6 Kihei Vacation Rental Condos – What Makes Them Great?

With 182 condos currently on the market in Kihei that are vacation rental legal, sifting through them on the way to your dream investment can be a daunting task. They are not all created equal, and deciding what kind of condo makes the most sense for your circumstances is the first step in honing in on that perfect property. A strong Realtor should be a collaborative influence in that goal.

Here are six distinctly different condo properties, each with its own particular strength and appeal. (By way of disclosure, none of the featured listings are mine.)

Hale Pau Hana, beachfront on Kamaole II—the ultimate Kihei condo location?

Hale Pau Hana – Nestled right on Kamaole II Beach, arguably the best loation in Kihei (owners of the 40-unit Hale Hui Kai, a few blocks South, might disagree). Both are located beach front, right on the sand with calm, protected swimming and pristine reef steps away. One main difference: all of Hale Pau Hana’s 80 units have unobstructed, knockout ocean views, while views at the 40-unit Hale Hui Kai vary significantly.

Located on Kamaole II Beach, Hale Pau Hana is one of only four Kihei vacation properties to crack the million dollar mark at market peak (the others are Hale Hui Kai, Royal Mauian, and Mana Kai). Just as with Hale Hui Kai, listings at Hale Pau Hana are rare. This upper floor (second story) end unit (MLS# 338080) is listed at $999,000.

Maui Kamaole, at Kihei’s south end, adjacent to Wailea

Maui Kamaole – At the southernmost end of Kihei Road near Wailea, across from Kamaole III Beach, Maui Kamaole is the most coveted vacation rental property located across the street from the ocean.

Spacious floor plans (849-1,053 sq. ft. 1 bed, 1,052-1,244 sq. ft. 2 bed), impeccable tropical grounds, and the nearby beach attract high end couples and family clientele.

Many of the 316 units (on 23.3 sprawling acres) have views, some spectacular, and most have lush, private lanais. Built between 1988 and 2000, Maui Kamaole is one of Kihei’s newest and most contemporary condo resorts.

Pricing varies widely, mostly on view. Entry-level 1-bedroom units here found the low $400K range for the first time since 2004 (currently there are four 1-bedroom/2 bath units at $430K-$460K). Upper-end view 1-bedrooms price mostly  in the mid $600K’s. Two-bedroom units span $575K-$1.3M; Maui Kamaole is the only Kihei condo property not on the ocean to record sales over $1M. This 2-bedroom stunner (MLS# 338703) is listed at $1,065,000.

Family friendly Kamaole Sands, located across from Kamaole III Beach Park

Kamaole Sands – In South Kihei, across from magical Kamaole III Beach Park, the Kamaole Sands is one of Maui’s most popular family and couples resort destinations.

Great location, massive pool (and separate kids pool), two Jacuzzis, tennis courts, beautiful grounds, and water features. Stylish and well maintained, the Kamaole Sands embraces value at every turn and attracts a fiercely loyal following.

One-bedroom condos in the perimeter buildings (4, 8, and 9) have recent sales in the high $200Ks to low $300Ks. Nine 1-bedrooms currently listed, ($275K-$519K), seven 2-bedrooms ($545K-$699K), one 3-bedroom ($750K). This elegant remodeled 1-bedroom (MLS# 342006) lists at $519K.

Maui Vista: South Kihei value star

Maui Vista – Beach lovers belong in South Kihei, not North, if at all possible—Kamaole I, II, and III Beaches are spectacular and settle the matter without debate.

North Kihei’s beaches are beautiful, but water clarity here isn’t as good, the shoreline is rockier and has more seaweed, and it;’s windier.

The best beaches begin directly across the street from the Maui Vista, a value-oriented three-building property, where some recent 1-bedroom sales dipped into the low $200Ks. This outstanding rental candidate delivers a superb location, three pools, tennis, and pretty grounds. This new 2-bedroom listing (MLS# 342699) should sell quickly at or near its $419K list price.

Ocean front at Menehune Shores, view from the lanai—at around $400K

Menehune Shores – One of a string of oceanfront vacation condo properties in North Kihei, Menehune Shores will sell for about half the price of a comparable property in South Kihei—and still deliver million dollar views.

Two-bedrooms sell in the $400Ks; this foreclosure (MLS# 342981) was just listed, at $419,000.

Kihei Bay Surf – An attractive option for entry-level or cash vacation rental investors, KBS caters to couples and singles with their Studio units, all 445 square feet. Nice pool and Jacuzzi, and located right across the street from Sugar Beach. Pricing from the $130K. This Kihei Bay Surf condos (MLS# 341545) is fairly typical, and a knockout remodel runs $180K-$200K. Electric included in maintenance fees.