Kahana Falls

In the spirit of the name Kahana Falls, there are several small waterfalls throughout the property that make for a serene tropical setting. In addition, the lush gardens are accented with koi ponds and nice flowers, allowing for an oasis-like feeling at this relaxed condo resort. This is a mid-range timeshare property with 70 units available. The entrance leads to a spacious lobby with two activity desks.

The pale salmon-pink concrete buildings that make up the property look a little tired from the outside, and within the condos, updates can vary greatly from unit to unit. The accommodations include studio, one-, and two-bedroom condos, as well as units more akin to standard hotel rooms. This older resort does offer good value for budget-minded travelers, especially in the smaller condos (though small is an understatement for the hotel units, which feel quite cramped.) The buildings of the resort center around a large main pool area, which is a popular spot for guests to lounge in the shade and relax. Though some families stay here, the crowd is mostly older, and many guests are retirees.

The resort is located in the small, laid-back area known as Kahana, about a 15-minute drive north of the popular town of Lahaina, the main tourist hub of West Maui. Kahana Falls is not located on the beach, however – the resort is situated across the street, inland from a few towering beachfront properties, so the ocean views are very limited. It is less than a five-minute walk to reach a nice, long sandy beach shared by many vacation properties. There are several shops and restaurants in walking distance of the resort, including the Maui Brewing Company, though a rental car is recommended to see more of the island. The shopping malls and big resorts of Kaanapali are less than 10 minutes away, by car. It’s a 50-minute drive to the Kahului Airport.

Kahana Falls offers a range of room types, including studios, one-, and two-bedroom condos, as well as units similar to standard hotel rooms that lack full kitchens. These small hotel-style units do include a small kitchenette with a mini-fridge, microwave, and coffeemaker, all packed into a tiny space next to the bed, which makes them feel cramped. The studios offer a fully equipped kitchen with a stove, dishwasher, refrigerator, and coffeemaker, next to a small dining area and a nice living room, where a Murphy Bed pulls down from the wall.

The slightly smaller version of the one-bedroom condo is called the Hale Kipa, which means cozy. Hotel units and Hale Kipas do not offer a lanai or outdoor seating space. Hotel units can be combined with the one-bedroom condos to create two-bedroom condos.  In terms of square footage, the units at Kahana Falls are smaller than other condos in the area, except for the two-bedroom units, which are a bit more spacious. The kitchens include all the basics and are fully functional, but appliances and counters are not updated. Decor is different from room to room, and generally a bit sparse – there aren’t many pictures hanging on the walls or other decorative items to speak of – but overall the rooms feature bamboo and wicker furniture with floral patterns that are slightly out of date. The mirror-covered walls feel a bit dated as well. Upgraded items also vary from unit to unit; for example, some rooms have old microwaves or ancient-looking alarm clocks. All rooms do include nice flat-screen TVs. Some bathrooms have jetted bathtubs and steam showers, which are enclosed walk-in showers that can be used as a tiny steam room. All units except for the hotel rooms have a washer and dryer. For those without, there is a coin-operated guest laundry room. 

The resort is centered around the main pool area, which features a large free-form pool as wells as a small wading pool for kids.  There are ample lounge chairs in the shade and peaceful places to relax. A few barbecue grills are available for use. There are two hot tubs, one perched over the main pool and one in the back, behind the courtyard and games area. The back courtyard has a few games including shuffleboard, chess, and a picnic area with several tables and chairs and additional grills. There are several waterfalls and ponds with koi fish all around the property, creating a nice atmosphere.

In the main building above the lobby, there is a clubhouse area called the Ohana Room (Ohana means family). It has a few foosball tables, a comfortable lounge with a big flat-screen TV, and a communal kitchen. Next to the Ohana Room is a small business center with one computer and a printer for guests to use. There is a good-size fitness room with plenty of light, a variety of equipment, and even a sauna. Self-parking is included and free Wi-Fi is available throughout the resort. Across the street, there is access to a long, golden-sand beach that is shared by several other resorts. It is generally calm, good for families, and great for sunsets.