KBM Resorts: Honua Kai Hokulani HKH-216 Ocean Views Beautiful Sunsets Includes Rental Car

Hotel Description

You know what struck me first about KBH-216? The fact that they actually deliver on those ocean view promises – and I mean really deliver. I’ve stayed in plenty of places that claim “ocean views” and you end up squinting through palm fronds to catch a sliver of blue, but this unit at Honua Kai genuinely faces the water. The sunsets from the lanai are honestly ridiculous, especially if you time it right around 6:30 PM when the light hits just perfect. The rental car inclusion is pretty genius too, because let’s be real – you’re going to want to explore beyond Ka’anapali, and having wheels waiting for you beats dealing with rental counters after a long flight.

The resort itself sits right on that stretch where Ka’anapali Beach starts to curve toward Napili, so you get the best of both worlds. You’re close enough to walk to Whalers Village if you need groceries or forgot sunscreen (which, honestly, everyone does), but far enough from the Hyatt and Westin crowds that the beach doesn’t feel like a parking lot. I mean, the Honua Kai complex is pretty substantial – it’s not some tiny boutique property – but it doesn’t have that overwhelming resort factory vibe. The pools are actually usable, not just Instagram props, and the keiki pool area is solid if you’re traveling with little ones. What I really appreciated was how quiet it gets after about 9 PM – you can actually hear the waves from the unit, which is something you lose at the bigger properties where there’s always some pool party or luau happening.

The unit itself feels like someone’s actual vacation home rather than a sterile hotel room. The kitchen is properly equipped (they have good knives, which matters more than you’d think), and the living area is set up so you can actually hang out there in the evenings instead of just collapsing on the bed. The 4-star rating feels about right – it’s not trying to be the Grand Wailea, but everything works well and feels maintained. Honestly, the 8.0 guest rating makes sense when you factor in the car situation alone – having transportation sorted from day one is worth probably half a point right there. The only thing I’d warn about is that Lower Honoapiilani Road can get pretty backed up during sunset time when everyone’s heading to Lahaina, so plan accordingly if you’re trying to make dinner reservations down there.

To book a hotel in Hawaii during the famous winter whale watching season, visitors should make reservations well in advance as the islands attract tropical paradise seekers and ocean lovers from around the world.

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

Reviews

• Alisha from United States (8/10)

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities