Tripadvisor , the New Guidebook

Aloha,

Hale Ho'okipa Inn opened  in 1996 .As I look around in 2013, with the birds singing and wind chimes clanking, I realize what fullness feels like. My goal from the start has always been to provide guests with a true taste of Aloha in  the comfort of a restored historic home, honoring a bit of old Hawaii.
Even though, I like to write and design,  the art of hosting and helping people is my  main focus.

Taking a beaten down old home and breathing life back into it has certainly had it's fair share of challenges. Besides sanding floors and such, there was a business to create.

  I had one of the first web sites for bed and breakfasts on Maui...www.maui-bed-and-breakfast.com was a combined effort between myself and my web master, Scott Supak.  At first I thought I needed to learn html, and was relieved  when I realized not so..  I only needed to write content and provide photos. Scott did the rest.

Years ago, the promoters of our industry were the guide books, Frommers and Fodors, Moon books, booking agencies and the scouts who stopped by for tea and visits.

This bed and breakfast had been an adventure of historic proportions from Day One It takes a lot of  continued dedication, hard work, commitment and time to "get things right."

Throughout the years, travel dialogue has developed into sharing sites, with Tripadvisor being the front runner. This site posts reviews from guests and that goes for rants as well as raves. Personally,  I would prefer to deal with an issue while it is happening, instead of waiting to read about it on Tripadvisor. That being said, I have learned to check in regularly  with guests to make sure people are comfortable. We all have become more diligent with the knowledge that a guest's comments will directly affect our business and reputation. Business owners or managers are given an opportunity to respond to reviews.  Responding to all reviews honestly and graciously  seems to be the best approach.  Many say that people are able to take all that they read with the understanding that you cannot please everyone, even if you try.

 In June, 2013, I was honored with two different awards from TripAdvisor.. A Certificate of Excellence, 2013 based on ratings and reviews by guests. I was also honored with a Tripadvisor  Green Leader, 2013 Gold status for my green practices at Hale Ho'okipa. Usually Hale Ho'okipa is ranked #1 of two bed and breakfasts's in our area, and I notice that changes occasionally.  If people leave Maui a bit happier,  more relaxed, informed and rejuvenated from their time here, we have done our job.

If you are ready for some Upcountry Historic Hospitality, I look forward to sharing a bit of Maui No Ka Oi with you.

Maui the Best.

With Aloha,
Cherie

June Celebrations and Savings

Aloha All...

  This is a celebration time for many families. Graduation has just finished and here in Hawaii it's a really BIG deal, especially for high school. Seeing your kids and grandkids covered in lei, with huge smiles is one of life's greatest pleasures.  Two of my grandchildren graduated, Aukai from 5th grade. to middle school, and Raven from high school. My other granddaughter, Mehana, was the emcee at Raven's graduation, and my, oh my, what a happy and proud Tutu, I was :).


 Hale Ho'okipa Inn Makawao  is also celebrating an award...Tripadvisor. grants an Award of Excellence yearly, and Hale Ho'okipa is the recipient once again. It makes me very happy to know that guests who visit and stay at Hale Ho'okipa really enjoy our Historic Hospitality.

2013 Award of Excellence

In honor of this award, I have just posted a special called the "June Juggle" offering an $8 savings off the room rate per day for the rest of the month of June. Below are some tips of what an $8 dollars  a day in your pocket  can do to make your vacation even more wonderful:

1 pound of ripe delicious Lychee from Mana Foods ( the best food store in all of Hawaii)
4  boxes of local ono strawberries at Pukalani Superette
2 nights of discount will satisfy your appetite at the popular Paia Fish Market (best fish burgers around) 
2 nights discount will get you into the amazing Haleakala National Park, good for three days!

If you have the Spirit of Adventure, come to Maui. Please always treat the Kai ( Ocean) and Aina (Land) with  respect. One of the reasons that I love my guests so much, they usually arrive with the clear understanding that Maui is a very special place. 
If you live here, you know that a swim in the ocean will change the rest of your day for the better, a dip in a mountain stream when it's safe, is worth the effort of getting there.
A glorious sunset  on the beach won't cost you anything. Cooling off in a tradewind breeze is yours for the receiving..

It is possible to enjoy Maui for the budget conscious. Our local Saturday Farmer's market is a great place to shop locally for great produce and great prices .

 Come,relax and enjoy the  breeze on the lanai under the branches of the majestic Norfolk Pine.
Here's to the Good Life, a life with purpose and full of gratitude, lived with respect.

A hui hou,
Cherie