Don't worry about picking the right Instagram filter—with views like these, you can opt for #nofilter. From its perch on the 10th floor of the Maui Kai at Ka'anapali, "Gem of Maui," a 1BR/1BA penthouse condo, offers panoramic ocean vistas that will take your breath away. It was love at first sight the first time we saw the views for ourselves - and we think you'll agree!
Of all the accommodations on all of the Hawaiian islands, Maui Kai at Ka'anapali is one of the closest to the water. Any closer and you'd be sleeping in the seaweed with the whales and turtles! In fact, every year, Molokai and Lanai host momma whales ready to birth their calves. And you'll get a front-row seat to the magic from this penthouse condo.
MILES OF VIEWS - INSIDE AND OUT
While the sights are definitely share-worthy, with a setting like this, you may want to just ignore your phone for a while. Settle into the lounger on the lanai to watch the turtles and whales zip through the emerald waters. Sitting at the 4-person patio table, it's almost like you're dining with them.
Even when you leave the beach, you don't have to leave the sights, sounds, and the smell of sea air: floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors connect the living room to the lanai, letting the ocean breezes blow through and creating a true indoor/outdoor space. There's also comfy couch and chair for relaxing after your day in the sun and sand.
Fall asleep to the soothing sounds of the crashing waves in the king bed, made up with elegant linens and bedding. The master also offers a 40" flat screen TV, plenty of storage space, and updated bathroom with walk-in shower.
Whether you're an at-home chef or a takeout aficionado, the fully-equipped kitchen has everything you need to cook (or re-heat restaurant leftovers). It's outfitted with full-size appliances, plus extras like a blender and mixer. Cooking up the most important meal of the day is a cinch with a coffeemaker, egg poacher, waffle iron, and muffin tin. Enjoy your meals at the 4-person table, where you can still see the ocean as you enjoy a home-cooked meal. Or grill out in the cabana area by the pool.
FREE AMENITIES GALORE
While other resorts nickel and dime, here there's free parking and NO RESORT FEES. The penthouse condo comes with a flat screen TV, stereo with iPod docking system, and complimentary WiFi.
The checklist of other awesome amenities stretches as far as the views: air conditioning, coin-operated washer/dryer outside your door, free parking, and ice maker.
CAN'T-BE-BEAT LOCATION
Like the Zac Brown Band song says, you can have your toes in water and butt in the sand in just a few steps. The hotel sits right on the beach and we provide beach chairs, boogie boards, coolers, and towels for you to use during your stay.
Consistently rated one of the best beaches in the world, Ka'anapali Beach with three miles of soft, white sand and crystal-clear waters. Ka'anapali also is home to the open-air Whalers Village with oceanfront dining, shopping, and entertainment, including a cool whaling museum.
When you need to stock up on the essentials, Times grocery store is a just a 5-minute walk. Experience the food and culture of Hawaii at the farmers market, fish market, and local restaurants like Maui Grill Ka'anapali and Roy's, all just minutes away.
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A security deposit hold prior to arrival $250. and will be automatically refunded 4 days after departure unless there is damages.
Guest is Required to sign Rental Agreement.
Important information
You need to know
Property Registration Number GE-009-819-9552-01, TA-009-819-9552-01, 4440011000076
Property # 3966220vb
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
About the area
Kaanapali
Located in Kaanapali, this condo is in a rural area. Shoppers can check out Whalers Village, while everyone can enjoy the natural beauty of Kaanapali Beach and Napili Bay.
Lahaina, HI
What's nearby
Keka'a Beach - 12 min walk - 1.0 km
Kahekili Beach - 14 min walk - 1.2 km
Honokowai Beach Park - 15 min walk - 1.3 km
Kaanapali Beach - 8 min drive - 4.6 km
Whalers Village - 9 min drive - 5.7 km
Getting around
Kapalua, HI (JHM-West Maui) - 6 min drive
Restaurants
Honoapiilani Food Truck Park - 5 min walk
Duke's Beach House Maui - 16 min walk
Pūlehu - 5 min drive
Pizza Paradiso - 7 min walk
The Fish Market Maui - 11 min walk
Frequently asked questions
Does The best spot for whale watching! have a pool?
Yes, this property has a pool. Pool types include heated pools.
How much does it cost to stay at The best spot for whale watching!?
As of 14 May, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The best spot for whale watching! on 2 Jul, 2026 start from S$328, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
Is The best spot for whale watching! pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much is parking at The best spot for whale watching!?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at The best spot for whale watching!?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at The best spot for whale watching!?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is The best spot for whale watching! located?
Situated in a rural location, this condo building is steps from Keka'a Beach and within 3 mi (5 km) of Kaanapali Beach and Whalers Village. Honokowai Beach Park and Kahana Beach are also within 2 miles (3 km).
Reviews
9.8
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
This condo is on the 10th floor- I call it the penthouse! The beautiful kitchen was well stocked with everything you need to cook and dine in a variety of spaces in the unit. The dining room table and kitchen counter have comfortable chairs which are high. The lanai table and chairs afford a great view of the ocean and the islands. The recliner on the lanai was comfortable.
The master bedroom has plenty of storage in the closet and dresser. The bed was great.
The bathroom was cozy and nicely decorated.
The living room couch made TV viewing easy with a great leather storage ottoman to elevate your feet.
Outer door to condo looked like ghetto housing and and we were a bit taken back, but once we got into the condo it was nice and clean and met all our needs. We had an issue with the living room TV but I was able to trace all the wiring and found that a cable between the TV and cable box had been disconnected. We were unable to contact the owner by e-mail or phone. We settled in and found the place to be a good location with a nice view and quite comfortable.
DEBRA G.
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 11 Nov, 2025
Thank you for your feedback. I’m so sorry you weren’t able to reach me — I’ve checked my phone and don’t see any missed calls or messages, but I truly wish I’d known you needed assistance.
Yes, the Maui Kai is currently in the process of replacing all exterior doors throughout the building. The ocean air and salt erosion take quite a toll on the property, and the new doors will make a big improvement once installed. I completely understand how the current condition could be off-putting, and I really appreciate your understanding.
I’m glad to hear that you found the condo clean, comfortable, and well-suited to your needs. Thank you again for staying, and I hope you’ll visit again once the exterior upgrades are complete — it’s going to look wonderful!
The property was exactly as decribed and perfect for what we were looking for. The unit was clean and well appointed. The point of contact was very responsive and had clear communication so we never had to guess at next steps. You cant get closer to an ocean view!! I would definitely revisit.
lisa d.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 16 Jul, 2025
Thank you for your your stay
Verified
8/10 Good
Nancy L.
12 Jan, 2019
Great trip
Wonderful location with all you need for a great trip
Nancy L.
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 2 Apr, 2020
I agree with you 100% its all you need for a perfect vacation.
The only thing that would have made our stay any better was if we could have stayed longer!
Melanie R.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 2 Apr, 2020
Great to hear!
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Stanislav G.
19 May, 2018
Awesome stop in North Maui
Place and location are fantastic if you are looking for a beach vacation. Everything is close by - good beaches, food and the views and rainbows are top of the line!
Stanislav G.
Stayed 11 nights in May 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 2 Apr, 2020
Stanislav I do agree with you the views and the rainbows are amazing! Please come back soon.
Cathy was very communicative leading up to our visit, and the location was great for our trip. Can't beat the view from the balcony, it is the perfect getaway!
When we had a horrible experience with our condo at a different complex that "stretched the truth" about their amenities, we needed to find another place to stay on very short notice. We felt lucky to find the Gem of Maui available!Cathy was extremely accommodating with our predicament. She even let us in a bit early so we could transfer our refrigerated and frozen items, saving us hundreds of dollars! The unit is exactly as described. I'd even say they undersell the balcony/lanai - the privacy and view of the sunset are spectacular!Looking forward to returning.
Wonderful location, quiet, relaxing, and the most beautiful sunsets! I would highly recommend this condo and will stay again when returning to Maui!
Ann M.
Stayed 9 nights in Jun 2019
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Brian B.
1 May, 2018
Fantastic!
Amazing view with all the necessary amenities. Location is perfect. Would definitely stay there again.
Brian B.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 2 Apr, 2020
Thank you!
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Kate M.
6 Oct, 2014
Great Kaanapali Location
We loved our stay at the Maui Kai. The unit was clean, spacious and had gorgeous views. It was everything we were looking for in our stay. We would definitely come back again!
Kate M.
Response from VrboOwner on 2 Apr, 2020
Thank you Kate. I'm glad you enjoyed your stay hope to have you back.
Cathy Scott
Archival
10/10 Excellent
James M.
20 Nov, 2017
Wonderful stay
We had a great time during our stay! Everything there and fully equipped! The mattress was very comfortable and the views were amazing! Just wish I was there during whale season!!
James M.
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2017
Response from VrboOwner on 2 Apr, 2020
Malaho,
Come back for whale season it is truly amazing!
Cathy
Archival
10/10 Excellent
James Cooper c.
13 Sept, 2016
Amazing view and utilities
The view is better in person than the picture, great price, location, and everything you need!
Amazing views. Great spot to whale watch and listen to the ocean. Location is great! Tons of options within a ten minute drive.
Brad S.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2024
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Mark C.
29 Apr, 2014
Fantastic location, value, and setting!
Had a fantastic time staying at Cathy's beautiful beachfront Condo at the Maui Kai. Convenient Kaanapali location, very clean and well-maintained, and had everything for us to make our stay perfect. Will come back!
Mark C.
Response from VrboOwner on 2 Apr, 2020
Thank you for Staying with us I hope you had a great vacation!
Cathy Scott
We had a great 9 day stay at the end of March. The whale watching and relaxing on the lanai was such a highlight of our visit. The unit was well appointed and close to amenities. We would stay here again!
Megan O.
Stayed 9 nights in Mar 2022
About the host
Your host
Hi my name is Cathy Scott my husband Kelly and I own The Gem Of Maui. We have four kids and four granddaughters. We have 4 vacation rentals 2 on Maui and 2 in the Mountains in western Canada. Our family loves the ocean and they love the mountains.
Why they chose this property
1004 is on the top floor of the Maui Kai and the view is amazing. Waking in the morning listening the the sound of the ocean and eating breakfast out on the Lanai (patio). Watching the sea turtle swimming, whale watching, and amazing Sunsets
What makes this property unique
Not Managed by a rental company. Talk to the owner any time. On Island contact person just minutes away. Cleaning can be arranged or just change all the wet towels with just a days notice
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests