Kihei Akahi

Set on a gradual slope off the bustling South Kihei Road, Kihei Akahi is a quiet condo complex across from Kamaole Beach Park II. Families, couples, and large friend groups stay at Kihei Akahi for its spacious units and prime location. Throughout the day, the property is quiet, with a few people utilizing the on-site amenities, but the atmosphere is always peaceful. There are many full-time residents at Kihei Akahi, so the property maintains a residential feel.  

Located on South Kihei Road, across from Kamaole Beach Park II, Kihei Akahi has a prime location in Kihei, within walking distance of grocery stores, restaurants, and local shops. Kihei’s other beaches, Kam I and Kam III (their affectionate local nicknames), are also within walking distance of the hotel. The beaches are stunning stretches of golden sand, with calm waters and prime views of the West Maui Mountains. They have a lively, local feel, with beach volleyball courts, well-kept picnic areas, and dedicated surfer hangouts. Some travelers lament that Kihei’s beaches, and the town of Kihei itself, feel a lot like southern California and not Hawaii. With its low-rise hotels, strip malls, and surf shops, Kihei does have a generic U.S. beach town feel. However, Kihei is one of the closest towns to Maui’s Kahului Airport (about a 30-minute drive), which also means it’s “close” (still a 90-minute drive) to popular attractions like Haleakala and the Road to Hana. Still, travelers in search of a town with a bit more Hawaiian flair might prefer Lahaina.  

Kihei Akahi has studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units located in four buildings (two two-story buildings, and two six-story buildings) across the long, narrow property. Potential guests should note that only the six-story buildings have elevators. The complex feels more like a residential property than a hotel, and many people live in their units full-time. Different management companies oversee the rental process for different units, so some condos have different rental policies than others. Decor varies across the individually owned units, but it’s fair to say that most are dated. Even in renovated units, guests will find outdated elements like popcorn ceilings and mirrored walls. 

Studios are equipped with kitchenettes, while one- and two-bedroom condos have full kitchens and separate living spaces. Kitchens have full-size appliances, but dishwashers aren’t guaranteed. All units have stacked washer/dryer sets. Bathrooms typically feature separate vanity and shower areas, but layouts and decor vary based on owner renovations. Not all units have bathtubs. All units have furnished outdoor balconies or patios, but they’re small and most don’t have ocean views.  

There are two pools at Kihei Akahi, one at the base of the hill, and one at the top. Both are small and rectangularly shaped, and they're surrounded by plastic-slatted lounge chairs. Each pool has an adjacent grilling area; the one next to the lower pool feels like an outdoor kitchen, with grills, a full-size refrigerator, microwave, and outdoor dining tables. In addition to the pools, Kihei Akahi also has two tennis courts, though guests need to bring their own equipment. Kihei Akahi has free parking and Wi-Fi, but there aren’t any big-ticket amenities like a spa, fitness center, or restaurant on-site.