WAILEA ELUA, #2003 condo

Hotel Description

Look, I’ll be honest with you – when I first pulled up to Wailea Elua, I wasn’t sure what to expect from a condo rental in one of Maui’s pricier neighborhoods. But unit #2003 actually surprised me in ways I didn’t anticipate. The building itself is solid four-star material, nothing flashy but well-maintained with that understated Wailea vibe where everything’s nice without screaming about it.

What really got me was the location within Wailea – you’re close enough to the Grand Wailea and Fairmont that you can easily walk to their beach areas (honestly, some of the best sand on the island), but you’re not dealing with the resort crowds right outside your door. The condo sits in this sweet spot where you get the Wailea prestige without the constant buzz of hotel activity. I mean, you can actually hear the ocean at night instead of pool parties and lobby chatter. The unit itself feels lived-in rather than sterile – there’s something refreshing about staying somewhere that doesn’t feel like it was decorated by a hotel chain committee. The lanai views depend on which side you’re facing, but even the partial ocean glimpses are worth it when you’re sipping your morning coffee.

Here’s what I wish someone had told me beforehand: parking can get tight during peak season (December through March, you know the drill), and the elevator situation isn’t always speedy when everyone’s heading to the beach at the same time. But honestly? These are minor inconveniences when you consider you’re essentially living like a local in one of Hawaii’s most exclusive areas. The grocery situation is actually pretty good – Safeway in Kihei is maybe ten minutes away, and there’s a smaller market closer if you just need basics. You’ll want a rental car though, because while Wailea is walkable for beach access, you’re going to want to explore the rest of the island. The Road to Hana isn’t going to drive itself, and some of the best local food trucks are scattered around spots you won’t reach on foot. What really sold me on this place was how it strikes that balance between resort luxury and actual Hawaiian living – you get the manicured Wailea experience during the day, but you can come back to a space that feels more like a home base than a hotel room.

Rooms

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

Reviews

• John from United States (7/10)

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities