredients.”

Travelwek: Does Honua Kai Resort and Spa currently offer special agent rates? Does the property host any FAMs?

Andrade: “We offer travel agent rates all year long based on occupancy and availability. Our call center can further assistance with inquires and reservations. We do regularly host FAMS and site tours. This may be arranged with our onsite Sales Department.”