Mana Kai: Timeless Oceanfront Resort Living in Desirable Hotel-Zoned Region

Ideally situated in south Kīhei on the Valley Isle’s sun-drenched southern coast, Mana Kai overlooks picturesque Keawakapu, one of Maui’s longest beaches. At eight stories tall, the complex is known for scenic views across its 98 condominiums, along with quick access to the charming seaside communities of Kīhei and Wailea.

If you’ve spent time on Maui, you already know that Kīhei and Wailea enjoy some of the island’s most ideal weather. The region’s combination of abundant sunshine and seemingly endless series of breathtaking beaches draws visitors and second-home buyers to Maui year after year. Since the early days of the area’s development, Mana Kai has set itself apart as a landmark property on the south Kīhei shoreline.

Mana Kai’s location in a designated hotel zone on the border of Kīhei and Wailea, and its unique lockoff configuration (which allows one unit to be rented as two), make it an especially rare find. Given these points in its favor and many more (highlighted below), it’s no wonder that it made our list of standout vacation rental complexes on Maui.

Property Amenities and Features

Mana Kai’s on-site amenities are impressive, to say the least. The ground floor includes an island-style open-air entrance, as well as commercial spaces with everything from a well-stocked general store to a yoga studio. A beach equipment rental company offers everything needed for stand-up paddling, kayaking, and other ocean sports, and an activity desk provides a convenient option for booking boat tours, helicopter tours, and island excursions.

The ground floor opens to an expansive manicured lawn, which is without a doubt one of the best spots on the island for viewing Maui’s magical sunsets. The building itself acts as a windbreaker, and is perfectly positioned to appreciate panoramic views of the ocean, the Molokini Crater, the islands of Kahoʻolawe and Lānaʻi, and the West Maui Mountains. Beach chairs are provided for anyone staying on the premises, and in the winter months, Mana Kai also serves as a great vantage point for whale watching.

Owners and guests can enjoy excellent swimming and snorkeling at Keawakapu, or opt to take advantage of Mana Kai’s gated, heated oceanfront swimming pool. The complex additionally features oceanfront barbecue grill facilities, a well-equipped fitness center, a business center, and 24-hour security.

A short drive north from Mana Kai leads to the lively restaurants, shops, and nightlife of Kīhei (as well as grocery stores and other essentials), and a short drive south leads to the upscale dining, shopping, golf courses, and spas of Wailea. The complex is also less than a 25-minute drive from Maui’s primary airport.

Condominium Features

Each of Mana Kai’s 2-bedroom/2-bathroom condominiums provides the same floor plan and lockoff configuration that makes it possible to convert one residence into two separate units. Just inside its front door in an interior hallway, each condo has an A door and a B door. The larger, ocean-facing unit includes one bedroom, one bath, and a full kitchen, while a second unit includes one bedroom, one bath, and a kitchenette.

Of course, the lockoff feature is optional, meaning that some owners choose to have their condo function as a conventional 2-bedroom/2-bath. As a result, some Mana Kai residences have not been equipped with a kitchenette, although all offer the possibility.

Air conditioning also varies from condo to condo, but most are cooled by split systems. This arrangement represents another advantage associated with Mana Kai, as a number of nearby buildings do not allow air conditioning installation due to submetering limitations.

All Mana Kai condos boast spectacular south-facing Pacific Ocean views. Depending on their location within the building, some also allow for north-facing views from the second bedroom.

Owning at Mana Kai

More than half of the condominiums at Mana Kai serve as vacation rentals, managed through an on-site team. To discuss your options when it comes to selecting, purchasing, and operating a vacation rental property on Maui—whether in Mana Kai or one of the other special communities we’ve highlighted in our Maui Vacation Rental Opportunity Guide—speak with your real estate agent.

If you’re interested in a Mana Kai condominium, we encourage you to work with a real estate agent who can expertly navigate Maui’s vacation rental market. Inquire to learn more about active and potential units for sale at Mana Kai. Hawai’i Life is poised to share attractive property options and guide you through the process of Maui vacation rental ownership.

A knowledgeable real estate professional can help you navigate the subtleties and specifics of the Maui market and the particular type of purchase that aligns with your needs. Hawaiʻi Life has maintained a presence in the islands since 2008, guiding clients through every stage of the buying process.