As a content writer for Q4Launch, my job is to increase bookings for our clients. I produce blogs, schedule social media posts, create eblasts, and more – all encouraging guests to book. And while it’s exciting to work with B&B’s all over the country, it’s truly serendipitous when the location is on your bucket list. That’s why I decided to visit The Old Wailuku Inn at Ulupono in Maui, Hawaii.
After writing for the inn for about a year, I knew it was time to book my flight from Charleston. Innkeepers Tom and Janice Fairbanks had provided me with plenty of information about the area – but I felt that experiencing Hawaii’s unique culture for myself would truly help their business. So I packed my bags, and after a long 15-hour flight, I arrived on one of the most beautiful islands in the world.
The drive to The Old Wailuku Inn is a treat in itself. It’s just 15 minutes from the airport, past giant banyan trees, secluded beaches, and the famous Maui Ocean Center. I made a right onto Kaho’okele Street and parked my rental car underneath a canopy of tropical trees. One of the first things I noticed about the property was the smell: it was earthy, floral, and refreshing, the kind of scent that makes you close your eyes and take a long, deep breath.
Tom greeted me right away with an Aloha and a hug.
“Would you like to join us for dinner tonight?” He asked as I opened the door to my room. I was staying in the Lokelani Room, a spacious retreat on the second floor with a modern bathroom, cozy sitting area, and a large bookshelf filled with novels. Of course, I said yes, and within a few hours I had the pleasure of dining at A Saigon Cafe – a local Vietnamese restaurant that Tom and Janice have been frequenting for over 20 years.
After a great meal and many laughs, we headed back to the inn where I drifted easily off to sleep. In the morning I awoke to a chorus of singing birds and headed into the sunny dining room for breakfast. The other guests were warm and welcoming, and we raved about the inn’s food while gearing up for our adventures on Maui.
Breakfast was fresh fruit from the garden and a homemade entrée each day. Yum!
The Old Wailuku Inn has everything you could possibly need for a fun day on the island. Beach towels, coolers, snacks, and pool noodles are all available to guests. Tom had mentioned that Ho’okipa Beach was a great place to snorkel, so I grabbed a few essentials and took a short, scenic drive to the ocean.
At dusk, I headed back to the inn and joined two other guests for some wine on the patio. I had become friends with the couple at breakfast, and we laughed and shared stories as the sun set behind the West Maui mountains. The patio overlooks a giant flower garden and is the perfect place to unwind after a long day in the sun.
Saying goodbye to the inn was hard, and saying goodbye to Tom and Janice was even harder. They had been such gracious hosts and made my trip to Hawaii unforgettable. I ended up traveling around the island for a few more days, exploring black sand beaches, hidden caves, and dense rainforests. But when it was time to board my flight home, I smiled at the thought of my stay at The Old Wailuku Inn. As soon as the plane lifted from the tarmac I knew I would be back.
Casey Higgins | Senior Content Specialist
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