Wailea Ekahi 43D

Hotel Description

Look, I’ll be honest – when I first pulled up to Wailea Ekahi 43D, I wasn’t sure what to expect from a condo rental in one of Maui’s pricier neighborhoods. But this place actually surprised me in the best way possible. It’s tucked into this older complex that doesn’t try to be the flashiest resort on the strip, and honestly? That’s exactly what made it work.

The unit itself has that lived-in comfort that you can’t fake – you know what I mean? Someone clearly put thought into making this feel like a real home rather than just another sterile vacation rental. The lanai faces toward the ocean (though you’ll get more of a peek than a full-on view), and in the mornings you can actually hear the waves from Ulua Beach, which is literally a three-minute walk down this little path through the resort grounds. I mean, I’ve stayed at places that claim to be “steps from the beach” where you need a GPS and a good pair of hiking boots, but this is genuinely right there. The beach isn’t packed with resort chairs either – it’s more of a local spot where you’ll see Hawaiian families setting up for the day alongside visitors who’ve figured out this little secret.

What really sold me on the place was all the small stuff that matters when you’re actually living somewhere for a week. The kitchen has real dishes, not those flimsy plastic plates that make you feel like you’re camping. There’s a decent coffee maker (crucial for those early morning beach walks), and the shower pressure is – well, let’s just say I’ve stayed at five-star places with weaker water flow. The complex itself feels pretty quiet, especially compared to some of the massive resorts down the road toward Grand Wailea. You’ll hear some traffic from Wailea Alanui Drive during the day, but it dies down completely at night. Parking was never an issue, which honestly shocked me because I’d heard horror stories about Wailea parking situations. The pool area gets busy around midday with families, but early evening it’s perfect for a quiet swim while the sun sets behind the West Maui Mountains. One thing to know – this isn’t brand new construction, so don’t expect that Pinterest-perfect modern aesthetic. But what it lacks in Instagram appeal, it makes up for in actual functionality. Plus, you’re paying about half what you’d drop at the Grand Wailea next door, and honestly getting a more authentic Maui experience. The grocery runs to Safeway in Kihei are easy, and if you want to splurge on dinner, you can walk to some of the resort restaurants without dealing with valet parking and all that hassle. It’s sort of the best of both worlds – luxury location without the luxury attitude.

Rooms

• Two-Bedroom Apartment with 2 × 1 extra-large double bed, 2 × 2 single beds, sofa bed and 1 sofa bed for 6 adults, 5 children

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities