Kohea Kai Maui

The former Maui Sunseeker, sold in September 2016 and renamed the Kohea Kai Resort Maui, caters to all travelers regardless of sexual orientation. A 2011 renovation courtesy of the show "Hotel Impossible" (aired in 2012) transformed the rooftop of the former Maui Sunseeker into a colorful outdoor lounge that's now the heart of the hotel. When we visited, the deck with bamboo screens and comfy sun loungers served as a social hub day and night. Manicured garden paths lead past a small waterfall, a garden patio, and another sundeck, all tucked away from the busy street outside.

The Kohea Kai Resort Maui is on South Kihei Road, a busy two-lane coastal highway that runs through the sprawling beach town of Kihei on Maui's western shore. It's in a neighborhood of budget hotels, condos, and some reasonably priced restaurants, making it a good value option in South Maui. Sugar Beach is across the street and Kalepolepo Beach Park is about a five-minute walk to the south. Some of Maui's best shopping, dining, and nightlife can be found in the historic village of Lahaina, about a 30-minute drive north.

Standard Rooms are on the small side but are brightly decorated with touches of natural wood and stone that go a long way to enhance the budget decor. These rooms have coffeemakers, microwaves, mini-fridges, and small semi-private lanais (some are connected to a neighbor's). The Studio Rooms have small kitchenettes with two-burner stove tops and private lanais with ocean views. Suites (Junior and Full) come with full kitchens and much larger living areas, as well as larger lanais with glass tables big enough to dine on while taking in ocean or garden views. Some have vaulted ceilings with great natural light. Bathrooms typically have tile and painted or stained-wood walls, with walk-in showers and Tommy Bahama and Paul Mitchell bath products. There are also two beautiful Penthouses with custom decor, one having a loft bedroom and a beautiful vaulted wood ceiling, while the other has a huge lanai with a private hot tub.

The rooftop deck has ocean views and makes for a great place to sunbathe by day, or drink wine by night. More sheltered, the garden patio lacks the view but has a pleasant ambience of its own, with sail canopies and bulb lights over tables and chairs. There's also a small covered gazebo and several gas grills for guests to use. The small outdoor saltwater pool has a hot tub nearby on a stone sun deck in a courtyard that's shaded by buildings and palms. Though not technically on-site, the beach is just across the street, and the hotel provides free use of beach chairs, towels, and coolers for the beach.