Kihei Surfside, #511 condo

Hotel Description

You know what? I wasn’t expecting much from Kihei Surfside when I first pulled up – it’s one of those older condo complexes that dot South Kihei Road, and honestly, from the outside it looks pretty standard. But once you get into unit #511, the whole game changes. The view hits you immediately when you walk in, and I mean really hits you – we’re talking about this gorgeous slice of ocean that stretches all the way to the West Maui Mountains. It’s a corner unit, so you get these big windows that actually frame Haleakala in the distance too, which is something you don’t always get in this price range.

The condo itself feels lived-in but well-maintained, if that makes sense. The kitchen’s got everything you actually need (not just the bare minimum some places give you), and there’s this great lanai where I ended up eating breakfast every single morning. The trade winds come through really nicely up on the fifth floor – you’re high enough to catch the breeze but not so high that you feel disconnected from the beach action below. Speaking of which, the beach access is ridiculous. I mean, you literally walk across South Kihei Road and you’re on the sand. No shuttle, no long trek with all your gear, just boom – beach time. The snorkeling right out front is actually decent too, especially if you head toward the rocks on the left side. I saw tons of green sea turtles there, which never gets old.

What really sold me on this place though was how it sits right in the heart of everything without feeling touristy. You’ve got Foodland just down the road for groceries (their poke counter is legit), and all those food trucks by the pier are maybe a ten-minute walk. The ABC Store is practically next door when you need sunscreen for the third time that week. Parking was surprisingly easy – each unit gets a spot, and there’s usually overflow if you have friends visiting. The only real downside is that South Kihei Road can get pretty busy during rush hour, but honestly, you’re probably at the beach anyway so who cares? The building’s got this community pool that’s nothing fancy but perfect for a quick dip when you’re sandy, and there’s a little BBQ area that actually gets used. For what you’re paying, especially compared to those resort prices in Wailea just down the coast, Kihei Surfside #511 gives you that authentic Maui living experience without breaking the bank. It’s not luxury, but it’s real, and sometimes that’s exactly what you need.

Rooms

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

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities