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