The resorts at Maui’s Napili Bay are not fancy. But that didn’t stop this fantastic spot from making Frommer’s listing of 10 best beachfront hotels in the world.

The travel publisher put Napili Sunset on its list, but it might as well have included the neighboring Napili Kai, where Susan and I stayed on our honeymoon and took this picture on our 30th anniversary trip.

The view from Napili Kai's Sea House Restaurant.

If the Napili resorts are not opulent, why did Frommer’s make the bay the Hawaii representative on its list? After all, the islands have many amazing resorts.

Take a close look at the picture. Classic crescent-shaped bay. Low-key hotels and condos close to the water. Low-key means the beach is somewhat secluded and not crowded. You have a feeling that this is your beach. What you can’t see in the picture is that the snorkeling in this and adjacent coves reveals the giant turtles and colorful tropical fish that Hawaii is famous for. If nature trumps the man-made for you, this is your kind of place.

That’s not to say that there’s anything wrong with the man-made here. These are very nice, if low key, places to stay in one of earth’s very best setting. They may not carry the Ritz Carlton or Four Seasons branding, accoutrements or scale, but they do have what many five star resorts don’t — the beach and sparkling ocean just a few steps from your room. And a more down-to-earth price tag.

The Napili hotels are among many off-the beaten-track Hawaiian resorts I can hook you up with. Whether you prefer an intimate spot like Napili or one of the islands’ sprawling luxury resorts, I can help you find where you can get your personal aloha on. Email chrismeyeroc@gmail.com or check out my web site.