The following executive summary is based on a comprehensive and impartial AI analysis of guest reviews. Keep in mind that all units are individually owned, and review scores among units can vary considerably.
Sugar Beach Resort consistently earns praise for its unbeatable beachfront setting and central, low‑key North Kihei location. Guests love stepping straight onto a long, uncrowded stretch of sand, lingering over sunrise coffee and sunset cocktails on the lanai, and watching outrigger canoes, turtles, and seasonal whales. The vibe is peaceful and family‑friendly, with well‑kept grounds, a pool, hot tub, lawn loungers facing the ocean, clean BBQs, outdoor rinses, and handy on‑site extras like an activity/concierge desk, gear rental, a casual sandwich bar, and even a massage clinic. A bakery, small farmers market, shave ice, and an ABC store are an easy beach walk away, and free/covered parking makes airport runs and day trips to Wailea, Lahaina, Haleakalā, and Upcountry simple.
Most condos are individually owned and many are updated, very clean, and thoughtfully stocked. Travelers frequently note well‑equipped kitchens, in‑unit washer/dryers, strong A/C in many units, comfortable beds, and a trove of beach gear (chairs, umbrellas, coolers, boogie boards, snorkels). Hosts are often responsive and proactive with arrival info and local tips, and check‑in is typically smooth.
Common trade‑offs to know: the complex is older and quality varies by unit/manager; a minority of reviews mention dated decor or housekeeping misses, so choose a recently refreshed condo when possible. North Kihei is famously breezy—expect windy afternoons—and Sugar Beach’s fine sand/mud flats can make near‑shore water look brown or choppy at times; it’s fantastic for long walks but not Maui’s best spot for snorkeling or consistently calm swimming (many guests drive south for that). Some units get light road or wind noise, a few report occasional fishy odors from the nearby pond/harbor when the wind shifts, and the original floorplan means small bathrooms and, in some units, bedroom access through the bath. Dining is limited within walking distance beyond the on‑site deli and a few nearby spots, so a car is recommended. If you’re seeking a quiet, centrally located, true‑beachfront condo with great value and views, Sugar Beach fits beautifully; if you want resort glitz, multiple restaurants on site, and crystal‑clear water at your doorstep every day, look elsewhere.
This summary is based on a comprehensive analysis of 1000 reviews
Good viewing of the ocean side activities of various motorized serf boards, tour boats, and rowing teams. Great place to people watch families enjoying the serf. Traveled with our two grand sons 25 and 11 they both had a super time.
Nicholas C.
April 2026
View was excellent. Only reason for four stars were the pillows on the bed - and for some odd reason the dry vented into the shower - which was kind of gross with lint. Otherwise well appointed and convenient location and beautiful beach.
Catherine J.
April 2026
The view was amazing! We would stay there again.
Wendie A.
April 2026
What a great location; will probably always book a place now making sure lanai right on ocean.
Rachel Q.
April 2026
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay. Even the rain was warm.
STEVE B.
April 2026
What a fantastic spot!! The views were absolutely gorgeous all day, the condo is very nicely renovated with no expense spared. It is super functional and we enjoy the extra comfy beds, fresh fluffy white towels, large lanai, kitchen with every gadget you could need. We made a lot of friends at the heated pool and hot tub and could walk the beach for hours. There isn’t a thing we would change, just perfect!!
Natasha P.
April 2026
Amazing unit update was done with great taste, will totally book this place again loved it
kevin t.
April 2026
Great room and location. Situated in the middle of the island, we were able to access everything with ease. The beach equipment was handy and helped us to enjoy our time.
Mark U.
April 2026
This condo is steps from the beach. Check in was easy with good communication with the host. The pool and hot tub are just steps away from the unit. The kitchen was fully furnished with everything we needed. The bed was super comfortable!! Had a great week, Thanks Chris & Michelle for sharing your place with us.
Alison G.
April 2026
The beach view is amazing while I drank my morning coffee. The heated pool and hot tub were very clean and nice to enjoy or just soak up some vitamin D! I will return:)
Joe S.
April 2026
Everything was great! Host is very responsive and is always there to answer any questions you may have. The room was perfect for my 8 year old being close to both the pool and the ocean. Would definitely stay here again!
Travis O.
April 2026
Best condo building and location on Sugar Beach. We loved it. Just perfect. The host was super throughout.
Mark S.
March 2026
I was there during the low Kona storm. We lost electricity and the mud was very deep in the driveway. I know all of the locals were dealing with the same situation at their home, but I would have expected VRBO to reach out with some level of communication. No information on where to find a flashlight, if there was a flash light. The parking lot was filled with mud. The interior of the unit felt wet after 12 hours with no electricity.
Jane B.
March 2026
everything worked well we loved our visit there no complaints at all
Jeanette O.
March 2026
Everything was clean and in good otter
rich and donna b.
March 2026
Bed was super comfortable! Beautiful view of ocean!
Janine S.
March 2026
The location is right on the beach. Views from the balcony are beautiful sunsets!
Deb H.
March 2026
Average stay, condo was minimal with minimum amenities. The balcony had a great view, however the floor was carpeted and when it rained the floor remained wet, seating was nice. So I know the weather is out of a host’s control, however we were there when the storm of the decade (Kona Low) happened…we were without power for over 2 days, water was leaking from the ceiling, water was pouring in from the sliding glass door, parking lot flooded and ruined our rental car and there was mud everywhere! I messaged the host to let her know what was happening, but no empathy or concern about what was happening not only to her condo, but to us personally. She never asked once if we were safe, if we needed anything or if there was something that she could do! Also there were emergency supplies, no flashlight or candles.
Carolyn D.
March 2026
We had a wonderful stay! Everything was better than expected. So nice to be just a few steps to the beach for sunsets! Bed was comfortable. A/C works fantastic. Thank you, can’t wait to come back.
Tanya S.
March 2026
Great location! Comfy bed. Lots of amenities in the kitchen and stuff for the beach.
David S.
March 2026
We loved this ocean front condo. It was clean, comfortable & in a great location for us in a quiet area of North Kihei. Walking 5 miles on beautiful Sugar Beach in the mornings was magical! During our stay, a Kona Low storm hit the island with Kihei taking the worst hit. I can’t say enough great things about John , our VRBO host, who went above and beyond to help us. He was available and in touch when we needed it & brought supplies when we were unable to get them ourselves. Thank you John! You are a kind & compassionate man and will forever be a part of our Maui adventure.
christina n.
March 2026
What a wonderful condo!!! Exactly as described, clean, a few steps to the pool, hot tub and ocean. Great place to walk on the beach. We feel it was the best condo in the complex. Linda was a super host!!! Very communicative and just a generally sweet person. We can’t wait to come again. A
Anne Marie C.
March 2026
We love staying at Sugar Beach Resort and have many years. This was our first stay at this unit, which was nicely furnished and a quiet ocean front. The unit was clean. There were a few small repairs that needed to be made, which the owner was working on, but these didn't interfere with our stay.
Deborah E.
March 2026
This is a great condo directly on the beach and high enough for a distant view of the water. The condo as everything you need for a long stay. The beach is literally steps away. The location is great for going south into Kihei (without the busyness of downtown) or Wailea, north to Lahaina or Kaanapali, and east to the airport or road to Hana. The Owner was super helpful and responds quickly when you have a question. This condo helped make our stay very relaxing and fun
David J.
March 2026
The location of the suite was perfect, close to the pool, hot tub and grills and still offered privacy.
Laurie D.
March 2026
The view from the room is amazing! There was a pair of binoculars available, and i was able to see a couple whales spouting in the distance. A very rare Kona Storm hit Hawaii on day twonof our stay, so we did not use the pool or hot tub. There is a lot to see and do within 20 minutes of the unit. The cleaning crew missed a couple small things, but the overall was good. Be aware that the bathroom and bedroom are not seperated, unless you slide the wall/door shut. Fine for a couple, but odd. All in all, we WOULD stay here again.Recommend!
Justin R.
March 2026
Wonderful!
MJ R.
March 2026
We saw whales several days just off the lanai. Super place tp stay. Close to everything. Jim and Connie
Jim M.
March 2026
Excellent ground floor condo with easy access to the pool and beach. Clean, cozy, and comfortable with everything we needed including a washer and dryer, lots of beach chairs and beach towels and really nice staff. The grounds at the resort are beautiful and we loved the hot dry sauna and the jacuzzi! We will definitely stay here again!
Jodelle F.
March 2026
The pool was clean, and comfortably warm. The hot tub was empty of people in the morning but way overcrowded in the evenings. I had great contact with the owner. The rooms were clean, bed comfortable and shower was nice. The beach view was awesome. The lanai was a great place to sit in the sun, or just relax with a beautiful view of the ocean. Beach access or relaxing by the beach was very enjoyable. I would stay here again!
Deb M.
March 2026
This was a very nice unit. Sugar Beach is a very good place to stay and this was a good unit in that complex. It was nice to have the sunshine first thing in the morning as we had breakfast on the lanai watching the whales in the ocean. The hosts were very responsive and answered any questions or concerns almost immediately.We would stay here again.
Tim D.
March 2026
It was a great place to stay! We loved the location and the beautiful ocean view. Kids were very loud but that was not the properties fault.We utilized the wonderful grills by the pool area. Felt safe all the time. We even slept with the patio door open to sleep to the sound of the waves. That was my favorite! We will definetly stay here again! Greg had beach chairs and beach towels and a cooler which was really nice!
Jenny O.
March 2026
Owner and cleaning staff are very helpful and accommodating!. Just steps to the stainless grills for food prep/grill. Steps to the pool and beach. Unit could benefit by having a bigger TV but the one there works great. Location is central for driving all over island. Would return for 2 people use. AnytimeCan snorkel off beach if surf calm. A reef about 100 feet out has tropical fish and some turtles. Lovely corals. When turbulent, the water is sandy with less visibility. Nice pool and hot tub!
David R.
March 2026
Best VRBO!!! Clean, great location, fantastic view, great directions and communication, awesome pools and beach!!!
Anne N.
March 2026
The view from the Lanai was awesome. The host was wonderful and the grounds and the pool, hot tub, and grill areas were very nice and easy to use.
Greg L.
March 2026
Beautiful, well stocked clean condo unit with amazing oceanfront view. Watched whales swimming by from our Lanai!. Would definitely book again.
Marilyn R.
March 2026
This unit was smaller than the one we stayed in August also at Sugar Beach Resort. We thought the shower was poorly designed probably due to the unit size. The beach front and location of the condo was perfect.
Larry G.
March 2026
Loved overlooking the beach from the room—we saw whales every day out in the harbor. Great location too.
Laurie W.
March 2026
Place was very nicely decorated & clean with a beautiful ocean view & all of the amenities.
Lavin M.
March 2026
Ck in at office smelled old noone told us had to press house button first to before number. Did call manager took care of it. The rest was heaven beautiful view, ocen front, saw whales & Very clean. Pool was awesome. Area was not crowded. Beach beautiful. Will be back!
Regina A.
March 2026
Beautiful, clean room right on the water with unobstructed views. Only issue is that the sheet didn’t fit the bed.
Jackie S.
March 2026
Easy access to the pool and beach except we didn’t think the pool was heated. The kitchen had almost everything we needed to make meals except the kitchen can use a couple of large knives. Overall, the place was fully stocked. We wouldn’t hesitate to stay there again.
Laura M.
March 2026
This is a great unit. Excellent location and easy access to everything on Maui.
scott s.
March 2026
Love the property. The kitchen was fully loaded, with knives that can cut your pineapple. If you like a low key place with a pool and beach right outside, this is your place. Pool always has spots to sit down, never had an issue in 3 years at this complex.
LISA B.
March 2026
room was Clean and the view was good and the pool was also good and so was the Hot tub good as well. the food at the small bar was also good as well.
Ralph E.
March 2026
Condo is very clean and well stocked. Nice view from balcony, but not particularly comfortable balcony furniture to sit on and enjoy the view. A small round table and 4 wooden stools and wooden bench were sufficient, but not ideal. Communication with host was sporadic. A few things needed repairs and were addressed by host, but host did not respond on first evening when we arrived after the pool office had closed 5PM) and texted them to see if we could get the pool code. There was no response. Overall- nice place though.
Andy D.
March 2026
Beautiful home.Clean and very well stocked. Good communication. We loved sitting on the balcony watching the whales.
Le B.
March 2026
The location of the condo, right on the beach. We could practically roll from our bed into the ocean. The condo was very clean, had everything we needed. Like washing and dishwasher soaps. Was also practical. Good bed and good shower. The host was great. I was very cold the first night and Theresa, the host, took care that I got a blanket immediately.
Leoni C.
March 2026
I absolutely would love to rebook this unit again! While i did have multiple challenges with items in the unit, when i contacted my representative, action was taken as quickly as possible to fix the problems that arose. Understanding that things happen at the most inconvenient times, i was thrilled with the service i received and the courteous staff that helped resolved the issues. Thank you again for quick action to make my vacation stay the relaxing, enjoyable time i truly needed!Cindy :-)
Cindy M.
March 2026
Very cute condo. A very relaxed vibe. Do not miss evening hot tub hour. You meet so many wonderful people from all over the world. Thank you for such a wonderful week.
Kelly S.
March 2026