Kihei Kai Oceanfront Condos

Kihei Kai is a humdrum condo complex wedged between a few small hotels on Sugar Beach. Upon arrival, guests walk through the parking lot before reaching the center of the property, where a tiny office occupies one of the ground-floor units. The office doesn’t keep long business hours, so guests should coordinate their arrival and departure times with the on-site managers. There's not a lot to this hotel, aside from a small pool area, but it's a good value for those wanting to be along the beach. Kihei Kai is a quiet property mostly patronized by older American and Canadian couples. Travelers seeking a nearby property with a few more amenities may prefer Sugar Beach Resort.

Although it’s technically in Kihei, Kihei Kai isn’t within walking distance of downtown, so travelers will have to drive to restaurants, bars, and grocery stores. On the upside, it's situated along pretty Sugar Beach. There isn’t much to see or do within walking distance, save for Ululani’s Shave Ice (arguably the best on the island) and the Maui Farmers Market, which opens weekly. The hotel is a 25-minute drive from Kahului Airport, one of the shortest distances from the airport to a hotel on Maui.  

Each of the condos at Kihei Kai is a one-bedroom, one-bathroom unit with a full kitchen, separate living space, and an outdoor balcony. A few rooms have better views of the ocean, but most just overlook the hotel’s narrow grounds. Units occupy two buildings, and floor plans differ slightly in both buildings. Since each condo is individually owned, decor varies throughout, though we can say most units are dated. Kitchens are equipped with everything travelers might need, including cutlery, flatware, pots and pans, and small appliances such as coffeemakers and toasters. Flat-screen TVs are not a guarantee, but all rooms have access to free Wi-Fi. Some bathrooms have shower/tub combos, while others only have shower stalls. Balconies have table and chair sets, where guests can dine outside.  

A tiny L-shaped pool awkwardly occupies the eastern end of the property, near the entrance. The pool is surrounded by a fence and some hedges, which doesn’t allow for much patio space around the water. Leaves from the hedges fall into the pool constantly, which doesn’t make for the most pleasant swimming experience. There’s one grill in the pool area, and two more closer to the beach, all of which are popular with guests. The hotel’s best feature is undoubtedly its direct access to Sugar Beach, a miles-long stretch of golden sand with calm water and views of the West Maui Mountains. Sugar Beach is a prime spot to watch the sunset, and many guests congregate around the shoreline to watch the spectacle each evening. The hotel provides lounge chairs, but guests have to set them up. Kihei Kai also has coin-operated laundry machines, free parking, and free Wi-Fi.