Royal Kahana #911

Hotel Description

Look, I’ll be straight with you about Royal Kahana #911 – it’s one of those places that doesn’t try to be fancy, but honestly? That’s exactly why it works. When I first pulled up to this condo complex on Maui’s west side, my initial thought was “well, this isn’t the Ritz,” but you know what happened? I ended up having one of those trips where you actually relax instead of feeling like you need to justify every dollar spent on Instagram-worthy marble bathrooms.

The thing about staying in Kahana is that you’re right in this sweet spot between the chaos of Lahaina (which, let’s face it, can feel like a tourist zoo) and the middle-of-nowhere vibe of some other parts of the island. Unit #911 sits up high enough that you get these glimpse-of-ocean views without paying those insane oceanfront prices – I mean, you can actually see the water between the palm trees if you lean out on the lanai just right. The trade winds hit this side of the building perfectly, too, so even when it’s blazing hot during the day, there’s usually a decent breeze by evening. The neighbors were pretty quiet when I was there in shoulder season, though I’d imagine it gets a bit more lively when the snowbirds descend in winter.

What really sold me on this place was how… lived-in it felt, if that makes sense. The kitchen actually had decent knives (you’d be amazed how many vacation rentals give you butter knives and expect miracles), and there were beach chairs that didn’t look like they’d collapse the moment you sat down. The shower pressure was surprisingly good – honestly better than some four-star places I’ve stayed. Sure, the décor is sort of stuck in that beachy-condo time warp, but everything worked, and isn’t that what matters? Plus, you’re literally a two-minute walk to this little market that locals actually use, not just some overpriced tourist trap. The beach access down at Kahana Beach Park is maybe a five-minute stroll, and while it’s not the most stunning stretch of sand on Maui, it’s rarely crowded and the snorkeling around those rocks on the north end is actually pretty decent if you hit it at the right time. Parking was never an issue either – there’s a designated spot that comes with the unit, which saved me from those $25-a-day hotel parking fees that make you want to scream. The only thing I’d warn you about is that the Wi-Fi can be a bit spotty during peak hours, but honestly, isn’t that kind of the point of being in Hawaii?

Rooms

• Two-Bedroom Apartment with 2 × 1 extra-large double bed and 2 × 2 single beds for 4 adults

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities