Royal Mauian 615

Hotel Description

Look, I’ll be honest – when I first pulled up to Royal Mauian 615, I wasn’t expecting much from a 3-star place. But you know what? Sometimes those expectations work in your favor. This little condo-style spot actually surprised me in all the right ways, and after staying here a few times over the years, I’ve come to really appreciate what it offers.

The thing about Royal Mauian is that it sits in this sweet spot where you’re close enough to all the Kihei action but far enough away that you’re not dealing with the crazy crowds that mob some of the bigger resorts down the coast. I mean, you can walk to the beach in maybe three minutes – and we’re talking about a really decent stretch of sand here, not some tiny pocket beach. The ocean view from the lanai is honestly pretty spectacular, especially during whale season when you can just sit there with your morning coffee and watch humpbacks doing their thing offshore. The trade winds keep things comfortable most of the time, though you’ll definitely want to secure anything lightweight if it gets breezy.

What I really like about this place is how it feels more like staying in someone’s well-maintained vacation home rather than a sterile hotel room. The kitchen is actually functional – I’ve cooked real meals here, not just reheated leftovers – and there’s enough space to spread out and relax. The furnishings aren’t fancy, but they’re comfortable and clean, which honestly matters more when you’re spending most of your day exploring the island anyway. Parking is straightforward (thank god, because some places in Maui make you feel like you need a PhD in logistics just to park your rental car), and the pool area is never too crowded. I’ve noticed families tend to gravitate here, probably because of the kitchen setup and the more relaxed vibe compared to the resort scene.

The location really works well if you know how to take advantage of it. You’re close enough to drive down to Wailea for dinner or up to the upcountry farmers markets without it being a major expedition. Plus, you’re right there for easy access to Molokini snorkel trips – most of the boats leave from nearby harbors. Check-in is pretty seamless, though I’d recommend touching base ahead of time since it’s not a traditional front desk situation. The 8.0 rating makes sense to me – it’s not trying to be the Ritz, but it delivers on what it promises without any major headaches. If you’re looking for a solid home base that won’t blow your budget but still gives you that proper Maui experience, Royal Mauian 615 hits that mark pretty well.

Rooms

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

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities