Maui Vista Resort

If the Maui Vista Resort feels like a residential apartment complex, that’s because it is. The name “Maui Vista Resort” is pretty misleading, considering many people live here full-time, and there aren’t any “resort” style amenities, like a spa, fitness center, or restaurant. Throughout the day, the atmosphere is mundane and residential, as plumbers fix clogged sinks, painters tote ladders and drop cloths, and neighbors catch up with one another in the parking lot. Visitors won’t find bellmen or pool attendants here, and there isn’t even a lobby where guests can check in. Instead new arrivals pick up their keys from the security guard at the front window. For travelers that want to be near a beach and cook for themselves, this is a decent pick, though the nearby Kihei Akahi has better-looking pools and larger condos.  

Maui Vista is located on South Kihei Road, across from Charley Young Beach (just north of Kamaole Beach Park I). The complex is within walking distance of local shops, bars, and restaurants, but travelers will want to rent a car if they plan on exploring the island. Kihei is home to beautiful, well-kept beaches that have a more local feel than those in Wailea or Kaanapali. However, some travelers lament that Kihei’s beaches, and the town of Kihei itself, lacks a Hawaiian feel and is more reminiscent of southern California. With its low-rise hotels, strip malls, and surf shops, Kihei does have a generic beach town vibe. However, Kihei is one of the closest towns to Maui’s Kahului Airport (about a 30-minute drive), which also means it’s relatively “close” (still a 90-minute drive) to popular attractions like Haleakala and the Road to Hana. Travelers wanting a town with a bit more Hawaiian flair might prefer Lahaina.  

Rooms at Maui Vista are run-of-the-mill, but they’re sufficient for travelers who don’t need a lot of bells and whistles. The property’s one- and two-bedroom units have full kitchens and open-concept living spaces, but most have dated decor like rattan furniture, old-fashioned tropical-print linens, generic artwork, and low-hanging popcorn ceilings. Some have more contemporary touches such as granite countertops and wall-mounted flat screen TVs. Decor varies across individually owned units, so some apartments are nicer than others, but Maui Vista’s condos are noticeably smaller than comparable accommodations in the area. In-room stackable washer/dryer units are a great perk, and outdoor patios and balconies are large enough to fit dining tables. The property doesn’t really offer any good ocean views, but east-facing units have beautiful mountain vistas. 

There are three four-story buildings at Maui Vista, and each has its own pool and two tennis courts. All of the pools are small and oval-shaped, barely bigger than something you might find in a backyard. Each pool is surrounded by a fenced-in patio, which has several lounge chairs and umbrella-covered dining tables. Nothing exciting goes on around the pools, but they’re used regularly by residents and vacationers alike. The tennis courts are older, but well-maintained, though note that guests must provide their own equipment. Travelers will also find an outdoor grilling area by each building. Wi-Fi and parking fees are included in nightly room rates.