Kamaole Sands 5-105

Hotel Description

You know what? I’ve stayed at a lot of condos in Kihei over the years, but Kamaole Sands 5-105 really hits that sweet spot between comfort and location. This place sits right across from Kamaole Beach Park III – and I mean right across, like you can literally see the beach from your lanai and be in the sand within two minutes of walking out the door. The building itself has that classic Maui condo vibe from the ’80s, but honestly, it’s been kept up really well. Unit 5-105 is on the fifth floor (obviously), so you get those ocean views without feeling like you’re living in a fishbowl like some of the ground-floor units.

The thing that surprised me most was how quiet it actually is for being so close to South Kihei Road. I mean, you’ll hear some traffic during the day, but nothing that drowns out the sound of waves – and at night it’s pretty peaceful. The unit itself feels more spacious than a lot of these beachfront condos; the living area opens right onto that lanai where you’ll probably end up eating breakfast every morning while watching the early surfers. The kitchen’s got everything you need if you’re planning to cook (and you should – Foodland is just down the road, plus there’s that little fish market near Azeka’s that locals actually shop at). The AC works great, which matters more than you’d think during those humid Kihei afternoons, and there’s a washer and dryer in the unit – trust me, that’s a game-changer when you’re dealing with sandy beach clothes every day.

What I really love about this spot is how it puts you right in the heart of everything without feeling touristy. You’ve got Kam III beach right there, which is perfect for families and has decent snorkeling on the north end when the water’s calm. But if you want something different, Kam II is a five-minute walk north and tends to be a bit quieter, while Wailea beaches are just a short drive south when you’re feeling fancy. The complex has a nice pool area – nothing spectacular, but it’s clean and gets good sun most of the day. Parking was never an issue when I stayed there, and the property management seems pretty responsive. Actually, the whole Kamaole Sands complex feels well-maintained compared to some of the older buildings in the area. Fair warning though – like most South Kihei condos, it can get pretty busy during peak season (Christmas through March), so book early if you’re planning a winter escape. Overall, it’s one of those places that just works – you’re paying for location and comfort, and you’re getting both without any nasty surprises.

Rooms

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

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities