Kamaole Sands 5-409

Hotel Description

Look, I’ll be honest – when I first pulled up to Kamaole Sands, I wasn’t expecting much from unit 5-409. The building looks pretty standard from the outside, you know? But once you get up to the fifth floor and walk into this particular unit, it’s actually a really solid choice for Kihei.

The thing that struck me right away was how quiet it is up there – I mean, you’re still going to hear the occasional door slam in the hallway (it’s a condo building after all), but you’re well above the pool noise and the South Kihei Road traffic. And honestly, that location is clutch because you’re literally across from Kamaole Beach Park III, which locals just call Kam III. I spent most mornings walking over there with my coffee – takes maybe two minutes – and the beach is way less crowded than the other Kamaole beaches. The snorkeling on the north end is actually pretty decent too, especially if you go early before the trade winds pick up.

What I really appreciated about 5-409 specifically was that whoever owns it clearly uses the place themselves. The kitchen had proper knives (you know how rare that is in vacation rentals?), decent pans, and even some of those good thick beach towels. The lanai faces sort of southeast, so you get morning sun but it’s not blazing hot in the afternoons – perfect for having dinner out there. Parking was never an issue, which honestly surprised me because I’d heard horror stories about other Kihei condos. The complex has this nice pool area that’s well-maintained, and there’s a decent barbecue setup if you want to grill some fish from the market.

The unit itself feels like a real home rather than a sterile hotel room. Sure, the furniture isn’t brand new and the carpet has seen better days, but everything works and it’s clean. The air conditioning in the bedroom is a lifesaver – even in March the humidity can get pretty intense. What really sold me on the place though was being able to walk to everything. Foodland is right there for groceries, you’ve got Pita Paradise and Coconut’s Fish Cafe within walking distance, and if you’re feeling ambitious, you can actually walk all the way down to Wailea (though I’d recommend driving that stretch). The whole setup just works if you want to experience Kihei like someone who actually lives there, rather than being stuck in some resort bubble. I’d definitely stay here again, especially for the price point – you’re getting a lot more space and authenticity than you’d find at the big hotels up the road.

Travelers should reserve a hotel in Hawaii at least two months ahead of their visit to ensure availability and secure better rates, especially during the peak winter season when the islands host numerous cultural festivals and outdoor activities.

Rooms

• Two-Bedroom Apartment with 2 × 2 double beds, 2 × 1 extra-large double bed, sofa bed and 1 sofa bed for 6 adults

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities