Location, location, location. I searched for places in Kaanapali, Kapalua and Wailea, but I'm glad we found this place in Kihei. It is so close to one of the top beaches on the island as per "Maui Revealed" book and app (and we explored 8 other beadhes and liked ours the best... it's called Keawakapu Beach) and the snorkeling directly out front of the condo was amazing. You can rent kayaks or stand up paddle boards from the condo complex right next door. It is a corner unit so the views are wonderful. You are 7 minutes from Wailea, 2 minutes from downtown Kihei with good restaurants and shopping, 30-35 mins from Lahaina and a tad longer to Kaanapali. It's a good location to explore the island. We did hiking to the Nakalele blowhole via the Acid war zone (as per the app), the Kapalua Coastal hike, La Perouse snorkel and hike, Wailea coastal walk, Paia and Hookipa Beach lookout.
Pros: Kitchen is fully stocked. The property manager responded to a fix-it item very quickly. They have stocked in the unit fins, snorkels, boogie boards and 2 beach chairs!! The showers are great. But the best is the location near the beach. Opposite the beach on the condo property is a HUGE groomed grass area to play bocce ball, shuffle board, etc. that is part of the condo property. Good grilling areas as well. There are 3 flat screen TVs in this unit. When we were there brand new patio furniture was delivered for the condo's balcony. The sunset views are incredible. The owner was very responsive and professional and easy to work with. Out of all the units on this property I would pick 401 as the best in regards to size and views.
Cons: There is no AC. This is not a deal-breaker as there are trade-winds that blow through as you open up the windows and large screen door and turn on all the ceiling fans, but if you absolutely must have AC then it might not be a fit. Also the mattress in the master needs to be upgraded. Sounds like I'm the "princess and the pea" but it had a bit of "hammocking" going on. A small issue. My wife and I still slept well as we fell asleep to the sound of the waves 50' away which was amazing. But a new mattress would be my suggestion.
Overall we would definitely go back again. Great island, perfect location. The best part was each morning to sip cup of Hawaiian coffee on the balcony watching whales, kayakers, snorkelers, runners on a running trail, and boats. Evenings are of course beautiful sunsets right from your balcony. Mahalo!
