Built in 2009 and expanded in 2021, Honua Kai has the distinction of being among the newest resort communities on the island of Maui. And having been voted one of the top 10 resorts in Hawaiʻi by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler—more than once in recent years—it also ranks among the most outstanding.
Honua Kai includes two oceanfront condominium towers and the adjacent Luana Garden Villas complex, situated on Maui’s sunny, spectacular west side. The 12-story U-shaped towers, Konea and Hokulani, connect to the property’s winding, lushly landscaped walkways, which lead to multiple pools, a variety of other top-tier amenities, and lovely Kāʻanapali Beach. The complex spans 38 beautifully maintained acres, giving a sense of seclusion despite its proximity to everything owners and guests might need.
We selected Honua Kai for our list of extraordinary vacation rental communities on Maui because of its superb location, long list of resort amenities, and variety of spacious floor plans. Let’s explore what makes this resort truly unique.
The Honua Kai Resort Experience
Honua Kai is known for its 3-acre ocean-facing aquatic playground, complete with waterfalls and caves, a lazy river, a waterslide pool, a wading pool, a quiet pool, and five hot tubs. The tropical lagoon setting and poolside cabanas provide the perfect surroundings for relaxing and unwinding, and the barbecue grill areas with seating create opportunities to gather for sunset meals and whale watching.
The community’s other notable on-site amenities include the well-known Duke’s Beach House restaurant, a coffee shop, a gourmet market, a 24-hour air-conditioned fitness center, the Hoʻola Spa, and Whalers General Store. Concierge and valet services also ensure owners and guests have all the essentials for the best possible stay.
The grand entrance of each Honua Kai tower opens to ocean-view grounds with ponds, water features, fire pits, and carefully cultivated tropical vegetation. The resort property has direct access to the Kāʻanapali Beach Walk, which stretches along the coastline for approximately 2.8 miles, connecting Honua Kai to other resorts, beaches, restaurants, and shops—including the endless dining and shopping possibilities in Whalers Village.
Honua Kai’s excellent location also allows for quick access to the celebrated golf courses of Kāʻanapali and Kapalua, as well as opportunities for tennis, water sports, boat tours, horseback riding, and ziplining. For both owners and guests, the community offers an ideal resort experience, with everyday conveniences like grocery stores just off property grounds. Less than an hour from Maui’s primary airport and big box stores, Honua Kai caters to those looking to both escape and stay connected.
Floor Plan Options and Special Features
Honua Kai boasts a wide selection of floor plans to match owners’ and guests’ preferences, including studio, 1-bedroom, 1-bedroom plus den, 2-bedroom, and 3-bedroom options. Across the community, the condos feature modern kitchens with high-quality appliances, in-unit washers and dryers, and central air conditioning. And because the units are privately owned, many owners have opted to make additional upgrades to elements such as flooring, countertops, and cabinetry.
Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors open to Honua Kai’s signature large, covered lanais.
Thanks to the towers’ thoughtful positioning, many of the condos provide Pacific Ocean and West Maui Mountain views.
Owning a Honua Kai Vacation Rental Condo
Honua Kai owners enjoy the flexibility of choosing on-site management, third-party management, or self-management of their vacation rentals. This arrangement enables owners to select the type of management that best suits their needs, whether they decide to reside on-island part of the year or make their unit available for rental year-round.
As Maui’s laws regarding short-term vacation rental properties differ somewhat from those of other islands, an experienced real estate professional can play an essential role in helping buyers make informed decisions. Hawaiʻi Life is poised to share attractive property options and guide you through the process of Maui vacation rental ownership.
To gain insights on Maui as a whole and see our selection of particularly noteworthy vacation rental communities, please refer to our Maui Vacation Rental Opportunity Guide. Maui’s vacation rental market remains appealing for travelers and second-home buyers alike, making now a great time to explore opportunities.
If you’re interested in Honua Kai, we encourage you to work with a real estate agent who can expertly navigate the specifics of Maui’s market. Inquire to learn more about active and potential units for sale at Honua Kai.
Nina
April 18, 2025
Interested I. Renting unit at this property