KBM Resorts: Honua Kai Hokulani HKH-504 Deluxe Ocean View Beach Gear Includes Rental Car

Hotel Description

You know what? I wasn’t expecting much when I first heard the name “KBM Resorts: Honua Kai Hokulani HKH-504” – honestly, it sounds like someone threw alphabet soup at a wall. But this place actually surprised me in the best way possible. It’s tucked into the Honua Kai resort complex in Ka’anapali, and once you get past that mouthful of a name, you realize you’ve stumbled onto something pretty special. The ocean view from unit 504 isn’t one of those “if you crane your neck and squint” situations either – it’s the real deal, with that gorgeous stretch of beach right there where you can actually watch people learning to surf (and wiping out spectacularly).

What really sets this apart from your typical resort rental is that they’ve thought through all the stuff that usually drives you crazy. The beach gear is actually decent quality, not the beat-up chairs and umbrellas you usually get stuck with. And honestly, including a rental car in the package is genius – you’ll want to explore beyond the resort bubble, maybe hit up Mama’s Fish House or drive the road to Hana, and car rentals in Maui can be absolutely brutal to book separately. The unit itself feels more like someone’s well-appointed second home than a sterile hotel room, which I mean, it probably is. The kitchen’s actually functional if you want to grab groceries from Foodland Farms instead of paying resort prices for everything, though the bed situation is comfortable enough that you might find yourself sleeping in later than planned.

The location within Honua Kai is pretty sweet too – you’re close enough to the main pool area to hear the occasional splash and laughter (which is either charming or annoying depending on your mood), but far enough away that you’re not dealing with the worst of the crowds. The beach access is what really sold me though – no schlepping your stuff across a massive resort property or waiting for shuttles. You just walk down, claim your spot, and you’re golden. The snorkeling right off the beach is surprisingly good for a resort area, especially in the morning before all the boats start churning up the water. Sure, it’s not the most secluded spot on the island, and you’ll definitely know you’re at a resort, but sometimes that’s exactly what you want – decent WiFi, reliable air conditioning, and the ability to grab a mai tai without getting back in the car.

Rooms

• Three-Bedroom Apartment with 4 × 1 extra-large double bed, 2 × 2 extra-large double beds, sofa bed and 1 sofa bed for 10 adults, 4 children

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities