Vacation Rentals by Owner

Good location, great customer service

Guest: Lori T.
Date of Stay: 12/23/11 Review Submitted: 01/09/12

Condo was in a good location, close to all amenities, but lots of traffic noise. Condo had most everything in it for our use, including cooler, water toys and beach towels. The building itself needs lots of updating and no front desk to look after you, advise you etc. We enjoyed our stay in Maui and Sandra was a great host. Great deals for activities just down the street at the activity center! Great snorkeling at almost every beach, especially Beach II, got to see turtles there. The road to Hana is long but worth at least going half way. Went to an amazing Luau at the Walea Marriott and the Maui Ocean is worth the visit as well.

Recommended for:

A month in paradise!

Guest: Fred B (Tomahawk, Wisconsin)
Date of Stay: 11/08/11 Review Submitted: 12/16/11

We just spent nearly 5 weeks at this condo in Island Surf. Sandra was wonderful to work with. Waking up the first morning to the sound of waves and seeing the swaying palm trees brought us immediately to the Aloha Spirit. The condo is walking distance to restaurants, beaches and shopping including groceries (get the Foodland card). It is a short drive to Wailea, Kahului and Lahaina. We pretty much relaxed for the entire vacation enjoying sunsets from the lanai, dinners at the barbeque grills and evening strolls along the shore. We loved Mama's restaurant in Paia on Sandra's suggestion. To top off all the other joys, by the end of November we were watching the whales everyday from the lanai. The Island Surf staff was amazing keeping the facility in order. Thanks Sandra, we loved it!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Newly remodeled, clean condo is a GREAT VALUE!

Guest: Brenna S.
Date of Stay: 07/14/11 Review Submitted: 07/22/11

We just returned from a wonderful visit in Sandra's place. Sandra was very helpful in accomodating the needs of our large family, and her condo proved to be plenty big for us. We were in the master bedroom with our own bathroom, two teens shared the second bedroom with the twin beds, two children slept on the hide-a-bed (the mattress was ok for kids, but I wouldn't recommend it for adults), and we had one small child on a pallet on the floor. It has been tiled recently and has a large entry area that leads into the main kitchen/family area. Open closets and bathroom drawers made it easy for us to keep the condo looking tidy in spite of all our suitcases, etc. The appliances are all really nice, and we enjoyed that the grill and tables for the condo were a short little trip down a flight of stairs. When we took surf lessons it was handy, because Maui Wave Riders (known to be some of the best on the island) are right beside the condo and they teach just across the street. We were able to surf, take a break in the condo for a snack, and go back out a half hour later. Sandy beaches to boogie board, etc. are also just a walk down a few blocks. This condo is a great value and we would definitely see if we can stay there again if we are able to return to Maui.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, sightseeing.

Outstanding

Guest: docnak (Honolulu)
Date of Stay: 06/09/11 Review Submitted: 06/14/11

This was the best vacation experience I had in Maui. I think that this is saying a lot as I am a lifelong resident of Hawaii and my wife is originally from Kihei. Sandra made expectations and procedures very clear and straightforward, and was extremely professional throughout everything. The condo was very clean and exactly as pictured on the site. There were no unexpected curveballs. The condo itself was very clean and well kept, and things could not have gone better.

Owner response:Mahalo for your review! So happy you had a nice time. We are so pleased that you enjoyed your stay in our condo, especially because you are so familiar with the Hawaii Islands.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Wow!!!! perfect place to stay

Guest: Island surf lovers (San Diego)
Date of Stay: 05/06/11 Review Submitted: 06/15/11

This was our first trip to Maui and what a great time. The condo was central to everything. We could walk over to the beach, down the street to shop or just have a drink. Nice breeze through the condo and comfortable beds. We loved feeling as though this could be our own home it was so comfortable. . It was perfect can't wait till our next trip. We would highly recommend staying here. Thank you for such a great vacation stay…

Owner response:I am so glad that you had a great time! Thank you for staying with us!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Loved the condo- Hope to be back in this one.

Guest: alek (Wenatchee, Wa.)
Date of Stay: 02/02/11 Review Submitted: 02/23/11

When we arrived we so very happy to see that the entire condo he been completely renovated with really nice tile and firnishings as well as super nice appliances. Everything was very clean and what was really nice is that there is a store room with lots of bedding and beach supplies like buckets, boogie board, chairs and umbrellas as well as a few coolers to take to the beach. Overall the condo was complete with anything we would normaly need at home and the location is in the heart of everything for walking distance.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

A month in paradise

Guest: Kat (Alexandria, MN)
Date of Stay: 01/03/11 Review Submitted: 01/31/11

We spent the month of January 2011 in Maui and stayed at Island Surf. This place was perfect for us. We loved the location of the condo - overlooking the park and ocean. Each day we sat on our lanai numerous times to enjoy the view (fantastic sunsets and whale watching from here) and people watch. The condo is very conveniently located near the pool (overlooks it) and the grill area. The grills are top notch and we used them almost every day. The pool was incredibly clean and we spent a lot of time there as well. Parking in the back of the condo was always convenient and had plenty of spaces. The condo itself was immaculately clean and well furnished. Everything you see in the photos is absolutely accurate. We had everything we needed here including beach supplies - towels, umbrellas, etc. Sandra was very gracious before, during and after our visit. She answered all our questions immediately and was so helpful. She even checked in on us when there was a rainstorm one day. (and we only had rain ONE day!) Her list of their favorite things to do here was wonderful - we did absolutely everything and they were fabulous suggestions. A couple of things we did here stand out: snorkeling at Molokini was great - we used Friendly Charters with Captain Mark and crew. Can't imagine a better time than that. Warren and Annabelle's show was unbelieveable - do go to that! Mama's Fish House - a real winner. Joy's Place, right below in the condo building had healthy, delicious food. The road to Hana was gorgeous, but we went all the way around the island in a day and that was exhausting. Sailing on the America II sailboat was a riot. All the great beaches are very closeby and we spent a lot of time there. I could go on and on, but just see Sandra's list and get the book, Maui Revealed (we kept this with us at all times - an amazing comprehensive guide book - and you'll be all set. We highly recommend this condo. It is everything Sandra says it is and more. Mahalo to Sandra for a wonderful time! Kathryn and Loren

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

You should stay here

Guest: Kris (California)
Date of Stay: 10/21/10 Review Submitted: 10/30/10

I had found Sandra's listing and decided to book it after reading all the good reviews. First off, Sandra was extremely helpful and prompt in responding to any questions I had prior to our trip. Once there, the condo was as expected - clean, well maintained and with all the amenities we needed for the week. The location was perfect - across from the park & beach and walking distance from a grocery store and souvenier shops. The surf/kayak shop below the condo offers lessons at the beach across from the condo. I recommend eating breakfast at Kihei Cafe and lunch at Alexander's Fish, Chicken & Chips (yummy Mahi Mahi tacos with mango salsa) - both within walking distance of the condo. If you are willing to spend a bit more money, you have to go to Mama's Fish house in Paia about a 30 minute drive from Kihei - beautiful location and the freshest fish. The condo has everything you need to have a "home-cooked" meal and there are also bbq grills at the pool patio if you want to save money for other things like attractions and shopping. We usually hit the local swap meet for the best deals on souveniers, but since we didn't have the chance, we found the best deals at the Kihei Craft Fair which is about a 5 minute drive north of the condo. It's like a swapmeet, just smaller. Some reviews commented on the noise, but that was never a problem. If it's your first time to Maui, expect the humid weather. Although the condo does not have centralized air, there is a swamp cooler and three portable fans which are more than adequate to cool the condo down. Also, get used to the slow driving and just go with the flow... you're on island time! Thanks again Sandra & Emeka

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, tourists without a car, romantic getaway.

We miss our ocean view!

Guest: diana (new york)
Date of Stay: 08/20/10 Review Submitted: 09/13/10

Thank you Sandra, My sons and I had a wonderful time at your condo. Everything we needed was there and the location couldn’t have been more convenient. My older son took surf lessons right across the street and it was only a block to some of the best coffee I ever had at Lava Java. You were right about breakfast at Kihei Cafe. We ate there whenever we didn’t make breakfast in the condo (“at home” as we said while we were there). Thanks again.

Owner response:Diana, We are so happy you had a great time and that you like our condo. Consider it your home on Maui ;) Sandra

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Thank you Sandra!

Guest: diana (new york)
Date of Stay: 08/20/10 Review Submitted: 09/06/10

My sons and I had a wonderful time at your condo. Everything we needed was there and the location couldn't have been more convenient. My older son took surf lessons right across the street and it was only a block to some of the best coffee I ever had at Lava Java. You were right about breakfast at Kihei Cafe. We ate there whenever we didn't make breakfast in the condo ("at home" as we said while we were there). Thanks again.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Email from Mike

Guest: Mike
Date of Stay: 08/12/10 Review Submitted: 08/25/10

Aloha Sandra, The four of us had a wonderful time in Maui staying at your Island Surf condo. The location is very convenient with the beach across the street with volleyball courts and surfing lessons, close to costco, shopping and airport etc. My wife and her cousin enjoyed the kitchen with new fridge, microwave and dishwasher. The filter water from the fridge was great. The BBQ grills are just a few steps downstairs and they work really well. We had fun cooking and save $ and time from going out (if we were staying at hotel instead). We're really glad we stayed there. We'll definitely recommend to friends and relatives. Thanks so much. Mike

Recommended for:

Perfect Way to Celebrate Birthdays and Graduation

Guest: Lisa (Vista)
Date of Stay: 07/22/10 Review Submitted: 08/05/10

We had a wonderful time at the condo! We were busy every day, exploring all the island had to offer and went on snorkel trips to Molokini & Lanaii. We loved the location - so easy to walk to shopping, restaurants, etc. The boys (18) discovered the skate park and went to buy a skateboard so they could enjoy it. The local kids were very friendly (skate & surfing). And, when taking a car - it is so easy to get to where you are going because it is so central. The staff who maintain the pool are extremely friendly and nice, it's very clean & the BBQs are great. The beds are extremely comfortable. The pictures acurately depict the condo and surroundings.

Owner response:Thank you so much Lisa! I am so excited that your whole family had a wonderful time!

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway.

Awesome Experience!

Guest: Rick (San Diego, CA)
Date of Stay: 06/27/10 Review Submitted: 07/11/10

The Island Surf property was exactly the way it was described and depicted in the advertisement. The photos accurately reflect the unit's appearance and ammenities. I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in visiting Maui. It was clean and well maintained, very modern and up to date in style. The pool area looks recently remodeled with slate tiles and the setup available for barbecuing is perfect. The location was fantastic, right near many restaurants and cafes( great cafe 2 blocks south for breakfast), and right across the street at the beach one can learn how to surf. The location really can't be beat; great value!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

This is a wonderful condo.

Guest: Terri (Chicago, Il)
Date of Stay: 06/05/10 Review Submitted: 06/24/10

This is a wonderful condo. It far exceeded our expectations. The views are amazing from the balcony. We enjoyed sitting out there in the morning having our breakfast and coffee. Sandra was a pleasure to work with. She will definitely have returning customers in us.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

So much better then others! Great value!

Guest: mauitraveler (Los Angeles)
Date of Stay: 04/22/10 Review Submitted: 05/16/10

This condo is so much better then other condos we stayed in in Kihei over the years! It is a really new, it has amazing ocean views and is close to everything you need, so you can walk. The beds were so comfortable!!! Loved it! Unit was really nice and cool, beautiful ocean breezes. They have free wireless internet and nice amenities in the building-kayak rentals, bike rentals, good food, beauty salon business center.

Recommended for:People with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Family Vacation

Guest: evorgsum (Clinton, UT)
Date of Stay: 02/27/10 Review Submitted: 03/27/10

We took our whole family, adult children, spouses and grandkids to Maui 27 Feb thru 13 Mar 2010. We love the location of this condo, and there was plenty of room for the kids to run around. Everything we needed was right here. The family took advantage of the MWR surf lessons right on the corner, there was a beautiful beach park right across the street and the best shave ice stand right next door. Make sure to visit PuPu's just down the street, Wok Star and the little lunch plate restaurant right below the condo has the best Shoyu Chicken ever!! Thanks to Emeka and Sandra for the wonderful memories. We hope to be back someday!!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing.

Wonderful home away from home (plus sand and surf)

Guest: Santel1 (Stockton, CA)
Date of Stay: 09/25/09 Review Submitted: 11/12/09

We stayed in this recently remodeled condo this fall for a getway week that my wife and had planned for a while. We were kind of worried, because we had never been to Maui before and had a hard time researching form the internet only. The owners were actually very helpful and super easy to deal with. They helped us plan the finer points of our visit - even before we booked with them! They don’t live there, but it sure sounded like they did – They gave us people’s names to look up for different things – scuba/snorkel tours, Luaus, and even a traditional Hawaiian ceremony to renew our vows. We were kind of concerned re: the noise comments we saw here before we left, but the owners assured us that the previous complaints were centered around some construction that was going on – I guess construction still is the pits, even in Hawaii! Anyhow, we were completely blown away. The noise was a non-issue, we live in a small down in northern California, and kihei and the condo were more quiet than we’re used to – just the background sound of the surf coming in and the clucking/hooting of tropical birds. (and chickens!!) The level of fit/finish was very high. I used to do some carpentry and I could tell that the remodel was done well, very well. The travertine floors were a real pleaser as they cover every inch of the condo, the walls of the bathrooms and even out to the lanai. A big lanai it is too - we used it a lot, whether to watch the surfer school in the AM, beach volleyball or just watching people strolling lazily up and down South Kihei road. While there’s some really nice walks to take heading east from the condo, the beaches just across and down the street were breathtaking each morning we went for our stroll. The only complaint I would offer is that its not on a golf course. We played some holes in Wailea and would have played more if we were on the course – but then I guess we probably would have been paying a lotmore than what we paid!

Owner response:As always, we're always happy to help. The way we see it, helping you guys get prepared for Maui help keep US in "Maui mode". Mahalo and See you next year!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Nicely redecorated, but very noisy!!!

Guest: Reesy (Eagle, Idaho)
Date of Stay: 03/22/09 Review Submitted: 04/07/09

Of course as always we had a wonderful trip to Maui. The condo was in a very central location and had wonderful ocean views. The noise level was pretty intense. It sounded like the cars were driving through the condo. There was always something that woke us up in the mornings, either the septic truck pumping sewage, the garbage truck, or the birds. Also, the condo only has a couch to sit on and there were 4 of us and so someone either had to sit on the floor or a dining room chair which wasn't too comfy. Some of those problems could be fixed easy enough with the purchase of an easy chair. The noise is a tough one. If you want peace and quiet this is not the place for you.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers.

This was the best vacation I've ever been on!

Guest: Shelley and Barclay (Arborg, Manitoba, Canada)
Date of Stay: 02/05/09 Review Submitted: 11/12/09

This was the best vacation I've ever been on! The condo was exactly as pictured, clean, spacious and the views were breath taking. Eating breakfast one morning in the kitchen, I happened to glance up and look towards the ocean. lucky me the whales were passing by! I could not believe my eyes! Every morning we'd see them from the lanai! Emeka is great! He offered great advice and was extremely helpful before and during our holiday. We will definitely return and hopefully one of Emeka's condo's will be available! If you haven't been to Maui, I definitely recommend staying either at the Island surf or Maui Parkshore that he owns! He makes your holiday easy and stress free. Thanks again Emeka! You truly are one of the good guys! Shelley and Barclay

Owner response:Thanks guys! happy that we could help.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

The Ocean View was wonderful

Guest: Fashion (Okotoks, Ab)
Date of Stay: 01/20/09 Review Submitted: 02/11/09

This vacation rental is a great place for people who like to stay where the action is in Kihei. We enjoyed our stay here. The owner was wonderful to deal with. He let us pay 3 weeks later then what was expected, just so we could use it to our own tax advantage. He also let us have a late check out for a small additional cost. He sent us an information sheet before we left, which really helped while we were there when deciding on what things we woud like to do. The property was clean and well maintained. Very tastefully decorated. The condo was across the street from the beach, but its not a good place to go swimming and stay the day at the beach. It is very close to other great beaches though. Its located right in the heart of Kihei so it was quite noisy, day and night. The amenities that were mentioned on the add --some were missing from the condo. Overall it was fun. Next time we are going to try to find a place a lot more quiet.

Recommended for:Tourists without a car

Vancouverites in Kihei

Guest: Bubblycat (Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada)
Date of Stay: 01/11/09 Review Submitted: 01/19/09

Our party spent 7 nights in this condominium. The kitchen is well supplied. Ample comfortable sleeping for four, but I would avoid the pull-out sofa. We had more than enough linens and towels, should you run out there is a washer and dryer for a constant fresh supply. The air conditioner is enough to supply cold to the living area. Both bedrooms are not equipped with air conditioners. There is a surf shop directly below for those who yearn to surf. The location itself is directly in front of a rocky beach, but for the sun seekers there is a grassy area for rays.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car.

Good location

Guest: AnneMV (Mountain View, CA)
Date of Stay: 06/21/08 Review Submitted: 06/27/08

We had a wonderful time at this conveniently located condo in Kihei. We walked to shops, the grocery store, movie theatre and restaurants. The beach is located right across the street...how convenient is that! It was also very easy to drive to some great snorkel spots located in Wailea and further south. It's very roomy for 4 people...6 people may be a bit crowded, but there are 2 full bathrooms. The washer and dryer were a plus. The kitchen had decent pots and pans. And there were extra towels we used for the pool. The weather was quite nice during our summer stay and the air conditioner helped keep the place cool, though it is a little on the small side, so the back bedroom got a bit warm. The pool was a nice place to cool down. Oh, forgot to mention the view from the balcony is quite nice overlooking the beach and ocean. One thing to note, the beach across the street has a grassy strip, so you can walk on the beach without getting sandy.

Recommended for:

Fun in Kihei

Guest: Denver Traveler (Denver, CO)
Date of Stay: 05/21/08 Review Submitted: 06/04/08

We enjoyed our 5 night stay very much. The condo is tastefully decorated and accommodated 4 adults nicely. The kitchen is well stocked so it was easy to cook meals. We were also happy to have a washer and dryer. It is centrally located in Kihei with shops, restaurants, the grocery store, and beaches all within a short (5min or less) walk. Another perk is the use of beach towels & coolers. One downside is the condo is on a busy road so it can be quite noisy to leave the windows open or sit on the lanai. The unit does have an air conditioner in the central living area but it is small and does not cool the unit very well. As a result, the temperature can be uncomfortable especially in the bedrooms which are at the back of the unit. Overall we had a pleasant experience with the unit and owners.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Well Appointed - On the inside

Guest: in need of peace (Vancouver, Canada)
Date of Stay: 01/01/08 Review Submitted: 01/13/08

We stayed here for two nights and found that the condo was well-updated, very tastefully by the owners, but the building seemed to be lacking in what was once its former glory. It overlooks the beach - and a major street which can be noisy. Also the noise factor came into play with the master bedroom backing onto what was the garbage disposal truck area. It seemed to come on both mornings were there. The location is very central, but if you are looking for tranquil, this is not your place. I have a low tolerance for noise, so please keep in mind this review is biased to that. Kudos to the owners for what must have been fairly extensive renovations. They also haven't locked the owners lockup and so there is access to beach toys, coolers, etc.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers