Kihei Alii Kai D402

Hotel Description

Look, I’ll be honest – when I first pulled up to Kihei Alii Kai, I wasn’t expecting much from a 3-star condo property. But you know what? Sometimes the best places are the ones that surprise you, and D402 absolutely delivered in ways that those fancy resort chains just can’t.

The thing about this unit is that it sits in this perfect sweet spot in Kihei where you’re actually living like a local, not trapped in some tourist bubble. I mean, you can walk to Foodland in about three minutes (trust me, you’ll appreciate this when you realize how much you’ll save on breakfast), and honestly, the beach access here is something special. It’s not the postcard-perfect Wailea beaches everyone talks about, but there’s this authentic Hawaii feel where you’ll see families having birthday parties and locals teaching their kids to surf. The mornings are especially magical – I’d grab my coffee and just sit on the lanai watching the sun come up over Haleakala. Actually, speaking of that lanai, the trade winds hit just right in D402, so even on those sticky August afternoons, there’s usually a decent breeze.

What really got me was how well-maintained everything felt despite being, well, not brand new. The kitchen actually works – I’m talking full-size appliances, decent knives, enough counter space to prep a real meal. You know how most vacation rentals have those sad little coffee makers and maybe two matching plates? Not here. I ended up cooking dinner most nights because, honestly, it was just so comfortable, and after spending all day at the beach or driving the Road to Hana, sometimes you just want to stay in. The shower pressure is solid too (seriously underrated in older Hawaiian properties), and the air conditioning keeps up even during those humid spells in late summer. I will say the walls aren’t exactly soundproof – you might hear your neighbors if they’re having a particularly good time – but it’s not a party building, so it never really bothered me. The parking situation is straightforward, which in Kihei is basically a small miracle during peak season. And here’s something most people don’t think about until they’re here – the property manager is actually responsive. When I had a question about the beach gear in the closet, they got back to me within an hour.

What sealed it for me was realizing that by day three, I felt like I was staying at a friend’s place, not just passing through another rental. The 9.4 rating makes total sense once you understand that this isn’t trying to be something it’s not – it’s just a really solid, comfortable home base that happens to be five minutes from some incredible snorkeling and about twenty minutes from pretty much anywhere you’d want to go on this side of the island. Sometimes that’s exactly what you need.

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

• Apartment with 2 × 1 extra-large double bed, 2 × 1 single bed and 1 large double bed for 5 adults, 4 children

Reviews

• Eliany from United States (10/10)

  It has everything, it was really useful specially when you’re more than 3 people.

• Maryna from United States (10/10)

  Perfect as always. We enjoyed the view, the beach which is really close and tasty food available nearby, as well as other beautiful corners of the island. The place is really quiet. Whenever we had questions, they were resolved by the team as soon as possible.

• Maryna from United States (10/10)

  – the view (even when you are not at the beach you can still enjoy the ocean and the hills)
  – location – vicinity to one of our favorite beaches and great food/entertainment
  – well equipped with all kinds of stuff – cooking utensils, etc.
  – quiet, never heard a neighbor
  – communication with the rental company was friendly and very informative
  – skylights in all rooms – one love 🙂
  – beautifully decorated
  – many storage options, seating options and light fixtures
  – beach items available
  – comfortable beds

• Henry from Germany (8/10)

  Tolle Lage, schöner Pool, mehrere Grills.

• Brasfield from United States (8/10)

• Verna from United States (10/10)

• Anonymous from Germany (10/10)

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities