Kihei Kai 12

Hotel Description

You know what? I wasn’t expecting much from Kihei Kai 12 when I first pulled up – honestly, the name alone sounds pretty generic, and three stars in Maui can be hit or miss. But this little condo complex actually surprised me in the best way possible. It sits right in the heart of Kihei, and I mean that literally – you’re close enough to everything that matters without being stuck in the chaos of the main strip. The property itself has this laid-back, unpretentious vibe that I think a lot of travelers are actually craving these days. No marble lobbies or over-the-top amenities, just clean, comfortable units with that slightly weathered beach town character that feels authentic.

What really won me over was how the place operates like a real neighborhood spot rather than a tourist factory. The other guests I ran into were this nice mix of repeat visitors who clearly knew their way around and first-timers like me who were just figuring things out. Parking was never an issue (which, if you’ve spent time in Kihei during peak season, you know is kind of a miracle), and the whole check-in process was refreshingly straightforward – no upselling, no lengthy presentations about timeshares. The units themselves are spacious enough that you don’t feel cramped, and honestly, the kitchenettes are way more functional than I expected. I actually cooked breakfast a few times instead of paying resort prices, which my wallet definitely appreciated.

Here’s the thing about staying here – you’re positioned perfectly for the stuff that makes Kihei special without paying for location you don’t need. The beaches are a short walk away, and I’m talking about the good stretches where locals actually hang out, not just the crowded tourist spots. You can grab groceries at Foodland or hit up some of the hole-in-the-wall plate lunch places that don’t make it into guidebooks but serve incredible food. The 8.1 rating makes total sense to me because this isn’t trying to be something it’s not. It’s clean, it’s comfortable, the staff knows what they’re doing, and you get genuine value for your money. Sure, it’s not going to wow you with infinity pools or fancy spa services, but sometimes you just want a solid base camp for exploring the island without breaking the bank. I’d definitely stay here again – actually, I’m already thinking about it for next winter when I need to escape the mainland cold.

Travelers should reserve a hotel in Hawaii at least two months ahead of their visit to ensure availability and secure better rates, especially during the peak winter season when the islands host numerous cultural festivals and outdoor activities.

Rooms

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

Reviews

• Corliss from United States (9/10)

  Location on beach. Nice and cozy facility. Not a high rise or condo cluster.

• James from United States (7/10)

  Great location…quiet, easy beach access, convenient parking, fully functional and well equipped kitchen. Easy to drive to from Kahului and Kihei.

• Matt from United States (9/10)

  The super close proximity to the beach was absolutely wonderful – made the whole trip. The unit was a good "cheap" option, too, as the unit needs some TLC.

• Teresa from Canada (8/10)

  Needs a coat of paint
  Carpet is not the greatest

• John from United States (8/10)

  The unit was clean and well stocked. It was easy to find with free on site parking. Everything about the stay was easy and we enjoyed our visit.

• Slawek from United States (8/10)

  Location was amazing

• Jordan from United States (9/10)

  Excellent location – right on the beach and very central to Maui. The neighbors were friendly. Plenty of parking. For the price, much more room than a hotel. A lot cleaner than our previous Maui lodging. No bugs around.

• Sung from United States (9/10)

  It was convenient to get to the beach , But we were embarassed at the 1st day of arrivals because the office was closed . But after that we could see the staffs and were able to get needed information. I especiallly like the dimmer switch on lights and ceiling fans. We were able to control the light intensity to save energy.

• Linda from United States (9/10)

  location, view, sunsets in the garden with the other tenants!!

• Raffaele from United States (7/10)

  This was an apartment with fully equipped kitchen and a nice balcony in a condo. It has shared BBQs, beach beds, and a very small pool but the building is basically on the beach.
  We also had beach chairs, towels and a yummy welcome bag.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities