KIHEI SURFSIDE, #609 condo

Hotel Description

Honestly, when I first pulled up to Kihei Surfside, I wasn’t expecting much – it’s one of those older condo complexes that dot South Kihei Road, and from the outside it looks pretty standard. But you know what? Unit #609 completely surprised me, and I ended up having one of those stays where you actually start plotting how to extend your trip.

The thing about this place is that it sits right on that stretch of beach where the locals actually hang out – not the super touristy spots further north. I mean, you’re literally steps from the sand, and in the mornings I’d watch the stand-up paddleboarders glide by while having coffee on the lanai. The sixth floor gives you this perfect vantage point where you can see the whole coastline without feeling like you’re in a fishbowl. Parking was surprisingly easy too, which anyone who’s dealt with Kihei knows is basically a small miracle. The unit itself feels lived-in rather than sterile – the kitchen actually has everything you need (I’m talking a real coffee maker, not those pod things), and the AC works well enough that you can sleep comfortably even when those trade winds die down. Sure, the decor screams “beach condo circa 2010,” but honestly, who cares when you’re spending most of your time on that lanai or down at the water?

What really sold me on this spot was how it just works for the way people actually vacation in Maui. You’re close enough to walk to Foodland for groceries and beach supplies, and when you want dinner, you can stroll over to places like Coconut’s Fish Cafe without getting in a car. The beach right out front isn’t the postcard-perfect crescent you see in magazines, but it’s real Maui – good for swimming when the waves are calm, decent snorkeling if you know where to look (hint: head toward the rocks on the left), and perfect for those sunset walks that somehow never get old. I’ll be straight with you though – this isn’t luxury resort territory. The building shows its age a bit, and you’ll hear your neighbors sometimes, especially if they’re early risers heading out for sunrise at Haleakala. But there’s something refreshing about staying somewhere that feels authentic rather than sanitized. For the price point and that location, you’re getting way more value than you’d find at most hotels in the area. I’m already looking at dates for next year.

The concierge service in Hawaii can arrange exclusive volcano helicopter tours, secure reservations at oceanfront luau restaurants, and organize personalized snorkeling adventures with marine biologists.

Rooms

• One-Bedroom Apartment with extra-large double bed, 1 extra-large double bed, sofa bed and 1 sofa bed for 2 adults

Reviews

• Owens from United States (8/10)

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities