Kapalua Bay Villas 35G1

Hotel Description

You know what struck me first about Kapalua Bay Villas 35G1? The fact that you’re basically staying in someone’s actual home, not some sterile hotel room with generic artwork. I mean, this is a proper condo villa situation – and honestly, once you experience having your own full kitchen and living space just steps from one of Maui’s most gorgeous bays, it’s hard to go back to regular hotels.

The location is pretty incredible, actually. You’re right there at Kapalua Bay, which locals will tell you is one of the few beaches on the island that stays relatively calm even when the surf’s up elsewhere. I spent mornings just watching the sea turtles cruise by while having coffee on the lanai – something you definitely can’t do from a Waikiki high-rise. The villa itself has that laid-back Maui vibe without feeling run-down (you know how some vacation rentals can be sketchy). The furnishings are comfortable, lived-in but well-maintained, and there’s actually decent water pressure in the shower, which… well, if you’ve stayed in older Hawaiian properties, you’ll appreciate that detail.

What I really loved was being able to hit up the Honolua Store for local fish and actually cook it properly instead of paying resort prices for everything. The villa’s kitchen is fully equipped – I’m talking real knives, decent cookware, the works. Plus you’re walking distance to the Plantation House if you want to splurge on dinner with those ridiculous ocean views, or you can drive five minutes to Napili Bay for more casual beachside eating. Parking’s never an issue here either, unlike some of the more crowded resort areas. The whole Kapalua area feels more residential and authentic – you’ll see locals surfing at Honolua Bay in the mornings, and the hiking trails above the bay are way less crowded than anything near Lahaina. It’s not luxury resort fancy, but it’s genuinely Hawaiian in a way that feels increasingly rare on Maui these days.

Rooms

• One-Bedroom Apartment with extra-large double bed, 1 extra-large double bed, sofa bed and 1 sofa bed for 4 adults, 3 children

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities